Image Forming Voltage Cascade for Lower Transformer Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing costs while avoiding excessive load on transformers and minimizing image defects due to contact between members involved in the development process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs multiple power sources to generate and control voltages, including a first power source for the charging member, a second power source for the developing member, and a third power source for the contacting member, with a controller managing potential differences to minimize wear and maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple voltages are generated from one high-voltage circuit by voltage divider control, then cost is reduced, but the load on the transformer becomes excessive and the required capacity of the transformer becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage generation into separate circuits: a charging voltage circuit for generating charging voltage, and a developing voltage circuit for generating developing voltage. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently, preventing excessive load on a single transformer while maintaining cost-effectiveness through shared high-voltage circuit components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal high-voltage circuit that serves multiple functions: the charging voltage circuit and developing voltage circuit share common high-voltage components such as the high-voltage power supply and control circuitry. This multi-functionality reduces overall system cost while distributing the transformer load across different operational modes.
2Device complexity
If a voltage is output from one high-voltage circuit and the voltage connected below that voltage is controlled not to be output, then cost is reduced, but the load on the transformer becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of voltage output through switching elements that selectively connect or disconnect circuit paths based on operational requirements. The controller dynamically adjusts which voltage is output from the high-voltage circuit, allowing the system to optimize transformer load distribution across different operating conditions while maintaining simplified circuit configuration.
3Productivity
If the developing member contacts the photosensitive member, then development is performed, but image defects are caused by contact portions between members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the developing member from continuous contact with the photosensitive member by introducing a separation mechanism. The developing member is positioned to contact the photosensitive member only at specific development locations, while other portions remain separated. This extraction of the contact function to specific points minimizes the surface area for image defects while maintaining necessary development functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by providing different voltage conditions to different portions of the developing member. The controller selectively applies voltage to specific regions of the developing member that are in contact with the photosensitive member, while leaving other regions at different potentials. This localized voltage application concentrates the development action at specific points, minimizing image defects across the overall contact interface.
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 transformer size and cost while minimizing image defects by optimizing voltage control during contact and separation states, enhancing durability and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
a first power source configured to generate a first voltage and to apply the first voltage to the charging member
Implementation Method 2
a second power source configured to generate a second voltage lower than the first voltage from the first voltage generated by the first power source and to apply the second voltage to the first contacting member
Implementation Method 3
a third power source configured to generate a third voltage lower than the second voltage from the second voltage generated by the second power source and to apply the third voltage to the developing member
Implementation Method 4
a developing member configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member with a toner in the contacting position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a charging member, a developing member, a contacting member contacting the developing member, and first to third power sources. The first power source generates a first voltage and applies it to the charging member. The second power source generates a second voltage, lower than the first voltage, from the first voltage and applies it to the contacting member. The third power source generates a third voltage, lower than the second voltage, from the second voltage and applies it to the developing member.