Cleaning Sequence Before Density Adjustment in Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with foreign substances like toner and dust on transmission members, leading to blocked laser light and impaired image quality, particularly during image density adjustment sequences, and result in unnecessary cleaning sequences when the sheet count reaches a predetermined number, causing downtime and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a cleaning mechanism that executes a cleaning sequence before the image density adjustment sequence, resetting the sheet count upon completion, to ensure optimal image formation by removing foreign substances from transmission members, thereby preventing unnecessary cleaning and maintaining usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cleaning sequence is executed before the adjustment sequence to remove foreign substances from the transmission member, then the image quality and adjustment accuracy are improved, but the downtime and usability are worsened due to unnecessary repeated cleaning sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning sequence is executed as a preliminary action before the adjustment sequence to ensure the transmission member is free of foreign substances. This preliminary cleaning ensures that subsequent image density adjustments are performed on a clean surface, improving measurement accuracy while avoiding repeated unnecessary cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the execution status of both cleaning and adjustment sequences, using feedback from the sheet count counter to determine whether to execute the cleaning sequence before adjustment. This feedback mechanism prevents redundant cleaning operations while ensuring proper cleaning when needed, thus reducing unnecessary downtime.
2Reliability
If the cleaning sequence is executed every time the sheet count reaches a predetermined number, then the transmission member is kept clean and image quality is maintained, but the frequency of cleaning sequences increases and causes unnecessary downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning sequence execution is made dynamic by adjusting the sheet count threshold based on whether an adjustment sequence is scheduled. When an adjustment sequence is detected, the cleaning sequence is executed at a lower sheet count threshold to ensure proper cleaning before adjustment. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability while optimizing productivity by avoiding unnecessary cleaning operations.
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 allows for continuous operation without increased downtime by ensuring the transmission members are clean during image density adjustments, maintaining image quality and reducing the frequency of unnecessary cleaning sequences.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission member configured to cause laser light for scanning the photosensitive member to pass through the transmission member to an outside of the image forming apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning member to remove a foreign substance on a transmission member by moving the cleaning member while bringing the cleaning member into contact with the surface of the transmission member
Implementation Method 3
moving the cleaning member while bringing the cleaning member into contact with the surface of the transmission member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member, an optical scanning device including a transmission member configured to cause laser light for scanning the photosensitive member to pass through the transmission member, and a developing device configured to develop an electrostatic latent image with toner, the electrostatic latent image being scanned by the laser light and formed on the photosensitive member; a cleaning mechanism configured to clean the transmission member; a counter configured to store a count value that is a number of sheets on which an image forming operation is performed, and a control unit which executes a cleaning sequence before execution of an adjustment sequence, and resets the count value upon execution of the cleaning sequence, in a case where the count value is less than or equal to a predetermined value.