Intermediate Transfer Belt Infrared Detection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the use of belts with high light transmittance due to added conductive agents leads to erroneous detection during correction control, compromising the stability of image transfer and formation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-layer belt structure, where a base layer with high light transmittance is combined with an inner surface layer having a lower light transmittance, specifically designed to absorb infrared light and reduce dynamic range, thereby preventing erroneous detection and ensuring stable transferability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ion conductive agent is added to the belt to adjust electrical resistance, then transferability is improved, but light transmittance increases causing erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into multiple layers with different functions: the first layer (thickest layer) contains the ion conductive agent for electrical conductivity and transferability, while the second layer has lower light transmittance to prevent erroneous detection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt uses a composite structure combining materials with different properties: the first layer uses ionically conductive polymer or carbon-based materials for conductivity, while the second layer uses coloring agents or light-absorbing materials to control light transmittance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between electrical and optical properties.
2Measurement precision
If a coloring agent is added to control light transmittance, then detection accuracy is improved, but uniformity of electrical resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into multiple layers with different functions: the first layer (thickest layer) contains the ion conductive agent for electrical conductivity and transferability, while the second layer has lower light transmittance to prevent erroneous detection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt uses a composite structure combining materials with different properties: the first layer uses ionically conductive polymer or carbon-based materials for conductivity, while the second layer uses coloring agents or light-absorbing materials to control light transmittance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between electrical and optical properties.
3Ease of operation
If the belt is made thinner to improve flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to increased light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into multiple layers with different functions: the first layer (thickest layer) contains the ion conductive agent for electrical conductivity and transferability, while the second layer has lower light transmittance to prevent erroneous detection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt uses a composite structure combining materials with different properties: the first layer uses ionically conductive polymer or carbon-based materials for conductivity, while the second layer uses coloring agents or light-absorbing materials to control light transmittance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between electrical and optical properties.
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 effectively suppresses erroneous detection and ensures stable registration correction and density control by maintaining a sufficient dynamic range, even under varying conditions or belt deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer which has a second light transmittance lower than the first light transmittance
Implementation Method 2
by utilizing specularly-reflected light from the belt and diffused reflected light from the detection toner
Implementation Method 3
by utilizing specularly-reflected light from the belt and diffused reflected light from the detection toner
Data Source
AI summary
A detection unit executes correction control of an image formation condition on a basis of a detection result of reflected light when infrared light is radiated to a test patch, which is transferred from a photosensitive drum to an intermediate transfer belt, and the intermediate transfer belt, wherein the intermediate transfer belt has a base layer which is thickest among a plurality of layers forming the intermediate transfer belt in a thickness direction of the intermediate transfer belt and to which an ion conductive agent is added, and an inner surface layer which has a light transmittance lower than that of the base layer.