Cleaning Brush Voltage Control for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaners for image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing residual toner and toner test patterns with optimal voltage settings, especially when the resistances of the intermediate transfer medium and cleaning brush roller change, leading to potential defective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner with at least two cleaning brush members and a voltage setting device that detects current flow to adjust setup voltage values, applying different voltages for residual toner and toner test patterns, ensuring optimal cleaning performance by changing voltage levels in a controlled manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single voltage is applied to the cleaning brush roller, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning performance deteriorates when resistances change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage applied to the cleaning brush roller adjustable rather than fixed. The voltage is dynamically changed based on detected current values, allowing the system to adapt to changing resistance conditions and maintain optimal cleaning performance throughout the cleaner's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter based on detected current values. By monitoring the current flowing through the cleaning brush roller and adjusting the voltage accordingly, the system compensates for resistance changes over time, ensuring consistent cleaning performance without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If high voltage is applied to remove toner test patterns, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the risk of defective cleaning increases when resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the current value flowing through the cleaning brush roller and using this information to adjust the voltage. This closed-loop control ensures that the voltage is optimized for each cleaning operation, preventing both insufficient cleaning and defective cleaning caused by inappropriate voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the current value before applying voltage for cleaning. By measuring the current in advance and using this information to set the appropriate voltage level, the system prepares the optimal cleaning conditions before the actual cleaning operation begins.
3Reliability
If voltage is not adjusted for resistance changes, then the control system is simple, but cleaning performance degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the cleaning system to automatically adjust its own voltage based on detected current values. The system monitors its own performance and makes necessary adjustments without external intervention, maintaining optimal cleaning performance throughout its operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to continuously monitor the current flowing through the cleaning brush roller and adjust the voltage accordingly. This automatic feedback mechanism compensates for resistance changes over time, eliminating the need for manual voltage adjustments and maintaining consistent cleaning performance.
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 ensures satisfactory removal of toner particles within the desired range, maintaining high cleaning performance even with changing resistances, thereby preventing defective cleaning and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning brush roller to remove normally-charged residual toner from the intermediate transfer medium, and a second cleaning brush roller to remove reversely-charged residual toner from the intermediate transfer medium... normally-charged residual toner is electrostatically attracted by the first cleaning brush roller, and therefore the residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer medium. In addition, reversely-charged residual toner is electrostatically attracted by the second cleaning brush roller
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner includes at least two cleaning brush members to electrostatically remove toner on an object; a memory; a voltage applicator to apply a voltage to the cleaning brush members based on setup voltage values stored in the memory; a current detector to detect the amounts of currents flowing through contact portions of the object with the cleaning brush members; and a setup voltage changing device to change the setup voltage values based on the amounts of currents detected by the current detector. The voltage applicator applies a first voltage for removing residual toner or a second voltage higher than the first voltage in absolute value for removing non-transferred toner to at least one of the cleaning brush members, and the setup voltage changing device performs change of the setup voltage value for the second voltage prior to change of the setup voltage value for the first voltage.