Image Forming Apparatus Primary Transfer Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the omission of a voltage source exclusively for primary-transfer leads to increased costs, and existing solutions using a constant-voltage element to generate a predetermined primary-transfer voltage result in primary-transfer defects when the timing of primary-transfer and secondary-transfer voltage application overlap.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that omits the voltage source exclusively for primary-transfer by using a constant-voltage element connected between the intermediary transfer member and ground, with a power source applying voltage to maintain a predetermined voltage, and includes a detecting portion and controller to adjust the test voltage based on detected current, ensuring the primary-transfer voltage is maintained during overlapping periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a voltage source exclusively for primary-transfer is omitted, then cost is reduced, but primary-transfer voltage becomes unstable when timing overlaps with secondary-transfer voltage application
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is designed to perform multiple functions: it applies voltage to the transfer member for secondary-transfer while simultaneously maintaining a predetermined voltage across the constant-voltage element to ensure stable primary-transfer voltage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate primary-transfer voltage source, reducing cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A constant-voltage element is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and ground. This element acts as a voltage regulator, ensuring that the primary-transfer voltage remains stable at a predetermined level even when the power source is also supplying voltage for secondary-transfer operations. The constant-voltage element mediates the voltage control function during timing overlaps.
2Reliability
If a constant-voltage element is used to maintain predetermined primary-transfer voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but test voltage application becomes problematic when timing overlaps with primary-transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the test voltage applied to the transfer member based on real-time detection of current through the constant-voltage element. When timing overlaps with primary-transfer, the controller reduces or modulates the test voltage to prevent excessive current flow and voltage instability, while still enabling effective testing when timing does not overlap. This dynamic control resolves the conflict between voltage stability and test operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A detecting portion monitors the current flowing through the constant-voltage element in real-time, and the controller uses this feedback information to adjust the test voltage application. The feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when primary-transfer is occurring and automatically modify test voltage levels accordingly, ensuring both voltage stability during primary-transfer and effective testing when conditions permit.
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 avoids primary-transfer defects by maintaining a consistent voltage during overlapping timing, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the image transfer process while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a constant-voltage element, electrically connected between the intermediary transfer member and a ground potential, for maintaining a predetermined voltage by passing of a current therethrough
Implementation Method 2
an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus, in which a toner image is transferred from a photosensitive member onto an intermediary transfer member (primary-transfer) and then is transferred from the intermediary transfer member onto the recording material (secondary-transfer)
Data Source
AI summary
In a constitution of primary-transfer-high-voltage-less in which a power source dedicated to primary-transfer, in the case where voltage applications for determining primary-transfer and secondary-transfer voltages are carried out concurrently, there is a possibility of improper primary-transfer. The possibility is decreased by controlling a power source so that a voltage drop of a Zener diode maintains a Zener breakdown voltage.