Polygon Mirror Speed Switching in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in switching the rotational speed of the scanner motor during printing operations with mixed process speeds and resolutions, requiring time-consuming pauses and separations that hinder productivity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that manages the light source and motor to switch the rotational speed of the rotating polygon mirror without pausing the image forming process, by maintaining contact between the photosensitive member and developing member, and using a detector to execute the light emission operation, thus allowing continuous printing across different paper weights and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the rotational speed of the scanner motor is switched by pausing the image forming process and separating the developing means from the photosensitive drum, then the rotational speed switching can be performed, but the switching time becomes excessively long and productivity declines
Solution Approach 1:
The detector detects laser light emitted during the light emission operation in advance to determine the timing for rotational speed switching. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for speed switching before the actual switching moment, enabling seamless transition without pausing the image forming process or separating the developing means from the photosensitive drum, thus maintaining continuous operation and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming process continues without interruption during rotational speed switching. The developing means remains in contact with the photosensitive drum throughout the switching operation, ensuring continuous toner supply and image formation. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and maintains high productivity during speed transitions
2Productivity
If the rotational speed of the scanner motor is switched during continuous printing, then productivity is maintained, but the switching operation takes time due to forced emission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The detector provides real-time feedback by detecting laser light during the light emission operation. The controller uses this feedback information to precisely determine when to execute the rotational speed switching, optimizing the switching timing and minimizing the switching duration. This feedback mechanism enables efficient speed transitions without interrupting continuous printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational speed parameter of the scanner motor dynamically during continuous operation. By detecting laser light position and using this information to time the switching, the system transitions between different rotational speeds efficiently, maintaining continuous printing capability while minimizing the time lost during parameter transitions
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 significantly reduces the switching time of the scanner motor's rotational speed from 3.2 seconds to 0.9 seconds, minimizing productivity decline and eliminating the need for pausing or separating the driving motor and developing components during continuous printing.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating polygon mirror for deflecting a laser light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting the laser light
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a scanning means provided with a light source, a polygon mirror and a driving means for driving rotation of the polygon mirror; a photosensitive member, a developing means, and a detecting means for detecting a laser light from the light source. A controller controls to execute a light emission operation so that an area including an image forming area of the photosensitive member is irradiated with the laser light. The controller controls to execute a switching operation in which a rotational speed of the polygon mirror is switched from a first speed to a second speed different from the first speed. The controller controls to execute the light emission operation in a state in which the photosensitive member and the developing means are in contact and are rotating, and to execute the switching operation based on a detecting result of the detecting means in the light emission operation.