Charger Cleaning Detection via Control Data Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses cannot confirm whether a charger or static eliminator has been cleaned after abnormal discharge, leading to potential re-occurrence of abnormal discharge and potential breakdown if not properly maintained.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cleaning detection unit that compares current control information with previous data to determine if the discharging unit has been cleaned, ensuring proper maintenance and preventing re-occurrence of abnormal discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a discharge detection unit is used to detect abnormal discharge, then abnormal discharge can be detected, but it cannot confirm whether the discharging unit has been cleaned after abnormal discharge occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by comparing current control information with previously stored control information from when abnormal discharge was detected. The cleaning detection unit uses this comparison to determine whether the discharging unit has been cleaned, providing feedback on the maintenance status to the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control information as an intermediary element that carries state data between the high-voltage power supply unit and the cleaning detection unit. By storing and comparing this control information, the system can indirectly detect cleaning status without directly observing the physical cleaning process.
2Productivity
If re-printing is executed before the discharging unit is cleaned, then productivity is maintained, but abnormal discharge occurs again and may cause breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection by comparing control information before allowing re-printing to proceed. The cleaning detection unit checks whether the discharging unit has been cleaned by comparing current control information with previous data, preventing premature re-printing that could cause breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on cleaning status through control information comparison, enabling the control unit to make informed decisions about whether to permit re-printing. This feedback loop ensures reliability is maintained while allowing productivity to resume when appropriate.
3Ease of operation
If the discharging unit is not cleaned after abnormal discharge, then ease of operation is maintained, but printing performance deteriorates and recording sheet and toner are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where the cleaning detection unit automatically detects whether the discharging unit has been cleaned by comparing control information. This eliminates the need for manual tracking of cleaning status while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback on cleaning status through control information comparison, enabling the control unit to detect when printing performance may be deteriorating and prompt appropriate maintenance actions, preventing waste of recording sheets and toner.
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
The solution effectively confirms if the charger or static eliminator has been cleaned, preventing recurrence of abnormal discharge and ensuring continued optimal printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge detection unit which detects abnormal discharge in the discharging unit
Implementation Method 2
a high-voltage power supply unit which supplies power to the discharging unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; a discharging unit arranged to face the photosensitive member; a high-voltage power supply unit which supplies power to the discharging unit; a discharge detection unit which detects abnormal discharge in the discharging unit; an output controller which controls an output of the high-voltage power supply unit according to control information; and a cleaning detection unit which compares current control information for the high-voltage power supply unit supplying power to the discharging unit in which abnormal discharge is detected with previous control information for the high-voltage power supply unit when previous abnormal discharge is detected in the discharging unit, and which detects whether the discharging unit has been cleaned based on the comparison result.