Image Forming Apparatus Cleaning Scheduling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies due to the need for separate cleaning processes of the photoreceptor, which slows down image formation throughput as cleaning must be performed outside of printing times.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control device that schedules cleaning during predetermined supply intervals when printing is not occurring, allowing for efficient cleaning without disrupting the image formation process by utilizing the downtime between supply operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning processing is performed separately from image formation processing, then cleaning quality is improved, but image formation throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cleaning processing with image formation processing by performing cleaning operations during the supply interval when sheets are being fed. The control device coordinates the cleaner to operate during this interval, combining two previously separate processes into one integrated operation, thereby improving throughput without sacrificing cleaning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing cleaning processing during the supply interval before the next image formation cycle begins. The control device schedules cleaning operations in advance during available time windows, ensuring the photoreceptor is cleaned before subsequent printing operations without delaying the overall production schedule.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning processing is performed during fixed supply interval, then scheduling simplicity is improved, but cleaning effectiveness varies with supply interval length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cleaning processing schedule adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts cleaning operations based on the actual supply interval length, extending cleaning duration when supply intervals are long and adjusting when they are short. This dynamic approach maintains cleaning effectiveness across varying operational conditions while preserving scheduling simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of cleaning processing duration based on supply interval length. The control device monitors supply interval characteristics and adjusts cleaning parameters (such as cleaning time or intensity) accordingly, ensuring optimal cleaning effectiveness for each specific supply interval condition without requiring complex manual scheduling.
3Reliability
If cleaning processing is performed during long supply interval, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but image formation speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs cleaning as a preliminary action during the supply interval before the next image formation cycle. By completing cleaning operations during this preparatory phase rather than during active printing, the system ensures thorough cleaning without compromising image formation speed, as the cleaning occurs in parallel with sheet feeding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic cleaning action during supply intervals rather than continuous cleaning during image formation. The control device schedules cleaning operations periodically during available supply intervals, creating a rhythm where cleaning and printing alternate efficiently, maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and overall system speed through optimized periodic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor, a photoreceptor cleaner configured to clean the photoreceptor, a belt configured to be arranged opposite to the photoreceptor, a belt cleaner configured to clean the belt, a medium supplying device configured to perform supply operation of an image forming medium at a predetermined supply interval time, and a control device configured to perform cleaning processing when a cleaning processing time is less than the predetermined supply interval time.