Image Bearing Member Cleaning via Charged Toner Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with foreign materials like paper dust adhering to the surface of image bearing members, leading to changes in electric resistance and optical transparency, which degrade image quality, as existing cleaning devices may not effectively collect all debris.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a collection device and a processor that implements a strong scraping period with a holding bias followed by an ejection period with an ejection bias to remove adhered materials during non-printing periods, utilizing the toner as an abrasive to effectively clean the surface of the image bearing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning device is used to collect foreign materials on the surface of the image bearing member, then some foreign materials are collected, but some foreign materials remain fixed to the surface causing image quality reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces toner as an intermediary substance to facilitate the removal of fixed foreign materials. The toner particles act as an abrasive medium that, when supplied to the image bearing member surface, enables the collection device to effectively remove even firmly adhered foreign materials without directly contacting the sensitive photoconductive surface, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and image quality preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the collection process by introducing charged toner particles. The toner's electrostatic properties and abrasive characteristics transform the cleaning mechanism from direct mechanical contact to a mediated process where toner particles enable foreign material removal while protecting the image bearing member surface, thereby improving both cleaning effectiveness and image quality
2Stability of the object's composition
If foreign materials are not collected effectively, then the surface of the image bearing member remains intact, but electric resistance and optical transparency change causing image quality reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The toner serves as a mediator that allows foreign material removal without compromising surface integrity. By using toner particles as the active cleaning agent, the system can remove foreign materials that would otherwise change the surface's electric resistance and optical transparency, while the toner protects the photoconductive layer from direct mechanical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical scraping or wiping mechanisms with an electrostatic-based system using charged toner particles. This substitution allows for effective foreign material removal through electrostatic attraction and gentle abrasion, avoiding the mechanical stress that would compromise surface integrity while still preventing image quality degradation
3Reliability
If toner is supplied continuously to collect foreign materials, then foreign materials are removed effectively, but toner consumption increases during non-printing periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by supplying toner to the image bearing member only during non-printing periods when foreign material accumulation is detected or anticipated. This periodic toner supply, rather than continuous supply, maintains effective foreign material removal while significantly reducing unnecessary toner consumption during active printing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between removal effectiveness and toner conservation
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 ensures thorough removal of foreign materials, enhancing image quality by maintaining the surface integrity of the image bearing member and preventing image quality deterioration, while also allowing for efficient preparation for the next print job.
Implementation Method 1
executing, in a non-printing period, a first process in which the image bearing member is rotated at least one rotation while a holding bias is applied to the collection device, the holding bias having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity
Implementation Method 2
executing, in a non-printing period after the first process, a second process in which the image bearing member is rotated while an ejection bias is applied to the collection device, the ejection bias having the first polarity
Implementation Method 3
The developing roller is configured to provide a charged toner having a first polarity
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, the image bearing member has a surface and configured to rotate about an axis. The collection device is in contact with the surface, and configured to collect materials adhered to the surface. The developing roller is configured to provide a charged toner having a first polarity. The processor is configured to perform: executing a print job in a printing period; executing, in a non-printing period, a first process in which the image bearing member is rotated at least one rotation while a holding bias is applied to the collection device, the holding bias having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity; and executing, in a non-printing period after the first process, a second process in which the image bearing member is rotated while an ejection bias is applied to the collection device, the ejection bias having the first polarity.