Continuous-Media Fixer Filtration for Ultra Fine Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using continuous media face issues with ultra fine particle generation from the fixer, leading to image streaks and unevenness, while high fan output for particle collection increases noise and power consumption, making noise reduction and energy saving difficult.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixer, collector, and air blower that adjusts its output mode based on apparatus state and printing conditions to effectively collect ultra fine particles without excessive noise or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the temperature of the fixer is set high to prevent heat absorption by the continuous medium, then image formation quality is improved, but ultra fine particles are generated from the elastic member leading to image streaks and unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes ultra fine particles from the air stream using a filter unit positioned in the air flow path between the fixer and the image forming components. This separates the harmful particles from the system without changing the fixer temperature, thus maintaining image formation quality while eliminating image defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air flow as an intermediary medium to transport ultra fine particles from the fixer to the filter. By using air current generated by a fan to carry particles to the filter unit, the system can remove particles without direct contact between the fixer and collection mechanisms, preserving the high temperature operation.
2Productivity
If the output of the air blowing fan is increased to improve ultra fine particle collectability, then particle collection efficiency is improved, but fan noise increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the air blowing fan by controlling its rotation speed based on the operational state of the image forming apparatus. The controller adjusts the fan speed to match the actual need for particle collection, reducing unnecessary high-speed operation and thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining adequate collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the air blowing fan operation dynamic rather than static. The fan rotation speed is varied according to whether the image forming apparatus is operating or idle, allowing the system to adapt particle collection intensity to actual conditions and avoid continuous high-power consumption.
3Productivity
If the output of the air blowing fan is increased to improve ultra fine particle collectability, then particle collection efficiency is improved, but fan noise increases making noise reduction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the air blowing fan by controlling its rotation speed based on the operational state of the image forming apparatus. The controller adjusts the fan speed to match the actual need for particle collection, reducing unnecessary high-speed operation and thereby lowering noise levels while maintaining adequate collection efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If the temperature of the fixer is set high for continuous medium image formation, then image formation is maintained, but the presence of continuous medium reduces air permeability leading to continuous increase in ultra fine particles floating around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts ultra fine particles from the air stream using a filter unit positioned in the air flow path. This continuous extraction removes particles that would otherwise accumulate due to reduced air permeability, maintaining image formation quality without requiring changes to the fixer operation or medium conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous particle collection by maintaining air flow and filter operation throughout the image forming process. The air blowing fan and filter unit operate continuously to remove particles as they are generated, preventing accumulation despite the continuous presence of medium in the fixer.
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
The apparatus achieves high-quality imaging on continuous media by efficiently collecting ultra fine particles, reducing noise, and conserving energy through adaptive fan output control.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower that generates an air current toward a side of the collector
Implementation Method 2
a fixer that includes an elastic member, which comes into direct or indirect contact with the continuous medium, and heats and fixes a toner image formed on the continuous medium
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes: a fixer that heats and fixes a toner image formed on a continuous medium; a collector that collects ultra fine particles generated from an elastic member included in the fixer; an air blower that generates an air current toward a side of the collector; and a hardware processor that varies an output mode of the air blower according to at least one of an apparatus state of the image forming apparatus and/or a printing condition for the image forming apparatus.