Decolorable Toner Fixing Device Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming processes using decolorable toners, maintaining optimal fixing performance while preventing decolorization requires precise temperature control, as the fixing temperature for decolorable toners is close to the decolorization temperature, making it challenging to stabilize the process, especially during variations in printing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with separate temperature control for a heat roller and pressure member, using temperature sensors and a controller to maintain surface temperatures above the fixing start temperature but below the decolorization start temperature, ensuring equal or synchronized temperatures to stabilize the fixing process within a narrow temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing temperature is increased to improve fixing performance of decolorable toner, then the fixing performance is improved, but the toner image decolorizes
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into two independent heating zones: a first heating unit for the fixing member and a second heating unit for the pressure member. This segmentation allows independent temperature control of each component, enabling precise maintenance of temperatures within the narrow range required for fixing decolorable toner without causing decolorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements separate temperature control parameters for the fixing member and pressure member. By independently adjusting and controlling the temperature parameters of each heating unit, the system can maintain both surfaces at optimal temperatures (above fixing start temperature but below decolorization start temperature) to achieve reliable fixing while preventing decolorization.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate temperature control is implemented for fixing member and pressure member, then temperature precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into two independent control circuits: a first temperature control circuit for the fixing member and a second temperature control circuit for the pressure member. Each circuit independently controls its respective heating unit, simplifying the control logic while achieving precise temperature management through distributed control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the temperature range is narrowed to prevent decolorization, then decolorization is prevented, but fixing performance becomes unstable under varying printing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the heating function into two independent units with separate temperature control, the system can maintain both fixing member and pressure member within the optimal narrow temperature range even under varying printing conditions. Each unit compensates independently to maintain temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs temperature sensors to detect the surface temperatures of both the fixing member and pressure member, with control circuits that receive this feedback and adjust heating accordingly. This closed-loop feedback control ensures stable temperature maintenance within the narrow range required for decolorable toner fixing.
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
This approach allows for effective fixing of decolorable toner images without decolorization, maintaining high image density and stability across varying temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in both single-sided and duplex printing.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit with a fixing member heated by a first heat source
Implementation Method 2
a pressure member heated by a second heat source
Implementation Method 3
a temperature controller configured to control the first heat source and the second heat source separately for temperature control
Implementation Method 4
The decolorable toner is melted by being heated to a predetermined temperature at which fixing is started
Implementation Method 5
decolorized by being heated to a predetermined temperature at which decolorization is started and which is higher than the temperature at which fixing is started
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device of an embodiment is configured to fix an unfixed toner image formed of a decolorable toner on a sheet of paper. The fixing device includes: a fixing unit including a fixing member heated by a first heat source and a pressure member heated by a second heat source; a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor; and a temperature controller configured to control the first heat source and the second heat source separately for temperature control based on detected temperature information acquired by the temperature sensors, wherein the temperature controller controls the surface temperatures of the fixing member and the pressure member to set equal or above the temperature at which fixing is started fixing starting temperature and to set below the temperature at which decolorization is started, and such that the surface temperatures of the fixing member and the pressure member become substantially the same temperature.