Image Forming Apparatus Transfer Bias Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack an efficient mechanism to adjust the timing of replacement for collection containers based on varying amounts of powder received, leading to uneven waste powder distribution and potential clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a changing unit that adjusts the transfer-process bias to control the amounts of powder received by collection containers, allowing for dynamic adjustment of powder distribution and extended replacement times by altering the transfer currents during the formation of waste toner images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer-process bias is not adjusted, then the collection containers receive powder in fixed proportions, but the replacement timing becomes uneven and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the transfer-process bias (electrical parameter) to control the distribution ratio of waste powder between collection containers. The changing unit dynamically modifies the bias voltage applied to the transfer roller, thereby changing the electrostatic forces that determine powder transfer amounts to different containers, achieving balanced replacement timing and preventing clogging
2Duration of action of moving object
If the powder distribution is not controlled, then the system is simple, but the replacement time of collection containers cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the changing unit monitors the state of collection containers and adjusts the transfer-process bias accordingly. By detecting the powder accumulation status and feeding this information back to modify the bias voltage, the system dynamically controls powder distribution to achieve extended and adjustable replacement timing while maintaining operational simplicity
3Productivity
If the transfer-process bias is changed, then the powder reception ratio is optimized, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service principle where the changing unit automatically adjusts the transfer-process bias based on the operational state without requiring external intervention. The system monitors powder distribution status and autonomously modifies the bias voltage to optimize powder reception ratios, thereby improving operational efficiency while minimizing the need for complex external control systems
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 enables efficient distribution of waste powder, delaying the need for container replacement and preventing clogging by optimizing the powder reception ratio between collection containers, thus improving the operational efficiency and maintenance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer device that transfers the visible image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer body
Implementation Method 2
a first cleaning device that cleans the image carrier by collecting powder that remains on the image carrier; a second cleaning device that cleans the intermediate transfer body by collecting powder that remains on the intermediate transfer body
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier that carries an image; a developing device that develops a latent image formed on the image carrier into a visible image formed of powder; an intermediate transfer body to which the visible image is transferred from the image carrier and that temporarily transports the visible image; a transfer device that transfers the visible image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer body; a first cleaning device that cleans the image carrier by collecting powder that remains on the image carrier; a first collection container that receives the powder collected by the first cleaning device; a second cleaning device that cleans the intermediate transfer body by collecting powder that remains on the intermediate transfer body; a second collection container that receives the powder collected by the second cleaning device; a feeding device that supplies a transfer-process bias to the transfer device; and a changing unit that changes the transfer-process bias supplied by the feeding device when a waste powder image is formed on the image carrier, the transfer-process bias being changed so as to adjust amounts of powder in the waste powder image received by the first collection container and the second collection container.