Independent Wiring for Belt Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image formation devices face issues with inaccurate voltage control between the cleaning roller and backup roller, leading to excessive current flow and premature deterioration of the endless belt, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic image formation device with a belt unit, cleaning unit, backup unit, and independent electric wiring unit for accurate current detection, where the backup unit is grounded and the cleaning unit applies a distinct voltage to collect particles using electrostatic attraction, with a control system to manage voltages and currents to prevent excessive discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a discharge circuit is shared with the backup roller wiring, then device complexity is reduced, but current detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical wiring into separate circuits: a discharge circuit connected to the first roller and a backup roller circuit connected to the second roller. This segmentation allows independent current detection for each circuit, eliminating interference between discharge current and backup roller current, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified wiring and precise current measurement.
2Reliability
If voltage between cleaning roller and backup roller is increased to improve particle collection, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but excess current flow increases causing belt deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a current detection unit that continuously monitors the current flowing through the backup roller circuit and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the voltage applied to the backup roller based on this feedback, preventing excessive current that would cause belt deterioration while maintaining sufficient voltage for effective particle collection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discharge circuit is electrically connected to backup roller, then functionality is integrated, but accurate voltage control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the discharge circuit from the backup roller circuit by connecting the discharge circuit to the first roller and the backup roller circuit to the second roller with independent wiring. This segmentation enables precise voltage control for the backup roller without interference from discharge circuit operations, while both circuits remain functionally integrated within the overall system.
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 allows for precise detection and control of electric currents, preventing excessive discharge and belt deterioration, ensuring stable and prolonged image formation quality.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning unit facing the endless belt and collects particles adhered on the endless belt with use of an electrostatic attractive force
Implementation Method 2
an electric current detection unit configured to detect an current value of an electric current flowing through the electric wiring unit
Implementation Method 3
where the backup unit is grounded
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic image formation device configured to form images on a recording sheet is provided with a belt unit having an endless belt wound around a first roller and a second roller, a cleaning unit facing the endless belt and collects particles adhered on the endless belt with use of an electrostatic attractive force, a first voltage being applied to the cleaning unit, a backup unit arranged to face the cleaning unit with the endless belt being located therebetween, a second voltage that is different from the first voltage being applied to the backup unit, an electric wiring unit provided to the belt unit and electrically connected with the backup unit, and an electric current detection unit configured to detect an current value of an electric current flowing through the electric wiring unit. The electric wiring unit is electrically independent from other electric wiring units provided to the belt unit.