Charge-Eliminating Roller Control in Mixed-Sheet Image Forming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge eliminating apparatuses in image forming systems suffer from reduced productivity due to the need to switch between contact and retracting positions of charge eliminating rollers when handling mixed types of sheets, elongating the interval time between sheets and causing conveyance failures.
Innovation Solution
A charge eliminating apparatus with a contact-type and noncontact-type unit, controlled by a CPU, that applies voltage selectively to the contact-type charge eliminating member based on sheet type, maintaining the rollers in contact or retracting positions as needed to improve productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the charge eliminating roller pair is moved between contact and retracting positions to prevent wear, then roller lifespan is extended, but the interval time between sheets increases and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charge eliminating roller pair is designed to move dynamically between a contact position (for charge elimination) and a retracting position (for wear prevention). This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize between operational effectiveness and component longevity, extending roller lifespan while maintaining productivity through automated position switching based on sheet type detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the charge eliminating roller pair is repositioned when sheet type changes, then appropriate charge elimination is achieved, but the interval time between sheets is elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects sheet type in advance and pre-positions the charge eliminating roller pair accordingly before the sheet reaches the charge elimination unit. This preliminary action ensures that the rollers are already in the correct position (contact or retracting) when needed, eliminating delays associated with mid-process position changes and reducing the interval time between sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sheet type detection that provides feedback to the control mechanism, which then automatically adjusts the roller pair position. This feedback loop enables real-time adaptation to different sheet types without manual intervention, maintaining both adaptability and operational speed by only repositioning when actually required.
3Reliability
If the charge eliminating roller pair remains in contact position for all sheets, then charge elimination is consistent, but roller wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies charge elimination locally and selectively based on sheet type characteristics. Rather than continuously contacting all sheets, the roller pair makes contact only when the detected sheet type requires charge elimination. This localized approach maintains charge elimination consistency for sheets that need it while minimizing unnecessary contact and reducing overall roller wear.
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
Enhances productivity by minimizing the time required for switching operations, ensuring efficient charge elimination without wear, and preventing conveyance failures in mixed sheet jobs.
Implementation Method 1
a charge eliminating member (30) configured to come into contact with a sheet (S) conveyed and eliminate charge of the sheet by voltage applied to the charge eliminating member (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A charge eliminating apparatus includes a charge eliminating member, a moving unit, and a controller. The controller configured to execute a first processing in which charge of a sheet is eliminated by applying voltage to the charge eliminating member in a state where the charge eliminating member is positioned at a contact position, and a second processing in which charge of a sheet is not eliminated while voltage is not applied to the charge eliminating member in a state where the charge eliminating member is positioned at the contact position. In a mixed job in which a first type of sheet and a second type of sheet that differs from the first type of sheet are conveyed, the controller is configured to execute the first processing to the first type of sheet and execute the second processing to the second type of sheet.