Image Forming Apparatus Cooling Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face operational failures due to internal temperature increases caused by heat radiation from the fixing device, leading to potential image defects and reduced productivity, necessitating methods to suppress temperature rises without stopping printing or reducing speed.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that adjusts the printing speed and sets an upper limit on continuous sheet printing based on temperature differences between the fixing device and external temperatures, implementing a cooling mode by gradually decreasing the number of printed sheets per unit time to manage internal temperature increases without additional cooling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printing operation continues at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the apparatus internal temperature increases causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the printing speed adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the printing speed based on detected temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt between high-speed operation for productivity and reduced-speed operation for temperature control, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and ensuring operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (printing speed) based on temperature conditions. When the apparatus internal temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller reduces the printing speed to decrease heat generation, while allowing high-speed operation when temperature is within acceptable ranges, thereby balancing productivity and reliability
2Temperature
If the printing speed is reduced to cool the apparatus, then temperature control is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the apparatus internal temperature and using this information to adjust the printing speed. The temperature detection unit provides real-time feedback to the controller, which then modulates the printing speed accordingly - reducing speed when temperature is high and allowing normal speed when temperature is acceptable, creating a self-regulating system that balances temperature control with productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts printing speed based on real-time temperature conditions rather than maintaining a fixed speed. This dynamic adjustment allows the apparatus to operate at high productivity when cooling is not needed and reduces speed only when necessary for temperature control, minimizing the impact on overall productivity while effectively managing temperature
3Measurement precision
If cooling fans or temperature sensors are added, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing apparatus internal temperature detection unit serve multiple functions. Rather than adding dedicated cooling control sensors, the existing temperature detection capability is utilized for both general temperature monitoring and specific cooling control decisions, eliminating the need for additional sensors and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing temperature detection capability to self-regulate its operating conditions. The apparatus monitors its own temperature and autonomously adjusts printing speed through the controller without requiring external cooling mechanisms or additional sensing equipment, making the system self-sufficient in temperature management
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 suppresses internal temperature rises, preventing operational failures and maintaining high productivity by dynamically adjusting printing parameters in response to temperature differences, thus ensuring continuous operation without the need for internal temperature sensors or cooling fans.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member including a heated rotating body heated by a heating device
Implementation Method 2
The fixing device heats and pressurizes the recording medium passing through the fixing nip area to fix the toner image on the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part, a fixing device, a fixing temperature sensor, a drive device, a printed sheet number counting part, a fixing voltage power supply, a controller, and an apparatus external temperature sensor. The controller can perform a cooling mode in which, when a number of continuous printed sheets at a reference speed exceeds an upper limit number, a number of printed sheets per unit time is gradually decreased to suppress an increase of an apparatus internal temperature. The controller sets the upper limit number based on a temperature difference between the fixing temperature detected by the fixing temperature sensor and the apparatus external temperature detected by the apparatus external temperature sensor.