Fixing Device Standby Temperature Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the time required to become operational after receiving an operation start instruction, as the temperature of the fixing device needs to be adjusted differently for decolorable and non-decolorable toners, leading to increased waiting times.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control circuit that sets a standby temperature based on the selected mode (non-decolorable, decolorable, or image erasing) and adjusts the fixing device's temperature to this standby state before an operation start signal is received, allowing for immediate temperature adjustments when the operation mode is changed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing device temperature is adjusted to match the specific toner type after operation start, then the image formation quality is ensured, but the operational response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary temperature adjustment of the fixing device to a standby temperature corresponding to the selected toner type before the operation start instruction is received. This preliminary action ensures that when the operation starts, the fixing device is already at or near the required temperature, eliminating warm-up delays and ensuring immediate image formation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fixing device temperature based on the selected toner type (decolorable or non-decolorable) and transitions between different standby temperatures. The control circuit monitors the current temperature and adjusts it in real-time to match the required standby temperature for the selected mode, optimizing both response time and image quality.
2Productivity
If the fixing device maintains a high standby temperature to reduce wait time, then operational response time decreases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different standby temperatures based on the locally selected operation mode. Instead of maintaining a uniformly high temperature for all modes, the control circuit sets the standby temperature specifically matching the selected toner type (decolorable or non-decolorable), ensuring optimal energy efficiency for each operational context while maintaining quick response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit changes the temperature parameter of the fixing device based on the selected operation mode. When decolorable toner is selected, a lower standby temperature is used, and when non-decolorable toner is selected, a higher standby temperature is used. This parameter adaptation reduces energy consumption while maintaining operational responsiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing device temperature is changed frequently between different toner types, then operational flexibility is improved, but temperature stabilization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary temperature adjustment to the appropriate standby temperature when the operation mode is selected, before the actual image formation operation starts. This preliminary action ensures that when the user switches between decolorable and non-decolorable toner types, the temperature adjustment has already begun, minimizing the stabilization time perceived by the user and maintaining operational flexibility.
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 significantly reduces the time from operation start instruction to actual printing or image formation, minimizing user wait times and overall job completion time by pre-setting the fixing device temperature according to the selected mode.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing device heats and fixes an image, by the first toner, formed on the surface of the sheet at the first fixing reference temperature or heats and fixes an image, by the second toner, formed on the surface of the sheet at the second fixing reference temperature
Implementation Method 2
The control circuit sets a standby temperature in accordance with the mode indicated by the selection signal and controls a temperature of the fixing device to be the standby temperature, in a standby state before an operation start reception
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing device, and a control circuit. The control circuit acquires a selection signal indicating which mode is selected from among options. The options include at least two modes, including a first mode in which an image is formed using a non-decolorable first toner, a second mode in which the image is formed using a decolorable second toner, and a third mode in which the image is erased by heating a sheet on which the image is formed by the second toner using the fixing device at a decolorizing temperature. The control circuit sets a different standby temperature in accordance with the mode indicated by the selection signal, and controls a temperature of the fixing device to be the standby temperature, in a standby state before an operation start reception.