Image Forming Apparatus Clock Oscillation Unit Warm-Up Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses do not adequately address malfunctions caused by start-up environment temperatures lower than the recommended operation temperature, particularly in the main control unit or integrated circuits, which can lead to improper operation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a clock oscillation unit that transmits a clock signal to the function control processing unit during a predetermined standby time before activating it, allowing the unit to warm up and preventing malfunctions due to low start-up temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the function control processing unit is activated immediately upon power supply, then the apparatus starts operation quickly, but malfunction occurs when the start-up environment temperature is lower than the recommended operation temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a standby period between power supply and activation of the function control processing unit. During this standby period, the processing unit is kept inactive to allow its internal temperature to rise to a safe operating level before it is activated, thereby preventing malfunction caused by low temperatures while maintaining quick startup.
2Reliability
If power is applied to raise the internal temperature of the processing unit during standby time, then the processing unit operates reliably, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a time-limited standby period during which power is supplied to the processing unit to allow temperature equalization. This periodic power supply during a controlled time window is sufficient to raise the temperature to safe levels without requiring continuous power application, thus preventing malfunction while minimizing unnecessary energy 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 effectively prevents malfunctions and improves the reliability and safety of the image forming apparatus by ensuring the function control processing unit operates within a suitable temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
the function control processing unit continuously receives the clock signal, which causes the temperature of the function control processing unit itself to rise
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided with: a function control processing unit (main CPU) (21); a clock oscillation unit (24); a power-supply controlling unit (30); and a power-supply control processing unit (31). The power-supply control processing unit (31) is provided in the power-supply controlling unit (30), and starts as a power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned ON to control energization of constituent elements and control a start-up operation of the function control processing unit (21). In addition, the power-supply control processing unit (31) has a warm-up driving mode in which the power-supply control processing unit (31) starts as the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned ON to cause the clock oscillation unit (24) to start an operation to transmit a clock signal to the function control processing unit (21), and in which the power-supply control processing unit (31) itself restarts and the function control processing unit (21) is started after the elapse of a prescribed standby time with the function control processing unit (21) being not started.