Image Forming Apparatus Pressure Release Timing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The simultaneous activation of low power mode and pressure release operation in image forming apparatuses can result in increased noise and reduced service life due to frequent operation of the pressure release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control mode that allows the pressure releasing operation to be executed only after a predetermined time has elapsed following the completion of an image formation job, incorporating a manual operating portion for user selection of this mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the pressure release operation is executed simultaneously with the transition to low power mode, then the operation sound is reduced, but the service life of the pressure release mechanism is shortened due to frequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller executes the pressure release operation in advance before transitioning to the low power mode, rather than simultaneously. This preliminary timing separates the pressure release action from the mode transition, reducing the frequency of pressure release operations while still achieving noise reduction during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of the pressure release operation based on the operational state. By making the pressure release timing flexible and contingent on the low power mode transition timing, the system optimizes between noise reduction and mechanism durability according to actual usage patterns.
2Reliability
If the pressure release operation is delayed until after a predetermined time in low power mode, then the service life of the mechanism is extended, but sudden operation sounds may occur when the device is suddenly started
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure release operation is performed preliminarily before the low power mode fully activates, ensuring that the mechanism is released at an optimal time that balances noise reduction and service life extension, rather than waiting until after a predetermined delay.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pressure release mechanism operates frequently to maintain contact state, then the image quality is maintained, but the number of operations increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of frequent periodic pressure release operations, the system implements a less frequent pressure release schedule triggered by low power mode transitions. This reduces the operation frequency of the pressure release mechanism while still maintaining adequate image quality through appropriate timing of the pressure release cycles.
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 reduces unnecessary pressure release operations, minimizes sudden operation sounds, and extends the service life of the mechanism by allowing users to prioritize noise reduction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the transferred toner image is fixed by heat and pressure by a fixing device as an image heating device
Implementation Method 2
the elastic pressure roller is pressed and pressed by a pressure lever with a pressure spring stretched over the elastic fixing roller
Implementation Method 3
a pressure spring stretched over the elastic fixing roller
Implementation Method 4
a moving mechanism for moving said pressing mechanism between a first position in which said nip is formed by said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member, and a second position in which said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member are spaced from each other
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an image forming portion 10 for forming an image on a sheet; a first rotatable member 100; a second rotatable member 101 cooperative with the first rotatable member to form a nip for fixing the image formed by the image forming portion, on the sheet; a pressing mechanism 112, 113 for pressing the first rotatable member toward the second rotatable member; a moving mechanism 120 for moving the pressing mechanism between a first position in which the nip is formed by the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, and a second position in which the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are spaced from each other; and a controller 800 for controlling an operation of the moving mechanism, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing an operation in a control mode in which a pressure releasing operation is executed such that the pressing mechanism is shifted from the first position to the second position after elapse of a predetermined time after completion of execution of the image formation job. The apparatus includes a manual operating portion 831 in which selection and setting can be executed as to whether to execute the operation in the control mode.