Fixing Control for Pressure-Bonded Print Toner Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with toner image defects when forming images on pressure-bonded recording materials, particularly on the superposed surfaces of pressure-bonded postcards, where the toner images can melt and transfer between surfaces during unsealing, leading to image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that controls the fixing process based on the basis weight and folding shape of pressure-bonded recording materials, adjusting thermal energy and conveying speed to prevent toner transfer between surfaces during unsealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If toner image is formed on pressure-bonded recording material bent and pressure-bonded, then information amount is increased and confidentiality is improved, but toner image defects occur on superposed surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting fixing conditions (temperature, pressure, time) based on the basis weight of the recording material. The controller selects different fixing conditions from multiple sets stored in memory, corresponding to different basis weight ranges (e.g., 60-90 g/m², 100-130 g/m², 140-170 g/m²). This allows optimal fixing parameters to be applied to prevent toner image defects while maintaining the pressure-bonded structure for confidentiality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the fixing conditions adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically selects fixing conditions based on the detected basis weight of the recording material, allowing the system to adapt to different material properties. This dynamic adjustment prevents toner transfer defects that occur with fixed fixing parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixing conditions are adjusted for different basis weights, then toner image defects are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple sets of fixing conditions in the controller's memory before actual use. These pre-configured conditions correspond to different basis weight ranges and are ready to be selected automatically. This eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations and reduces operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the basis weight of the recording material and using this information to automatically select the appropriate fixing conditions. The controller receives feedback about the material properties and adjusts the fixing parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that simplifies operation while ensuring quality.
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 prevents toner image defects on pressure-bonded postcards by ensuring the toner images remain fixed and do not transfer between surfaces, maintaining image quality during unsealing.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing portion configured to fix the toner image, on the recording material, formed on the recording material by the image forming portion
Implementation Method 2
pressure-bonded recording material bent and pressure-bonded so that one surface of the recording material becomes an opposing inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion configured to form a toner image on a recording material; a fixing portion configured to fix the toner image, on the recording material, formed on the recording material by the image forming portion; an input portion configured to input information on the recording material; and a controller. In a case where the controller executes an operation in a first mode in which the toner image is formed on a pressure-bonded recording material bent and pressure-bonded so that one surface of the recording material becomes an opposing inner surface, the controller controls the fixing portion on the basis of first information on a basis weight of the pressure-bonded recording material and second information on a folding shape of the pressure-bonded recording material, which are inputted by the input portion.