Printing Apparatus Transfer Protection via Conductive Discharge Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corona discharge between the photo imaging plate and intermediate transfer member in liquid electrophotographic printers leads to increased wear and reduced maintenance intervals due to oxidation of the intermediate transfer member, particularly when using epoxy-based print fluids, which exacerbates the issue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically conductive member between the photo imaging plate and intermediate transfer member to provide a leakage path for corona discharge, reducing its impact on the transfer member by acting as a grounded conductor to attract and intercept the discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate transfer member is used to transfer images in liquid electrophotographic printers, then image transfer capability is improved, but corona discharge causes oxidation and wear of the transfer member, reducing maintenance intervals
Solution Approach 1:
A sacrificial conductive member is introduced as an intermediary between the photo imaging plate and the intermediate transfer member. This member intercepts corona discharge that would otherwise damage the intermediate transfer member, sacrificing itself instead. The conductive member is positioned in the corona discharge path and provides a preferred discharge route, protecting the expensive transfer member from oxidation and wear.
2Reliability
If corona discharge occurs between photo imaging plate and intermediate transfer member, then charging function is maintained, but oxidation of the transfer member increases, particularly with epoxy-based print fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful corona discharge that damages the intermediate transfer member into a beneficial process by redirecting it onto a sacrificial conductive member. The corona discharge still performs its useful function of charging the photo imaging plate, but the harmful oxidation effect is transferred to the disposable conductive member instead of the valuable transfer member. This effectively separates the useful and harmful effects of corona discharge.
3Productivity
If print fluid is applied to form intermediate images, then image formation is enabled, but adhesion between print fluid and intermediate transfer member increases, reducing releaseability
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial conductive member acts as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interaction between corona discharge and the intermediate transfer member. By intercepting the discharge, it maintains the transfer member's surface properties, ensuring optimal releaseability of print fluid. The conductive member's oxidation instead of the transfer member's oxidation prevents adhesion problems that would reduce image transfer quality.
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
Reduces oxidation and wear of the intermediate transfer member, thereby increasing maintenance intervals and improving print fluid releaseability, especially with epoxy-based fluids.
Implementation Method 1
Corona discharge between the photo imaging plate and intermediate transfer member in liquid electrophotographic printers leads to increased wear and reduced maintenance intervals due to oxidation of the intermediate transfer member
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating an electrically conductive member between the photo imaging plate and intermediate transfer member to provide a leakage path for corona discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A printing apparatus has a photo imaging plate to be held at a first voltage having a first polarity, and an intermediate transfer member to receive an intermediate image from the photo imaging plate. The intermediate transfer member is to be held at a second voltage having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. An electrically conductive member is disposed between the photo imaging plate and the intermediate transfer member.