Image Forming Apparatus Load Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the increased load fluctuation on drive motors due to shared motor configurations for multiple toner agitator and supply units leads to higher costs and potential motor synchronization loss and component damage, while increased processing speeds result in noise issues for users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control unit that selectively operates supply members based on the amount of developer in cartridges to manage load torque and reduce simultaneous toner supply to manageable levels, using a single drive unit for multiple supply members, and prioritizing toner supply to cartridges with lower remaining toner to maintain optimal load torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is shared to drive multiple supply members for different cartridges, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but motor load fluctuation increases causing synchronization loss and potential component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the operation of supply members based on real-time detection of toner levels in cartridges. The control unit selectively activates or deactivates supply members to maintain stable motor load, preventing synchronization loss while using a single shared motor for multiple cartridges
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection units that continuously monitor toner levels in cartridges and provide feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts which supply members are active, ensuring the shared motor operates within stable load parameters and avoids synchronization issues
2Productivity
If processing speed is increased to improve productivity, then output quantity increases but noise level increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic detection of toner levels and periodic activation of supply members rather than continuous operation. This intermittent operation pattern allows the motor to be inactive during periods when toner levels are sufficient, reducing noise during idle periods while maintaining high productivity when toner supply is needed
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, which has a plurality of image forming units, comprises a plurality of cartridges adapted to supply developer; a plurality of supply members adapted to supply developer to the image forming units from a plurality of the cartridges; a drive unit adapted to drive a plurality of the supply members; and a control unit adapted to supply developer from a plurality of the cartridges by selectively operating a plurality of the supply members based on the amount of developer accommodated in the cartridges.