BACKGROUND

[0001] An image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus which prints printing data generated in a terminal apparatus like a computer on a printing medium such as paper. As examples of such an image forming apparatus, there may be copying machines, printers, facsimiles, scanners, or multi-function peripherals (MFPs) which multiply implement functions of the aforementioned apparatuses through one apparatus, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Various examples will be described below by referring to the following figures.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an example;

[0004] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed structure of an image forming apparatus according to an example;

[0005] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a heat amount table of a fuser according to an example;

[0006] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling heating of a fuser according to an example;

[0007] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an operating process of an image forming apparatus according to an example;

[0008] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process of selecting whether to heat a fuser based on a temperature of the fuser according to an example;

[0009] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process of selecting whether to heat a fuser based on a temperature of the fuser and a remaining heat amount according to an example; and

[0010] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the drawings. The examples that will be described below may be implemented while being modified in various different forms.

[0012] A description in this specification that one element is “connected to” another element may be interpreted to include both a case in which one element is ‘directly connected to’ another element, and a case in which one element is ‘connected to another element through still another element.’ Also, a description in this specification that one element “includes” another element may be interpreted to mean that other elements may additionally be included, but not that other elements are excluded, unless there is a specific description meaning the contrary. Each example may be implemented or operated independently, but each example may also be implemented or operated while being combined with another example.

[0013] In this specification, “an image forming job” may refer to any of various kinds of jobs related to an image such as formation of an image or generation/storing/transmission of an image file, etc. (e.g., printing, copying, scanning, or faxing), and “a job” may refer to an image forming job, but may also include any or all of a series of processes for performing an image forming job.

[0014] Further, “printing data” may refer to data converted into a printable format at a printer. In an example, if a printer supports direct printing, a file itself may be printing data.

[0015] An “image forming apparatus” may refer to an apparatus which prints printing data generated in a terminal apparatus like a computer on a recording medium such as paper. As examples of such an image forming apparatus, there may be copying machines, printers, facsimiles, scanners, or multi-function peripherals (MFPs) which multiply implement functions of the aforementioned apparatuses through one apparatus, etc.

[0016] A “user” may refer to a person who performs a manipulation of an electronic apparatus by using the electronic apparatus, or using a device connected with the electronic apparatus by wire or wirelessly. Further, a “manager” may refer to a person who has authority to access all functions of an electronic apparatus and a system. A “manager” and a “user” may be the same person.

[0017] Examples described in the disclosure heat a fuser in such a manner as to reduce a power consumption while maintaining the time that is taken until initial printing, and extend the lifespan of the fuser.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 , an image forming apparatus 100 may include a sensor part 110, a processor 130, and a printing engine 140.

[0020] The sensor part 110 may include a cover detection sensor 111 , a paper detection sensor 112, and a temperature sensor 113. In various examples, the cover detection sensor 111 may detect whether the scanner cover of the image forming apparatus 100 is opened, and the paper detection sensor 112 may detect whether a printing medium is located on a paper feeding device. If the image forming apparatus 100 detects an opening of the scanner cover by the cover detection sensor 111 , or detects a printing medium by the paper detection sensor 112, the image forming apparatus 100 may detect that a user may use a printing function. The temperature sensor 113 may detect a temperature of a fuser 141. For example, the temperature of the fuser 141 may refer to a surface temperature of the fuser 141 wherein an unfused image is fused, and more specifically, the temperature may refer to a temperature of a fuser member (e.g., a heating belt, a heating roller, etc.) included in the fuser 141. For performing the printing function, the image forming apparatus 100 may heat the fuser 141 in consideration of the temperature of the fuser 141 detected by the temperature sensor 113.

[0021] The processor 130 may control an operation of the image forming apparatus 100. In an example, based on an opening of the scanner cover being detected by the cover detection sensor 111 , or a printing medium being detected by the paper detection sensor 112, the processor 130 may control the temperature sensor 113 and detect the temperature of the fuser 141. In that case, the processor 130 may heat the fuser 141 based on the detected temperature of the fuser 141.

