Fixing Apparatus Temperature Control via Member Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with temperature control in the fixing apparatus, leading to suspended printing operations when the fixing temperature deviates from the normal range, resulting in prolonged waiting times for resumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control section that separates the heating and pressurizing members during temperature deviations, allowing for independent temperature control to maintain the predetermined temperature range, thereby reducing waiting times by optimizing heat management between the fixing roller and pressurizing roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing apparatus maintains continuous contact between heating member and pressurizing member during operation, then the fixing function is stable, but the temperature control response time is slow when deviation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control into two independent phases: during normal operation, the heating member and pressurizing member maintain contact for stable fixing; when temperature deviation is detected, the control unit separates the members to enable rapid independent temperature adjustment of the heating member, then recontacts them when temperature returns to normal range. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for stability during operation and for response speed during correction.
2Device complexity
If the heating member and pressurizing member remain in contact during temperature deviation, then the structure remains simple, but the temperature recovery speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of the contact state between heating member and pressurizing member based on temperature feedback. The control unit monitors temperature and dynamically changes the contact state: contact during normal operation for simple structure, separation during temperature deviation to enable rapid heating, and recontact when temperature normalizes. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve both structural simplicity and fast temperature recovery.
3Reliability
If temperature control suspends the printing operation, then the fixing temperature can be corrected, but the productivity decreases due to prolonged downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by separating the heating member from the pressurizing member as soon as temperature deviation is detected, before suspending the printing operation. This preliminary separation enables the heating member to rapidly recover to the correct temperature without waiting for the entire fixing apparatus to cool down or reheat, thereby reducing the suspension duration and minimizing productivity loss.
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 solution enables quicker resumption of printing operations by reducing the time taken to return the fixing apparatus temperatures to the normal range, minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member configured to heat the front surface of the medium
Implementation Method 2
a pressurizing member configured to come into contact with the heating member via the medium and heat the rear surface of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming section configured to form a toner image on a medium, a fixing device including a heating member configured to heat the medium and a pressurizing member configured to come into contact with the heating member via the medium and heat the medium, and a control section configured to stop, if the temperatures of the heating member and the pressurizing member deviate from a predetermined temperature range, the image forming operation, separate the heating member and the pressurizing member, and control the respective temperatures within the predetermined temperature range.