High Voltage Power Supply Substrates for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The size reduction of electrophotographic image forming apparatus is limited by the need for large intervals between electrodes with high potential differences, which restricts the layout and compactness of the apparatus due to the requirement for larger distances between high voltage power supply components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two-divided high voltage power supply substrates, where one substrate supplies power to the transfer rollers and another to the charger, allowing for reduced potential differences between electrodes and enabling a more compact layout by placing the substrates closer together while maintaining insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single high voltage power supply substrate is used to supply power to both the transfer roller and charger, then the device complexity is reduced, but the substrate size and apparatus size increase due to the large potential difference requiring large electrode intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The single high voltage power supply substrate is divided into two separate substrates: a first high voltage power supply substrate for supplying power to the transfer roller, and a second high voltage power supply substrate for supplying power to the charger. This segmentation allows each substrate to have smaller electrode intervals since the potential differences are reduced, thereby decreasing the overall substrate size and enabling more compact apparatus layout.
2Reliability
If large intervals are maintained between electrodes with high potential difference, then discharge is prevented, but the layout flexibility is reduced and apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power supply into two separate substrates, the potential difference between electrodes on each substrate is reduced, allowing smaller electrode intervals while maintaining adequate insulation. This enables greater layout flexibility and more compact apparatus design without compromising discharge prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation structure acts as an intermediary between the first and second high voltage power supply substrates, providing the necessary electrical isolation. This allows the substrates to be placed closer together while still preventing discharge, thereby improving layout flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
3Reliability
If wires with larger potential difference are placed with larger distance, then discharge is prevented, but the space efficiency is reduced and apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the power supply system into two separate substrates reduces the potential difference across wires on each substrate, allowing wires to be placed closer together while maintaining discharge prevention. This improves space efficiency and reduces the overall apparatus volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprising an image bearing member, a transfer mechanism that transfers a developer image formed on the image bearing member, a charger that charges the image bearing member, a first high voltage power supply substrate that applies a first voltage to the transfer mechanism, and a second high voltage power supply substrate that applies a second voltage to the charger, wherein the second voltage has a polarity opposite to the first voltage.