[0022] In an example, if the image forming apparatus 100 receives an input of a command for an operation which is not a printing function (e.g., not a copying operation), the processor 130 may stop the heating and the operation of the fuser 141.

[0023] The printing engine 140 may form an image. For example, the printing engine 140 may print a printing image generated at the processor 130 on a printing medium such as paper. Such a printing engine 140 may perform printing by an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, and the like. Also, the printing engine 140 may be a mono printing engine that can print one color or it may be a color printing engine that can perform color printing.

[0024] The printing engine 140 may include the fuser 141. The printing engine 140 may further include other components for performing a printing job other than the fuser 141 . The fuser 141 may be heated, and fuse the toner on a printing medium by using the heat.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed structure of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 may include the sensor part 110 including the cover detection sensor 111 , the paper detection sensor 112, and the temperature sensor 113, a memory 120, the processor 130, the printing engine 140 including the fuser 141 , a communication interface 150, an input interface 160, a display 170, and a speaker 180.

[0027] As the sensor part 110 and the printing engine 140 are to perform the same functions as the sensor part 110 and the printing engine 140 in FIG. 1 , overlapping explanation will be omitted. Also, as the processor 130 is to perform a similar function to the processor 130 in FIG. 1 , the content explained in FIG. 1 will not be overlappingly described, but rather the contents related to the components added in FIG. 2 will be described below.

[0028] The memory 120 may store at least one instruction related to the image forming apparatus 100. For example, in the memory 120, various kinds of programs or machine readable instructions for the image forming apparatus 100 to operate may be stored according to the various examples of the disclosure. Also, the memory 120 may store a heat amount table of the fuser. The heat amount table of the fuser refers to data wherein the internal energy (i.e., the remaining heat amount) of the fuser 141 is stored in a form of a table.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 100 may heat the fuser 141 based on performing a printing function. The time that is taken until the image forming apparatus 100 performs an initial printing job may be influenced by the time that is taken by the fuser 141 to reach an appropriate temperature. Accordingly, for reducing the time that is taken for the image forming apparatus 100 to perform the initial printing job, the fuser 141 may be heated in advance. However, the time that is taken for the image forming apparatus 100 to heat the fuser 141 to the appropriate temperature may be influenced by the temperature of the fuser 141 and also by the internal energy of the fuser 141 . For example, even in a case in which the temperature of the fuser 141 is the same, if the internal energy of the fuser 141 is large, the time that is taken to heat the fuser 141 to the appropriate temperature may become shorter. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 may select whether to heat the fuser 141 considering the temperature of the fuser 141 and also the internal energy of the fuser 141. The temperature of the fuser 141 may be measured (i.e., detected) by using the temperature sensor 113. However, it may be difficult for the image forming apparatus 100 to directly measure the internal energy of the fuser 141. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 may store the internal energy of the fuser 141 as a heat amount table in the memory 120, and select whether to heat the fuser 141 based on the stored heat amount table and the measured temperature of the fuser 141 .

[0030] The heat amount table may include heat amount information divided into a plurality of stages according to a number of sheets continuously printed, a resting time of the fuser, and the like. The processor 130 may identify a stage corresponding to the number of the printed sheets or the resting time among the plurality of stages of the heat amount table, and compare the temperature information of the fuser in the identified stage and the detected temperature of the fuser, and thereby select whether to heat the fuser 141 .

[0031] For example, if the detected temperature of the fuser 141 is lower than the temperature corresponding to the identified stage of the heat amount table of the fuser 141 , the processor 130 may heat the fuser 141 . Alternatively, if the detected temperature of the fuser 141 exceeds the temperature corresponding to the identified stage of the heat amount table of the fuser 141 , the processor 130 may operate the fuser 141 without heating. If the set operation time passes while the processor 130 is operating the fuser 141 without heating, the processor 130 may stop the operation of the fuser 141 .

