Fixing Device Temperature Control via Pressing Roller Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent fixing quality and energy efficiency, as the temperature of the pressing roller is not controlled, leading to fluctuations that affect the recording medium's temperature and fixing quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device temperature control method that detects the pressing roller's temperature and adjusts the input voltage to the heater to maintain the recording medium's temperature at a target temperature, using a pressing roller sensor and a power controller to ensure consistent fixing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the pressing roller temperature is not controlled to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the recording medium temperature fluctuates causing inconsistent fixing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature detection unit continuously monitors the pressing roller temperature, and a control unit adjusts the heater power based on this feedback to maintain stable recording medium temperature and consistent fixing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based temperature measurement with non-contact infrared temperature detection, eliminating mechanical wear and improving measurement reliability while maintaining energy efficiency
2Reliability
If the pressing roller temperature is controlled to maintain fixing quality, then fixing quality consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic temperature control where the heater power is continuously adjusted based on real-time pressing roller temperature measurements, allowing the system to maintain fixing quality while adapting power consumption to actual thermal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed heater power to variable heater power based on temperature feedback, enabling the system to maintain optimal fixing temperature while minimizing energy consumption through adaptive control
3Temperature
If the heater power is increased to compensate for pressing roller overheating, then recording medium temperature is maintained, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature feedback from the pressing roller to dynamically adjust heater power, preventing both overheating and underheating conditions that would waste energy, while maintaining optimal recording medium temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressing roller's own temperature measurements to self-regulate heater power, eliminating the need for external intervention or over-compensation and thereby reducing energy waste
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 maintains the recording medium's temperature at a consistent target, enhancing fixing quality and reducing energy consumption by preventing overheating and ensuring consistent toner image fixation across various paper types.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed opposite and heating the heat conductor
Implementation Method 2
a pressing roller pressed against the heat conductor to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device temperature control method is performed by a fixing device including a heat conductor contacting and heating an unfixed toner image formed on a recording medium, a heater disposed opposite and heating the heat conductor, and a pressing roller pressed against the heat conductor to form a fixing nip between the heat conductor and the pressing roller through which the recording medium is conveyed. The method includes detecting a temperature of the pressing roller and controlling an input voltage to the heater based on the detected temperature of the pressing roller to maintain a temperature of the recording medium discharged from the fixing nip at a target temperature.