Fixing Roller Fluctuation Control for Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with existing configurations cause irregular alignment of paper stacks on the ejection tray due to deflection in the main scanning direction, leading to scratches on fixing rollers when handling stiff thick paper.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an adjustment unit for orthogonal image transfer, a transferring unit for toner image transfer, a fixing unit with rollers that fluctuate along the main scanning direction, a detection unit to determine if the rollers nip the paper, and a control unit to manage the fluctuation based on detection results, ensuring proper alignment and preventing scratches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing rollers fluctuate along the main scanning direction to prevent scratches, then the reliability of the fixing rollers is improved, but the sheets of paper become positionally deflected along the main scanning direction causing irregular alignment on the ejection tray
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing unit is designed to dynamically adjust its position along the main scanning direction based on real-time detection of paper presence. The control unit receives detection signals from the detection unit and controls the fixing unit to fluctuate only when paper is not present, creating a dynamic system that adapts to operational conditions rather than maintaining a fixed state
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control mechanism is implemented where the detection unit continuously monitors whether sheets of paper are passing through the fixing unit, and this detection information is fed back to the control unit which then adjusts the fluctuation state of the fixing unit accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that fluctuation occurs only when appropriate (when no paper is present)
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the fixing unit fluctuates continuously to prevent scratches on fixing rollers, then the durability of the fixing rollers is improved, but the sheets of paper cannot be properly aligned on the ejection tray
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing unit performs periodic fluctuation movements along the main scanning direction, but these movements are activated only during specific periods when the detection unit confirms no paper is present. This periodic action pattern allows the system to maintain fixing roller durability through regular movement while ensuring paper alignment during printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of paper presence using the detection unit before initiating any fluctuation action. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to prepare the fixing unit for fluctuation only when conditions are appropriate, preventing alignment issues before they occur
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 ensures that sheets of paper are stacked regularly on the ejection tray without deflection in the main scanning direction, preventing scratches on the fixing rollers and maintaining the integrity of the paper alignment during the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit that fixes on the sheet of paper the toner image transferred on the sheet of paper by the transferring unit using fixing rollers to heat and press the toner image on the sheet of paper
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an adjustment unit that adjusts an image transfer position of the sheet of paper along a main scanning direction that is orthogonal to a transporting direction of the sheet of paper, a fixing unit that fixes on the sheet of paper an toner image using fixing rollers and performs a fluctuation of the fixing roller to the main scanning direction, a detection unit that detects whether or not the fixing rollers of the fixing unit nip the sheet of paper, and a controller. The controller controls the fixing unit to perform the fluctuation of the fixing rollers when determining that the fixing rollers of the fixing unit do not nip the sheet of paper based on a detection result of the detection unit.