Functional Unit Power Supply Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale image forming apparatus with multiple functional units face complex power supply control and increased circuit complexity, leading to operational inefficiencies and higher costs due to the need for multiple power sources and detection structures, making it difficult to identify power supply failures in individual units.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a power source and a main controller with each functional unit featuring a switch circuit for gradual power supply and overcurrent protection circuit to detect power failures, transmitting failure signals to the main controller, thereby stabilizing power delivery and reducing circuit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detection portion is provided for each functional unit to monitor connection states, then power supply control can be achieved, but control complexity increases significantly in large-scale apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply control system into independent functional units, each with its own switch circuit and overcurrent protection circuit. This segmentation allows each unit to operate autonomously with simple local control logic, avoiding the need for complex centralized control while ensuring reliable power supply to each individual unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each functional unit is equipped with self-contained power control capabilities including switch circuits and overcurrent protection circuits that automatically detect and respond to power supply issues without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the overall control system while maintaining high reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple power sources are prepared for control system and load system, then power supply reliability is improved, but circuit scale and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified power source that serves both the control system and load system through a single power supply path. This universal power source approach reduces circuit scale and cost while maintaining reliability through the distributed switch circuits and overcurrent protection circuits that provide redundant control capabilities.
3Device complexity
If functional units are integrated to share the same power source, then circuit scale is reduced, but individual power supply failure detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply monitoring function by providing individual switch circuits and overcurrent protection circuits for each functional unit. This segmentation enables independent detection of power supply failures in each unit while all units share the same physical power source, thus maintaining small circuit scale while improving failure detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each functional unit includes feedback mechanisms through switch circuits that monitor power supply status and overcurrent protection circuits that detect abnormal current conditions. These feedback signals enable the main controller to identify which specific unit experiences power supply failure, even when all units share a common power source.
4Ease of operation
If drawer connectors with metal contacts are used for electrical connection, then functional units can be easily connected and disconnected, but chattering occurs during insertion or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing switch circuits that are activated before full electrical connection is established. The switch circuits detect the presence of the functional unit and gradually establish power supply, preventing chattering by avoiding sudden current surges during the connection process.
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 configuration ensures stable power supply even during unit insertion or removal, facilitates easy identification of power supply failures, and reduces the overall circuit scale and cost by integrating power protection means within each functional unit.
Implementation Method 1
a switch circuit configured to gradually supply the electric power, which is supplied from the power source, to the load when the functional unit is mounted on the apparatus main body
Implementation Method 2
an overcurrent protection circuit configured to shut off the supply of the electric power to the load when the overcurrent protection circuit detects failure of the supply of the electric power to the load
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a structure configured to stably supply electric power to functional units forming an image forming apparatus. To achieve this, the image forming apparatus includes: an image creating portion (307Y) serving as a functional unit for forming images; and an apparatus main body including a DC power distribution portion (206) configured to supply electric power to the image creating portion (307Y) and a main controller (219) configured to control operation of the image creating portion (307Y). The image creating portion (307Y) includes a protection circuit (220) and a load to be driven by electric power that is supplied from the DC power distribution portion (206). The protection circuit (220) gradually supplies power source electric power to the load when mounted on the apparatus main body, and immediately shuts off the supply of the electric power to the load when pulled out of the apparatus main body.