Fixing Unit Heating Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the heating heater is often heated at maximum output before knowing the sheet size, leading to inefficient power consumption and suboptimal heating of the fixing unit, especially when printing small-sized sheets.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a processor and memory that store temperature information for each sheet storage receptacle, allowing it to specify the correct sheet storage receptacle based on predetermined conditions and perform a first heating control to efficiently heat the fixing unit, reducing power consumption by adjusting the heating pattern based on the sheet size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the heating heater is heated at maximum output before knowing the sheet size, then the fixing unit can reach the target temperature quickly, but power consumption increases and heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of sheet storage receptacles based on stored sheet size information before initiating heating. This preliminary action allows the control unit to select the appropriate heating pattern in advance, avoiding unnecessary maximum power consumption while ensuring the fixing unit reaches the required temperature for the specific sheet size being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements multiple heating patterns with different power output parameters corresponding to different sheet sizes. The control unit changes the heating parameters dynamically based on the detected sheet size, selecting from first heating patterns for smaller sheets and second heating patterns for larger sheets, thereby optimizing the balance between heating speed and power consumption.
2Speed
If the heating heater is heated at maximum output, then the target temperature is reached faster, but heating efficiency decreases due to mismatch with actual sheet size requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different heating strategies to different local conditions (sheet sizes). By classifying sheet storage receptacles and matching heating patterns to specific sheet size categories, the invention ensures that each heating operation uses the appropriate intensity level, maximizing heating efficiency by avoiding both overheating and insufficient heating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from a static maximum power mode to a dynamic adaptive mode. The control unit continuously monitors sheet size information and adjusts the heating pattern in real-time, selecting from multiple predefined heating patterns to match the actual processing requirements, thereby optimizing heating efficiency across varying operating conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple heating patterns are implemented based on sheet size, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sheet storage receptacles into different groups based on sheet size characteristics and assigns specific heating patterns to each group. This segmentation approach simplifies the control logic by creating clear, discrete categories rather than requiring continuous adjustment, making the system easier to manage despite having multiple heating patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect sheet size information and automatically select the appropriate heating pattern. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex decision-making logic, as the system autonomously adjusts heating parameters based on real-time information about the sheet being processed.
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 the fixing unit to efficiently reach the target temperature while minimizing power consumption, even when the sheet size is unknown at the start of warming-up, by switching heating controls based on acquired sheet size information during the process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating heater, which is heated according to a type of the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sheet storage receptacles configured to store a sheet. The image forming apparatus also includes a fixing device having a heating belt and a pressure roller configured to heat and fix toner on the sheet conveyed from one of the plurality of sheet storage receptacles. The image forming apparatus also includes a processor and a memory configured to store temperature information associated with each sheet storage receptacle and related to temperature control of the fixing device, acquire type information of a sheet to be printed, in response to a predetermined condition, specify the sheet storage receptacle storing the sheet to be printed, and perform a first heating control that controls a temperature of the fixing device based on the stored temperature information associated with the specified sheet storage receptacle.