Transfer Roller Cleaning Bias Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face productivity deterioration due to excessive cleaning of transfer rollers, which occurs when the cleaning time is not optimally controlled, leading to back surface stains and inefficiencies in toner removal.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with resistance-state detectors and a controller that adjust the timing of cleaning bias output based on detected resistance states, ensuring appropriate cleaning without excessive operation, by using a cleaning bias with alternating polarities and determining the optimal end time for cleaning based on toner adhesion and surface deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long cleaning time is set to reliably remove toner stain from the transfer roller, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the productivity in image formation deteriorates due to excessive cleaning operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a resistance detector to continuously monitor the resistance value of the transfer roller during cleaning operation. When the resistance value reaches a predetermined threshold, the cleaning bias application is automatically stopped. This feedback mechanism ensures that cleaning continues just long enough to remove toner stains effectively, without proceeding unnecessarily longer and causing productivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation transitions from a static fixed-time process to a dynamic adaptive process. The cleaning duration is no longer predetermined but adjusts automatically based on real-time resistance value measurements. This allows the system to optimize cleaning time for each specific condition, stopping exactly when the toner stain is removed rather than continuing for a fixed extended period.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the transfer roller is cleaned by applying bias continuously until stain disappears, then back surface stain is prevented, but the cleaning operation is excessively continued in some cases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance detector provides continuous feedback on the state of the transfer roller during cleaning. The control system monitors the resistance value and automatically terminates the cleaning bias application when the resistance reaches the predetermined value, indicating that toner stain removal is complete. This prevents excessive cleaning continuation while ensuring back surface stain is prevented.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual monitoring and judgment of cleaning completion with an automated electrical resistance detection system. Instead of relying on fixed time settings or manual inspection, the electrical resistance measurement objectively determines when cleaning is sufficient, eliminating both under-cleaning and over-cleaning scenarios.
3Productivity
If the resistance value is used to determine cleaning end timing, then the cleaning operation is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection components
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer roller itself provides the cleaning completion signal through its own electrical resistance property. The roller's resistance value naturally changes as toner is removed, and this inherent property is utilized directly without requiring external sensors or complex measurement systems. The system essentially uses the roller's own characteristics to control the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance detection mechanism serves multiple purposes: it monitors the cleaning progress, determines when cleaning is complete, and provides feedback for automatic control. This single detection approach handles the entire cleaning optimization function, avoiding the need for multiple separate sensing systems or complex control algorithms.
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 prevents productivity deterioration by optimizing the cleaning process, ensuring efficient toner removal and minimizing back surface stains, while adjusting to varying toner adhesion and surface conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning bias for cleaning the toner image that adheres to the transfer member
Implementation Method 2
a first resistance-state detector configured to detect, when the toner image is less likely to adhere to the transfer member, a resistance state of the transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer apparatus includes an image bearing member, a transfer member, a cleaning-bias output section, a first resistance-state detector, a second resistance-state detector, and a controller configured to control the cleaning-bias output section based on a first resistance state and a second resistance state, so as to change timing of ending outputting of a cleaning bias.