Image Bearer Charging Control Using Environment-Based AC Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to efficiently adjust charging voltage based on varying operating environments, leading to potential overcurrent issues and inefficiencies in forming electrostatic latent images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that adjusts the AC voltage generation based on stored reference and used AC voltage values specific to measured temperature and humidity conditions, using a first storage for reference values and a second storage for used values, ensuring optimal charging current levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging voltage is adjusted based on past history in similar environments, then the charging current can be optimized, but the initial setup time increases and overcurrent risks remain during voltage adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-divides the operating environment range into multiple sections and stores reference AC voltage values for each section in advance. When operation begins, the system directly selects the appropriate reference value based on the current environment section, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments and reducing initial setup time while preventing overcurrent issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the operating environment parameters (temperature and humidity) into discrete sections and stores different reference AC voltage values for each section. By changing the voltage parameter based on the detected environment section, the system achieves rapid optimization of charging current without requiring extensive initial adjustments.
2Productivity
If the AC voltage is increased to ensure adequate charging, then the charging effectiveness improves, but the risk of overcurrent and potential damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores reference AC voltage values that are pre-optimized for different environment sections. By selecting the appropriate reference value based on the current temperature and humidity section, the system ensures adequate charging effectiveness for each condition while preventing overcurrent through carefully selected voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects the current operating environment (temperature and humidity), determines the corresponding section, and selects the reference AC voltage value appropriate for that section. This feedback mechanism ensures the voltage is neither too high (causing overcurrent) nor too low (reducing charging effectiveness).
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 allows for rapid adjustment of AC voltage to match target values, reducing the risk of overcurrent and shortening initial setup times while maintaining image quality across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor measures temperature and humidity, as an operating environment, inside a body of the image forming apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The sensor measures temperature and humidity, as an operating environment, inside a body of the image forming apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The current detector detects a current flowing between the voltage generator and the image bearer
Implementation Method 4
The charger charges the image bearer based on an alternating current (AC) voltage. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the image bearer
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a charger, a voltage generator, a current detector, a sensor, a first storage, a second storage, and circuitry. The current detector detects a current flowing between the voltage generator and the image bearer. The sensor measures temperature and humidity. The first storage and the second storage store a reference alternating current (AC) voltage value and a used AC voltage value, respectively. The circuitry controls the voltage generator to generate an AC voltage based on the used AC voltage value detected when the circuitry detects that the used AC voltage value is stored in a section of a measured operating environment, and controls the voltage generator to generate an AC voltage based on the reference AC voltage value stored in the section of the measured operating environment when the used AC voltage value is absent in the section of the measured operating environment.