Fixing Member Reciprocating Movement for Edge Scar Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses fail to effectively prevent edge scars on fixing members and achieve uniform temperature distribution, leading to suboptimal image quality, especially when handling varying sheet sizes and continuous image formation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a moving section that adjusts the fixing member's position in the sheet width direction based on temperature detection, performing a reciprocating movement to prevent edge scars and a temperature control movement to maintain a predetermined temperature range, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the fixing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fixing section is translated in the sheet width direction to periodically change the relative position between the sheet and fixing nip, then edge scars on the fixing member are prevented, but the temperature distribution of the fixing member becomes non-uniform when variously-sized sheets are used
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing section performs reciprocating movement in the sheet width direction at predetermined intervals during sheet conveyance. This periodic translation changes the relative position between the sheet and fixing nip, preventing edge scars from forming on the fixing member while maintaining uniform temperature distribution through controlled thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature detection section monitors the temperature of the fixing member in real-time, and the control section adjusts the reciprocating movement of the fixing section based on detected temperature values. This feedback mechanism ensures that temperature distribution remains uniform even when variously-sized sheets are used, preventing both edge scars and temperature-related defects
2Temperature
If the fixing section is moved to end sides in accordance with the temperature of the fixing member to prevent temperature rise at non-sheet passing portions, then temperature distribution is uniformized, but the ability to prevent edge scars is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing section performs reciprocating movement in the sheet width direction at predetermined intervals during sheet conveyance. This periodic translation changes the relative position between the sheet and fixing nip, preventing edge scars from forming on the fixing member while maintaining uniform temperature distribution through controlled thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature detection section monitors the temperature of the fixing member in real-time, and the control section adjusts the reciprocating movement of the fixing section based on detected temperature values. This feedback mechanism ensures that temperature distribution remains uniform even when variously-sized sheets are used, preventing both edge scars and temperature-related defects
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reciprocating movement and temperature control movement are both performed, then both edge scar prevention and temperature uniformization are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing section serves multiple functions: it conveys sheets through the fixing nip, performs reciprocating movement to prevent edge scars, and responds to temperature feedback to maintain uniform temperature distribution. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated control system that manages both movement modes based on real-time temperature detection
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature detection section monitors the temperature of the fixing member in real-time, and the control section adjusts the reciprocating movement of the fixing section based on detected temperature values. This feedback mechanism ensures that temperature distribution remains uniform even when variously-sized sheets are used, preventing both edge scars and temperature-related defects
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 effectively prevents edge scars and uniformizes the temperature of the fixing member, thereby enhancing image quality and consistency across different sheet sizes and during continuous image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member that forms a fixing nip for conveying a sheet in a tightly sandwiching manner, the fixing member heating and pressing a sheet passing through the fixing nip to fix a toner image on the sheet
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detection section disposed at a position corresponding to an end portion of the fixing member, the temperature detection section moving together with the fixing member to detect a temperature of the end portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing member; a moving section that moves the fixing member in a sheet width direction; a temperature detection section disposed at a position corresponding to an end portion of the fixing member, the temperature detection section moving together with the fixing member to detect a temperature of the end portion; and a control section that performs a first movement control and a second movement control on the basis of a result of a detection by the temperature detection section, the first movement control being intended to move the fixing member in the sheet width direction in a reciprocating manner with a predetermined cycle, the second movement control being intended to move the fixing member in the sheet width direction so that the temperature of the fixing member falls within a predetermined temperature range.