[0032] Also, if the set stand-by time passes after the image forming apparatus 100 detected an opening of the scanner cover or a printing medium located on the paper feeding device, the processor 130 may change the identified stage of the heat amount table to a minimum stage.

[0033] The communication interface 150 may connect the image forming apparatus 100 with an external apparatus (not shown). In various examples, the communication interface 150 may connect the image forming apparatus 100 to an external apparatus through a near field communication network (e.g., a local area network (LAN)) and an Internet network, but also through a universal serial bus (USB) port or a wireless communication (e.g., WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth) port. The communication interface 150 may receive input of a control command through the external apparatus, receive printing data, and the like. In a situation in which printing data is received through the communication interface 150, the processor 130 may control the printing engine 140 such that the received printing data is printed. Such a communication interface 150 may also be referred to as a communication part, a communication module, a communication device, a transceiver, etc.

[0034] The input interface 160 may receive input of a selection of a function and a control command regarding the function from a user. Here, the function may include a printing function, a copying function, a scanning function, a fax transmitting function, etc. Such an input interface 160 may also be referred to as an input part, an input module, an input device, etc.

[0035] The display 170 may display a user interface window to receive a selection of a function supported by the image forming apparatus 100. As an example, the display 170 may display a user interface window for receiving a selection of various kinds of functions provided by the image forming apparatus 100. Such a display 170 may be a monitor such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, etc., and the display 170 may also be implemented as a touch screen that can perform the function of the input interface 160 simultaneously.

[0036] The speaker 180 may output state information of the image forming apparatus 100 as a sound. For example, if the image forming apparatus 100 is in an error state, the speaker 180 may output a sound corresponding to the error state.

[0037] Hereinafter, an example of selecting whether to heat the fuser will be explained.

[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a heat amount table of a fuser according to an example.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3A, a heat amount table wherein a remaining heat amount of the fuser is divided into a plurality of steps is illustrated, and referring to FIG. 3B, a heat amount table which indicates a change of the remaining heat amount based on the number of printed sheets and a resting time of the fuser is illustrated. Hereinafter, an explanation will be made with reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

[0040] The remaining heat amount of the fuser may be defined as steps. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example, the remaining heat amount of the fuser may be divided into nine steps, and as a step is higher, it may indicate that the remaining heat amount is greater. The remaining heat amount of the fuser may change according to the number of sheets continuously printed and a resting time of the fuser. For example, the remaining heat amount of the fuser may increase as the number of sheets continuously printed is greater, and it may decrease as the resting time becomes longer.

[0041] For example, in case the image forming apparatus continuously prints 100 sheets, the remaining heat amount of the fuser may be the step 5, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. In case the fuser rests for 90 seconds, the remaining heat amount of the fuser may be the reverse 2 step, and decrease to the step 3, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. The image forming apparatus may set the temperature of the fuser corresponding to each step or a plurality of steps. As an example, if the remaining heat amount exceeds the step 4, the image forming apparatus may set the temperature of the fuser as 140 degrees, and if the remaining heat amount is less than the step 4, the image forming apparatus may set the temperature of the fuser as 120 degrees. In the aforementioned example, the remaining heat amount of the fuser is the step 3, and thus the corresponding temperature of the fuser may be 120 degrees. Accordingly, in case the temperature of the fuser detected at the temperature sensor is less than 120 degrees, the image forming apparatus may identify that the fuser needs to be heated. Alternatively, in case the temperature of the fuser detected at the temperature sensor exceeds 120 degrees, the image forming apparatus may identify that the temperature of the fuser needs to be reduced. The image forming apparatus may reduce the temperature of the fuser by driving the fuser without heating it.

[0042] In an example, if the resting time of the fuser exceeds five minutes, the image forming apparatus may change the step of the remaining heat amount of the fuser to 1 , regardless of the current step. The step 1 is the minimum step of the remaining heat amount table, and it may indicate that the fuser is considered to be completely cooled.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling heating of a fuser according to an example.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus may detect an opening of the scanner cover or a printing medium located on the paper feeding device in operation S410, and detect the temperature of the fuser in operation S420.

