Dual-Toner Image Formation with Variable Transfer Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal transfer and image quality, particularly in combining metallic and non-metallic toner images, due to differences in charge amounts and particle sizes, which affect the metallic shine and overall image density.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first image forming portion using toner with flat pigment for metallic shine and a second portion using toner without flat pigment, with controlled transfer conditions such as charge amounts, particle diameters, and transfer widths to enhance the metallic shine by preferentially attracting the metallic toner to the photoconductor drums, thereby optimizing image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If toner with flat pigment is used to achieve metallic shine, then metallic shine is improved, but transfer efficiency deteriorates due to higher charge amount and larger particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating transfer conditions for different toner types. Specifically, a wider transfer width is provided for toner containing flat pigment compared to toner without flat pigment. This localized adjustment allows each toner type to be transferred under optimal conditions, resolving the contradiction between achieving metallic shine and maintaining transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transfer width adjustable or variable based on the toner type. The transfer width is set to be wider for toner with flat pigment, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different toner characteristics and optimize both metallic shine and transfer efficiency accordingly.
2Manufacturing precision
If transfer width is increased to accommodate larger toner particles, then transfer completeness is improved, but image density deteriorates due to toner accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different transfer widths for different toner types. A wider transfer width is specified for toner containing flat pigment, while a narrower transfer width is used for toner without flat pigment. This localized differentiation ensures complete transfer for each toner type while preventing excessive accumulation, thereby maintaining appropriate image density.
3Quantity of substance
If charge amount of toner is increased to improve image density, then image density is improved, but metallic shine deteriorates due to reduced particle orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting transfer conditions specifically for toner containing flat pigment. By providing a wider transfer width for this toner type, the system allows flat pigment particles to maintain their orientation during transfer, preserving metallic shine while still achieving adequate image density through controlled transfer parameters.
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 approach ensures improved metallic shine and image quality by adjusting the charge and size parameters of toner particles, resulting in a higher loss rate of metallic toner and optimal image density, while maintaining efficient transfer and image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer current flowing between the latent image carrier of the second image forming portion and the toner image carrier or the recording medium is set higher than or equal to a value required to form an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming portion that forms a toner image on a latent image carrier with a toner containing a flat pigment; and a second image forming portion that forms a toner image on a latent image carrier with a toner not containing the flat pigment. The toner images formed by these image forming portions are transferred to a toner image carrier or a recording medium. The average charge amount per particle of the toner containing the flat pigment is smaller than that of the toner not containing the flat pigment. A transfer width is larger than the particle diameter of the toner containing the flat pigment. A transfer current flowing between the latent image carrier of the second image forming portion and the toner image carrier or the recording medium is higher than or equal to a value required to form an electric field.