Fixing Roller Pressing Control for Noise and Power Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in balancing noise reduction and power consumption optimization in the fixing device, as current control methods either increase noise frequency or waste power during standby periods.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that adjusts the post-fixing pressing time period for the pressing roller against the fixing roller based on image data, allowing for a balance between minimizing noise and reducing power consumption by varying the duration the rollers remain pressed after a print job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressing roller is constantly pressed against the fixing roller, then the rollers maintain contact for continuous operation, but the elastic layers deform permanently into a bow-like shape, generating gaps and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing roller is pressed against the fixing roller during the image forming process, then separated during standby periods. This periodic pressing and separating action prevents permanent deformation of the elastic layers while maintaining reliable contact during operation. The moving assembly automatically controls this periodic motion based on operation state detection.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the pressing roller is separated from the fixing roller immediately after discharge, then noise is minimized, but the rollers experience frequent separation and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing roller is separated from the fixing roller after a predetermined time period following discharge, rather than immediately or permanently. This dynamic control of separation timing reduces noise from frequent separation while limiting wear by preventing excessive separation frequency. The controller adjusts the separation timing based on the specific printing conditions and operation state.
3Productivity
If the pressing roller remains pressed against the fixing roller during standby, then the rollers stay prepared for continuous operation, but power is wasted heating the rollers unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
During standby periods, the pressing roller is separated from the fixing roller to eliminate unnecessary power consumption. The moving assembly automatically executes this separation when standby state is detected, while the heater continues to heat the fixing roller to a predetermined temperature when operation is detected, ensuring rapid readiness for the next printing job.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the pressing roller is separated frequently, then noise is reduced, but the frequency of separation increases causing more noise from the spring and excess wear
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects the operation state (printing or standby) and automatically controls the moving assembly to press or separate the pressing roller accordingly. This feedback-based control optimizes the separation frequency to reduce noise while preventing excessive wear. The system monitors operation conditions and adjusts the pressing/separating cycle to minimize harmful effects.
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 approach extends the life of the rollers, reduces noise, and minimizes power waste by optimizing the pressing time based on image data, achieving a balance between noise reduction and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing roller (20) heated by a heater (33)
Implementation Method 2
the fixing roller and the pressing roller apply heat and pressure to the recording medium to melt and fix the toner image
Implementation Method 3
a moving assembly (60) operatively connected to the pressing roller (30) to move the pressing roller (30) bidirectionally
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device disposed downstream from an image forming device in a recording medium conveyance direction to fix a toner image formed by the image forming device on a recording medium. The fixing device includes a pressing rotary body separatably pressed against a fixing rotary body to form a nip therebetween through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes, and a moving assembly to move the pressing rotary body bidirectionally to press the pressing rotary body against the fixing rotary body and separate the pressing rotary body from the fixing rotary body. A controller controls the moving assembly to change a post-fixing pressing time period for which the moving assembly presses the pressing rotary body against the fixing rotary body after the recording medium bearing the toner image is discharged from the nip according to image data.