Fixing Temperature Control for Narrow-Width High-Volume Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The possibility of fixing failures in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses increases when the pressure applied by the heated roller to the sheet and developer is reduced, particularly with narrow-width sheets and high-volume print jobs.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus adjusts the control temperature and print speed based on the number of sheets and sheet size by using a processor to set candidate temperatures and speeds, specifically increasing the control temperature and reducing the print speed for narrow-width sheets in high-volume jobs to maintain adequate pressure and prevent fixing failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the print speed is increased to improve productivity, then the printing efficiency is improved, but the pressure applied by the heated roller to the sheet and developer is reduced causing fixing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control temperature variable rather than fixed. The fixing controller dynamically adjusts the control temperature based on the relationship between print speed and pressure, selecting from multiple predetermined candidate temperatures. When print speed increases and pressure decreases, the system raises the control temperature to compensate, ensuring fixing quality is maintained across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the control temperature parameter in response to changes in print speed and pressure conditions. The fixing controller selects from multiple predetermined candidate temperatures (e.g., first control temperature, second control temperature) based on the current operating state, thereby adjusting the thermal parameter to maintain adequate fixing pressure effects even when mechanical pressure is reduced at higher speeds.
2Reliability
If the control temperature is increased to prevent fixing failures, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the control temperature based on actual operating conditions rather than maintaining a constantly high temperature. The fixing controller selects from multiple predetermined candidate temperatures only when necessary (when print speed increases and pressure decreases), thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining fixing reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control temperature parameter selectively based on the relationship between print speed and pressure. By having multiple predetermined candidate temperatures and selecting appropriate ones based on current conditions, the system optimizes energy usage by raising temperature only when the print speed-pressure relationship indicates fixing failures might occur, rather than continuously operating at maximum temperature.
3Productivity
If the pressure applied by the heated roller is reduced to improve sheet conveyance, then the conveyance efficiency is improved, but the fixing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced pressure by changing the control temperature parameter. When pressure applied by the heated roller is reduced to improve conveyance, the fixing controller selects a higher control temperature from predetermined candidate temperatures to compensate for the reduced mechanical pressure, ensuring that fixing quality is maintained despite lower pressure conditions.
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 the occurrence of fixing failures by ensuring consistent pressure and temperature distribution across the fixing belt and press roller, even with narrow-width sheets in high-volume print jobs, thereby enhancing the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that generates heat to heat the sheet over an entire region in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the sheet to fix the image onto the sheet
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the pressing member or a temperature near the pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus measures a temperature of a pressing member and controls heat generation of a heater such that the measured temperature approaches a control temperature. Further, the image forming apparatus sets, before starting image formation of one job including image formation, one candidate temperature of a plurality of predetermined candidate temperatures different from each other as the control temperature on the basis of the number of sheets to be used and a sheet size to be used in the image formation of the one job.