Fixing Section Standby Temperature Control for Dual Toner Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face delays due to the need to adjust the fixing device temperature when switching between different types of toners, as the fixing temperature for decoloring and non-decoloring toners differ, leading to waiting times before printing can commence.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that sets the standby temperature of the fixing section to a level below the lower limit fixing temperature of the second toner, allowing for immediate switching between toner types without temperature adjustments, utilizing a dual-temperature fixing system with a heat roller and pressure belt to fix images efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing device temperature is set to a temperature suitable for one toner type, then the image quality for that toner type is ensured, but waiting time is generated when switching to another toner type requiring temperature adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the fixing device to a temperature that can accommodate both decoloring and non-decoloring toners. The controller determines the toner type in advance and prepares the fixing temperature accordingly before the actual printing job begins, eliminating waiting time during toner switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device temperature is made dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts the fixing temperature based on the detected toner type, allowing the system to transition between different temperature settings seamlessly. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal image quality for each toner type without requiring prolonged waiting periods.
2Reliability
If the fixing device temperature is raised to fix non-decoloring toner, then non-decoloring toner images can be fixed properly, but decoloring toner images may be erased
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter based on the toner type detected. For decoloring toner, a lower fixing temperature is applied, while for non-decoloring toner, a higher fixing temperature is used. This parameter adjustment ensures that each toner type is fixed at its optimal temperature, preventing image erasure while maintaining fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller incorporates feedback by detecting the toner type and automatically adjusting the fixing temperature accordingly. This closed-loop control system ensures that the correct temperature is applied for each toner type, preventing harmful effects such as image erasure while maintaining reliable fixing.
3Reliability
If the fixing device temperature is lowered to fix decoloring toner, then decoloring toner images can be fixed properly, but non-decoloring toner images cannot be fixed at sufficient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter based on the toner type. When non-decoloring toner is detected, the controller raises the fixing temperature to ensure proper fixing quality, while maintaining lower temperatures for decoloring toner. This adaptive parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between fixing reliability and fixing quality.
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 reduces waiting times for both decoloring and non-decoloring jobs, enabling rapid printing upon job receipt by maintaining the standby temperature within the overlapping temperature range of both toner types, thus minimizing temperature adjustment delays.
Implementation Method 1
a heat roller (fixing roller) 21... The HR center lamp 22 and the HR side lamp 23 heat the temperature of the heat roller 21
Implementation Method 2
a pressure belt 25... The sheet passing through the nip is heated from two sides of the heat roller 21 and the pressure belt 25
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section, a fixing section and a controller. The image forming section forms a toner image with at least one selected from a first toner having a first fixing temperature area and a second toner having a second fixing temperature area of which a lower limit fixing temperature is higher than the first toner. The fixing section fixes the toner image on the sheet. The controller controls a standby temperature of the fixing section to a temperature lower than the lower limit fixing temperature of the second fixable temperature area.