Envelope Fixing Device Nip Pressure Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in properly fixing toner images on both the address and non-address sides of envelopes due to differences in thickness, leading to stepped portion traces and improper fixing, as they require setting a common nip pressure that is often time-consuming and troublesome to adjust.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a pressure switching mechanism and a controller that adjusts the nip pressure between the address and non-address sides of envelopes, applying a higher pressure for the non-address side to ensure optimal fixing, addressing the thickness differences and preventing creases and improper fixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same nip pressure is set for both address side and non-address side of the envelope, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to stepped portion traces and improper fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device incorporates a pressure switching mechanism that dynamically changes the nip pressure between first pressure (for address side) and second pressure (for non-address side) based on the printing side detected by the controller. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the same fixing device to adapt to different envelope sides, achieving high fixing quality without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter of the fixing device based on the envelope side being printed. The controller switches between first pressure (lower) for address side and second pressure (higher) for non-address side, optimizing fixing quality for each side's specific thickness characteristics while using a single fixed device.
2Manufacturing precision
If the nip pressure is adjusted to be optimal for one side of the envelope, then the manufacturing precision for that side is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming pressure adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with pressure switching logic that automatically detects the printing side (address or non-address) and switches to the appropriate pressure setting before fixing begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates manual pressure adjustment time, maintaining high productivity while achieving optimal fixing quality for each side.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates side detection feedback through the controller that identifies whether the envelope is being printed on the address side or non-address side, and automatically adjusts the pressure setting accordingly. This closed-loop control eliminates manual intervention and maintains high printing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a common nip pressure is set for both sides of the envelope, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to improper fixing on one or both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device performs self-adjustment of pressure based on automatic side detection by the controller. The system serves itself by automatically switching between first and second pressure settings according to the envelope side, eliminating the need for operator intervention while ensuring reliable fixing for both address and non-address sides.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pressure switching mechanism is implemented, then the manufacturing precision is improved for both envelope sides, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switching mechanism enables a single fixing device to perform multiple functions: fixing on both address side and non-address side of envelopes with optimal pressure for each side. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by allowing one device to replace what would otherwise require separate optimization for each side.
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 solution effectively prevents envelope creases and ensures proper fixing on both sides by dynamically adjusting the nip pressure, improving the fixing process efficiency and reducing the time required for setting optimal pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion configured to heat the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
The pressure switching mechanism is configured to switch pressure between the fixing member and the pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including an image forming portion, a fixing device, a pressure switching mechanism, and a controller. The fixing device includes a fixing member, a heating portion, and a pressing member. The pressure switching mechanism is configured to switch pressure between the fixing member and the pressing member. The controller is configured to execute an operation in an image forming mode in which the image is capable of being formed on an envelope. The controller is configured to cause the pressure switching mechanism to switch the pressure to a first pressure when an instruction to form the image on an address side of the envelope is inputted and to cause the pressure switching mechanism to switch the pressure to a second pressure when an instruction to form the image on a non-address side of the envelope is inputted. The second pressure is higher than the first pressure.