Dynamic Cleaning Time Control for Image Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming devices waste time in the toner transfer process due to a constant time period for biases supplied to the recovering member and transfer roller, regardless of the image type being formed, leading to inefficient cleaning and prolonged downtime between image formation and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a cleaning time determination unit that adjusts the cleaning process duration based on the color of the image formed, optimizing the cleaning time by determining it based on the position of the photosensitive body relative to the belt cleaner, allowing for appropriate and efficient cleaning without unnecessary prolongation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a constant time period is used for the toner transfer process regardless of image type, then the cleaning process is simple to control, but time is wastefully consumed leading to reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the cleaning time period based on the type of image formed (monochrome or color) and the position of the photosensitive drum, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions and eliminate wasteful time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning time parameter is changed according to the image type and drum position. By varying the cleaning time period based on these parameters, the system optimizes the cleaning process efficiency without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Loss of time
If the cleaning process executes for a fixed duration, then the process control is straightforward, but the interval between image formation operations is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning time parameter is modified based on the image type and drum position, reducing the time lost in the cleaning process while maintaining straightforward control through automated parameter selection by the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit determines the appropriate cleaning time in advance based on the image type and drum position before initiating the cleaning process, allowing for optimized time management without complicating the operation.
3Productivity
If biases are supplied to the recovering member and transfer roller for a constant time period, then the toner transfer process is simple to manage, but unnecessary time is consumed reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bias supply duration is made dynamic, adjusting according to the image type and drum position. This eliminates unnecessary time consumption while maintaining simple management through automated control based on predetermined criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The duration parameter for bias supply is changed based on the image type and drum position, optimizing operational efficiency without requiring complex management procedures.
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 approach reduces wasteful consumption of time in the cleaning process, enabling a shorter interval between the end of image formation and the start of the next image formation operation by setting the cleaning time according to the specific image type and position of the photosensitive drums, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
By the effect of the recovering bias, the toner remaining on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred to the recovering member
Implementation Method 2
a bias whose polarity is opposite to the recovering bias is supplied to the recovering member. By the effect of the bias supplied to the recovering member, the toner held on the recovering member is returned to the outer surface of the photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 3
a bias whose polarity is the same as that of a transfer bias is supplied to each transfer roller. By the effect of the bias supplied to each transfer roller, the toner returned to the outer surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred to the carrying belt
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device, including: photosensitive bodies arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction; a belt that runs in the predetermined direction to transfer a developer image formed on each of the photosensitive bodies to a sheet-like medium; recovering members that are respectively provided for the photosensitive bodies, wherein each recovering member recovers adhered substances adhered to each photosensitive body after the developer image was transferred to the sheet-like medium; a belt cleaner that removes the adhered substances adhered to the belt; a cleaning process execution unit that executes a cleaning process in which the adhered substances are transferred from each recovering member to the belt via each photosensitive body; and a cleaning time determination unit that determines a time period for which the cleaning process is executed, based on a color of the image formed on the sheet-like medium.