Density Sensor Cleaning Jig for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Density sensors in image forming apparatuses, such as copiers and printers, can become contaminated by toner, leading to detection errors due to deteriorated photosensitivity, which existing shielding technologies do not adequately address by neglecting the cleaning of the sensors over time.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is equipped with a cleaning jig and an insertion port that allows for the reciprocal movement of a cleaner to effectively clean the light-receiving surface of the density sensors, ensuring they remain free from contamination and maintain high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is disposed to shield the density sensor from contamination, then the sensor is protected from toner contamination, but the sensor cannot perform density detection when the shutter is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cleaning the density sensor before contamination occurs or at regular intervals. The cleaning mechanism proactively removes toner deposits from the sensor surface, ensuring the sensor maintains high photosensitivity and detection accuracy without needing to be shielded continuously, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality
2Measurement precision
If the density sensor is exposed constantly for detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the sensor becomes contaminated by toner over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through regular cleaning cycles of the density sensor. The cleaning mechanism operates at predetermined intervals to remove accumulated toner from the sensor surface, allowing the sensor to remain exposed for continuous detection while periodically restoring its photosensitivity, thus resolving the contradiction between constant exposure and contamination prevention
3Measurement precision
If the light-receiving surface area of the density sensor is increased, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the sensor is more susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by providing an automatic cleaning mechanism that regularly maintains the density sensor surface. The cleaning system autonomously removes toner contamination from the light-receiving surface without requiring manual intervention, allowing the sensor to maintain its large light-receiving area for high sensitivity while self-cleaning prevents contamination accumulation, thus resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and contamination susceptibility
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 accurate density detection by maintaining the cleanliness of the density sensors, preventing contamination and ensuring consistent image density control, thereby improving the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning jig includes a cleaner to contact the light-receiving surface
Implementation Method 2
The density sensor has a light-receiving surface to optically read the toner image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, an image bearer, at least one density sensor, a cleaning jig, and an insertion port. The image forming device forms a toner image. The image bearer bears the toner image to be transferred on a recording medium. The density sensor has a light-receiving surface to optically read the toner image. The light-receiving surface faces the image bearer constantly. The cleaning jig cleans the density sensor and includes a cleaner to contact the light-receiving surface. The cleaning jig is inserted through the insertion port into the body of the image forming apparatus and reciprocally moved to clean the light-receiving surface and is removed from the body of the image forming apparatus after the light-receiving surface is cleaned.