Fixing Unit Translation for Gloss Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses experience gloss differences in images due to abrasion differences on the surface layers of heating and pressing members when translating the fixing unit, leading to quality issues, especially when forming toner images of the same width on recording sheets.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus controls the translation of the fixing unit in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction by a specific amount, calculated as half the difference between the sheet width and the image width, to prevent gloss differences by ensuring that abraded surface portions do not contact the toner images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fixing unit is translated in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction to prevent sheet edge scratches, then the sheet edge scratches are reduced, but an abrasion difference arises between contacted and non-contacted parts on the surface layers of heating and pressing members, causing gloss difference in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by translating the fixing unit by a specific amount (one-half of the difference between sheet width and image width) rather than completely translating it across the entire width. This partial translation is sufficient to move the fixing unit away from the image area, preventing abrasion on the surface layers that would cause gloss differences, while still maintaining the benefit of preventing sheet edge scratches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of translation amount to a specific value (one-half of the difference between sheet width and image width). This parameter change ensures that the fixing unit is translated enough to prevent both sheet edge scratches and gloss differences, as this specific translation amount positions the fixing unit such that abraded surface portions do not contact the toner images.
2Reliability
If the fixing unit is translated to change contact positions, then sheet edge scratches are prevented, but abrasion difference occurs on the surface layers leading to image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by implementing a specific translation amount that is sufficient to prevent abrasion on the surface layers. By translating the fixing unit by one-half of the difference between sheet width and image width, the patent ensures that the abraded portions do not contact the toner images, thereby preventing image quality deterioration while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-setting the translation amount based on the relationship between sheet width and image width. This preliminary determination of the translation amount (one-half of the difference) ensures that when the fixing unit is translated, the abraded surface portions are positioned away from the toner images before the fixing process occurs, preventing image quality issues.
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 solution effectively prevents gloss differences in the formed images by maintaining consistent contact between the fixing unit's surface layers and the recording sheets, enhancing image quality by avoiding sheet edge scratches and maintaining uniformity across the image area.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit that heats and presses a recording sheet having a toner image formed thereon, by means of a fixing nip portion to thereby fix the toner image onto the recording sheet
Implementation Method 2
a fixing unit that heats and presses a recording sheet having a toner image formed thereon, by means of a fixing nip portion to thereby fix the toner image onto the recording sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing unit that heats and presses a recording sheet having a toner image formed thereon, by means of a fixing nip portion to thereby fix the toner image to the recording sheet; a translation section that translates the fixing unit in a direction that is orthogonal to a conveying direction of the recording sheet; and a controlling section that controls the translation section so that the fixing unit is translated by a translation amount that is one-half of a value obtained by subtracting an image width of the toner image from a sheet width of the recording sheet.