Fixing Apparatus Skew Detection via Temperature Difference Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining skew or positional error conveying of recording materials due to temperature differences in the longitudinal direction, which can lead to reduced printing accuracy and productivity, especially when a small number of sheets are passed.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with temperature detecting members at both ends of the heating rotating member, which calculates the difference in temperature changes during the fixing process to detect skew or positional error conveying, and sends an alarm for abnormal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature difference between both ends of recording material is used to determine conveying faults, then conveying errors can be detected, but measurement precision is insufficient due to multiple interfering factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature detection into multiple segments: first temperature detecting member detects temperature at first position, second temperature detecting member detects temperature at second position. By segmenting the detection locations and comparing temperature differences between segments, the system can isolate conveying fault signals from background temperature variations, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion continuously monitors temperature differences between the first and second detecting members and provides feedback to determine conveying faults. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment and continuous verification, enhancing both the precision and reliability of fault detection by comparing actual temperature differences against expected ranges
2Measurement precision
If a large number of sheets are passed to determine conveying errors, then detection accuracy improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature detection and comparison during the sheet passing process itself, rather than requiring a separate verification phase. By detecting temperature differences at multiple positions during normal operation and immediately analyzing them for conveying faults, the system achieves accurate detection without needing to pass additional sheets, thus maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of passing multiple sheets to accumulate detection data with a thermal field-based detection system. By using temperature distribution patterns across multiple detecting members to immediately identify conveying faults, the system substitutes physical sheet accumulation with thermal signal analysis, achieving high accuracy without sacrificing throughput
3Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature rise suppressing technique operates to prevent excessive temperature rise, then equipment safety is maintained, but productivity decreases due to reduced heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by using multiple temperature detecting members positioned at different locations to monitor temperature distribution across the heating apparatus. This localized detection enables targeted temperature management - suppressing heat only in areas where conveying faults cause excessive temperature rise, while maintaining optimal heating in areas where sheets are properly conveyed, thus preserving overall productivity
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 method allows for more accurate detection of skew and positional errors, reducing the need for large numbers of sheets to be passed and improving productivity by promptly notifying users of potential issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature detecting member that detects a temperature at one end of the heating rotating member in a longitudinal direction of the heating rotating member, and a second temperature detecting member that detects a temperature at the other end of the heating rotating member
Implementation Method 2
a recording material on which a non-fixed toner image is formed is passed through a fixing nip portion of a heating and fixing apparatus to apply heat and pressure to the toner image so that the toner image is heated and fixed to the recording material
Implementation Method 3
apply heat and pressure to the toner image so that the toner image is heated and fixed to the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus including: an acquiring portion that acquires a difference value between a detection temperature of a first temperature detecting member and a detection temperature of a second temperature detecting member; and an alarming portion that sends a notification of an abnormality in the apparatus. The alarming portion sends the notification of an abnormality in the apparatus according to an amount of change in the difference value acquired during a fixing process.