Option Heater Power Cutoff in Image Forming Sleep Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heater driving circuits in option devices continue to consume standby power even when in a stopped state, necessitating further reductions in power consumption during energy saving modes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control portion that switches a first switching portion to a non-conductive state to stop operation of the operating portion when transitioning from a first mode to a second, lower power consumption mode, using DC voltage generated by the image forming apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the heater driving circuit is provided in the option device, then the optimal printed material can be output for user's purpose, but standby power is generated even when the heater drive operation is stopped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost of image forming apparatusVSAvoidpower consumption in energy saving mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power supply control function from the option device itself and relocates it to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus now controls the power supply to the option device's operating portion, eliminating the need for the option device to have its own independent power control circuitry. This reduces the option device's power consumption in energy saving mode while maintaining its heating function capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming apparatus's power source portion is made multi-functional by enabling it to control power supply not only to itself but also to the connected option device. The control portion of the image forming apparatus universally manages power distribution to both the image forming apparatus and the option device, reducing overall system power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the option device is provided with heater driving circuit, then heating function is achieved, but power consumption cannot be reduced in energy saving mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating function capabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power supply control function from the option device and relocates it to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus's control portion now manages power supply to the option device's operating portion, eliminating standby power consumption in the option device while preserving its heating function capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary between the power source and the option device. It mediates the power supply to the option device, controlling when power is delivered to the operating portion. This intermediary control eliminates the option device's need for independent power control circuitry and reduces standby power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces power consumption in the energy saving mode by cutting off AC voltage supply to the operating portion, thereby minimizing standby power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a power source portion configured to generate a DC voltage from an AC voltage supplied from an external power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a first switching portion configured to supply the AC voltage to the operating portion in a conductive state and to cut off supply of the AC voltage to the operating portion in a non-conductive state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Switching:

Data Source

PatentUS12607958B2Device operating in a state connected to an image forming apparatus and controlling a power supply when switching modes

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 CANON KK

AI summary

A device includes an operating portion, a switch and a controller. The device is operable in a first mode in which a predetermined operation is executed and in a second mode of which power consumption is reduced rather than in the first mode, and operates in a state connected to an image forming apparatus. The operating portion operates by an AC voltage supplied from an external power source. The switch supplies the AC voltage to the operating portion in a conductive state and cuts off supply of the AC voltage to the operating portion in a non-conductive state. The controller operates by a DC voltage generated from the AC voltage by a power source provided in the image forming apparatus. The controller controls to cause the switch to be in the non-conductive state so as to stop operation of the operating portion when the device shifts from the first mode to the second mode.