Fixing Device Toner Remover Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices face limitations in toner accumulation, leading to toner adherence to the fixing roller and pressure roller, which can result in paper staining when the accumulation limit is exceeded, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-92292.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a controller that manages the temperature of the heater to execute two distinct control modes: one for fixing toner images and another for discharging excess toner, where the heater is heated to a higher temperature to melt and transfer toner to paper, thereby preventing accumulation and reducing stains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If toner is accumulated on a cleaning roller to prevent backward flow, then toner backward flow is suppressed, but when the accumulation limit is exceeded, toner adheres to the fixing roller and pressure roller and stains paper
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by rotating the fixing roller and pressure roller at a reduced speed before toner accumulation becomes problematic. This preventive cooling maintains the heater temperature below the toner melting point, preventing toner from adhering to rollers and subsequently staining paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic cooling cycles during continuous recording operations. When a predetermined number of sheets are recorded, the fixing roller and pressure roller are rotated at reduced speed for a predetermined time to cool down, then resume normal operation. This periodic action prevents toner melting and paper staining while maintaining productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fixing roller and pressure roller are rotated to cool down during continuous recording, then toner backward flow is prevented, but recording productivity is reduced due to intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely stopping the recording operation for cooling, the system performs partial cooling by rotating the fixing roller and pressure roller at a reduced speed (e.g., 1/10 to 1/5 of normal speed) while continuing to feed paper at normal speed. This allows cooling to occur without fully interrupting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous paper feeding and recording operation while performing cooling in the background. The fixing roller and pressure roller continue to rotate at a reduced speed to cool down, but the overall recording process does not stop, ensuring continuous useful action without complete interruption.
3Productivity
If the heater temperature is continuously maintained at a high level for efficient fixing, then fixing efficiency is improved, but toner melts and flows backward onto the cleaning roller
Solution Approach 1:
The heater temperature is controlled periodically rather than continuously. During normal recording, the heater maintains high temperature for efficient fixing. When a predetermined number of sheets are recorded, the heater temperature is reduced to below the toner melting point for a predetermined time to prevent toner melting and backward flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature reduction before toner melting becomes problematic. When continuous recording reaches a predetermined sheet count, the heater temperature is proactively reduced to prevent toner from melting and adhering to the cleaning roller, rather than waiting for the problem to occur.
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 suppresses toner stains on paper by ensuring that excess toner is transferred to paper instead of accumulating on the fixing and pressure rollers, extending the lifespan of cleaning components and maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a fixer provided with a heater that sandwiches and heats paper transported with a toner image retained thereon
Implementation Method 2
the heater is heated to a higher temperature to melt and transfer toner to paper
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a fixer provided with a heater that sandwiches and heats paper transported with a toner image retained thereon, and a remover that removes toner from the heater; and a controller that executes first control with which the paper on which the toner image is retained is fed to the heater in a state where the temperature of the heater has been increased to a first temperature, and second control with which paper on which a toner image is not retained is fed to the heater in a state where the temperature of the heater has been increased to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.