Fixing Device Switch Maintains Power for Sheet Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices interrupt the power supply to fixing heaters when the cover is opened, preventing the fixation of developer images on sheets, which is not suitable for devices that discharge sheets directly onto the cover.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a switch that maintains power supply to the fixing device and motor drive circuit regardless of the cover's open or closed state, allowing sheets to be discharged while the cover is open, and interrupts power when the fixing device is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cover is opened to allow fixing device removal, then the fixing device can be removed for maintenance or replacement, but power supply to heaters is interrupted preventing developer image fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control is segmented into two independent switches: a first switch controlled by cover opening/closing, and a second switch controlled by fixing device presence. This segmentation allows the first switch to manage cover safety while the second switch independently manages heater power based on whether the fixing device is installed, resolving the contradiction between cover accessibility and power supply continuity for image fixation.
2Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to heaters regardless of cover state, then developer images can be fixed even when cover is open, but power is wasted when fixing device is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the second switch that detects whether the fixing device is properly installed. When the fixing device is removed, the second switch opens to interrupt power supply to the heaters, preventing energy waste. When the fixing device is installed, the second switch closes to enable power supply for proper image fixation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining fixation reliability and avoiding energy loss.
3Device complexity
If a single switch controls power supply based on cover state, then the control system is simple, but it cannot distinguish between cover opening for sheet discharge and cover opening for fixing device removal
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent switches: the first switch responds to cover opening/closing actions, and the second switch responds to fixing device installation/removal actions. This segmentation enables the system to distinguish between different operational modes (sheet discharge versus fixing device maintenance) by combining the states of both switches, thereby increasing adaptability without significantly complicating the overall control architecture.
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
Enables the fixation of developer images on sheets even when the cover is open, ensuring uninterrupted operation and proper discharge of sheets, while ensuring power efficiency by disconnecting power when the fixing device is removed.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing device includes fixing heaters powered by an AC drive power
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming device, a device body has an opening. A process member forms a developer image on a sheet. The fixing device fixes the developer image on the sheet. A fixing device is removable from the device body through the opening. A process-power supply member supplies process-power to the process member based on power inputted from a power supply member. A switch switchable between: a first state in which the switch allows connection between the process-power supply member and the power supply member; and a second state in which the switch disconnects the process-power supply member from the power supply member to interrupt input of the process-power to the process-power supply member. The switch switches to the first state when the fixing device is mounted in the device body. The switch switches to the second state when the fixing device is removed from the device body.