[0045] The image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser based on the detected temperature of the fuser in operation S430. If the image forming apparatus detects an opening of the scanner cover or a printing medium located on the paper feeding device, the image forming apparatus may heat and operate the fuser. In an example, the image forming apparatus may select whether to heat and operate the fuser based on the detected temperature of the fuser. For example, if the detected temperature of the fuser is lower than or equal to a set temperature, the image forming apparatus may heat and operate the fuser. However, if the detected temperature of the fuser exceeds the set temperature, the image forming apparatus may not heat and operate the fuser. While the image forming apparatus is heating and operating the fuser, if the image forming apparatus receives an input of a command for an operation which is not a printing function (e.g., is not a copying operation), the image forming apparatus may stop the heating and operation of the fuser.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an operating process of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, if a signal related to a printing function is detected, the image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser in operation S510. If the image forming apparatus selects to heat the fuser, the image forming apparatus may operate in a first driving mode in operation S520. For example, the first driving mode may refer to a mode wherein the image forming apparatus drives the fuser first before performing a printing operation. As an example, the first driving mode may refer to a mode wherein the fuser is heated or heating/rotating operations are performed. If the image forming apparatus selects not to heat the fuser, the image forming apparatus may operate in a second driving mode in operation S530. For example, the second driving mode may refer to a mode wherein the fuser is not driven, but is made to stand by. As an example, the second driving mode may refer to a mode wherein the fuser is made to stand by, or a rotating operation is performed.

[0048] The image forming apparatus may detect whether a command for performing a printing job is input in operation S540. For example, a command for performing a printing job may be a job command including a driving command for the printing engine for printing (e.g., copy or print). If a job command not including a driving command for the printing engine is input, the image forming apparatus may stop the operation of the fuser in operation S550. If a job command including a driving command for the printing engine is input, the image forming apparatus may operate in a third driving mode including heating or rotating of the fuser in operation S560.

[0049] The image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser based on a temperature (e.g., a surface temperature) of the fuser. [0050] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process of selecting whether to heat a fuser based on a temperature of the fuser according to an example.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus may detect whether information is information related to a printing function (e.g., copy or print) in operation S610. For example, if the cover detection sensor detects an opening of the scanner cover, or the paper detection sensor detects a printing medium located on the paper feeding device, the image forming apparatus may detect that the information is information related to the printing function. If the image forming apparatus detects that the information is not information related to the printing function, the image forming apparatus may not heat the fuser and the process may end. In the alternative, if the image forming apparatus detects that the information is information related to the printing function, the image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser based on a temperature of the fuser.

[0052] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the reference temperature for selecting whether to heat the fuser may be set as 130 degrees. The image forming apparatus may identify whether the detected temperature of the fuser exceeds 130 degrees in operation S620. In case the temperature of the fuser exceeds 130 degrees, the image forming apparatus may not heat the fuser. Alternatively, in case the temperature of the fuser is lower than or equal to 130 degrees, the image forming apparatus may control to heat the fuser in operation S630.

[0053] In an example, the image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser based on the detected temperature of the fuser and also the heat amount table of the fuser.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process of selecting whether to heat a fuser based on a temperature of the fuser and a remaining heat amount according to an example.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus may detect whether information is information related to a printing function in operation S710. If the image forming apparatus detects that the information is not information related to the printing function, the image forming apparatus may not heat the fuser. Alternatively, if the image forming apparatus detects that the information is information related to the printing function, the image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser. The image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser based on the temperature of the fuser detected at the temperature sensor and the stored heat amount table of the fuser. The image forming apparatus may identify the heat amount step of the fuser included in the heat amount table based on the number of sheets continuously printed and the resting time of the fuser. The image forming apparatus may select whether to heat the fuser by comparing the temperature of the fuser corresponding to the heat amount step of the fuser included in the heat amount table of the fuser and the detected temperature of the fuser.

