Photosensitive Drum Moisture Control via Periodic Idle Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method, 'image deletion' occurs due to moisture accumulation on the photosensitive drum, leading to reduced surface resistance and image defects, especially during high-volume image formation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a brush member that contacts the photosensitive drum to collect moisture, and a control system that adjusts the timing of non-image-forming processes based on usage history to manage moisture retention and prevent image deletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brush member is arranged to abut against the photosensitive drum to collect moisture, then image deletion is suppressed for a certain period, but moisture accumulates in the brush member during high-volume image formation causing image deletion to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces periodic non-image-forming processes (idle rotation of the photosensitive drum) between image formation operations. This periodic action allows the brush member to discharge accumulated moisture to the photosensitive drum surface and evaporate excess moisture, preventing moisture overload that causes image deletion during high-volume image formation
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion determines and executes non-image-forming processes in advance based on usage history information. By predicting when moisture accumulation will reach critical levels and proactively scheduling idle rotation periods, the system prevents image deletion before it occurs, rather than reacting after the problem manifests
2Productivity
If continuous image formation is performed without non-image-forming processes, then productivity is maintained, but moisture accumulates on the brush member leading to image deletion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of non-image-forming processes based on real-time usage history information. The control portion continuously monitors image formation volume and adapts the schedule of idle rotation periods, optimizing the balance between maintaining productivity and preventing moisture-related image quality degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses usage history information as feedback to control the scheduling of non-image-forming processes. By monitoring the cumulative number of images formed and the timing of previous non-image-forming processes, the control portion makes informed decisions about when to insert idle rotation periods, ensuring image quality is maintained while minimizing disruption to productivity
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 suppresses image deletion by maintaining optimal moisture levels on the brush member, ensuring stable image formation even during high-volume jobs.
Implementation Method 1
a brush member which is arranged to abut against a surface of a photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 2
the brush member can store moisture which is attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 3
discharging occurs when the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged by a charging member
Implementation Method 4
The discharge products which are described above adsorb the water vapor and significantly reduce surface resistance of the photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 5
when recording material on which a toner image is transferred passes through a fixing device, moisture which is included in the recording material evaporates and water vapor is generated
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable photosensitive member, a charging member, a developing device, a transfer member, a brush, a driving source and a control portion. The control portion controls the driving source to execute an image forming process, in which image formation on the recording material is executed, and a non-image-forming process, in which the photosensitive member is driven to rotate other than in the image forming process. The non-image-forming process between a first recording material and a second recording material, to which the image formation is executed following the first recording material, is defined as a first non-image-forming process, and the non-image-forming process between the second recording material and a third recording material is defined as a second non-image-forming process. The control portion determines a time of the second non-image-forming process based on history information correlating with a usage amount of the photosensitive member and a time of the first non-image-forming process.