Fixing Device Temperature Control for Mass-Produced Part Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face performance variations due to dimensional and thermal characteristic variations in mass-produced parts of the fixing device, particularly when the fixing unit or nip forming member is exchanged, leading to inconsistencies in surface temperature and subsequent effects on fixing properties and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixing device that includes a controller capable of adjusting the heating portion's temperature based on detected temperature and stored information, allowing for optimal temperature control even when parts are exchanged, by using a first storing portion to store information and determining a target temperature using succeeded information from the exchanged parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mass-produced parts are used in the fixing device, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but dimensional and thermal characteristic variations occur leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by detecting actual thermal characteristics (temperature distribution, heat transfer properties) of the fixing device and adjusting control parameters (heating power, temperature setpoints) based on these measurements. This allows compensation for manufacturing variations while maintaining consistent fixing performance across mass-produced units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors that continuously monitor the fixing belt and pressing roller temperatures, with control circuits that adjust heating power in real-time based on detected temperature deviations. This closed-loop control compensates for part variations and ensures stable performance.
2Ease of repair
If the fixing unit or nip forming member is exchanged, then device maintenance is simplified, but heat transfer characteristic differences cause performance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control system adaptable rather than static. The control circuit dynamically adjusts heating parameters based on actual temperature measurements after part exchange, allowing the system to adapt to different part characteristics without requiring precise pre-programming for each possible part configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (physical calibration, manual setting) with electronic control systems that automatically detect and compensate for part variations through sensor-based feedback, enabling simplified maintenance while maintaining performance consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shipping forms vary (fixing device alone vs. fixing unit with pressing roller), then logistics flexibility is improved, but heat transfer characteristic inconsistencies occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that can handle multiple shipping configurations (fixing device alone, fixing unit with pressing roller, or complete assembly) through a unified feedback-based approach. The same temperature detection and control mechanism works across all configurations, eliminating the need for configuration-specific calibration while maintaining performance reliability.
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 stabilizes the performance of the fixing device by optimizing temperature control, improving fixing properties, image quality, and reducing variations caused by part exchanges, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion for heating a fixing belt
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detecting portion for detecting a temperature of the fixing belt
Implementation Method 3
a nip forming member for forming a nip in which a recording material carrying thereon a toner image is nipped and fed between itself and the fixing belt
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device which includes a fixing unit including an endless fixing belt, a heating portion, and a temperature detecting portion and which includes a nip forming member; a first storing portion; and a controller. In a case that a predetermined part of a plurality of parts is exchanged, the controller succeeds information other than information on the predetermined part of information on the fixing device stored in the first storing portion, and determines a target temperature in temperature adjustment control by using the succeeded information and information on the predetermined part used after being exchanged.