Fixing Unit Temperature Switching Timing for Image Formers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in controlling the timing of target temperature switching between pages, leading to potential power inefficiencies and fixing failures due to inadequate heat storage and rapid temperature reductions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that determines and adjusts the target temperature switching timing based on the temperature differences between successive pages, ensuring the target temperature of subsequent pages is reached earlier than the page's arrival at the fixing nip portion, with shorter periods for higher temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the target temperature is increased in the preceding page to reach a higher target temperature for the subsequent page, then the desired target temperature can be reached when the subsequent page is started, but electric power may be supplied unnecessarily leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit starts switching to the second temperature from timing which is earlier than reaching of the second recording material to the fixing nip portion by a first period. This preliminary action allows the fixing unit to begin heating in advance, ensuring the target temperature is reached by the time the subsequent page arrives, while optimizing the start timing to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts the temperature switching timing based on the target temperatures of preceding and subsequent pages. When the target temperature of a subsequent page is higher than that of the preceding page, the control unit optimizes when to begin temperature switching, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to different printing conditions rather than using a fixed timing approach.
2Temperature
If the target temperature is increased in the preceding page, then the target temperature can be reached for the subsequent page, but the timing control becomes complex requiring consideration of multiple temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the timing parameter (switching start timing) based on temperature difference parameters. Specifically, it uses a first period for a first temperature difference and a second period (shorter than the first) for a second temperature difference. This parameter-based approach simplifies control by establishing clear rules for different scenarios rather than requiring complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit applies different switching timing strategies based on local conditions - specifically, the temperature difference between preceding and subsequent pages. By tailoring the switching timing (first period vs. second period) to the specific temperature difference scenario, the system achieves precise control without requiring a single complex universal control mechanism.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the target temperature switching is delayed to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but the target temperature may not be reached in time causing fixing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit starts switching to the second temperature from timing which is earlier than reaching of the second recording material to the fixing nip portion by a first period. This preliminary action ensures that the target temperature is reached before the subsequent page arrives at the fixing nip portion, preventing fixing failures while optimizing power consumption by avoiding earlier unnecessary heating.
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 effectively prevents fixing failures by maintaining adequate heat storage and reduces power consumption by optimizing the timing of target temperature switching according to the temperature profiles of preceding and subsequent pages.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit configured to heat a recording material on which a toner image based on image data is formed and which is transported at a fixing nip portion to fix the toner image to the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
There is used an image forming apparatus including a fixing unit configured to heat a recording material at a fixing nip portion to fix a toner image, and a control unit configured to switch a target temperature, wherein, in the case where the target temperature of preceding recording material is first temperature, the target temperature of subsequent recording material is second temperature which is higher than the first temperature, and a difference between the second temperature and the first temperature has a first value, the control unit performs switching from timing which is earlier than reaching of the second recording material to the fixing nip portion by a predetermined period, and, the higher the target temperature of the preceding recording material, the shorter the predetermined period.