Single Sensor Temperature Control for Image Fixing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in performing detailed temperature adjustment control during the image forming operation, especially when using a single temperature sensor to detect both the fixing roller and recording sheet, which affects the stability of image fixation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a temperature sensor positioned downstream from the fixing nip, capable of detecting the surface temperature of one rotation member and the recording sheet, uses different threshold values for temperature adjustment control based on whether the recording sheet is passing or not, ensuring precise temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used to detect both the fixing roller and recording sheet, then the number of constituent parts is reduced and wiring is simplified, but the ability to perform detailed temperature adjustment control during image forming operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between different detection modes of the single temperature sensor based on whether the recording sheet is present or not. The sensor dynamically changes its detection target from the fixing roller (when no sheet is present) to the recording sheet (when sheet is present), allowing detailed temperature control during operation without requiring multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The single temperature sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting the temperature of the fixing roller during warm-up and idle periods, and detecting the temperature of the recording sheet during image forming operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring capability
2Speed
If the thermal capacity of the fixing roller is reduced to enable rapid heating upon power-on, then the heating speed is improved, but the temperature stability becomes more difficult to maintain during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the fixing roller during warm-up and adjusting the heater output accordingly. The controller uses the temperature detection results to dynamically adjust heating power, ensuring rapid heating during idle periods while maintaining temperature stability during operations through real-time feedback adjustment
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 solution allows for detailed temperature adjustment control, ensuring excellent image fixation regardless of whether the sensor is detecting the rotation member or the recording sheet, thereby improving the stability and quality of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor located at a position more downstream than the fixing nip in a recording sheet transport direction, and operable to detect a surface temperature of one of the rotation members
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the two rotation members having been heated by a heater
Implementation Method 3
transporting a recording sheet with a toner image having been transferred thereon so that the toner image is thermally fixed onto the recording sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device that uses only one temperature sensor to detect temperatures of the recording sheet and a rotation member for fixing, and can perform the temperature adjustment control carefully in detail during the image forming operation. The CPU 61 performs the temperature adjustment control 1 by executing the temperature adjustment program 64b (step S109), then executes the paper passing judgment program 64a to judge whether or not paper is passing (step S110). As far as it judges that no paper is passing (NO in step S110), the CPU 61 continues to perform the temperature adjustment control 1 by executing the temperature adjustment program 64b. When it judges that paper is passing (YES in step S110), the CPU 61 performs the temperature adjustment control (step S112).