Motor Startup Sequence Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses with electrophotographic systems face challenges in reducing the First Print Out Time (FPOT) due to the high peak drive current requirements of both the main motor and the polygon motor, which is costly and inefficient, as the power supply circuit board cannot handle the simultaneous peak currents of both motors.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that strategically starts the main motor and the polygon motor based on the temperature of the fixing device, starting the motor with the lower peak current first and adjusting the startup order to minimize the total preparation time, thereby reducing the FPOT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If both the main motor and polygon motor are started simultaneously, then the image forming apparatus can enter print-ready state faster, but the power supply circuit board must be designed to handle high peak currents which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the polygon motor before the main motor. The controller detects the temperature of the fixing device and determines whether to start the polygon motor first or the main motor first. When the fixing device temperature is below a threshold, the polygon motor is started preliminarily, allowing its peak current to occur before the main motor's peak current, thus avoiding simultaneous high current demands on the power supply circuit board while still achieving fast print-ready state.
2Ease of manufacture
If the polygon motor is started before the main motor, then the peak current demand on the power supply circuit board is reduced, but the total preparation time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor startup sequence adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the startup order based on real-time temperature detection of the fixing device. When the fixing device is cold, the polygon motor starts first; when it's warm, the main motor starts first. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both the power supply circuit board load and the total preparation time according to actual operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the main motor is started before the polygon motor, then the conveying system is prepared earlier for sheet transport, but the power supply circuit board must handle high peak currents simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the polygon motor before the main motor under certain conditions. The polygon motor's rotation is preliminarily established to prepare the light reflection path and imaging system, while the main motor starts afterward to prepare the conveying system. This sequenced preliminary action ensures both systems are ready in time without requiring the power supply circuit board to handle simultaneous peak currents.
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 approach reduces the FPOT by optimizing the motor startup sequence, allowing the apparatus to reach a print-ready state more quickly while minimizing power consumption and extending the lifespan of the power supply circuit board.
Implementation Method 1
start the heater to heat up
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to output a signal depending on temperature of the fixing device
Implementation Method 3
The polygon mirror is configured to reflect light emitted from a light source
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus a controller starts a heater to heat up in response to a print command In a first case where temperature of the fixing device at a timing of reception of the print command is lower than a first threshold value, the controller starts rotating a first motor, and subsequently starts rotating a second motor before the conveying device conveys the sheet according to the received print command. The first threshold value is lower than the target temperature. In a second case where the temperature of the fixing device at the timing of reception of the print command is higher the first threshold value, the controller starts rotating the second motor, and subsequently starts rotating the first motor before the conveying device conveys the sheet according to the received print command.