Fixing Rotator Temperature Control Under Low Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with the fixing device's heating system, where the fixing rotator may not reach the target temperature due to low voltage or power supply instability, leading to a low temperature state that can cause errors and unnecessary maintenance if not properly addressed.
Innovation Solution
The control method involves detecting electric voltage, current, and power input, as well as the temperature of the fixing rotator, to determine if the apparatus is in a low input or low temperature state, and either issuing a user notification or performing an automatic recovery operation to reset the heating process, ensuring the fixing rotator reaches the required temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fixing device is warmed up using the heater, then the fixing rotator reaches the target temperature, but the warming up time becomes excessively long under low voltage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control method performs preliminary detection of voltage conditions before initiating the warming up process. By detecting that the voltage is below the threshold during the warming up period, the system prepares to switch to high-temperature fixation mode in advance, avoiding delays caused by waiting for normal voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the warming up control strategy based on real-time voltage detection. When low voltage is detected, the control method transitions from standard warming up control to high-temperature fixation mode, allowing the fixing rotator to maintain adequate temperature despite prolonged low voltage conditions.
2Temperature
If the control method detects low voltage and waits for voltage recovery before high-temperature fixation, then normal fixation temperature is maintained, but image formation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control method changes the temperature parameter of the fixing rotator based on voltage conditions. When low voltage is detected, the system switches to high-temperature fixation mode, allowing image formation to proceed at elevated temperatures rather than waiting for voltage recovery and normal temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage detection and proactively switches to high-temperature fixation mode before voltage recovery occurs. This preliminary action prevents image formation delays by ensuring the fixing rotator is already in high-temperature mode when low voltage conditions are detected.
3Reliability
If the control method issues notifications for low temperature states, then unnecessary maintenance is reduced, but user attention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control method implements a feedback mechanism that detects low temperature states and issues notifications to users. This feedback loop allows the system to identify and communicate potential issues (such as prolonged high-temperature fixation) without immediately halting operation, reducing unnecessary maintenance while keeping users informed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by detecting its own temperature state and determines when user notification is necessary. Rather than requiring constant user monitoring, the fixing device autonomously assesses its operational state and selectively engages user attention only when high-temperature fixation has persisted for a prolonged period.
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 prevents unnecessary service engineer visits and ensures the fixing device operates correctly by distinguishing between voltage and temperature issues, allowing for timely recovery and maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device including a fixing rotator, heated by a heater
Implementation Method 2
a pressure rotator, such as a pressure roller and a pressure belt, pressed against the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween
Implementation Method 3
the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator apply heat and pressure to the recording medium, melting and fixing the toner image on the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of an image forming apparatus including a fixing device including a fixing rotator includes starting warming up the fixing device; detecting at least one of an electric voltage, an electric current, and an electric power input to the image forming apparatus when the fixing device is warmed up; detecting a temperature of the fixing rotator when the fixing device is warmed up; determining that the image forming apparatus is in a low input state that does not satisfy a predetermined input condition based on the detected one of the electric voltage, the electric current, and the electric power; determining that the fixing rotator is in a low temperature state that does not satisfy a predetermined heating condition based on the detected temperature of the fixing rotator; and issuing a notification that urges a recovery operation of the fixing device.