Interlock Switch Power Segmentation for Cover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience power wastage due to current leakage between the control system and drive system power circuits, even in power saving modes, as both circuits remain connected, leading to inefficient power consumption when detecting the opening of a cover.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an interlock switch and a cover open detector connected to the drive system power line, which disconnects the drive system supply voltage when the cover is opened, using a control system supply voltage to indicate the cover's status without continuously powering the drive system, thereby preventing current leakage and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive system power line and control system power line are always connected, then the cover can be detected in both operating mode and power saving mode, but current leakage occurs from control system power supply to drive system power supply circuit, wasting power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent parts: a drive system power supply circuit and a control system power supply circuit. The drive system power supply circuit is connected to the drive system load, while the control system power supply circuit is connected to the cover detection circuit. This segmentation allows the cover to be detected in power saving mode without requiring the drive system power supply circuit to be active, thereby preventing current leakage and reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the drive system supply voltage is continuously supplied, then the image forming portion can operate, but power is wasted when the cover is opened in power saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the drive system supply voltage is supplied only when needed for image forming operations, not continuously. The power supply circuit dynamically adjusts its state based on operational requirements, disconnecting the drive system power supply when the cover is opened or when in power saving mode, thereby eliminating power wastage while maintaining ease of operation when required.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the control system power supply is connected to the drive system power supply circuit, then cover detection is possible, but current leakage occurs in both operating mode and power saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary power supply circuit for the control system that is separate from the drive system power supply circuit. This intermediary control system power supply circuit provides power specifically to the cover detection circuit, enabling cover status detection without creating a direct electrical path that causes current leakage between the control and drive systems. The intermediary circuit acts as a dedicated power source for detection functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a cover; a power supply that supplies a drive system supply voltage and a control system supply voltage in an operating mode, and that supplies the control system supply voltage without supplying the drive system supply voltage in a power saving mode; an interlock switch including a first terminal that receives the drive system supply voltage, a second terminal that receives the control system supply voltage, and a third terminal connected to a line for supplying the drive system supply voltage to an image forming portion, the interlock switch connecting the first and third terminals when the cover is closed, and connecting the second and third terminals when the cover is open; and a detector that, when the control system supply voltage is applied to the line in the power saving mode, stores information indicating that the cover has been opened.