Fixing Section Preliminary Rotation for Offset Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, high temperature offset occurs when switching from printing on small to large size paper, reducing operational efficiency as the fixing section must be idled to mitigate this issue, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A controller manages a preliminary rotation of the fixing section based on the types and quantities of sheets used in previous and subsequent print jobs, employing low temperature processing to equalize the fixing section's temperature, thereby reducing offset without idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fixing section is idled before executing a print job on large size paper after a print job on small size paper, then high temperature offset is reduced, but printing cannot be executed during the idling period and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary rotation of the fixing section at reduced speed before the actual print job to gradually equalize the temperature distribution. This preliminary action prevents the sudden temperature offset that would occur with direct high-speed operation, thereby eliminating the need for complete idling periods while still achieving temperature balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing section operates with variable rotation speed - rotating at reduced speed during the preliminary phase and then transitioning to normal printing speed. This dynamic speed adjustment allows continuous operation without complete stops, maintaining productivity while achieving the temperature equalization needed to prevent offset.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fixing section rotates at reduced speed for preliminary temperature equalization, then temperature distribution is equalized and offset is prevented, but the initial approach of complete idling stops all printing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary rotation of the fixing section at reduced speed before the actual print job to gradually equalize the temperature distribution. This preliminary action prevents the sudden temperature offset that would occur with direct high-speed operation, thereby eliminating the need for complete idling periods while still achieving temperature balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing section maintains continuous rotation throughout the process - first at reduced speed for temperature equalization, then transitioning to normal speed for printing. This continuous operation eliminates complete idle periods, ensuring that the useful action of temperature equalization occurs without stopping the overall printing workflow.
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 effectively reduces temperature offset and maintains operational efficiency by dynamically controlling the low temperature processing, ensuring optimal fixing conditions for varying sheet sizes and types, thus preventing inefficiencies in the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
A fixing section 50 fixes the visible image on the sheet through executing a fixing processing that heats and pressurizes the sheet
Implementation Method 2
the controller 70 controls a preliminary rotation of the fixing section 50 at a reduced speed in a state in which a heater is not energized
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a fixing section that fixes a toner image formed on a sheet. A controller controls a preliminary rotation of the fixing section after execution of a first image forming job and before execution of a second image forming job. Conditions for the preliminary rotation include types of sheets used in the first image forming job and the second image forming job, respectively, and a number of sheets used in executing the first image forming job.