Image Forming Apparatus Power Supply Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transferring and fixing composite images onto recording media, particularly due to the complexity of power supply distribution and heat management, which can lead to issues like toner melting and inefficient image formation processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates plural image holders, development devices, an intermediate transfer body, and a dual power supply system, with a fixing device applying heat and pressure to fix images, while a second power supply unit is strategically located above the intermediate transfer belt to manage heat and prevent toner melting, and a protection member is used to safeguard the transfer belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power supply unit is used for the image forming apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but heat management becomes insufficient leading to toner melting
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two separate power supply units: a first power supply unit located beneath the image holders and a second power supply unit located above the intermediate transfer body. This segmentation allows independent heat management and power distribution to different functional areas, preventing heat accumulation that would cause toner melting while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Temperature
If power supply units are distributed throughout the apparatus, then heat management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power supply unit is strategically positioned to serve specific functional areas: the first power supply unit beneath the image holders and the second power supply unit above the intermediate transfer body. This local quality approach ensures that power and heat are distributed where needed without creating unnecessary system complexity, as each unit operates independently in its designated zone.
3Productivity
If the intermediate transfer body is positioned close to image holders for efficient transfer, then productivity increases, but heat accumulation occurs causing toner melting
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two units positioned on opposite sides of the intermediate transfer body. The second power supply unit is located above the intermediate transfer body, creating a heat management zone that prevents heat accumulation during the close-proximity transfer process, thereby maintaining both high productivity and safe operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The second power supply unit positioned above the intermediate transfer body acts as an intermediary heat management element. It provides necessary power while its positioning creates a thermal buffer zone that prevents heat from accumulating between the image holders and the intermediate transfer body, enabling efficient transfer without toner melting.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of image transfer and fixation, prevents toner melting, and ensures safe operation by effectively distributing power and managing heat, resulting in improved image quality and apparatus reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device that fixes the composite image onto the recording medium by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium having the composite image transferred thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes plural image holders that hold an image; plural development devices that produce an image on the plural image holders; an intermediate transfer body supported by plural support members; plural first transfer devices that transfer images that are present on the plural image holders to the intermediate transfer body; a second transfer device that transfers a composite image from the intermediate transfer body onto a recording medium; a fixing device that fixes the composite image onto the recording medium; an ejection device that ejects the recording medium having the composite image transferred thereto out of the image forming apparatus main body; and a recording medium stacking part where ejected recording media are stacked.