Variable Fixing Temperature Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing warm-up time and power consumption during standby, leading to prolonged first print out time and potential fixability issues due to uniform temperature settings for both full-color and mono-color image formations, which results in unnecessary energy loss and reduced lifespan of photosensitive drums.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with detection means for monitoring the fixing member's temperature and actuation means to adjust the timing of image forming operations based on whether full-color or mono-color image formation is in progress, allowing for variable pre-process start temperatures and image forming sequence start temperatures to optimize energy usage and extend drum lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the fixing member temperature is reduced to minimize power consumption during standby, then power consumption during standby is reduced, but warm-up time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the image forming operation (scanner rotation, photosensitive drum rotation, charging bias application, developing operation, and exposure) before the fixing member temperature reaches the fixable temperature. This allows the system to begin productive work in advance while the fixing apparatus is still warming up, thereby reducing the effective warm-up time without requiring higher standby temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the image forming operation timing variable based on the actual temperature rise characteristics of the fixing member. The system dynamically adjusts when to start the image forming process based on real-time temperature monitoring, allowing optimal performance across different operating conditions while maintaining low standby power consumption
2Loss of time
If the image forming operation is started before the fixing member temperature reaches fixable temperature, then warm-up time is reduced, but fixability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature rise speed of the fixing member and using this information to predict when the fixable temperature will be reached. This feedback mechanism ensures that the image forming operation is started at the optimal moment - early enough to minimize warm-up time but not so early that fixability is compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image forming start timing based on the detected temperature rise characteristics. By adjusting the start timing parameter according to actual thermal conditions, the system achieves both reduced warm-up time and maintained fixability
3Device complexity
If the same fixing member temperature is maintained for both full-color and mono-color image formations, then temperature control is simplified, but power consumption increases and photosensitive drum lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different temperature control strategies for different image forming modes. For mono-color image formation, the system uses a higher pre-process start temperature that allows earlier operation start, while for full-color image formation, it uses a lower temperature setting. This localized optimization reduces overall power consumption and extends photosensitive drum lifespan without significantly complicating the temperature control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the temperature control dynamic by automatically selecting appropriate pre-process start temperatures based on the detected image forming mode (mono-color or full-color). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption and component lifespan for each specific operating condition
4Use of energy by stationary object
If the image forming operation is started at low fixing member temperature for mono-color formation, then power consumption is reduced, but photosensitive drum lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pre-process start temperature parameter specifically for mono-color image formation to a higher value than previously used. This parameter adjustment reduces the time the photosensitive drum operates at low temperatures, thereby extending its lifespan while still maintaining lower overall power consumption compared to maintaining high standby temperatures
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 warm-up time, minimizes power consumption, and extends the lifespan of photosensitive drums by tailoring temperature settings to the specific requirements of full-color and mono-color image formations, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
fixing means for heat-fixing the toner image formed on the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of performingcan perform an image forming operation together with temperature rise by heating of a heat fixing apparatusoperation to ensure a good fixability and a shortestshort first print out time and to prevent loss ofwhile minimizing power consumption withoutand not over-burdening a constitutional member of the image forming apparatus (e.g., life-shorteningshortening the life of the constitutional member)is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit and a fixing apparatusunit for heat-fixing a toner image on a recording material and a detection member for detecting a toner of a fixing apparatus member and performs simultaneously temperature rise by heating of the fixing apparatus and an image forming operation including a pre-process and an image forming sequence. In the image forming apparatus, a startA fixing temperature of the pre-process and a start temperature of the image forming sequence with respect to the fixing apparatus member areunit is made variable depending on whether full-color image formation is performed or mono-color image formation is performed.