Image Forming Apparatus Varnish Coating Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face productivity issues due to the need to adjust conveyance speed based on recording material grammage to achieve proper toner fixation and glossiness, leading to delayed processing when varnish is applied.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that adjusts the conveyance speed of the recording material during fixing, allowing faster conveyance when varnish is applied to maintain productivity while ensuring proper toner fixation and glossiness, regardless of recording material grammage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance speed of the recording material is reduced to increase the heating value for fixing, then the toner fixation and glossiness are improved, but the productivity of printed matter is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the conveyance speed parameter dynamically based on whether varnish application is performed. When varnish is applied, the conveyance speed is increased while maintaining adequate heating value, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing toner fixation quality. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system operation to different processing conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance speed of the recording material is reduced to increase the heating value for fixing, then the glossiness of toner is improved, but the processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts the conveyance speed parameter based on the varnish application condition. When varnish is applied, the system allows faster conveyance while maintaining adequate heating value, thereby reducing processing time without compromising toner glossiness. The varnish application compensates for the reduced heating value, resolving the time-quality trade-off.
3Manufacturing precision
If the heating value for fixing is increased by reducing conveyance speed or increasing fixing temperature, then the toner fixation is improved, but the energy consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the conveyance speed parameter based on varnish application status. When varnish is applied, the system increases conveyance speed while maintaining adequate heating value, thereby reducing energy consumption without sacrificing toner fixation quality. The varnish application provides the necessary glossiness compensation, allowing energy-efficient operation.
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 enables faster processing without compromising toner fixation or glossiness, thereby improving productivity by allowing higher conveyance speeds during varnish application while ensuring adequate heating values are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
heat and pressure is applied to the recording material to fix the toner image
Implementation Method 2
glossiness of toner is improved by applying varnish to the recording material using the varnish coater
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a varnish coater, and a controller. When a first image forming job in which a toner image is formed to a first recording material and varnish is not applied is executed, the controller controls conveyance of the first recording material at a fixing nip portion such that a conveyance speed of the first recording material at the fixing nip portion is a first conveyance speed. When a second image forming job in which a toner image is formed to a second recording material of which a grammage is the same as a grammage of the first recording material and varnish is applied is executed, the controller controls conveyance of the second recording material at the fixing nip portion such that the second recording material is conveyed at a second conveyance speed faster than the first conveyance speed.