Image Forming Apparatus Speed Difference and Toner Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem image forming apparatuses face issues with central image void phenomenon and transfer belt contamination, leading to unstable image formation over long periods.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a speed difference between the image bearer and transfer member of 0.1% to 0.8% and toner characteristics such as average circularity of 0.971 to 0.986 and shape factor SF-2 of 110 to 119, which prevents central image void and improves cleaning performance and anti-filming properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a speed difference is set between the transfer conveyance belt and the image bearer to prevent central image void, then transfer reliability is improved, but out of color registration occurs and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the speed parameter by setting a specific speed difference (0.1% to 0.8%) between the image bearer and transfer member, which prevents central image void while minimizing color registration errors. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between transfer reliability and manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the linear speed of the image bearer is made substantially the same as the transfer conveyance belt to improve color registration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but central image void phenomenon occurs and transfer reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled speed difference parameter (0.1% to 0.8%) between the image bearer and transfer member, which simultaneously prevents central image void and maintains acceptable color registration precision, resolving the contradiction between transfer reliability and manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If the friction coefficient between the image bearer and transfer material is increased to prevent slippage, then transfer reliability is improved, but the transfer material is transported by the image bearer instead of the transfer conveyance belt and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the speed parameter by setting a specific speed difference (0.1% to 0.8%) between the image bearer and transfer member, which prevents central image void while minimizing color registration errors. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between transfer reliability and manufacturing precision.
4Reliability
If the friction force between the transfer conveyance belt and image bearer is increased to improve transfer grip, then transfer reliability is improved, but the transfer conveyance belt droops at the transfer position and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the speed parameter by setting a specific speed difference (0.1% to 0.8%) between the image bearer and transfer member, which prevents central image void while minimizing color registration errors. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between transfer reliability and manufacturing precision.
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
The solution effectively prevents central image void and transfer belt contamination, ensuring stable image formation and extended apparatus usage by optimizing speed difference and toner properties.
Implementation Method 1
The tandem image forming apparatus is configured to bear a transfer material (e.g., a transfer medium) on the transfer conveyance belt through electrostatic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a developing unit configured to develop a latent image formed on the image bearer with a toner to form a toner image, and a transfer member including a contact area that comes in contact with the image bearer. The toner image is primary transferred from the image bearer to the transfer member. A speed difference between the image bearer and the transfer member at the contact area is 0.1% or greater but 0.8% or less. The toner has an average circularity of 0.971 or greater but 0.986 or less and a shape factor SF-2 of 110 or greater but 119 or less. The speed difference is represented by the following formula:Speed difference [%]={(V1−V2)/V2}×100 [Speed difference]where V1 is a linear speed of the image bearer, and V2 is a linear speed of the transfer member.