Fixing Temperature Control Using Toner Load and Sheet Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to control the fixing temperature of a fixing device effectively, which affects the quality of the formed image on the sheet, as they rely solely on image data without considering the amount of toner transferred and sheet size.
Innovation Solution
An image formation controlling method that derives an index value of toner amount and sheet size information to set a target fixing temperature, and controls heater power supply under feedback control based on sensed fixing temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixing temperature is controlled solely based on image data, then the control process is simple, but the image quality becomes inconsistent due to insufficient consideration of toner amount and sheet size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from solely image data to a combination of image data, toner amount index value, and sheet size information. This multi-parameter approach enables precise control of fixing temperature to ensure consistent image quality across different printing conditions while maintaining manageable control process complexity through systematic parameter integration.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixing temperature is adjusted for different toner amounts and sheet sizes, then image quality improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional components: image data processing unit, toner amount index value derivation unit, sheet size information handling unit, and fixing temperature control unit. Each segment processes specific inputs and contributes to the overall precise fixing temperature control, making the complex system manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual fixing temperature and comparing it with the target temperature derived from toner amount and sheet size parameters. The control unit adjusts heating power based on this feedback, enabling precise temperature control while managing system complexity through automated closed-loop control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If feedback control is implemented for heater power, then fixing temperature stability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing feedback control only when necessary to maintain temperature stability within acceptable ranges, rather than continuous full-power heating. The control unit adjusts heater power supply dynamically based on the difference between actual and target temperatures, achieving temperature stability while minimizing energy consumption through selective control intervention.
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
Achieves precise control of fixing temperature, ensuring consistent image quality by adjusting power supply to the heater based on toner amount and sheet size, thereby improving image formation.
Implementation Method 1
heating the toner image using a heater
Implementation Method 2
applies pressure to a toner image transferred to a sheet using a pressure portion
Data Source
AI summary
A processor derives an index value of an amount of toner transferred to a sheet on the basis of data of an output image. The processor obtains size information indicating size of the sheet. The processor sets target temperature of fixing temperature depending on the index value and the size information. The processor controls an amount of power to be supplied to a heater under feedback control based on sensed fixing temperature and the target temperature. The sensed fixing temperature is sensed in a fixing device that applies pressure to an image of the toner transferred to the sheet using a pressure portion while heating the image of the toner using the heater.