Toner Removal via Bias Control on Secondary Transfer Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently removing toner from an intermediate transfer member, especially after paper jams, which can lead to toner residue and contamination, requiring effective methods to manage toner adhesion and removal without damaging components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a combination of bias control on the secondary transfer roller and pre-brush, along with a cleaning mechanism involving a collecting roller and cleaning blade, to manage toner adhesion and removal, ensuring efficient toner removal without contaminating the secondary transfer roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning blade is used to remove toner from the intermediate transfer member, then toner removal is achieved, but the cleaning blade may be damaged by toner adhesion and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a bias voltage to the intermediate transfer member before the cleaning blade contacts it, creating an electrostatic field that reduces toner adhesion. This preliminary electrostatic treatment prevents toner from strongly adhering to the cleaning blade, extending its service life and reducing replacement frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (bias voltage) of the intermediate transfer member to control toner adhesion. By adjusting the bias voltage polarity and magnitude, the system optimizes toner removal efficiency while minimizing damage to the cleaning blade, balancing cleaning effectiveness with component durability
2Productivity
If bias is applied to remove toner from the intermediate transfer member, then toner removal efficiency is improved, but toner may be transferred to the secondary transfer roller causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cleaning blade as an intermediary element between the intermediate transfer member and the secondary transfer roller. The cleaning blade physically removes toner that has been loosened by the bias voltage, preventing it from reaching and contaminating the secondary transfer roller. This intermediary mechanism enables effective toner removal while protecting downstream components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the bias voltage parameters (polarity, magnitude, duration) to optimize toner removal while minimizing the risk of toner redistribution to the secondary transfer roller. By precisely adjusting these electrical parameters, the system achieves high cleaning efficiency without causing contamination
3Reliability
If the apparatus stops operation after a paper jam, then the jam is detected and can be addressed, but toner images remain on the intermediate transfer member and must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies bias voltage to the intermediate transfer member as a preliminary action immediately after detecting a paper jam, before the cleaning blade reaches the toner. This pre-treatment loosens the toner adhesion, making the subsequent mechanical cleaning by the blade much faster and more efficient, thereby reducing the overall toner removal time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the bias voltage application continuously during the toner removal process after a jam, ensuring that the electrostatic field remains active to prevent toner re-adhesion. This continuous electrical treatment works in conjunction with the mechanical cleaning action, creating a sustained effective cleaning process that minimizes downtime
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 effectively reduces toner contamination and facilitates efficient removal of toner from the intermediate transfer member, minimizing the risk of component damage and maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary transfer device provided with a secondary transfer roller for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate transfer member cleaning device disposed between the secondary transfer device and the bending roller to clean toner on the intermediate transfer member
Implementation Method 3
a pre-brush disposed at a position preceding the secondary transfer roller in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer member, and a pre-brush bias applying device for applying a bias to the pre-brush
Data Source
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AI summary
To remove toner, which is primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer member, from the intermediate transfer member, a digital multifunction peripheral includes a first control unit that controls a second bias applicator to apply to a secondary transfer roller a bias of the opposite polarity to the charged toner when the toner passes through a position where the secondary transfer roller is placed, and a second control unit that, after the operation of the first control unit, controls a second bias applicator to apply to the secondary transfer roller a bias of the same polarity as the charged toner and controls a pre-brush bias applicator to apply to a pre-brush a bias of the opposite polarity to the toner.