Printer Re-conveyance Mechanism Controller for Duplex Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses, such as printers, face issues with the deterioration of photosensitive drums and developing rollers during duplex printing due to continuous operation during re-conveyance, leading to reduced component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that turns off the charger and driving sources after discharging a recording sheet until it is re-conveyed, minimizing unnecessary operation and preventing toner attachment to uncharged areas, thus prolonging the lifespan of photosensitive drums and developing rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photosensitive drum and developing roller continue to operate during re-conveyance of the recording sheet, then the image forming apparatus can maintain readiness for immediate next printing, but the components such as the photosensitive drum deteriorate faster reducing their lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the motor to operate in cycles: running during image formation, stopping during re-conveyance, and restarting when needed. This periodic on-off operation pattern allows the system to balance between component lifespan extension and readiness maintenance, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous operation reliability and component durability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the motor and charger based on real-time process needs. The controller monitors the imaging process and dynamically switches between active and idle states, optimizing the balance between maintaining operational readiness and preventing component deterioration during intermediate periods
2Manufacturing precision
If the charger remains on during re-conveyance, then the photosensitive drum surface remains charged ready for immediate imaging, but toner may attach to uncharged areas causing printing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The charger is turned off in advance before the re-conveyance period begins, preventing toner attachment to uncharged areas. This preliminary action ensures that no residual charge remains that could cause defective imaging, while the system prepares for the next imaging cycle by maintaining appropriate charging timing
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from the imaging process state to determine when to turn the charger on or off. By monitoring whether imaging is actively occurring or in intermediate re-conveyance phase, the system dynamically adjusts charger operation to maintain image quality while preventing charging inconsistencies
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 effectively suppresses unnecessary driving and charging, preventing toner errors and extending the lifespan of critical components, while maintaining efficient duplex printing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a charger configured to charge a surface of the photosensitive member
Implementation Method 2
a developer carrier configured to rotate and supply developer to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member to form a developer image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided with: an image forming unit having a photosensitive member, a charger, and a developer carrier, the image forming unit being configured to transfer the developer image to a recording sheet to form an image on the recording sheet; a motor configured to drive the photosensitive member and the developer carrier; a controller configured to control the motor and the charger, and a re-conveyance mechanism configured to reverse the recording sheet discharged from the image forming unit and to convey the recording sheet back towards the image forming unit. The controller is configured to turn off the charger after the motor is turned off, during a time period after the recording sheet is discharged from the image forming unit until the recording sheet is re-conveyed to the image forming unit by the re-conveyance mechanism.