Polygon Motor Heat Drying for Image Flow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges with 'image flow' due to moisture absorption on photoreceptor surfaces, particularly in high humidity environments, leading to blurred images and handling difficulties with toxic selenium and arsenic photoreceptors, while amorphous silicon photoreceptors are expensive and require polishing.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a photoreceptor and exposure device that includes a polygon mirror and motor for temporarily removing moisture from the photoreceptor surface during an aging mode, using a static eliminator with a light-emitting element and controller to execute the aging mode under specific conditions, increasing the rotation speed of the polygon motor to promote heat generation and dry the apparatus interior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the apparatus inside temperature is raised to dry the apparatus interior and prevent image flow, then the image quality is improved, but the cooling technique makes it difficult to raise the temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidapparatus inside temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The polygon motor utilizes its own operational heat generation to dry the apparatus interior during aging mode, eliminating the need for external heating devices. The motor's inherent energy consumption serves the dual purpose of driving the polygon mirror and raising the apparatus temperature to prevent image flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically harmful effect of heat generation from the polygon motor into a beneficial effect by utilizing it to raise the apparatus temperature and remove moisture that causes image flow, thereby turning a source of potential thermal issues into a solution for image quality problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If a-Si photoreceptor is used to avoid toxicity and abrasion, then handling ease and lifespan are improved, but the surface requires polishing due to hardness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidpolishing requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary polishing treatment to the a-Si photoreceptor surface during manufacturing to create the necessary micro-roughness for toner adhesion. This preliminary action addresses the manufacturing challenge before the photoreceptor enters service, allowing the material's inherent hardness and durability to be fully utilized without ongoing polishing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If moisture is adsorbed on the photoreceptor surface in high humidity environment, then the surface resistance is lowered causing image flow, but drying the apparatus is difficult with improved cooling techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmoisture removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polygon motor serves the dual function of its primary purpose (rotating the polygon mirror for beam scanning) and secondary purpose (generating heat to evaporate moisture from the photoreceptor surface). This self-service approach uses the motor's inherent energy consumption to address the moisture problem without requiring separate heating or drying systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the polygon motor during aging mode by rotating it at higher speeds compared to normal operation. This parameter change increases the motor's heat generation rate, thereby enhancing its ability to evaporate moisture and raise the apparatus temperature for effective drying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively prevents image flow by rapidly drying the apparatus interior, reducing the occurrence of image blurring and extending the lifespan of the photoreceptor, while minimizing toner usage and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

increasing the rotation speed of the polygon motor to promote heat generation and dry the apparatus interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a static eliminator with a light-emitting element and controller to execute the aging mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10394187B2Exposure devices, static eliminator, and image forming apparatus comprising the same

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor and an exposure device. The exposure device is configured to expose a surface of the photoreceptor and to form an electrostatic latent image. The exposure device includes a light source, a polygon mirror and a polygon motor. The light source is configured to emit a beam. The polygon mirror is configured to deflect the beam emitted from the light source. The polygon motor is configured to rotate the polygon mirror. The polygon motor is rotated at least temporarily when an aging mode to remove moisture from the surface of the photoreceptor is executed.