Induction Heating Belt Temperature Control for Image Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face instability in fixing processing due to temperature fluctuations, leading to image defects and inadequate fixation, despite maintaining a constant heating temperature, as temperature ripples and changes in fixing conditions cause low temperature offsets and unstable fixation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a temperature control system that includes a heating member, a pressing member, an induction heating section, a temperature sensor, and a driving control section to maintain the fixing belt temperature within a narrowing allowable temperature range based on paper-passing time and machine temperature, adjusting power supply to ensure stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heating temperature is set to a given value to maintain constant width, then the temperature control stability is improved, but the temperature ripple increases and fixing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the allowable temperature range adjustable rather than fixed. The control section dynamically changes the temperature range based on machine temperature conditions, transitioning from a fixed range to a variable range that adapts to thermal state changes. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain adequate temperature control while accommodating natural temperature fluctuations without causing instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of temperature range width based on machine temperature. When machine temperature is low, a wider temperature range is allowed; when machine temperature is high, a narrower range is enforced. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain fixing stability across different operating conditions while still controlling temperature effectively.
2Measurement precision
If the power supplied for IH coil is controlled to maintain heating temperature, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the frequency of power changes increases causing temperature ripple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by not continuously adjusting power to maintain a fixed temperature point. Instead, it allows temperature to fluctuate within an allowable range and only intervenes when the range boundary is approached. This reduces the frequency of power changes and minimizes temperature ripple while still maintaining adequate control precision for stable fixing.
3Device complexity
If the allowable temperature range is maintained constant, then the temperature control simplicity is improved, but the fixing stability deteriorates due to temperature changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature control system dynamic by adjusting the allowable temperature range based on machine temperature conditions. The control section automatically transitions between different temperature range settings, adding complexity to the control logic but significantly improving fixing stability across varying thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple temperature range settings corresponding to different machine temperature conditions. The control section selects the appropriate pre-defined range based on current thermal state, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations while maintaining adaptability and fixing stability.
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 ensures a stable fixing process by dynamically adjusting the allowable temperature range and power supply to maintain consistent fixing belt temperatures, reducing temperature ripples and defects, thereby achieving constant and effective image fixation.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating section configured to heat the heating member through induction heating
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a heating member configured to heat a recording medium, on the surface of which a toner image is carried, to fix the toner on the recording medium; a pressing member configured to contact with the recording paper from the back side of the recording paper; an induction heating section configured to heat the heating member through induction heating; a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature nearby the heating member; a driving control section configured to carry out a control based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor so that the temperature of the heating member based on the induction heating section is within an allowable temperature range; a temperature range setting section configured to set the allowable temperature range so that the allowable temperature range is narrowed as time elapses from the start of a fixing processing.