Charge Device Cleaning Mode Optimization for Image Formation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image formation apparatuses, external additives in toner can slip past the cleaning blade and adhere to charge devices, causing charge failures and image defects, especially with increased working speed and lifespan, leading to throughput degradation.
Innovation Solution
An image formation apparatus with a controller that optimizes the execution frequency of the cleaning mode based on environmental conditions, removing extraneous matter from the charge device at times other than the printing process, and adjusting the cleaning mode frequency to minimize throughput degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning mode is executed frequently to remove extraneous matter from the charge device, then the reliability of charging is improved, but the productivity (throughput) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mode execution frequency is made dynamic by adjusting it according to environmental conditions (humidity, temperature). The controller determines the appropriate frequency based on sensor readings, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than using a fixed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from environmental sensors (humidity sensor, temperature sensor) to control the cleaning mode frequency. The controller continuously monitors environmental conditions and adjusts the cleaning schedule accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Productivity
If the cleaning mode is executed less frequently to maintain productivity, then the throughput is improved, but the extraneous matter accumulates on the charge device causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning frequency is dynamically adjusted based on real-time environmental monitoring. In high-humidity environments where extraneous matter accumulates faster, the cleaning frequency increases automatically, while in low-humidity environments the frequency is reduced to maintain productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (cleaning frequency) based on environmental conditions. The controller modifies the cleaning mode execution schedule according to humidity and temperature parameters, optimizing the balance between removing extraneous matter and maintaining throughput.
3Reliability
If external additives are added to toner to increase durability and cleaning performance, then the toner performance is improved, but the extraneous matter adheres more easily to the charge device
Solution Approach 1:
The system acknowledges that external additives improve toner performance but also increase extraneous matter adhesion. By converting this harmful effect into a controllable parameter, the system uses environmental monitoring to trigger cleaning modes that prevent the additives from causing image defects, effectively turning the potential harm into a manageable characteristic.
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
Efficient removal of extraneous matter from the charge device, preventing image defects and reducing throughput degradation by optimizing the cleaning mode execution frequency based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a charge device configured to charge the surface of the image carrier
Implementation Method 2
a development device configured to pass a developer to an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier formed by exposure
Implementation Method 3
In the cleaning mode, a different bias from that applied in the printing process is applied to the charge roller in order to remove the toner adhered to the surface of the charge roller
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus includes an image carrier, a charge device configured to charge the surface of the image carrier, a development device configured to pass a developer to an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier formed by exposure, a transfer device configured to transfer a developer image formed on the image carrier onto a medium, a remover device configured to remove the developer on the image carrier, and a controller configured to control a cleaning mode for removing extraneous matter adhered to the surface of the charge device at a time other than the time for the process of exposing the image carrier, and to change the execution frequency of the cleaning mode in accordance with an environmental condition.