Motor Type Discrimination in Image Formers Using Interlock Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses may erroneously distinguish the type of motor during the distinction process when the door is open, due to the interlock switch disconnecting and preventing power supply to the motor, leading to incorrect motor control values being set.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a power supply circuit, a driving circuit for the motor, an opening/closing unit, a first switch for controlling power supply, and a processor that detects current flow through the motor coils to determine the rotational phase and control the driving circuit using vector control or target current values, ensuring accurate motor type discrimination only when the switch is in the connected state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the distinction process is executed when the door is opened and the interlock switch is disconnected, then the process can be executed quickly without waiting for door closure, but the motor type may be erroneously distinguished due to no current supply to the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checking of the interlock switch state before executing the distinction process. The processor determines whether the interlock switch is in the connected state prior to supplying current to the motor and executing distinction measurements, ensuring that distinction only occurs when power supply is confirmed available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the interlock switch state and uses this feedback information to control the execution of the distinction process. The processor adjusts the distinction process execution based on real-time feedback from the interlock switch, preventing execution when the switch is disconnected and ensuring accurate motor type identification.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the interlock switch is used to prevent power supply when the door is open, then safety is improved, but the distinction process cannot be executed when the door is open even if quick access is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the execution of the distinction process based on the real-time state of the interlock switch. When the switch is connected (door closed), the distinction process can be executed immediately. When the switch is disconnected (door open), the process is postponed or cancelled. This dynamic adaptation maintains safety while optimizing productivity based on actual operational conditions.
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
Prevents erroneous motor type distinction by ensuring the control values are set based on accurate current detection only when the power supply is connected, maintaining motor control stability and preventing productivity losses.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one processor configured to detect a current flowing through the coil, to determine a rotational phase of a rotor of the motor using the detected current and a set control value
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a power supply circuit, a driving circuit, an opening/closing unit, a first switch configured to switch to a connected state and a disconnected state, at least one processor including a first mode for executing vector control for controlling the driving circuit and a second mode for controlling the driving circuit.The at least one processor is configured to determine a rotational phase using a detected current and a set control value, to control the driving circuit, to execute discriminating a type of the motor based on the detected current in the second mode, and to set the control value based on a result of the discriminating. The result based on the detected current in a state where the first switch is in the disconnected state is not used to set the control value.