Toner Patch Control for Lubricant Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic technology, the efficient application and conservation of lubricant on photosensitive members are challenging, especially during low coverage image formation, leading to excessive lubricant depletion and reduced cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control method that adjusts the timing and formation of a toner patch (RFP) based on coverage information, delaying its start and adjusting its position according to the coverage rate to maintain appropriate lubricant application and reduce toner consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toner patch is formed in the region between sheets to replenish lubricant, then the lubricant application is improved, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of toner patch formation timing based on image coverage rate. When image coverage is high, lubricant depletion is slower so toner patch formation is delayed or omitted. When image coverage is low, lubricant depletion is faster so toner patch formation is performed earlier. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes both lubricant application and toner consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the toner patch formation process dynamic by continuously monitoring image coverage rate and adjusting the timing and necessity of toner patch formation accordingly. The control unit dynamically decides whether to form a toner patch in the region between sheets based on real-time image coverage information, transforming a static process into a dynamic adaptive process.
2Productivity
If image formation of low coverage is continuously performed, then productivity is improved, but lubricant exhaustion occurs faster
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces feedback control by monitoring image coverage rate and using this information to adjust toner patch formation timing. The control unit receives feedback about the image formation pattern (low coverage vs. high coverage) and adjusts the lubricant replenishment strategy accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents lubricant exhaustion while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If toner patch formation is performed early to prevent lubricant exhaustion, then cleaning performance is improved, but toner waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the timing parameter of toner patch formation based on image coverage rate. Instead of forming toner patches at a fixed early timing, the system adjusts the timing dynamically: delaying or omitting toner patch formation when image coverage is high (where lubricant depletion is slow), and forming toner patches earlier when image coverage is low (where lubricant depletion is fast). This resolves the contradiction by adapting the timing to actual lubricant consumption rates.
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 effectively conserves toner and ensures adequate lubricant application on the photosensitive member, reducing the frequency of lubricant exhaustion and improving cleaning performance by synchronizing toner patch formation with image coverage rates.
Implementation Method 1
laser light based on image data is applied to a charged photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image
Implementation Method 2
toner is supplied from a development device to the photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and thus the electrostatic latent image is visualized to form a toner image
Implementation Method 3
the toner image is transferred either directly or indirectly to a sheet
Implementation Method 4
the toner image is transferred either directly or indirectly to a sheet and is then fixed by being heated and pressurized
Implementation Method 5
a blade or the like is brought into a sliding contact with the surface of the photosensitive member on which the toner image is formed, and thus attachments such as a residual toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive member are removed
Implementation Method 6
a technology is used in which the toner to which a lubricant is externally added is applied and the lubricant is attached to the surface of the photosensitive member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus supplies, to an image carrying member, a toner to which a lubricant is externally added to form a toner image and transfers the toner image to a sheet transported to the image carrying member. The image forming apparatus includes a control portion that controls, when a toner patch is formed onto the image carrying member in a part corresponding to a region between the sheets transported continuously, the drawing of the toner patch based on coverage information of the toner image transferred to the sheet transported in a predetermined period.