Image Forming Apparatus Powder Supply for Label Adhesive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in transferring toner images onto label paper with middle adhesive layers, as the adhesive can adhere to transfer rollers and belts, leading to image defects and paper peeling issues due to differences in material shrinkage and adhesive forces.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is equipped with a powder supply unit that interposes powder between the label paper's adhesive layer and transfer components, using a rotary brush to electrostatically adhere the powder to the adhesive, reducing adhesion to transfer rollers and belts while maintaining adhesion to the paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the adhesive layer is used to transfer toner images, then image formation is enabled on label paper, but the adhesive adheres to transfer rollers and belts causing image defects and paper peeling
Solution Approach 1:
A release agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the adhesive layer and the transfer rollers/belts. The release agent prevents direct adhesion between the adhesive and transfer components, eliminating image defects and paper peeling while maintaining the image formation capability on label paper with middle adhesive layers
2Productivity
If the adhesive layer contacts transfer rollers and belts, then toner image transfer is achieved, but material shrinkage differences cause paper peeling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The release agent serves as a mediator that allows the adhesive layer to contact transfer rollers and belts for toner image transfer while preventing the adhesive from bonding to these components. This resolves the paper peeling issue caused by differential shrinkage between the adhesive and transfer components, maintaining both transfer efficiency and paper structure integrity
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 effectively reduces adhesive transfer to non-image forming surfaces, preventing image defects and ensuring consistent image formation on label paper by managing adhesive forces and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
using a rotary brush to electrostatically adhere the powder to the adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a toner image holding member, a transfer unit, and a supply unit. The toner image holding member holds a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image held by the toner image holding member to a recording medium. The supply unit supplies powder such that the powder is interposed between an end portion of the recording medium and the toner image holding member and/or the transfer unit if the recording medium includes an intermediate adhesive layer.