Fixing Unit Power Switching for First Print Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic methods, the time required to warm up the fixing unit increases when switching between heating elements of different longitudinal lengths, leading to longer first print output times due to the need for power switching during the warming process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a switching unit that pre-selects and powers the heating element with the longest longitudinal length at the start of a print job, regardless of the presence or absence of a subsequent print command, to reduce warm-up time and prevent film deformation by uniformly heating the fixing nip portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the switching unit switches between heating elements based on the size of recording material being used, then the temperature increase of non-sheet-passing portions can be suppressed, but the time required for warming up the fixing unit increases when switching between heating elements of different longitudinal lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit is configured to switch the power supply to the first heating element (longer length) in advance at the end of fixing processing, before the next print command is received. This preliminary action ensures that when the next print command arrives requiring the first heating element, the switching has already occurred or is occurring concurrently with warm-up, thereby reducing the warm-up time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power supply configuration based on the sequence of print commands. When a print command is received while the first heating element is already powered (or being powered), the system maintains continuous power supply to this heating element throughout the warm-up period, allowing the warm-up process to proceed without interruption and reducing overall warm-up time.
2Loss of energy
If the switching unit waits to switch heating elements until a new print command is received, then power is not wasted heating the wrong element, but the warm-up time increases due to switching occurring during the warm-up period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the switching action in advance at the end of the previous fixing processing rather than waiting for the next print command. This timing optimization allows the switching to occur before the warm-up period begins, eliminating the delay that would otherwise be added to the first print output time.
Solution Approach 2:
By switching to the required heating element before the next print command arrives, the system ensures continuous useful action - the heating element is already powered and begins warming up immediately when needed, rather than experiencing an interruption or delay for switching during the critical warm-up phase.
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 configuration reduces the warm-up time of the fixing device by eliminating the need for switching between heating elements during the initial stages of printing, minimizing first print output time and preventing film deformation by ensuring uniform heating.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the rotation member
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where fixing processing ends in a state where a power supply line is switched by a switching unit according to a first print command so that power is suppliable to a second heating element, the switching unit switches the power supply line from the second heating element to a first heating element so that power is suppliable to the first heating element, the switching occurring regardless of presence or absence of reception of a second print command subsequent to the first print command.