Tandem Image Forming Apparatus Transfer Condition Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with toner scattering and image density due to uneven transfer conditions, particularly in tandem-type systems where color component images are transferred onto a recording material, leading to irregularities and decreased density.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a tandem-type configuration with an intermediate transfer body and multiple transfer devices, where the adjustment device sets higher loads and lower transfer electric fields for specific transfer regions to enhance toner cohesion and prevent scattering, while maintaining optimal transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher loads are applied to all first transfer devices to improve toner cohesion, then toner scattering is reduced, but transfer electric field strength must be increased which decreases transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different load conditions to different first transfer devices based on their position in the sequence. The first transfer device (downstream) receives higher load to ensure toner cohesion, while upstream transfer devices operate at lower loads to maintain transfer efficiency. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each transfer point according to its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transfer conditions based on the sequence position of each image carrier. By making the load and electric field conditions variable rather than uniform, the system can optimize toner cohesion at critical downstream points while maintaining efficiency at upstream points, thus resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Device complexity
If uniform transfer conditions are applied to all image carriers, then device complexity is reduced, but toner scattering occurs due to uneven transfer conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different transfer conditions for different image carriers based on their position in the sequence. The first transfer device (downstream) uses higher load and lower electric field conditions to prevent toner scattering, while upstream devices use different conditions. This local differentiation ensures reliable toner transfer without requiring overly complex uniform control systems.
3Reliability
If lower transfer electric fields are used to improve toner cohesion, then toner scattering is reduced, but transfer speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lower transfer electric fields specifically to the first transfer device (downstream) where toner cohesion is most critical, while upstream transfer devices operate at higher electric fields for faster transfer. This localized adjustment maintains overall transfer speed while preventing toner scattering at the critical downstream point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electric field strength based on the sequence position and specific requirements of each transfer point. By making electric field conditions variable rather than uniform, the system can optimize toner cohesion at downstream points without significantly impacting overall transfer speed through upstream points.
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 reduces toner scattering and maintains image density by adjusting transfer conditions, ensuring consistent and high-quality image formation across various image formation modes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plural first transfer devices forms a transfer electric field in a first transfer region between the transfer member and the one image carrier to transfer a color component image carried by the one image carrier onto the intermediate transfer body
Implementation Method 2
The second transfer device includes a transfer member disposed so as to face a front surface of the intermediate transfer body and forms a transfer electric field in a second transfer region between the transfer member and the intermediate transfer body to transfer color component images that have been transferred onto the intermediate transfer body by the plural first transfer devices onto a recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes plural image carriers, an intermediate transfer body, plural first transfer devices, a second transfer device, and an adjustment device. Each image carrier carries a color component image formed thereon. The intermediate transfer body is rotated while facing the image carriers, is disposed so as to be in contact with at least one or more image carriers used for image formation, and temporarily carries one or more images formed on the one or more image carriers. Each first transfer device forms a transfer electric field in a first transfer region to transfer a color component image onto the intermediate transfer body. The second transfer device forms a transfer electric field in a second transfer region to transfer color component images onto a recording material. The adjustment device adjusts first transfer conditions for the plural first transfer devices.