Fixing Device Motor Speed Control for Low-Temperature Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently driving the rollers at low temperatures, leading to increased driving resistance and motor size due to the rubber material's hardness change, which affects the rotation speed and torque requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a temperature detection unit and control system that adjusts the driving motor speed based on detected temperatures, switching to a lower speed when temperatures are low to minimize resistance and promote motor miniaturization, and switches to a higher speed once the rollers reach a predetermined temperature, ensuring reliable operation and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driving motor operates at high speed at low temperatures, then the fixing device can maintain productivity, but the driving resistance increases due to rubber hardness change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor speed variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the motor rotation speed based on temperature detection: operating at low speed when temperature is low (reducing driving resistance) and switching to high speed when temperature reaches the predetermined level (maintaining productivity). This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing driving resistance under varying temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If the driving motor is sized for high torque at low temperatures, then reliable operation is ensured, but the motor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operating parameters (rotation speed) of the motor based on temperature conditions. Instead of designing a motor with high torque capacity to handle low-temperature resistance, the system changes the speed parameter dynamically. At low temperatures, the motor operates at low speed where torque requirements are reduced, and at elevated temperatures, it operates at high speed. This parameter adjustment allows using a smaller, lighter motor while maintaining operational reliability across temperature ranges.
3Strength
If the rubber material hardness increases at low temperatures, then the roller durability is improved, but the driving resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a temperature detection unit to monitor the temperature of the fixing device and providing this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the motor speed based on the detected temperature. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to the increased rubber hardness at low temperatures by reducing motor speed, thereby reducing driving resistance while preserving the durability benefits of the rubber material's temperature-dependent hardness characteristics.
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 reduces the driving resistance and output torque at low temperatures, enabling the miniaturization of the driving motor while maintaining reliable operation and image quality by adjusting motor speed according to temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing roller heated by a heating unit
Implementation Method 2
The surface of the pressure roller, for example, is configured with a rubber material
Implementation Method 3
a driving motor for driving a driving roller including the fixing roller or the pressing roller
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a temperature detection unit that detects temperature associated with temperature of an abutting section of a fixing roller and a pressing roller, and a control unit that controls a driving motor based on detection temperature by the temperature detection unit. When the fixing device is activated, if it is determined that detection temperature by the temperature detection unit is not equal to or less than predetermined temperature, the control unit drives the driving motor at a setting speed set in advance, and if it is determined that the detection temperature is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature K, the control unit drives the driving motor at a predetermined low speed lower than the setting speed.