Conductive Grounding Plate for Separation Needle Corona Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices face challenges in efficiently separating recording media from image supporters during double-sided printing, leading to issues like paper jams and dielectric breakdown, especially when using amorphous silicon photosensitive drums, due to inconsistent discharge voltage and potential for abnormal discharges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a separating means with a conductive grounding plate positioned between transport plates, orthogonal to the recording medium transport direction, and separation needles with specific spacing to stabilize corona discharge, reduce discharge voltage, and prevent dielectric breakdown, while guiding the recording medium to prevent contact with separation needles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separation needles are used to eliminate static electricity from recording medium, then separation reliability is improved, but dielectric breakdown of amorphous silicon photosensitive drum may occur due to abnormal discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive member (grounding plate) is introduced as an intermediary between the separation needles and the photosensitive drum. This grounding plate provides a controlled discharge path that prevents direct abnormal discharge between the separation needles and the amorphous silicon photosensitive drum, thereby eliminating dielectric breakdown while maintaining effective static electricity removal and separation reliability.
2Productivity
If separation voltage is increased to improve separation efficiency, then separation speed is improved, but discharge consistency deteriorates leading to dielectric breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive grounding plate acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the discharge process. It distributes the separation voltage uniformly across the discharge surface, preventing localized voltage spikes that cause inconsistent discharge. This allows high separation voltage to be applied effectively while maintaining discharge consistency and preventing dielectric breakdown of the photosensitive drum.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separation needles are positioned close to image supporter for effective discharge, then discharge efficiency is improved, but risk of abnormal discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive grounding plate is positioned between the separation needles and the image supporter (photosensitive drum), serving as an intermediary that maintains effective discharge efficiency while preventing abnormal discharge. It provides a controlled discharge path that allows the separation needles to operate at optimal proximity to the image supporter without causing dielectric breakdown.
4Device complexity
If conventional separating means are used for double-sided printing, then device complexity is reduced, but separation reliability deteriorates due to paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive grounding plate is integrated into the existing separating means structure without adding significant complexity. It works in conjunction with the separation needles to provide reliable separation for double-sided printing by preventing dielectric breakdown and ensuring consistent discharge, thereby improving separation reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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 solution enhances discharge efficiency, stabilizes discharge voltage, prevents dielectric breakdown, and improves separation reliability, reducing the risk of paper jams and maintaining image quality by ensuring consistent corona discharge and reduced electrical interference.
Implementation Method 1
corona discharge will occur between the separation needle 102 and the image supporter 113
Implementation Method 2
excess static charge is discharged from the back side of the recording medium 115 to a grounded separation needle 103
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of separation needles are arranged downstream from a transfer roller in the sheet transport direction along a direction which is orthogonal to the sheet transport direction, and when a separation voltage is applied to the separation needles, an electrical discharge occurs between the photosensitive drum and the separation needles, and a sheet which has been charged by the transfer roller has static charge eliminated and is separated from the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, a transport unit established downstream from the separation needles in the sheet transport direction has a plurality of transport plates which guide the transport of the sheet, and a grounding plate which is located between these transport plates, and the grounding plate is connected to the grounding unit of the device body such that the grounding plate can be seen without interference from the tip end of the separation needles.