Fixing Temperature Control for Multi-Layer Toner Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to set an appropriate fixing temperature for overlapping toner images on a recording material, as the usage histories of multiple developing devices vary, leading to inconsistent toner characteristics and potential fixing defects.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a storage medium to record usage histories of developing means and a control means to adjust the fixing temperature based on these histories, ensuring optimal fixing conditions for each toner layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fixing temperature is used for all developing devices, then the fixing process is simple, but fixing defects occur when multiple toner layers with different usage histories are overlapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixing temperature control by developing device, tracking usage history for each developing device separately and determining fixing temperatures based on individual usage histories. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple toner layers with different characteristics by applying appropriate fixing temperatures for each layer's source developing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing usage history information for each developing device in advance and pre-determining appropriate fixing temperatures based on these stored histories. This preliminary preparation enables the control unit to select the correct fixing temperature without real-time complex analysis during the fixing process.
2Reliability
If the usage history of each developing device is tracked and used to determine fixing temperature, then fixing quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each developing device maintains its own usage history information, effectively serving itself by providing the data needed for its own fixing temperature determination. The control unit simply reads and processes this self-reported usage history without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by storing usage history information in a readable format (such as memory or storage medium) that can be easily accessed and copied by the control unit. This allows the system to retrieve and process usage history data without complex real-time measurement or calculation.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixing temperature is adjusted based on usage history differences, then toner characteristics variations are compensated, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the fixing temperature parameter based on the usage history parameter of each developing device. The control unit selects from a set of predetermined fixing temperatures corresponding to different usage history levels, simplifying the control process while achieving precise compensation for toner characteristic variations.
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 fixing defects by setting the appropriate fixing temperature according to the usage history of each developing device, improving the quality of multi-toner images.
Implementation Method 1
fixing means configured to press and heat the recording material on which the toner images are transferred and to fix the toner images on the recording material
Implementation Method 2
a developing device is provided thereto which supplies developer to an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of an image bearing member by the surface being scanned and exposed
Implementation Method 3
the developing device is configured to electrostatically supply the developer borne on a surface of the developer bearing member to the surface of the image bearing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing member to form toner images, respectively, a transfer member to sequentially transfer the toner images onto a recording material and to overlappingly form toner on the recording material. A fixing member presses and heats the recording material on which the toner images are transferred and fixes the toner images on the recording material. A storage medium stores a usage history of the developing member. A controller controls a fixing temperature of the fixing member. The controller determines the fixing temperature based on a difference between the usage history of one of the developing member stored in the storage medium and the usage history of another of the developing member.