Fixing Roller Speed Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack a method to adjust the rotation speed of the drive motor for the fixing roller based on individual differences or deterioration states, leading to inconsistent conveyance speeds and potential printing defects.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a hardware processor to acquire information about the state of the fixing roller and medium, controlling the drive motor's rotation speed within a preset range by adjusting the upper and lower limit values while maintaining their difference, thereby adapting to the roller's state and ensuring optimal conveyance speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fixing roller is made with silicone sponge to improve thermal conductivity, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the hardness and service life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional hard rubber to silicone sponge, which has superior thermal conductivity. This parameter change improves heat transfer efficiency while accepting the trade-off of reduced hardness and shorter service life, as the silicone sponge deteriorates faster than conventional materials
2Speed
If manual adjustment of fixing roller rotation speed is performed to correct conveyance speed issues, then conveyance speed accuracy is improved, but operation complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors the conveyance speed of the medium and adjusts the rotation speed of the fixing roller accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates manual adjustment operations while maintaining accurate conveyance speed control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the fixing roller rotation speed based on detected conveyance speed variations. The controller automatically compensates for speed deviations without requiring operator intervention, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational complexity
3Reliability
If the fixing roller is replaced when it deteriorates beyond adjustment capability, then reliability is improved, but productivity and cost efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors conveyance speed and detects when the fixing roller deteriorates to the point where adjustment is no longer effective. This feedback enables timely replacement decisions, maintaining reliability while minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity
4Device complexity
If the rotation speed range of the drive motor is fixed, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to individual differences and deterioration states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed rotation speed control into a dynamic control system where the upper and lower limit values of the rotation speed range are adjusted based on detected conveyance speed variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to individual differences and deterioration states while maintaining straightforward control logic through automated adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing roller that fixes an unfixed image to a medium; a drive motor of the fixing roller, and a hardware processor that acquires information regarding a state of the image forming apparatus or information regarding a state of the medium, and controls a number of rotations of the drive motor between a preset upper limit value and a preset lower limit value, wherein the hardware processor changes the upper limit value and the lower limit value while maintaining a difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value on a basis of the acquired information.