Image Forming Device Charging Control for Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming devices face inefficiencies in charging and discharging operations, particularly in managing the discharge portions during image formation and non-image formation states, which affects the productivity and longevity of the charging device.

Innovation Solution

The image forming device employs a charging device with multiple discharge portions, controlled by a control section that alternates the operation and output of these discharge portions between image formation and non-image formation states, optimizing charge distribution and reducing wear on the charging device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all discharge portions operate continuously during non-image formation periods, then the charge potential is maintained, but the charging device experiences increased wear and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge potential maintenanceVSAvoidcharging device lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device divides the discharge portions into multiple independent units (first discharge portion and second discharge portion) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows selective operation of individual discharge portions based on operational requirements, reducing overall wear while maintaining charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control section implements periodic switching between different discharge portions during non-image formation periods. When image formation is not required, the system alternates between operating the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion, distributing the operational load and extending the overall lifespan of the charging device while maintaining adequate charge potential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If multiple discharge portions operate simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but the load on the charging device increases and lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging device lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation of discharge portions based on real-time requirements. During image formation periods, both discharge portions operate simultaneously to maximize charging efficiency. During non-image formation periods, the system switches to alternating operation of individual discharge portions, optimizing the balance between productivity and device longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control section changes the operational parameters of the discharge portions based on the imaging state. When image formation is detected, the system increases the number of active discharge portions to enhance charging speed. When no image formation is required, the system reduces the number of active portions or alternates between them, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining adequate charging performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If discharge portions are operated during non-image formation periods, then charge potential is maintained, but unnecessary wear occurs reducing device longevity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge potentialVSAvoiddevice longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control section autonomously monitors the imaging state and automatically adjusts the operation of discharge portions accordingly. During non-image formation periods, the system intelligently switches between alternating operation and reduced operation modes, eliminating unnecessary wear while maintaining sufficient charge potential through selective activation of discharge portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances productivity by maintaining optimal charge potential during image formation and reduces the load on the charging device, thereby extending its lifespan by minimizing unnecessary discharge operations during non-image formation periods.

Implementation Method 1

a charging device that has plural discharge portions, and charges the image forming body by discharging of the plural discharge portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS8682186B2Image forming device comprising charging device having plural discharge portions

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming device has: an image forming body on which an image is formed in a state in which the image forming body is charged; a charging device having plural discharge portions, and charging the image forming body by discharging of plural discharge portions; and a control section that, when forming the image on the image forming body, operates the plural discharge portions, and when not forming the image on the image forming body, switches between a state of operating some of the plural discharge portions and decreasing output of or stopping the discharge portions other than the some discharge portions, and a state of operating some other of the plural discharge portions and decreasing output of or stopping the discharge portions other than the some other discharge portions.