Fixing Belt Rotation Control for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the fixing belt often flaps and interferes with the separation member after the glass transition temperature, leading to potential scratches and a reduced lifespan due to increased running time, which is exacerbated by continuous rotation until the belt cools below the glass transition temperature.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a control unit that stops and restarts the fixing belt's rotation after the end of the fixing process, ensuring it remains above the glass transition temperature for a short period before cooling, thereby preventing shape remembrance and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing belt continues rotation after the end of fixing processing until the temperature falls below the glass transition temperature, then the shape remembrance is prevented and flapping is avoided, but the total running time is significantly increased which accelerates wear and shortens belt life
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by stopping the fixing belt rotation during the fixing process, then restarting it only when needed (when temperature drops below glass transition temperature), rather than maintaining continuous rotation. This prevents unnecessary running time and wear while still preventing flapping when the belt is cold.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing belt rotation is controlled periodically - stopped during high-temperature fixing operations and restarted only when temperature drops below the glass transition temperature. This periodic on-demand rotation reduces total running time and wear while maintaining reliability by preventing flapping during cold periods.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the fixing belt is stopped along with the end of fixing processing, then the total running time is reduced and wear is minimized, but the fixing belt may flap and interfere with the separation member when temperature is below the glass transition temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses temperature feedback from the fixing belt to make rotation control decisions. When the temperature drops below the glass transition temperature, the control unit restarts rotation to prevent flapping. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability is maintained while minimizing unnecessary running time during high-temperature operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation control is based on temperature parameter changes. The control unit monitors fixing belt temperature and changes rotation state based on whether the temperature is above or below the glass transition temperature. This parameter-based control optimizes the balance between wear reduction and flapping prevention.
3Reliability
If continuous rotation is maintained to prevent belt flapping, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and productivity decreases due to unnecessary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing belt rotation control is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts rotation state based on real-time temperature conditions - stopping rotation during high-temperature fixing operations and restarting only when temperature drops. This dynamic control maintains reliability when needed while maximizing productivity during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary temperature monitoring and only initiates rotation when the temperature drops below the glass transition temperature threshold. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary rotation during high-temperature periods, maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability when temperature conditions require it.
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 control method minimizes belt flapping, avoids contact with the separation guide, and extends the fixing belt's lifespan by reducing its total running time and wear, while maintaining efficient image processing.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member configured to heat the endless belt
Implementation Method 2
when a temperature of the endless belt passes a glass transition temperature of the endless belt from higher than the glass transition temperature of the endless belt to lower than the glass transition temperature of the endless belt
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit and a control unit. The fixing unit includes a rotating endless belt, a rotary member, a heating member, a driving unit, and a separation member arranged facing a circumference of the endless belt and configured to separate the recording material, after passing through the nip portion, from the endless belt. The control unit is configured to control the driving unit such that the endless belt stops along with an end of a fixing processing and rotates when a temperature of the endless belt passes a glass transition temperature of the endless belt from higher than the glass transition temperature of the endless belt to lower than the glass transition temperature of the endless belt.