Intermediate Transfer Member Cleaning Control for Toner Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method face challenges in completely removing adjustment toner images from the intermediate transfer member, leading to reduced productivity and potential cleaning failures due to the need for detecting residual toner and applying corrective cleaning modes after it passes through the cleaning portion.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a system to form and detect adjustment toner images of specific densities and lengths, allowing for repeated passage through the cleaning portion based on these parameters to ensure thorough removal, utilizing both electrostatic cleaning and opposite bias cleaning methods to optimize toner removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning member performs electrostatic cleaning to remove toner from the intermediate transfer member, then the transfer residual toner and remaining toner are removed, but the adjustment toner image formed with a large amount of toner cannot be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the adjustment toner image before it reaches the cleaning portion, and pre-calculates the required number of cleaning cycles based on the toner image's density and length parameters. This allows the cleaning member to be prepared in advance with the appropriate cleaning intensity and duration to completely remove the adjustment toner image, preventing residual toner from affecting subsequent image formation.
2Reliability
If the system detects residual toner after it passes through the cleaning portion and applies forcible cleaning, then the residual toner is eventually eliminated, but productivity is reduced due to the time taken for detection and corrective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the detection portion to measure the density and length of the adjustment toner image, then feeding this information back to the control portion which calculates the optimal number of cleaning cycles. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the cleaning member performs the exact number of cycles needed to completely remove the adjustment toner image, avoiding both insufficient cleaning and unnecessary repeated cleaning cycles that would reduce productivity.
3Reliability
If the cleaning setting is changed after residual toner is detected, then the cleaning voltage is optimized, but cleaning failure occurs in images formed during the detection period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the adjustment toner image and calculating the required cleaning cycles before the toner image reaches the cleaning portion. The control portion determines the optimal cleaning settings in advance based on the detected parameters, ensuring that cleaning is optimized without delaying image formation. This eliminates the problem of changing cleaning settings after detection, as all calculations and preparations are completed beforehand.
4Measurement precision
If the adjustment toner image is formed with high density and long length to ensure accurate density detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the number of cleaning cycles required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by using the detection portion to measure the density and length of the adjustment toner image, then the control portion calculates the optimal number of cleaning cycles based on these parameters. By dynamically adjusting the cleaning cycle count according to the actual detected parameters rather than using a fixed number, the system achieves precise density detection with adequate cleaning efficiency, minimizing unnecessary cleaning time while ensuring complete toner removal.
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 enhances the efficiency of toner removal, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent image quality by adjusting the number of cleaning cycles based on toner density and length, thereby improving productivity and reducing cleaning failures.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning member disposed opposing the intermediate transfer member on a downstream side of the second transfer portion and on an upstream side of the first transfer portion in a movement direction of the intermediate transfer member, and configured to electrostatically remove toner on the intermediate transfer member at a cleaning portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a control unit configured to control a cleaning operation of rotating an intermediate transfer member to remove an adjustment toner image, which is formed on an image bearing member and attached to the intermediate transfer member during an adjustment operation, at a cleaning portion where toner is electrostatically removed. The control unit is configured to change the number of times of rotating the intermediate transfer member to convey the adjustment toner image on the intermediate transfer member to the cleaning portion according to at least one of a density and a length in a conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer member regarding the adjustment toner image on the intermediate transfer member before being conveyed to the cleaning portion.