Fixing Unit Temperature Control for Incomplete Ink Recording
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In recording apparatuses that use ink and a fixing apparatus, immediate stoppage of sheet conveyance and fixing operations during a jam or user cancellation can result in ink non-fixed portions remaining, leading to contamination or failure when the sheet is removed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that adjusts the fixing unit's temperature to a lower second temperature when image recording is stopped before completion, ensuring ink fixation even if the sheet is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the sheet conveyance operation and fixing operation are immediately stopped when recording is canceled or a jam error occurs, then the user can quickly remove the sheet, but ink non-fixed portions remain and may cause contamination or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing unit's temperature is dynamically adjusted based on the recording state. When recording is canceled or a jam error occurs, the temperature is lowered from the first temperature (used during normal fixing) to a second temperature that is lower but still sufficient to fix ink. This dynamic temperature adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational states and prevent ink contamination while enabling quick sheet removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the fixing unit based on the recording completion status. By switching from a first temperature (for complete recording) to a second temperature (for partial recording or jam conditions), the system optimizes both ink fixation and operational efficiency. This parameter change ensures that ink is sufficiently fixed even when the sheet is removed before complete recording.
2Reliability
If the fixing unit maintains high temperature during partial recording, then ink fixation is ensured, but the risk of ink adhesion to apparatus interior increases when sheet is removed early
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively lowering the fixing unit's temperature when recording is canceled or a jam error is detected. This preventive measure ensures that even if the sheet is removed before complete recording, the reduced temperature prevents ink from adhering to the apparatus interior while still maintaining sufficient heat to fix the ink that has been applied to the sheet.
3Reliability
If the fixing operation continues at first temperature after recording stop, then ink fixation is maintained, but energy consumption increases and sheet removal is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by immediately lowering the fixing unit's temperature to the second temperature when recording is canceled or a jam error occurs. This preliminary temperature reduction minimizes energy consumption while still ensuring that the ink on the sheet is sufficiently fixed, allowing the user to quickly remove the sheet without waiting for complete recording.
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
Prevents ink from adhering to the apparatus interior, reducing the risk of contamination and failure by ensuring complete ink fixation before sheet removal.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit disposed downstream of the recording unit in a conveyance direction of the recording medium and configured to heat, at a first temperature, the recording medium on which the image has been recorded
Implementation Method 2
the control unit is configured to change temperature of the fixing unit to a second temperature lower than the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit that records an image on a recording medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium, a fixing unit that is disposed downstream of the recording unit in a conveyance direction of the recording medium and heats, at a first temperature, the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and a control unit that controls the fixing unit. When image recording in a recording area by the recording unit is stopped before the image recording in the recording area by the recording unit is completed, the control unit changes temperature of the fixing unit to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.