Controller Adjusts Cleaning Member Force to Prevent Drum Abrasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face defects due to inadequate control over the cleaning member's physical properties and dimensions, leading to issues like toner adherence and abrasion on the photoconductor drum, which affects image quality and device longevity.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a controller that adjusts charging voltage and toner adherence based on physical property and dimension information of the cleaning member, such as hardness and dimensions, to optimize image forming conditions and prevent defects like blurring and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning member is pressed against the photoconductor drum to remove toner, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but abrasion of the photoconductor drum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pressing force applied by the cleaning member against the photoconductor drum. The controller dynamically adjusts the pressing force based on detected conditions (such as toner accumulation levels, drum surface state, or cleaning cycle phase) to maintain effective toner removal while preventing excessive abrasion. This resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal pressing force that balances cleaning effectiveness with drum protection.
2Reliability
If the cleaning member presses harder to remove stubborn toner, then toner removal effectiveness is improved, but toner adherence to non-image forming areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic cleaning operations where the cleaning member alternates between pressing against the drum surface and retracting. During the pressing phase, the cleaning member removes toner from image forming areas. During the retraction phase, it prevents toner from adhering to non-image forming areas. The controller adjusts the duration and intensity of each phase based on detected conditions, resolving the contradiction between removing stubborn toner and preventing unwanted toner adherence.
3Strength
If the cleaning member is made harder to reduce deformation, then structural stability is improved, but its ability to conform to drum surface irregularities decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cleaning member's pressing force adjustable rather than fixed. The cleaning member is designed with a structure that allows dynamic adjustment of its pressing force against the photoconductor drum. This enables the system to adapt to different drum surface conditions (such as minor irregularities or variations in drum tension) while maintaining structural stability. The controller adjusts the pressing force in real-time based on detected conditions, resolving the contradiction between hardness and conformity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a cleaning member that cleans the image carrier, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a controller that controls the image forming unit based on at least one of physical property information and dimension information of the cleaning member.