Image Bearing Surface Potential Detection via Sequential Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tandem type image forming apparatuses, it is challenging to distinguish and detect which image bearing members are prone to image smearing, as existing detection methods struggle to identify individual members when a shared detection circuit is used across multiple image bearing members.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of rotatable image bearing members, abutting members, an applying unit for voltage application, an exposing unit for surface potential measurement, and a common detecting unit to identify surface potentials by applying a direct current voltage lower than the discharge start voltage, allowing for individual detection and suppression of image smearing on each member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared detection circuit is used across multiple image bearing members, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because individual surface potentials cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by applying voltage sequentially to different abutting members at different times. The exposing unit creates exposure regions on each image bearing member at different time points, allowing the detection circuit to measure surface potentials of multiple members using a shared circuit while maintaining individual measurement capability through temporal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by repeatedly applying voltage to abutting members in sequence and rotating image bearing members to bring different regions into contact with abutting members at different times. This periodic measurement approach enables a shared detection circuit to accurately measure surface potentials of multiple members by capturing measurements at appropriate time intervals.
2Reliability
If operations for reducing discharge product influence are executed continuously, then reliability of image formation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by detecting surface potentials of image bearing members and basing control decisions on these measurements. The control unit determines whether to execute discharge product removal operations based on detected surface potential values, allowing operations to be performed only when necessary rather than continuously, thus maintaining image quality while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting voltage application timing and magnitude based on detected surface potentials. The applying unit applies voltage at different time points to different abutting members, and the control unit modifies operation execution based on measured parameters, enabling optimized discharge product management that balances reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If voltage equal to or greater than discharge start voltage is applied to charging member, then charge holding capacity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to discharge product generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting surface potentials before image formation and proactively managing discharge products. The control unit determines whether discharge product removal operations should be executed based on pre-detected surface potential values, preventing image quality degradation before it occurs rather than reacting after discharge products have accumulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of discharge products into a beneficial diagnostic tool. By detecting surface potentials that indicate discharge product presence, the system uses the harmful accumulation as a signal to trigger cleaning operations, transforming the problem of discharge product generation into an opportunity for proactive maintenance that improves overall system reliability.
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 solution enables precise identification and suppression of image smearing on each image bearing member, reducing downtime and material consumption by allowing targeted operations on specific members, thereby improving image productivity and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
a common detecting unit configured to detect a value of electric current flowing or voltage generated when a plurality of abutting members to which a direct current voltage lower than a discharge start voltage is applied by a applying unit
Implementation Method 2
an exposing unit configured to expose a plurality of image bearing members to light at different times to form exposure regions on surfaces of the plurality of image bearing members
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of abutting members abutting against the corresponding plurality of image bearing members to form an abutting part
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a control unit performs a control to cause an exposing unit to expose a plurality of image bearing members at different times to form exposure regions on the plurality of image bearing members, to acquire results acquired by applying direct current voltage lower than discharge start voltage to a plurality of abutting members by an applying unit when the exposure regions pass by abutting parts against the abutting members and detected by a detecting unit, and to, based on the acquired results of the detections, acquire information regarding the surface potentials of the plurality of image bearing members.