Transfer Apparatus Constant Current Control for Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic technology face challenges in achieving optimal transfer performance due to incorrect transfer conditions and user errors in selecting medium types, leading to subpar image quality.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a conductive intermediate transfer member and a high voltage transformer that applies a bias in a constant current system, ensuring the sum of volume resistivities and thicknesses of transfer members is greater than 3.6×10^8 Ω·cm^2, with a conveyance speed calculated by the formula V=A×0.009, to maintain consistent transfer performance across various media types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image forming apparatus uses predefined modes for different medium types, then transfer quality can be achieved for assumed media, but transfer performance deteriorates when the actual medium does not match the selected mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete mode selection to continuous transfer voltage adjustment. The control unit dynamically adjusts the transfer voltage based on the measured current value, allowing the system to adapt to different medium types (thickness, material) without requiring predefined modes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both high transfer quality and versatility across medium types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the current value during transfer is measured and used to adjust the transfer voltage. The control unit increases or decreases the transfer voltage based on whether the current is below or above the target value, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual medium properties rather than relying on predefined modes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the user manually selects the medium type mode, then transfer condition can be matched for standard media, but transfer performance deteriorates due to user selection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine and adjust transfer conditions based on actual medium properties during the transfer process. The control unit measures current and autonomously adjusts voltage without requiring user input about medium type, making the system self-adapting and eliminating user selection errors while maintaining accurate transfer conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically sense medium properties through current measurement and adjust transfer voltage accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual medium type selection by users, as the system self-corrects based on real-time electrical characteristics of the actual medium being processed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the transfer voltage is increased to improve transfer performance, then transfer quality improves, but energy consumption and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transfer voltage adjustment rather than using a fixed high voltage. The control unit continuously adapts the transfer voltage based on real-time current measurements, increasing voltage only when necessary to achieve target current values. This dynamic approach maintains optimal transfer performance while minimizing energy consumption by using the minimum necessary voltage for each specific transfer condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transfer voltage parameter dynamically based on measured current values. Rather than applying a consistently high voltage, the control unit adjusts the voltage parameter in real-time to match actual transfer needs, achieving both high transfer performance and energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary high voltage application.
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 solution ensures accurate and optimal transfer performance regardless of medium type or thickness, maintaining image quality without requiring mode selection by the user, by controlling the conveyance speed and voltage output based on the transformer's capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage transformer configured to apply a bias to the transfer member
Implementation Method 2
a transfer member configured to secondarily transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto an image receiving medium in a constant current system
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments provide a transfer apparatus, which including: an conductive intermediate transfer member; a transfer section configured to secondarily transfer a toner image onto an image receiving medium in a constant current system; a conveyance section configured to convey the image receiving medium; and a high voltage transformer configured to apply a bias to the transfer member, wherein the sum of the products of the volume resistivities [Ω·cm] and the thicknesses [cm] of the intermediate transfer member and the transfer member is equal to or greater than 3.6×108 Ω·cm2, and the conveyance speed V[mm/s] of the image receiving medium={the output upper limit value A[V] of the absolute value of the voltage output from the transfer polarity side of the high voltage transformer}×0.009.