Dual-Path Image Forming Apparatus for High Toner Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses limit the coverage of toner on a recording medium per unit area when a toner image is second-transferred only once, restricting the amount of toner that can be transferred and the depth or vividness of colors achievable.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual-path method with two image forming units, one forming a superimposed toner image of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and another forming a black toner image, which are then transferred in a superimposed manner onto the recording medium, allowing for increased toner coverage and deeper color reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a toner image is second-transferred only once to a recording medium, then the device complexity is reduced, but the toner coverage per unit area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image forming system into multiple independent image forming units (first image forming unit forming yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images; second image forming unit forming black toner image). Each unit operates independently to form toner images on separate intermediate transfer members, which are then sequentially transferred to the recording medium. This segmentation enables increased toner coverage while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the transfer process by performing multiple second transfers sequentially at different positions along the recording medium transport path. The first image forming unit transfers its toner images at a first position, and the second image forming unit transfers its toner image at a second position downstream. This dimensional approach allows accumulation of toner coverage without requiring simultaneous complex multi-unit transfer.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple toner images are superimposed on the recording medium, then the color vividness and black depth are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color formation process into distinct functional units: the first image forming unit handles yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images, while the second image forming unit handles black toner image. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, achieving superior color vividness and black depth through precise superimposition while keeping individual unit complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate transfer members as mediators between the image forming units and the recording medium. Each image forming unit forms its toner image on a separate intermediate transfer member, which then serves as the source for transfer to the recording medium. This intermediary approach enables precise control over toner image quality and superimposition, achieving high manufacturing precision while simplifying the overall transfer mechanism.
3Quantity of substance
If the amount of toner transferred is increased, then the gloss and design quality are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the toner transfer process into multiple independent stages, with each image forming unit contributing a specific portion of the total toner coverage. The first image forming unit transfers yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images, while the second image forming unit transfers black toner image. This segmentation enables increased total toner amount while maintaining device simplicity through modular, independent units that can be manufactured and maintained separately.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first forming unit that forms a superimposed toner image, in which yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images are superimposed on one another, on a first intermediate transfer unit; a second forming unit that is located downstream of the first forming unit in a recording-medium transport direction and that forms a black toner image on a second intermediate transfer unit; a first transfer part that transfers the superimposed toner image formed on the first intermediate transfer unit by the first forming unit to a recording medium; and a second transfer part that is located downstream of the first transfer part in the recording-medium transport direction and that transfers, in a superimposed manner, the black toner image formed on the second intermediate transfer unit by the second forming unit to the superimposed toner image on the recording medium.