Cleaning Unit Fuse Detection for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the frequent exchange of intermediary transfer members and cleaning devices leads to increased running costs due to the shorter lifespan of cleaning devices, and there is a risk of improper execution of initial control when these devices are exchanged, potentially causing issues like cleaning blade turning-up.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a cleaning unit that includes a fuse for detecting current flow and a controller to ensure proper initial control by forming a toner image on the belt only when a new cleaning device is detected, or using a memory to store information about the cleaning unit's new status for appropriate toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the cleaning device is made exchangeable separately from the intermediary transfer member, then the running cost is reduced by extending the life of the intermediary transfer member, but the reliability of initial control execution deteriorates because operators may forget to input exchange information
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device performs self-identification by automatically detecting its own exchange status through the fuse mechanism. When a new cleaning device is installed, the intact fuse automatically signals the controller to execute initial control, eliminating the need for operator input and ensuring reliable execution of friction reduction treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operator input system is replaced with an automatic detection system using electrical fuses. The fuse's physical state (intact or blown) automatically communicates the cleaning device's exchange status to the controller, substituting human operation with an automated electrical detection mechanism.
2Reliability
If toner is supplied to reduce friction at the cleaning blade contact portion, then the cleaning blade turning-up is prevented, but the frictional force increases initially when the cleaning blade is new
Solution Approach 1:
Toner is supplied in advance to the cleaning blade contact portion before normal operation begins. This preliminary toner application reduces the initial high friction between the new cleaning blade and the photoconductor, preventing cleaning blade turning-up during the critical initial period of operation.
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 solution ensures reliable prevention of cleaning blade turning-up by ensuring proper initial control is executed when the cleaning device is exchanged, thereby reducing maintenance time and labor, and minimizing running costs by extending the usable life of intermediary transfer belts.
Implementation Method 1
a fuse provided on the cleaning unit and configured to cut off conduction by energization; a detecting portion configured to detect whether or not a current flowed through the fuse
Implementation Method 2
a method in which the toner is supplied to the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the member-to-be-cleaned and in which the frictional force at the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the member-to-be-cleaned is reduced by utilizing the toner (or an external additive thereof) as a lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, an intermediary transfer unit mountable in and dismountable from a main assembly and including a belt onto which the toner image is transferred from an image bearing member, a cleaning unit mountable to and dismountable from the intermediary transfer unit and including a cleaning member for cleaning a surface of the belt, a fuse provided on the cleaning unit and and being rendered non-conductible by energization, a detecting portion for detecting whether or not a current has flowed through the fuse, and a controller for controlling the image forming portion so as to carry out an operation in which, in a case that the detecting portion detects that the current has flowed through the fuse, a predetermined toner image is formed on the belt and is supplied to a contact portion between the cleaning member and the belt.