Fixing Unit Speed Control by Paper Basis Weight for Glue Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining productivity and preventing toner transfer during glue binding due to varying basis weights of recording materials, which require adjustments in conveyance speed and heat application, leading to decreased efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a fixing unit and a speed control unit that adjusts the conveyance speed of recording materials based on basis weight, conveying materials at different speeds for glue binding and non-glue binding operations, ensuring optimal heat application and preventing toner transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance speed is reduced for recording materials with large basis weight to apply sufficient heat, then image quality improves, but productivity decreases due to speed switching time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance speed adjustable and variable based on the basis weight of the recording material. The speed control unit dynamically changes the conveyance speed according to the specific material being processed, allowing optimization of heat application for each material type while maintaining overall system productivity through automated adaptation rather than manual intervention or fixed speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conveyance speed parameter based on the basis weight parameter of the recording material. By establishing a relationship between these two parameters (higher basis weight corresponds to lower conveyance speed), the system automatically adjusts operational parameters to optimize image quality for different materials without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between quality and productivity
2Reliability
If the conveyance speed is changed for each recording material type, then appropriate heat application is achieved, but productivity decreases due to speed switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the basis weight of the recording material and autonomously adjusting the conveyance speed through the speed control unit. This eliminates the need for manual speed switching operations, allowing the system to maintain appropriate heat application for each material type while avoiding productivity losses associated with manual intervention and speed changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the basis weight information of the recording material to automatically control the conveyance speed. The system receives information about the material being processed and adjusts its operational parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures appropriate heat application while maintaining continuous operation and productivity
3Productivity
If content sheets are stacked at high speed in the stacking unit, then productivity improves, but toner transfer may occur between sheets causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by controlling the conveyance speed in the stacking unit to prevent toner transfer before it can occur. By maintaining appropriate speed limits during stacking operations, the system proactively prevents the harmful effect of toner transfer between sheets, ensuring image quality is not compromised while still allowing efficient stacking operations
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 enhances productivity by minimizing downtime for speed adjustments and prevents toner transfer between sheets during glue binding, maintaining image quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rotating member having a heating source for heating an unfixed toner image
Implementation Method 2
a pressure roller that presses the heating rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit configured to form a nip portion and fix a toner image to a recording material, and a speed control unit configured to control a conveyance speed of a recording material in the nip portion, wherein, in a case where glue binding is not performed, a recording material having a first basis weight is conveyed at a second speed greater than a first speed, and a recording material having a second basis weight greater, in basis weight, than the recording material having the first basis weight is conveyed at the first speed, and wherein, in a case where the glue binding is performed, the recording material having the first basis weight and the recording material having the second basis weight are conveyed at the first speed.