Fixing Device Temperature Control via Grammage Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face productivity issues due to the need to frequently change the fixing temperature based on the type of recording material, which can lead to delays and reduced efficiency when acquiring information about multiple types of materials before starting the image forming operation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit to gather grammage information about the recording materials and a temperature control unit to adjust the heating rotary member's temperature based on this information. The apparatus can start the image forming process within a predetermined time frame, even if complete information is not acquired, by using a fixing temperature table based on a smaller number of sheets than initially intended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing temperature is changed at every change in type of recording material, then the appropriate amount of heat is given to each toner image, but the number of sheets printed per unit time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of grammage information for a predetermined number of sheets at the beginning of the job. This advance information gathering allows the temperature control unit to pre-determine the fixing temperature schedule, reducing the need for frequent temperature changes during printing while still maintaining appropriate heat application for each recording material type.
2Manufacturing precision
If information about the types of recording material is acquired in advance, then the fixing temperature can be appropriately set for each type, but the image forming operation starts late
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires grammage information for only a predetermined number of sheets (partial action) rather than all sheets in the job. This limited information acquisition is sufficient to establish an initial temperature control schedule, allowing the image forming operation to start promptly while still achieving appropriate temperature management for the majority of the printing job.
3Manufacturing precision
If much information about recording materials is acquired, then the fixing temperature can be optimized, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires grammage information for a predetermined number of sheets rather than all sheets in the job. This partial information acquisition provides sufficient data to establish an effective temperature control schedule without requiring excessive time for complete information gathering, thus balancing optimization needs with time constraints.
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 allows for efficient temperature control, reducing the number of times the fixing temperature needs to be changed, thereby enhancing productivity and minimizing delays in the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rotary member configured to heat a recording material
Implementation Method 2
the heating rotary member and the pressing rotary member heat and press a plurality of types of recording material having toner images thereon
Implementation Method 3
a pressing rotary member configured to press the heating rotary member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a fixing unit that fixes a toner image on a recording material includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire grammage information about the recording material, and a temperature control unit configured to control a temperature of a heating rotary member of the fixing unit based on the grammage information. The temperature control unit changes the temperature control of the heating rotary member depending on the acquired grammage information about a predetermined number of recording materials within a predetermined time.