[0056] The heat amount table of the fuser may include heat amount information divided into a plurality of steps according to the number of sheets continuously printed and the resting time of the fuser. The image forming apparatus may identify a step corresponding to the number of printed sheets or the resting time of the fuser among the plurality of steps of the heat amount table. The image forming apparatus may compare the temperature information of the fuser in the identified step and the detected temperature of the fuser, and select whether to heat the fuser.

[0057] For example, if the detected temperature of the fuser is lower than the temperature corresponding to the identified step of the heat amount table of the fuser, the image forming apparatus may heat the fuser. Alternatively, if the detected temperature of the fuser exceeds the temperature corresponding to the identified step of the heat amount table of the fuser, the image forming apparatus may just operate the fuser without heating the fuser. If a set operation time passes while operating the fuser without heating, the image forming apparatus may stop the operation of the fuser.

[0058] If a set stand-by time passes after detecting an opening of the scanner cover or a printing medium located on the paper feeding device, the image forming apparatus may change the identified step of the heat amount table to a minimum step. Also, if the image forming apparatus receives a command for an operation which is not a copying operation, the image forming apparatus may stop the heating and operation of the fuser.

[0059] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus may identify whether the heat amount of the fuser exceeds the step 4 in operation S720. The temperature of the fuser corresponding to a step exceeding the step 4 may be set as 120 degrees. In case the heat amount of the fuser exceeds the step 4, the image forming apparatus may identify whether the detected temperature of the fuser exceeds 120 degrees in operation S730. In case the temperature of the fuser exceeds 120 degrees, the image forming apparatus may not heat the fuser and the process may end. Alternatively, in case the temperature of the fuser is lower than or equal to 120 degrees, the image forming apparatus may control to heat the fuser in operation S750.

[0060] As described above, the image forming apparatus may identify whether the heat amount of the fuser exceeds the step 4 in operation S720. The temperature of the fuser corresponding to a step lower than or equal to the step 4 may be set as 140 degrees. In case the heat amount of the fuser is lower than or equal to the step 4, the image forming apparatus may identify whether the detected temperature of the fuser exceeds 140 degrees in operation S740. In case the temperature of the fuser exceeds 140 degrees, the image forming apparatus may not heat the user and the process may end. Alternatively, in case the temperature of the fuser is lower than or equal to 140 degrees, the image forming apparatus may control to heat the fuser in operation S750.

[0061] In case the temperature of the fuser is higher than the reference temperature, the image forming apparatus may idle the fuser. As an example, the image forming apparatus may rotate the fuser without heating it. Based on a specific time passing after rotating the fuser, the image forming apparatus may also stop the rotating of the fuser. Also, in case a user’s command not related to a printing operation is input, the image forming apparatus may stop the heating or operation of the fuser. Through the aforementioned process, the image forming apparatus is able to control the time that is taken until initial printing, reduce power consumption, and lengthen the lifespan of the fuser.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to an example. [0063] Referring to FIG. 8, an example process executed in the aforementioned image forming apparatus may be implemented in a form of a non- transitory computer-readable recording medium to store instructions or data that can be executed by a computer or a processor. A non-transitory computer- readable recording medium 800 may store instructions related to the operations of the aforementioned image forming apparatus. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium 800 may include instructions 810 to detect an opening of a scanner cover or a printing medium located on a paper feeding device, instructions 820 to detect the temperature of the fuser, and instructions 830 to select whether to heat the fuser based on the detected temperature of the fuser.

[0064] Such a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical data storage apparatus, an optical data storage apparatus, a hard disk, a solid-state disk (SSD), and machine readable instructions, related data, data files, and data structures. Also, the computer-readable recording medium may be any apparatus that can provide machine readable instructions, related data, data files, and data structures to a processor or a computer so that the processor or the computer can execute the instructions.

[0065] While examples of the disclosure have been shown and described, the disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned examples, and it is apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure as claimed by the appended claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the descriptions of the claims.