Fixing Device Power Management via Capacitor Pre-Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices face challenges in efficiently powering the heating part, especially in low temperature conditions, leading to increased warm-up times and potential fixing failures, while also seeking to reduce power consumption and noise associated with high power supply changes.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device that includes a storage unit charged by an external power source, which supplies power to the heating part, and a control unit that manages power distribution between the main and auxiliary power sources, allowing for efficient power usage by adjusting the supply based on temperature conditions and operational states, such as warming up the fixing member without rotating the rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a large amount of power is supplied from both the main power supply unit and the auxiliary power supply unit to rapidly warm-up the heating part, then the warm-up time is reduced, but the power consumption increases and noise is generated due to sudden current changes
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor in the auxiliary power supply unit is pre-charged during the stand-by state by the main power supply unit. When warm-up is required, the pre-charged capacitor immediately supplies power to the auxiliary heating element, eliminating the need for sudden high power draw from the main power supply and reducing both power consumption and noise during the warm-up phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system operates in periodic cycles: during stand-by state, the main power supply unit charges the capacitor; during operation state, the capacitor discharges to supply power to the auxiliary heating element. This periodic charge-discharge cycle allows efficient power management, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining rapid warm-up capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the main power supply unit and auxiliary power supply unit do not supply power during stand-by state, then power-saving effect is enhanced, but the heating part temperature may drop in low temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the temperature of the heating part and the state of the capacitor. When the heating part temperature drops below a threshold in stand-by mode, the control unit activates the main heating element powered by the main power supply unit to maintain temperature, while simultaneously charging the capacitor in preparation for future auxiliary heating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on temperature conditions. In normal stand-by conditions, both power supplies are off to save energy. In low temperature conditions, the main power supply unit activates to maintain heating part temperature, and the capacitor charging state is adjusted to ensure sufficient power availability for auxiliary heating when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fixing member and pressing member are pre-rotated during warm-up, then temperature uniformity is improved, but the warm-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged during stand-by state, enabling immediate high-power auxiliary heating when warm-up is initiated. This preliminary energy storage allows the heating part to reach target temperature faster, reducing the duration during which roller rotation would be needed to maintain temperature uniformity, thereby minimizing warm-up time while still achieving adequate temperature distribution.
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 reduces warm-up time, prevents temperature drops during high-speed image formation, and enhances power-saving capabilities, ensuring reliable image fixation even in low temperature conditions by strategically controlling power supply from both the main and auxiliary power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a heating part configured to heat the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
a storage unit configured to be charged by an external power source to supply power to the heating part
Implementation Method 3
to thereby fix the image onto the recording material by heat and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for fixing an image formed on a recording material includes a fixing member and a pressing member which are rotatable to pass the recording material having an image through their nip part, a heating part that heats the fixing member, a storage unit that is charged by an external power source to supply power to the heating part, and a control unit that controls the external power source and the storage unit to supply power to the heating part without rotating the fixing member and pressing member at a time of warming-up the fixing member by the heating part in a first case. The control unit further controls the external power source to supply power to the heating part and controls the storage unit so as not to supply power to the heating part while rotating the fixing member and the pressing member in a second case.