Fixing Temperature Control for Image Forming Apparatus Adjustment Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in shortening the warming-up time before fixing in adjustment modes, which limits adjustment efficiency and productivity.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the fixing temperature to within a predetermined allowable range based on the required fixing properties for pattern images in adjustment mode, allowing the fixing operation only after the temperature is within this range, and sets the allowable fixing temperature range according to the specific adjustments needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the allowable fixing temperature range is set wide to shorten warming-up time, then productivity is improved, but fixing quality deteriorates due to low-temperature or high-temperature offsetting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarming-up timeVSAvoidfixing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the allowable fixing temperature range adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically sets the temperature range based on the current operating mode (adjustment mode vs. regular image formation mode), allowing the system to adapt its parameters to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between speed and quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of allowable fixing temperature range according to different modes of operation. In adjustment mode, a wider temperature range is permitted, while in regular image formation mode, a narrower, more restrictive range is enforced to ensure high fixing quality. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize for different operational priorities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the allowable fixing temperature range is set narrow to ensure fixing quality, then fixing quality is maintained, but warming-up time increases reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing qualityVSAvoidwarming-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit changes the allowable fixing temperature range parameter based on operational context. During adjustment mode when pattern images are output, a wider temperature range is allowed to enable faster warming-up. During regular image formation, the parameter is tightened to a narrower range to guarantee high fixing quality, thus resolving the contradiction adaptively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the fixing temperature is adjusted quickly to reduce warming-up time, then productivity is improved, but the risk of offsetting increases due to temperature instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarming-up speedVSAvoidoffsetting risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the allowable temperature range parameter according to operational mode. In adjustment mode, a wider range is permitted that can accommodate faster temperature changes without causing offsetting. In regular image formation mode, a narrower, more stable temperature range is enforced to minimize offsetting risk, thus allowing fast warming-up when appropriate while preventing harmful effects when not

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly shortens the warming-up time before fixing in adjustment mode, enhancing adjustment efficiency and maintaining necessary fixing properties, thereby improving productivity and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing temperature is adjusted to within a predetermined allowable fixing temperature range... the allowable fixing temperature range is set in accordance with the fixing properties required in an output of a pattern image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9639037B2Image forming apparatus in which fixing is limited to temperatures of a predetermined range

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form a toner image on a paper sheet; a fixing unit configured to fix the toner image onto the paper sheet; a fixing temperature detecting unit configured to detect a fixing temperature in the fixing unit; and a control unit configured to allow a fixing operation in the fixing unit only after the fixing temperature is adjusted to be within a predetermined allowable fixing temperature range, when the fixing temperature is outside the allowable fixing temperature range, wherein the control unit sets the allowable fixing temperature range in accordance with fixing properties required in an output of a pattern image for adjustment in an adjustment mode in which various kinds of adjustments related to image formation can be performed based on an output of the pattern image for adjustment.