Fixing Device Rubbing Control for Glossiness Uniformity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The usability of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses is compromised due to the need for frequent settings changes when exchanging fixing devices, leading to inefficient operation and potential glossiness unevenness in printed images.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a setting portion to permit or prohibit the rubbing treatment of a rotatable member based on predetermined conditions, storing set information, and a controller to execute or skip the treatment accordingly, ensuring high usability and consistent image quality across different fixing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the rubbing treatment is executed after a predetermined number of recording materials are fed, then the surface property of the fixing member is uniformized, but the usability is deteriorated due to frequent settings changes when exchanging fixing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device automatically determines whether to execute the rubbing treatment based on the type of recording material detected, without requiring operator intervention or setting changes. The device serves itself by autonomously adjusting its operation mode according to the detected material type, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining surface uniformity and ensuring ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The execution frequency of the rubbing treatment is dynamically changed based on the type of recording material detected. When a first type of recording material is detected, the treatment is executed at a first frequency; when a second type is detected, it is executed at a second frequency. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains surface uniformity while adapting to different material requirements, improving usability.
2Reliability
If the rubbing treatment is executed frequently, then the surface property is maintained, but the time consumption increases due to repeated settings changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines the appropriate rubbing treatment frequency based on the type of recording material before processing begins. By detecting the material type in advance and automatically configuring the treatment frequency, the system eliminates time-consuming settings changes during operation while ensuring the surface property is maintained according to the specific material requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device autonomously selects and executes the appropriate rubbing treatment frequency based on detected material type, eliminating the need for operator intervention. This self-service capability maintains surface property consistency while preventing time loss associated with manual settings changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If different fixing devices are used for different recording material widths, then the surface property uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple fixing devices
Solution Approach 1:
A single fixing device is designed to handle multiple types of recording materials with different widths by automatically adjusting its operation mode. The device detects the material type and executes the rubbing treatment at appropriate frequencies, making one device universally capable of processing various material types while maintaining glossiness uniformity, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt its rubbing treatment frequency based on the detected recording material type. This dynamic behavior enables a single device to replace multiple fixed-function devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to produce uniform glossiness across different material widths.
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
The solution enhances usability by automating the decision to perform a fixing element refreshing operation based on set conditions, reducing operator intervention and maintaining image quality by preventing glossiness unevenness.
Implementation Method 1
a rubbing rotatable member (i.e., the fixing member undergoes a fixing refresh operation) following each predetermined number of the recording materials being processed by the fixing member, in order to uniformize the surface property of the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion that detachably mounts either one of a fixing portion and another fixing portion. Each fixing portion includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member that, together, form a nip for fixing a toner image on a sheet, and a memory. A rubbing rotatable member executes a rubbing process of rubbing a surface of the first rotatable member, and a moving mechanism moves the rubbing rotatable member between a rubbing position, in which the rubbing rotatable member is in contact with the first rotatable member, and a stand-by position, in which the rubbing rotatable member is separated from the first rotatable member. In addition, a controller stores information corresponding to an execution frequency of the rubbing process designated by an operator through an operating panel, in the memory of the fixing portion that has been mounted in the mounting portion.