Fixing Portion Temperature Control via Photovoltaic Power in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transitioning from power saving mode to normal mode, particularly in maintaining the temperature of the fixing portion for efficient operation, while minimizing power consumption and ensuring timely return to normal mode operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a photovoltaic module to generate electric power and a power storage/supply portion that supplies power to the temperature detection portion during power saving mode, allowing for immediate temperature detection and controlled fixing return processing based on pre-determined waiting times corresponding to the initial temperature, thereby optimizing the timing of the fixing return processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to the temperature detection portion is stopped in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but temperature detection cannot be performed to enable timely fixing return processing
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection portion performs temperature detection in advance during power saving mode using residual power or low-power operation. This preliminary detection of the fixing portion's temperature state enables the control portion to plan and execute fixing return processing efficiently when normal mode is resumed, avoiding delays that would occur if temperature detection had to wait until after power supply was fully restored.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to the fixing portion is stopped in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the fixing portion temperature drops requiring extended heating time to reach operational temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion uses temperature detection data from the temperature detection portion to monitor the fixing portion's temperature state in real-time or near-real-time during power saving mode. Based on this feedback, the control portion determines the optimal timing for initiating fixing return processing and adjusts heating power dynamically, ensuring the fixing portion reaches operational temperature efficiently without excessive energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If temperature detection is performed continuously in normal mode, then accurate temperature control is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection portion operates periodically or at specific intervals rather than continuously, even in normal mode. Temperature detection is performed at key moments such as during fixing return processing initiation, during heating phases, and when mode transitions occur. This periodic operation maintains sufficient temperature control accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous detection.
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 efficient and timely return to normal mode operations by ensuring the fixing portion reaches the required temperature without excessive power consumption, while maintaining reduced power usage during the power saving mode.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module (40) that receives light so as to generate electric power
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detection portion (24) that receives power supply so as to output a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the fixing portion (21)
Implementation Method 3
a fixing portion (21) that includes a fixing member (22) which receives power supply so as to increase in temperature and fixes an image printed on a sheet to the sheet with the fixing member (22) whose temperature is increased
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes a fixing portion (21), a temperature detection portion (24), a power supply portion (300), a control portion (220), a photovoltaic module (40) and a power storage/supply portion (400) which stores power from the photovoltaic module (40) and which performs power supply to the temperature detection portion (24) when power supply from the power supply portion (300) to the temperature detection portion (24) is stopped. The control portion (220) detects, when a return condition is satisfied, the temperature of the fixing portion (24) based on the output of the temperature detection portion (24), and as a temperature on return is higher, the control portion (220) starts fixing return processing at later timing whereas as the temperature on return is lower, the control portion (220) starts the fixing return processing at earlier timing.