Image-Forming Fixing-Nip Control for Non-Paper Heat and Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses fail to adjust the feeding speed and interval of recording materials based on the type of recording material, leading to inefficient throughput due to excessive heating in non-paper passing areas of the fixing nip portion.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a first and second temperature detecting unit to control the feeding interval of recording materials, adjusting the interval based on the detected temperature and feeding speed to mitigate non-paper passing portion temperature increase, thereby optimizing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the feeding interval of recording materials is extended to suppress non-paper passing portion temperature increase, then the temperature control is improved, but the throughput (number of printable sheets per unit time) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the feeding interval adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the feeding interval based on real-time temperature detection from the non-paper passing portion, allowing the system to adapt between extended intervals for temperature control and shorter intervals for maintaining throughput, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature suppression and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a temperature detecting element to continuously monitor the non-paper passing portion temperature and feeding back this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the feeding interval based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that balances temperature control with throughput optimization
2Temperature
If the feeding interval is controlled according to heater temperature, then non-paper passing portion temperature increase is suppressed, but the feeding speed cannot be adjusted according to recording material type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the control unit capable of handling multiple control objectives simultaneously. The control unit not only controls feeding interval based on temperature feedback but also adjusts feeding speed according to recording material type, combining multiple functions into a single control system that addresses both temperature control and adaptability requirements
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 reduces non-paper passing portion temperature rise while maintaining or improving the number of printable sheets per unit time, enhancing productivity and preventing image defects.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed in an inside space of the second rotatable member
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature detecting unit provided on the heater at a central position with respect to a longitudinal direction of the heater; a second temperature detecting unit provided at a position closer to an end side of the heater than the first temperature detecting unit with respect to the longitudinal direction of the heater
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes first and second rotatable members forming a nip therebetween, a heater disposed in inside of the second rotatable member, a first temperature sensor provided on a center of the heater, a second temperature sensor provided on an end side of the heater. A controller controls a feeding interval in which a trailing edge of a preceding sheet passes through the nip until a leading edge of a subsequent sheet reaches the nip. The controller controls the feeding interval to be a first interval in a case which a feeding speed of the sheet is a first speed and a detected temperature by the second sensor is a first temperature, and to be a second interval shorter than the first interval in a case which the feeding speed is a second speed lower than the first speed and the detected temperature is the first temperature.