Intermediate Transfer Member Cleaning With Timed Brush Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic methods face issues with toner scattering from cleaning devices onto intermediate transfer members due to changing conveyance speeds, leading to image defects and reduced lifespan of transfer members.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a cleaning device that can come into contact with and separate from the intermediate transfer member, using a brush to charge and clean toner, controlled to avoid contact during changes in conveyance speed, ensuring toner is collected efficiently without scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning device contacts the intermediate transfer member to collect residual toner, then toner collection efficiency is improved, but toner scattering occurs when conveyance speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to dynamically adjust its contact state with the intermediate transfer member. A contact control unit selectively brings the cleaning device into contact with or separates it from the intermediate transfer member based on operational conditions, thereby preventing toner scattering during conveyance speed changes while maintaining effective toner collection during stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a contact control unit that monitors operational parameters and controls the contact state of the cleaning device accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the cleaning device operates only under conditions where it will not cause toner scattering, thus maintaining image quality while achieving effective toner collection.
2Productivity
If a cleaning blade is used to scrape residual toner, then toner collection is effective, but the lifespan of the intermediate transfer member is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scraping action of a cleaning blade with an electrostatic charging mechanism. The cleaning device charges residual toner to the potential opposite to the charging potential of the photosensitive drum, causing the toner to be attracted to and collected by the photosensitive drum at the primary transfer nip. This non-contact method eliminates mechanical wear on the intermediate transfer member while maintaining effective toner collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device acts as an intermediary that transfers charged toner to the photosensitive drum rather than directly scraping it from the intermediate transfer member. This indirect collection method through the photosensitive drum intermediary prevents direct mechanical contact and wear on the intermediate transfer member.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the ICL means is separated from the intermediate transfer member when no residual toner is present, then the lifespan of the intermediate transfer member is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed with dynamic contact control capability, allowing it to be selectively brought into contact with or separated from the intermediate transfer member based on the presence of residual toner and operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment extends the intermediate transfer member lifespan by minimizing unnecessary contact while maintaining effective cleaning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact control unit automatically determines when the cleaning device should contact the intermediate transfer member based on detected operational parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems. This self-service approach manages the complexity internally while achieving the goal of extended component lifespan.
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
Prevents toner scattering during changes in conveyance speed, maintaining image quality and extending the lifespan of intermediate transfer members by ensuring controlled toner collection.
Implementation Method 1
charging means for charging residual toner after secondary transfer is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from an intermediate transfer member
Implementation Method 2
residual toner on an intermediate transfer member after secondary transfer is charged to the potential opposite to the charging potential of a photosensitive drum, and the residual toner is collected to a photosensitive drum at a primary transfer nip
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises an image carrier that carries a toner image, a secondary transfer roller that performs secondary transfer of a primarily transferred toner image on an intermediate transfer member to a printing medium, and a cleaning device that comes into contact with and separates from the intermediate transfer member and charges and cleans toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member. The cleaning device includes a brush member for charging the toner in accordance with an applied voltage, and the brush member holds toner on a surface of a region thereof that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus performs control so as to bring the cleaning device into contact with the intermediate transfer member after a leading edge of the printing medium has passed a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller and the intermediate transfer member.