Motor Control Apparatus for Developing Roller Torque Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, the rotation of the developing roller becomes unstable when brought into contact with the photosensitive member during open-loop control or immediately after switching to closed-loop control, due to increased torque and load, which complicates the motor control and prolongs the image formation time.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus that includes a detection unit to determine the change timing and value of torque exerted on the driving unit, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the start timing of state control based on detected torque values, thereby stabilizing motor rotation and optimizing image formation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the developing roller is brought into contact with the photosensitive member during open-loop control or immediately after switching to closed-loop control, then the time required for image formation is shortened, but the rotation of the motor becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime required for image formationVSAvoidrotation stability of motor
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary detection of torque changes before bringing the developing roller into contact with the photosensitive member. By detecting the torque change that occurs when the roller contacts the photosensitive member, the system determines the appropriate timing to switch from open-loop to closed-loop control, ensuring the transition occurs at an optimal moment that maintains motor stability while minimizing image formation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit provides real-time feedback on torque exerted on the motor during the control transition. The control unit uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the timing of the control switch, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual motor conditions rather than relying on fixed timing, thereby preventing rotation instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the timing of state control is set too early, then the time required for image formation is reduced, but the rotation of the motor becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage formation speedVSAvoidmotor control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system transitions from a static, predetermined timing approach to a dynamic timing approach. The control unit continuously monitors torque changes and determines the optimal switch timing based on real-time detection results, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain both speed and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10747168B2Control apparatus for driving a member into rotation and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 CANON KK
  • US10747168B2 patent drawing
  • US10747168B2 patent drawing
  • US10747168B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control apparatus includes: a driving unit configured to drive a member into rotation; a detection unit configured to detect a torque exerted on the driving unit; and a control unit configured to control the driving unit and the member. The control unit is further configured to: when a state control of the member associated with a change of the torque exerted on the driving unit is performed, determine a change timing of the torque exerted on the driving unit and a value of the torque exerted on the driving unit at the change timing on a basis of a detection result of the detection unit; and determine a start timing of the state control of a case where the state control is again performed on the member on a basis of the change timing and the value of the torque.