Image Forming Apparatus Contact State Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method face delays in starting the image forming operation due to the need for an initial operation to synchronize the separation mechanism with the actual contact/separation state of the developing roller and photosensitive drum, leading to increased time requirements and potential wear on the main motor and intermediate transfer belt.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a control unit that determines whether the developing roller and photosensitive member are in contact and controls the separation mechanism and exposure device accordingly, allowing the exposure operation to proceed while the separation mechanism is in the first position during the initial operation, thereby reducing the time needed for the initial operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the separation mechanism is operated to synchronize with the actual contact state during initial operation, then the contact/separation state is correctly synchronized, but the initial operation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact/separation state synchronizationVSAvoidinitial operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary determination of the contact state between the developing roller and photosensitive drum before initiating the exposure operation. By detecting the actual contact state in advance and using this information to control the separation mechanism, the system avoids unnecessary synchronization operations and reduces initial operation time while ensuring correct state alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the actual contact state of the developing roller and photosensitive drum, comparing it with the separation mechanism state. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to determine when synchronization is already correct and to adjust the exposure operation timing accordingly, eliminating redundant operations and reducing overall initial operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the separation mechanism is operated during initial operation to ensure correct state, then the state synchronization is achieved, but the main motor and intermediate transfer belt experience increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate synchronizationVSAvoidequipment lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit determines the actual contact state before initiating the exposure operation, allowing the system to proceed with image formation without unnecessary separation mechanism operations. This preliminary state detection prevents redundant cycling of the main motor and intermediate transfer belt, thereby reducing wear and extending equipment lifespan while maintaining correct operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the state determination function from the separation mechanism operation sequence. By independently determining the actual contact state and using this information to control the exposure operation timing, the system separates the state detection function from the mechanical operation sequence, eliminating unnecessary mechanical cycling and reducing wear on the main motor and intermediate transfer belt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 shortens the initial operation time by eliminating the need for unnecessary operating time of the separation mechanism and intermediate transfer belt cleaning, resulting in earlier start times for image forming operations and extended equipment lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a control unit configured to determine whether the developing roller and the photosensitive member of the process cartridge are in contact with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Implementation Method 2

an exposure device configured to expose the photosensitive member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation exposure:

Implementation Method 3

a separation mechanism configured to take a first position to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive member and a second position to bring the developing roller into contact with the photosensitive member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9459584B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion to and from which a process cartridge including a photosensitive member and a developing roller is attachable and detachable, a separation mechanism that takes a first position to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive member and a second position to bring the developing roller into contact with the photosensitive member, an allowance mechanism that allows the process cartridge with the developing roller kept in contact with the photosensitive member to be mounted on the mounting portion when the separation mechanism is in the first position, an exposure device, and a control unit, wherein, when the developing roller and the photosensitive member are in contact with each other when the separation mechanism is in the first position, the control unit performs an exposure operation while keeping the separation mechanism in the first position during an initial operation of the image forming apparatus.