Image Forming Apparatus Power Control for Option Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining fixing performance and shortening the first print output time (FPOT) when option external devices are connected, as the reduced power supply to the fixing unit increases warm-up time and prolongs FPOT.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a power control unit that adjusts the power supply to the fixing unit based on the connection status of option devices, employing a conveyance control unit to manage the recording material's conveyance according to elapsed time or detected temperature, and sets a higher threshold power when option devices are connected, ensuring optimal fixing performance and reducing FPOT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is reduced for option devices, then option device operation is enabled, but fixing performance deteriorates and warm-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation by switching between two operational modes: a first mode where conveyance timing is based on elapsed time from power supply start, and a second mode where conveyance timing is based on detected temperature. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between speed and reliability based on available power, resolving the contradiction between supporting option devices and maintaining fixing performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power is reduced for option devices, then option device operation is enabled, but first print output time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between time-based conveyance control (first mode) and temperature-based conveyance control (second mode) depending on the maximum power available. When power is sufficient, the system uses the faster time-based mode; when power is reduced due to option device connection, it switches to the temperature-based mode to ensure adequate heating, thus minimizing first print output time under varying power conditions.
3Speed
If power supply to heater is increased, then warm-up speed increases, but total power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heater by controlling the maximum power supplied based on the operational state of option devices. The power control unit adjusts the heater's power input dynamically, allowing high power for fast warm-up when option devices are not in use, and reduced power when option devices require power, thus resolving the contradiction between warm-up speed and total power consumption.
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 allows for efficient power allocation, maintaining fixing performance and shortening FPOT even when option devices are operating, by dynamically adjusting power supply and conveyance timing based on available power and temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit, having a heater, configured to fix the unfixed toner image on a recording material
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the fixing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit having a heater, a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a conveyance control unit that controls conveying a recording material. The conveyance control unit executes, when the maximum power is greater than a threshold power, a first mode where conveyance is performed according to a time, and executes, in a case where the maximum power is less than the threshold power, a second mode where conveyance is performed according to the detected temperature. The power control unit sets a larger value to the threshold power when an option device is connected to the image forming apparatus as compared to when the option device is not connected to the image forming apparatus.