Dual Control Unit Power Saving for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, post-processing operations such as rotating the photosensitive drum and exhausting gas require power consumption, even when the controller unit is shut down, leading to inefficiencies and potential image defects.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a power saving mode where the first control unit is shut down, and a second control unit, configured to consume low power, manages the image forming unit to perform specific operations like rotating the photosensitive drum and exhausting gas without activating the first control unit, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing image defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the controller unit is shut down to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but post-processing operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller unit is divided into two separate control units: a first control unit that consumes more power and a second control unit that consumes less power. The second control unit is specifically designed to handle post-processing operations independently, allowing the first control unit to be shut down for power saving while maintaining the capability to perform necessary maintenance operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first control unit is activated to perform post-processing operations, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processing operation capability is extracted from the first control unit and assigned to the second control unit. This allows the first control unit to remain in a low-power state while the second control unit handles the specific task of rotating the photosensitive drum and other maintenance operations that preserve image quality.
3Reliability
If the controller unit remains active to control post-processing, then operations are performed reliably, but the hard disk must remain activated reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The second control unit is designed to autonomously control the post-processing operations without requiring the first control unit or hard disk to be active. The second control unit can independently manage the rotation of the photosensitive drum and other maintenance tasks, allowing the hard disk to be shut down or removed during power-saving mode, thereby extending its operational lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a first control unit configured to control the image forming apparatus, a second control unit configured to control the image forming unit based on control of the first control unit, and a signal output unit configured to output a control signal for controlling an operation of the image forming unit, when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving state in which power supply to the first control unit is stopped, wherein the second control unit performs a specific operation for maintenance of the image forming unit, according to the control signal output from the signal output unit, when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving state in which power supply to the first control unit is stopped.