Recording Material Detection for Transfer Voltage Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in adjusting transfer voltage to accommodate various recording materials with varying electric resistance and environmental conditions, leading to image defects and increased user burden, especially when insufficient information about the recording material is available.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a detecting portion to identify material indices, a controller to execute an adjusting chart with test images, and an inputting portion for user instruction, allowing automatic adjustment of transfer voltage based on detected indices or user input, reducing operation burden and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the secondary transfer voltage is manually adjusted using service mode or user mode to accommodate different recording materials, then the image transfer quality is improved, but the user operation burden increases and waste sheets are generated during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects recording material properties (basis weight, surface property) and adjusts secondary transfer voltage without user intervention. The control unit executes adjusting charts and determines optimal voltage based on detected indices, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the secondary transfer voltage parameter automatically based on detected recording material characteristics. The control unit adjusts voltage levels according to the relationship between recording material properties and optimal transfer conditions, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment by users.
2Measurement precision
If multiple test images are outputted on different recording materials to determine appropriate transfer voltage, then the transfer voltage setting accuracy is improved, but the consumption of recording material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of recording material properties (basis weight, surface property) before executing the adjusting chart. By detecting material characteristics in advance, the system can determine the appropriate adjusting chart and voltage range, reducing unnecessary test outputs and material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system outputs only the necessary number of test images based on detected recording material properties. Instead of outputting fixed multiple test images regardless of material type, the system adjusts the number and range of test images according to the specific material characteristics, minimizing waste while ensuring accurate voltage determination.
3Measurement precision
If the adjusting chart is outputted by transferring multiple test images with different transfer voltages, then the determination accuracy of appropriate transfer voltage is improved, but the time required for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects recording material properties (basis weight, surface property) before generating the adjusting chart. This preliminary detection allows the system to pre-determine the appropriate voltage range and number of test images needed, avoiding unnecessary test outputs and reducing overall adjustment time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the adjusting chart generation based on detected recording material properties. The control unit modifies the number of test images, voltage ranges, and chart content according to the specific material characteristics detected, optimizing the adjustment process for each material type to reduce time while preserving determination accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus accommodates various kinds of recording materials with different electric resistance, then the versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the complexity of transfer voltage control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of transfer voltage with automatic detection and control systems. The detecting portion measures recording material properties, and the control unit automatically calculates and applies appropriate voltage levels, eliminating complex manual adjustment mechanisms and simplifying user interaction while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by detecting recording material properties and automatically adjusting transfer voltage based on detected values. The control unit continuously monitors and adjusts voltage levels according to the relationship between material characteristics and transfer conditions, simplifying control while accommodating various materials through automated feedback loops.
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 and user-friendly adjustment of transfer voltage, minimizing image defects and waste by automatically adapting to different recording materials and conditions, thus optimizing image quality and reducing user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
Transfer of the toner image from the image bearing members such as the photosensitive drum and the intermediary transfer belt onto a recording material is made electrostatically in many instances by applying a transfer voltage to a transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a voltage applying portion, a feeding portion, a detecting portion, a storing portion, a controller for controlling a first operation in which on the basis of a detection result of the detecting portion, a kind of the recording material set in the feeding portion is stored in the storing portion, and a second operation in which an adjusting chart is outputted for adjusting a transfer voltage; and an inputting portion. In response to a single start instruction, the controller is capable of carrying out control so as to execute the first operation and the second operation for outputting the adjusting chart prepared by transferring a plurality of test images onto the recording material from which an index interrelating with the kind of the recording material is detected by the detecting portion in the first operation.