Fixing Apparatus Heater Control for Wear Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in heat capacity and increase in thermal conduction of image heating apparatuses lead to declines in print quality and durability due to abrasion of the superficial layer of fixing members and changes in hardness of pressing members, resulting in unstable fixing performance and recording material transportability.
Innovation Solution
An image heating apparatus with a heater having heat generating elements aligned in a longitudinal direction, a cylindrical film, and a pressing member, where energization control is based on cumulative heat generation, rotation time, and recording material information to selectively heat heating areas, ensuring uniform fixing performance and stable transportability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat capacity is reduced and thermal conduction is increased to improve power saving and quick-start ability, then energy efficiency improves, but print quality and durability decline due to abrasion of superficial layer and change in hardness of pressing member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the heat generation amount of the heater based on cumulative heat generation and cumulative rotation time. The control unit modifies operating parameters (heat generation amount) to compensate for wear-related changes, thereby maintaining reliable fixing performance while operating with reduced heat capacity and increased thermal conduction for power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring cumulative heat generation and cumulative rotation time, then using this information to adjust the heat generation amount. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for the effects of reduced heat capacity and increased thermal conduction, maintaining stable fixing performance and durability while achieving power savings.
2Loss of time
If heat generation amount is increased to reduce start-up time, then quick-start ability improves, but energy saving deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat generation amount variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the heat generation amount based on real-time cumulative heat generation and cumulative rotation time, enabling the system to achieve quick start-up when needed while conserving energy during normal operation, thus resolving the trade-off between start-up time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic adjustment of heat generation based on cumulative operation metrics. The control unit periodically evaluates cumulative heat generation and cumulative rotation time, then adjusts heat generation amounts in a cyclical manner, allowing the system to balance quick-start capability with energy saving through rhythmic optimization rather than constant high-power operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If members are reduced in size or thickness to decrease heat capacity, then power saving improves, but abrasion of superficial layer increases leading to durability decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced durability caused by thinner members through parameter changes. By adjusting the heat generation amount based on cumulative heat generation and cumulative rotation time, the system accounts for accelerated wear in thinner members, modifying operating parameters to extend their effective service life while maintaining the power-saving benefits of reduced heat capacity.
4Loss of energy
If thermal conduction is increased to improve heat transfer efficiency, then power saving improves, but hardness of pressing member changes leading to unstable recording material transportability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to compensate for hardness changes in the pressing member caused by increased thermal conduction. By monitoring cumulative heat generation and cumulative rotation time, the control unit adjusts heat generation amounts to account for hardness variations, maintaining stable recording material transportability while preserving the energy-saving benefits of enhanced heat transfer efficiency.
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 maintains optimal fixing performance and transportability by adjusting heat generation according to the cumulative heat generation and rotation time of the pressing member, reducing abrasion and maintaining the integrity of the superficial layer and hardness of the pressing member, thereby ensuring consistent image quality and durability throughout the lifespan of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which comes into contact with an inner surface of the endless belt and which generates heat by energization
Data Source
AI summary
In a fixing apparatus 200 having a heater 300 capable of selectively causing a plurality of heat generating blocks divided in a longitudinal direction of a substrate 305 to generate heat, an energization control portion 400 acquires, when performing a fixing operation, a cumulative amount of heat generation in each of a plurality of heating areas, a cumulative rotation time of a pressure roller 208, and information on a recording material that passes through a fixing nip portion, and controls energization of heat generating elements 302a and 302b on the basis of the acquired information.