Image Forming Surface Potential Calibration via Developing Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience long wait times and user inconvenience due to the need to correct surface potential variations on the image carrying member during image formation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a control portion that performs an image formation mode and a correction mode. In the correction mode, the control portion calculates the surface potential based on developing voltage and current, and corrects the relationship between charging current and surface potential to ensure accurate image formation without prolonged wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If surface potential correction is performed based on calculated surface potential during image formation, then image quality is improved, but user wait time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs surface potential correction in advance during a correction mode before normal image formation begins. The control portion executes the correction process separately, so that when users initiate image formation, the surface potential is already corrected and ready, eliminating wait time during actual printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic correction cycles where surface potential correction is performed at scheduled intervals or under specific conditions (such as after a certain number of sheets printed or when entering correction mode). This allows the system to maintain accurate surface potential without requiring correction during every image formation operation, thus reducing overall wait time while ensuring image quality.
2Reliability
If surface potential is adjusted during image formation, then image defects are prevented, but image formation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Surface potential correction is executed in advance during correction mode before normal image formation begins. This preliminary correction ensures that the surface potential is accurate and stable before printing starts, preventing image defects without interrupting or slowing down the actual image formation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between correction mode and normal image formation mode. During correction mode, surface potential is adjusted; during normal operation, the corrected state is maintained. This dynamic operation allows the system to achieve both reliable surface potential control and high image formation speed by separating the correction function from the printing function.
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 reduces user wait times and improves convenience by accurately adjusting the surface potential during image formation, thereby preventing image defects and ensuring consistent print quality.
Implementation Method 1
The charging device includes a charging member that electrostatically charges the image carrying member
Implementation Method 2
The exposure device forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing to light the image carrying member electrostatically charged by the charging device
Implementation Method 3
The developing device is disposed opposite the image carrying member, includes a developer carrying member that carries developer, and forms a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrying member
Data Source
AI summary
A control portion can perform an image formation mode to perform image formation while controlling, based on the relationship between a charging current and the surface potential on an image carrying member, a charging voltage and thereby adjusting the surface potential and a correction mode to correct the relationship between the charging current and the surface potential. In the correction mode, the control portion calculates the surface potential on the image carrying member based on the developing voltage applied and the developing current sensed by a developing current sensing portion and corrects the relationship between the charging current and the surface potential based on the calculated surface potential.