Primary Transfer Voltage Control for Multi-Color Toner Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently determining and adjusting primary transfer voltages for toner images of different colors, leading to variations in transfer efficiency due to changes in intermediate transfer belt resistance, which can affect image quality and component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a primary transfer current detector and controller that determines primary transfer voltages based on detected current values, using a single detector connected to one primary transferor for one color, and applies correction formulas to adjust voltages for all colors, reducing complexity and cost while extending component life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detector is connected to each primary transferor to detect current values, then transfer voltage can be accurately determined for each color, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single detector is designed to serve multiple functions by sequentially detecting current values from different primary transferors. The detector connects to each primary transferor in turn during different time periods, allowing one detector to perform the work of multiple detectors while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic detection by sequentially connecting the detector to each primary transferor at different time intervals. The controller manages this periodic connection pattern, ensuring that current values from all primary transferors are detected in sequence using a single detector, thereby achieving both measurement accuracy and simplified hardware configuration.
2Productivity
If multiple detectors are used to detect current values of all primary transferors simultaneously, then all transfer voltages can be determined at once, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by sequentially connecting a single detector to each primary transferor at different time intervals. The controller coordinates this sequential detection process, ensuring that all current values are obtained in a systematic manner without requiring multiple detectors simultaneously, thus maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector connection configuration is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of having fixed simultaneous connections to all primary transferors, the system dynamically switches the detector connection from one primary transferor to another in sequence, allowing flexible and efficient use of a single detector resource.
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 enhances transfer efficiency and image quality by optimizing primary transfer voltages, reduces component wear, and lowers the apparatus' configuration and resistance detection costs.
Implementation Method 1
The primary transfer power source applies voltage to the plurality of primary transferors. The plurality of primary transferors primarily transfer the toner images from the plurality of image bearers onto the intermediate transferor
Implementation Method 2
The primary transfer current detector detects a current flowing through the plurality of primary transferors when a specified voltage is applied to the plurality of primary transferors
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearers, an intermediate transferor, a plurality of primary transferors, a primary transfer power source, a primary transfer current detector, and processing circuitry. The primary transferors primarily transfer toner images of colors from the image bearers onto the intermediate transferor. The intermediate transferor secondarily transfers the toner images onto a transfer medium. The primary transfer power source applies voltage to the primary transferors. The primary transfer current detector detects a current flowing through the primary transferors when a specified voltage is applied to the primary transferors and is connected to only one primary transferor of one color among all the colors. The processing circuitry determines a primary transfer voltage based on a current value detected by the primary transfer current detector and determines a primary transfer voltage value of the primary transferors of all the colors based on the detected current value.