Corona Discharge Charging Device Impurity Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging devices for image-forming devices have inefficient ozone removal and deposition of impurities on discharge electrodes, leading to reduced performance due to stagnant air and accumulation of silicon compounds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an airflow-generating electrode and an impurity-removing member within the charging device, which creates airflow to circulate impurities towards the impurity-removing member, enhancing the removal of impurities and preventing deposition on the discharge electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fan or airflow-generating device is used to improve impurity removal, then impurity removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device's discharge electrode serves dual functions: it charges the photosensitive member through corona discharge and simultaneously generates airflow to remove impurities. This eliminates the need for a separate fan while achieving effective impurity removal through the airflow generated during normal charging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device uses its own operational byproducts (airflow generated during corona discharge) to perform the additional function of impurity removal. The air circulation is self-generated through the charging process itself, requiring no external power source or additional mechanical components.
2Reliability
If air circulation is improved to remove impurities, then charging performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge electrode performs both charging and air circulation functions simultaneously. The electrical energy already applied to generate corona discharge for charging also creates the airflow needed for impurity removal, so no additional energy is consumed for air circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging operation itself provides the energy needed for air circulation. The corona discharge process naturally generates airflow that circulates air through the charging device, eliminating the need for separate energy input for ventilation.
3Device complexity
If only a portion of air passes through the ozone-removing member, then device structure is simple, but ozone removal efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic principles by generating airflow through corona discharge to force air circulation through the ozone-removing member. This ensures that a larger portion of the air inside the charging device passes through the ozone-removing member, improving removal efficiency without complex mechanical pumping systems.
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 effectively removes impurities and improves charging performance by actively circulating and adsorbing or decomposing them, thereby maintaining the device's efficiency and extending its operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The discharging electrode is configured to produce a corona discharge to charge a surface of the photosensitive member
Implementation Method 2
The airflow-generating electrode is configured to be applied with a second voltage lower than the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device includes a discharging electrode, grid electrode, pair of shielding electrodes, frame, airflow-generating electrode, and impurity-removing member. The discharging electrode produces a corona discharge to charge a surface of photosensitive member. A first voltage is applied to the grid electrode. The discharging electrode is positioned between the shielding electrodes. The frame includes a pair of side walls confronting with each other in the moving direction. The discharging electrode and the pair of shielding electrodes are positioned between the side walls. The airflow-generating electrode is disposed at a position opposite to the discharging electrode with respect to the grid electrode. The airflow-generating electrode is applied with a second voltage lower than the first voltage. The impurity-removing member is provided on an inner surface of the frame. The impurity-removing member and the airflow-generating electrode are positioned on an identical side of the shielding electrodes in the moving direction.