Image Forming Apparatus Transfer Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face prolonged execution times when adjusting transfer voltage due to fixed numbers of patch images, which can fail to find the optimum transfer voltage under significant changes in installation environment or sheet conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that selectively executes two modes for outputting test charts with different numbers of voltage levels, allowing for a first mode with a limited number of voltage levels and a second mode with a greater number, enabling more extensive voltage range adjustments to quickly determine the optimal transfer voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of patch images is increased to find the optimum transfer voltage under significant environmental changes, then the transfer voltage adjustment accuracy is improved, but the execution time of the adjustment mode is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of patch images configurable rather than fixed. The control unit allows the number of patch images to be changed according to adjustment needs, enabling the system to adapt between quick adjustments (fewer patches) and comprehensive searches (more patches), thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and execution time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the number of patch images from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted based on the specific adjustment scenario. This parameter change allows users to select an appropriate number of patch images depending on whether they need a quick adjustment or a thorough search for the optimum transfer voltage
2Productivity
If the number of patch images is fixed, then the execution time is reduced, but the ability to find the optimum transfer voltage under significant environmental changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed number of patch images to a dynamic configurable number. The control unit enables the number of patch images to be adjusted based on environmental change magnitude, allowing the system to maintain high productivity when changes are minor while adapting to find the optimum voltage when changes are significant
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the parameter of patch image count from a constant to a variable parameter that can be changed based on adaptability requirements. This allows the system to balance execution speed and environmental adaptability by selecting an appropriate number of patch images for each adjustment scenario
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 reduces the execution time of the voltage adjustment mode by allowing for a more extensive voltage range exploration, ensuring desirable transferability even with varying sheet conditions, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer member configured to transfer a toner image carried on the image bearing member to a sheet by being applied with a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a transfer member; and a controller configured to execute a plurality of modes of outputting a test chart, the modes involving transferring a plurality of test images to the test chart by applying a plurality of different voltages to the transfer member. The modes include a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being a mode in which a number of voltage levels to be applied to the transfer member when the plurality of test images are transferred to the test chart is a first predetermined number, and the second mode being a mode in which the number of voltage levels to be applied to the transfer member when the plurality of test images are transferred to the test chart is a second predetermined number which is greater than the first predetermined number.