Neutralization Voltage Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face instability in separating recording materials from image bearing members due to varying current-voltage characteristics between transfer rollers and neutralization needles, leading to insufficient or excessive neutralization effects.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the neutralization voltage based on detected current values, maintaining a stored potential difference between the transfer and neutralization voltages to ensure stable separation of recording materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed voltage is applied to the neutralization member, then the control is simple, but the neutralization effect becomes unstable due to changes in I-V characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit detects the current flowing through the neutralization member and adjusts the neutralization voltage based on the detected current value and the stored potential difference, creating a feedback control system that maintains stable neutralization despite changes in I-V characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the neutralization voltage parameter dynamically based on detected current values and stored potential difference data, rather than using a fixed voltage, to compensate for changes in I-V characteristics over time
2Reliability
If the neutralization voltage is increased to ensure sufficient neutralization, then the separation effect improves, but excessive neutralization may occur causing toner scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from current detection to precisely control the neutralization voltage, adjusting it to maintain the stored potential difference and achieve optimal neutralization without excessive voltage that would cause toner scattering
Solution Approach 2:
The neutralization voltage is made dynamic and adjustable based on detected current values rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal separation without causing harmful effects
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 approach ensures stable separation of recording materials from the image bearing member, preventing toner scattering and maintaining neutralization effectiveness even with changes in I-V characteristics over time or due to contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a neutralization member that is disposed further toward a downstream side than the transfer member in a direction of conveying the recording material so as to neutralize the recording material
Implementation Method 2
a transfer member that forms a transfer portion between the image bearing member and the transfer member and transfers the toner image from the image bearing member to a recording material at the transfer portion
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes a CPU capable of executing neutralization control in which, prior to image formation, a potential difference between a voltage applied to a transfer roller by a transfer power supply and a voltage applied to a neutralization needle by a neutralization power supply is gradually increased, and a value of the potential difference when the value detected by the neutralization current meter exceeds a threshold is stored, and in which, during image formation, a value of the voltage applied by the neutralization power supply is controlled based on the stored potential difference and the value of an image formation voltage applied by the transfer power supply.