Fixing Apparatus Torque Control for Gloss Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses suffer from gloss memory issues due to wax residue on heating units, leading to uneven image quality and difficulty in preventing wax attachment during the toner fixing process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a torque generation unit comprising multiple motors that generate both braking and assist forces to create a differential speed between the fixing side member and the back side member, allowing the fixing side member and sheet to slip and preventing wax attachment, along with a control unit to switch motors based on conditions to manage heat and prevent motor damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single motor is used to generate braking force on the fixing side member, then the gloss memory problem is prevented, but the motor is prone to overheating and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor is divided into multiple motors (first motor and second motor) that share the braking force generation task. Each motor applies a braking force to the fixing side member, distributing the thermal load and preventing overheating while maintaining the differential speed necessary to prevent gloss memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different motor configurations based on operational conditions. The control unit selects whether to use one motor or multiple motors for generating braking force, optimizing both gloss memory prevention and motor durability according to the specific operating context.
2Reliability
If multiple motors are used to generate braking force, then motor durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate braking force to prevent gloss memory, and it can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operational needs. The control unit universally manages both motors, switching between single-motor and dual-motor modes to balance complexity and reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a braking force is applied to the fixing side member, then wax attachment is prevented, but the motor temperature rises
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal load from generating braking force is segmented across multiple motors. By distributing the braking force generation task, each motor operates at lower temperature levels, preventing overheating while maintaining the differential speed necessary to prevent wax attachment.
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
The solution effectively prevents gloss memory by ensuring the fixing side member and sheet slip, improving image quality while reducing the risk of motor overheating and failure by distributing the braking force across multiple motors.
Implementation Method 1
a torque generation unit comprising a plurality of motors capable of generating both a braking force and an assist force
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit for heating and melting toner on a sheet
Implementation Method 3
heating and melting toner on a sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus includes an upper pressure roller, a fixing belt, a lower pressure roller which cooperates with the upper pressure roller and the fixing belt for forming a fixing nip portion which holds and conveys a sheet with a toner image therebetween; a drive motor which rotates the lower pressure roller; a plurality of motors each of which is capable of generating a braking force in the direction to hinder rotation of the upper pressure roller and an assist force in the direction to assist rotation of the upper pressure roller; a torque generation unit which generate an effective braking force in the direction to hinder rotation of the fixing side member as a combination of the braking and assist forces; and a control unit which switches the motor used to generate the braking force among the plurality of motors in accordance with a predetermined condition.