Fuser Controller Timing for Toner Fixing Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the strength of fixing toner images onto sheets, especially when the number of sheets to be printed is large, due to the low heat capacity of the heater and endless belt, leading to a decrease in nip portion temperature.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that adjusts the timing of sheet supply based on the detected temperature of the heater and the number of sheets to be printed. For fewer sheets, the sheet supply starts after a shorter second period of time from reaching a second temperature, while for more sheets, it starts after a longer first period of time from reaching a higher first temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the heater and endless belt with low heat capacity are used, then the heating response speed is improved, but the temperature stability deteriorates when printing many sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary heating of the heater to a predetermined temperature before sheet feeding starts. This preliminary action ensures that the heater reaches the required temperature in advance, compensating for its low heat capacity and preventing temperature drops during continuous printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the heating control based on the number of sheets to be printed. When a large number of sheets are detected, the controller maintains higher temperature and extends heating periods, adapting the thermal management strategy to the workload demands.
2Productivity
If the sheet supply timing is advanced to reduce idle time, then the productivity is improved, but the fixing quality deteriorates due to insufficient heater temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the heater before sheet feeding begins. This ensures that when sheets are supplied, the heater is already at the required temperature, guaranteeing proper fixing quality from the first sheet without compromising printing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the heater temperature and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the sheet supply timing and heating power to ensure the heater maintains sufficient temperature for quality fixing while minimizing idle time.
3Reliability
If the heater temperature is maintained at high level for many sheets, then the fixing quality is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts heating control based on the detected number of sheets. For large print jobs, it maintains higher temperature and extends heating periods. For small jobs, it uses lower temperature and shorter heating periods, optimizing energy consumption while ensuring fixing quality for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes heating parameters (temperature level, heating duration) based on the number of sheets to be printed. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures sufficient fixing quality for large jobs while reducing energy consumption for small jobs where high temperature maintenance is unnecessary.
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 helps in maintaining the temperature of the fuser and ensuring sufficient strength of fixing toner images onto sheets, even when using components with low heat capacity, thereby preventing poor fixing and ensuring quality printing.
Implementation Method 1
a heater including a substrate and a resistance heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet-supplier, a photoconductor, a fuser and a controller. The controller is configured to, in a case where the number of sheets to be printed indicated by a printing job is less than a first predetermined number of sheets, start supplying a sheet by a sheet-supplier at a timing when a second period of time has been passed from a timing when the temperature in the fuser has reached a second temperature, and, in a case where the number of sheets to be printed is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of sheets, start supplying the sheet by the sheet-supplier at a timing when the second period of time has been passed from a timing when the temperature in the fuser has reached a first temperature larger than the second temperature.