Neutralization Light Source Layout for Image Carrier Charge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem-type image-forming apparatuses face challenges in neutralizing electrical charges on image carriers, leading to residual toner and exposure memory issues due to inadequate transfer performance and unstable neutralization, which complicates the layout and increases costs with multiple neutralization light sources.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a neutralization light source positioned between the primary transfer position and the cleaning unit for one image carrier and a second neutralization light source for an adjacent image carrier, using LEDs to irradiate light and neutralize residual electrical charges efficiently, eliminating the need for additional discharge light sources and reducing transfer current settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a neutralization light source is disposed further upstream than the cleaning device, then transfer memory images and exposure memory images are suppressed, but toner images remain on the image carrier surface and electrical discharge becomes inadequate where residual toner exists
Solution Approach 1:
The neutralization function is divided into two stages: a first neutralization light source disposed upstream to suppress memory images, and a second neutralization light source disposed downstream near the cleaning device to ensure complete electrical discharge and remove residual toner. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The first neutralization light source performs preliminary neutralization upstream to suppress transfer memory images and exposure memory images before the toner transfer process. This preliminary action prevents memory image formation while the second light source completes the neutralization process downstream.
2Productivity
If a high transfer current is used to increase transfer performance, then transfer efficiency is improved, but different transfer currents flowing into the image carrier affect image carrier charging characteristics and transfer memory occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The first neutralization light source is positioned to perform preliminary neutralization before the high transfer current is applied. This preliminary action suppresses transfer memory formation by ensuring the image carrier is properly discharged before the high-current transfer process, allowing high transfer efficiency without compromising charging characteristics stability.
3Ease of operation
If neutralization light is irradiated from the backside of the paper to facilitate separation, then paper separation is improved, but the layout of the optical system is limited and space cannot be saved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of irradiating neutralization light from the backside of the paper as in conventional approaches, the patent positions the neutralization light source on the image carrier side and irradiates light through the image carrier. This inversion of the light irradiation direction simplifies the optical system layout, saves space, and maintains effective paper separation functionality.
4Reliability
If neutralization light intensity is increased to ensure uniform neutralization, then charging stability is improved, but power consumption increases and the system becomes more complex with multiple light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The neutralization function is segmented into two stages with two light sources: a first neutralization light source for preliminary neutralization and a second neutralization light source for complete discharge. This segmentation allows each light source to operate at appropriate intensity levels for its specific function, achieving uniform neutralization and charging stability without requiring excessive power consumption or system complexity.
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 effectively neutralizes residual electricity on image carriers, stabilizes charging processes, suppresses transfer and exposure memory images, and conserves power by avoiding the need for increased transfer currents and multiple neutralization light sources, while maintaining efficient transfer performance.
Implementation Method 1
a neutralization light source for neutralizing an electrical charge on one image carrier, and an electrical charge of another, adjacent image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus is equipped with a neutralization light source that is disposed between a primary transfer position and the cleaning unit, in a direction of rotation of the first image carrier that composes the image-forming unit; irradiates a first neutralization light from a position opposing the primary transfer position on a first image carrier up to a position opposing the cleaning unit; and irradiates a second neutralization light from a position opposing the developer unit for a second image carrier that composes an image-forming unit disposed adjacent to the image-forming unit at a downstream side in the direction of transfer belt rotation, up to a position opposite the primary transfer position.