Image Forming Apparatus Adhesion Control for Stable Image Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high transfer efficiency without a cleaning system, leading to issues such as image defects, uneven exposure, and reduced frictional force due to fluctuations in rotation, especially when using high-brightness or glossy paper, which affects image quality and fixability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus supplies a sufficient amount of carrier particles to the photoconductor drum surface, ensuring that the adhesion between carrier and toner particles is less than the adhesion between carrier and drum, stabilizing the rotation of process members and improving transfer efficiency without dot toner images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fine particles are supplied from a developing device to the photoconductor drum by using toner to which fine particles are externally added, then transfer efficiency is improved, but adhesion between carrier and toner particles becomes too strong causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adhesion parameter by controlling the surface properties of carrier particles. Specifically, it adjusts the adhesion between carrier and toner particles to be stronger than between fine particles and toner particles, while maintaining adhesion between carrier and photoconductor drum. This parameter optimization allows effective fine particle supply without causing image defects from excessive adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite carrier particles that combine multiple materials with different adhesion characteristics. The carrier particles are made of a composite structure where the base material provides strong adhesion to toner particles, while surface treatments or coatings control the adhesion to fine particles and photoconductor drum, achieving the desired adhesion hierarchy.
2Productivity
If a sufficient amount of fine particles is supplied to improve transfer efficiency, then transfer efficiency increases, but frictional force between photoconductor drum and process members rapidly reduces causing rotation fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces carrier particles as an intermediary between fine particles and the photoconductor drum. The carrier particles act as a mediating substance that supplies fine particles to the drum surface while maintaining stable frictional contact. The carrier particles' controlled adhesion properties allow them to serve as a stable interface that prevents rotation fluctuations even when fine particles are abundant.
3Productivity
If adhesion between carrier and toner particles is increased to improve supply to drum surface, then fine particle supply improves, but adhesion between carrier and drum becomes insufficient causing poor transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the adhesion parameter hierarchy by precisely controlling the surface properties of carrier particles. It establishes a specific adhesion relationship where adhesion between carrier and toner is stronger than between fine particles and toner, while adhesion between carrier and photoconductor drum is maintained at an optimal level. This parameter control ensures both effective fine particle supply and successful transfer to the drum.
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 configuration enhances transfer efficiency, stabilizes the rotation of process members, and maintains image quality on various paper types, reducing defects and ensuring stable image formation.
Implementation Method 1
ensuring that the adhesion between carrier and toner particles is less than the adhesion between carrier and drum
Implementation Method 2
frictional force caused by the surface of the intermediate transfer belt to act on the surface of the photoconductor drum
Implementation Method 3
applies a voltage from a voltage source to a transfer member disposed in an area opposite a photoconductor drum serving as an image bearing member to electrostatically transfer a toner image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing member and a rotatable developing member to carry developer made up of toner particles and carrier particles adhered to surfaces of the toner particles. Where a pressing force pressing the developing member against the image bearing member is F1, a total number of the carrier particles interposed between the toner particles and the image bearing member is N1, and an adhesion Ft between a carrier particle and a toner particle, measured when the carrier particle is pressed against the toner particle with F1/N1 that is a pressing force per unit carrier particle, and an adhesion Fdr1 between the carrier particle and the image bearing member, measured when the carrier particle is pressed against the image bearing member with F1/N1, satisfy Ft≤Fdr1.