Intermediary Transfer Belt Electrode for Embossed Paper Toner Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in uniformly transferring toner images onto recording materials with uneven surfaces, such as embossed paper, due to the formation of gaps that require a large transfer electric field, leading to toner scattering and reduced micro-image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a potential regulating member positioned downstream of the primary transfer portion on the intermediary transfer belt, applying a voltage of the same polarity as the photosensitive drum to suppress electric discharge and stabilize toner transfer, ensuring consistent contact with the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large transfer electric field is applied to transfer toner images onto embossed paper with gaps, then transfer completeness is improved, but toner scattering occurs and micro image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a potential regulating member as an intermediary element between the primary transfer member and the secondary transfer member. This member applies a regulating potential to the intermediary transfer belt in the region downstream of the primary transfer portion, acting as a mediator to control the electric field distribution and prevent direct high-voltage discharge that causes toner scattering while ensuring complete transfer to embossed paper surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (potential) of the intermediary transfer belt by applying a specific regulating potential through the potential regulating member. This parameter change creates a controlled electric field that enables complete toner transfer to embossed paper without causing toner scattering, thereby resolving the contradiction between transfer completeness and image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If a secondary transfer voltage in the form of DC voltage biased with AC voltage is used, then transfer property onto embossed paper is improved, but toner scattering occurs and micro image quality lowers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a regulating potential to the intermediary transfer belt downstream of the primary transfer portion before the secondary transfer occurs. This preliminary action prepares the electric field conditions to enable complete transfer to embossed paper while preventing the toner scattering that would otherwise occur during the secondary transfer process with AC-biased DC voltage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the intermediary transfer belt is positioned to accommodate various recording materials, then adaptability is improved, but gap formation occurs with embossed paper reducing transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a local regulating potential to a specific region of the intermediary transfer belt downstream of the primary transfer portion. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain adaptability to various recording materials while creating a localized electric field enhancement in the critical region where toner transfer to embossed paper occurs, ensuring uniform transfer despite surface irregularities.
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 enhances the transfer properties of toner images onto embossed paper by reducing electric discharge and maintaining stable contact, thereby improving image quality and uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage of a polarity opposite to a polarity of the first transfer voltage is applied to the electrode member... applying a voltage of the same polarity as the photosensitive drum to suppress electric discharge and stabilize toner transfer
Implementation Method 2
toner images formed on the photosensitive drums are electrostatically primary-transferred successively onto the intermediary transfer belt
Implementation Method 3
the first image bearing member is provided adjacent to the second image bearing member on a side upstream of the second image bearing member with respect to a movement direction of the intermediary transfer belt
Data Source
AI summary
In a cross section perpendicular to a rotational axis of a first image bearing member, when a common tangential line between the first image bearing member and a second image bearing member on an intermediary transfer belt side is a rectilinear line L, a rectilinear line passing through a rotation center of the first image bearing member and a rotation center of a first transfer member is a rectilinear line P, and a rectilinear line passing through an intersection point between the rectilinear line P and the first image bearing member and perpendicular to the rectilinear line P is a rectilinear line Q, an electrode member is constituted so that the contact portion contacting an inner surface of the belt is positioned on a first image bearing member side than the rectilinear line L is and on a first transfer member side than the rectilinear line Q is.