Transfer Member Charge Removal to Prevent Image Transfer Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using intermediate transfer belts face issues with abnormal electrical discharge at the transfer portion, leading to image defects, particularly with materials of high rigidity or in low-humidity environments, and require complex mechanisms that increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a pre-transfer electrostatic charge removal member and a conveyance guide grounded via a same current suppression circuit, arranged to remove electrostatic charge from the transfer member and guide the recording material effectively, preventing discharge and maintaining transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer material is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt to prevent abnormal electrical discharge, then image defects are prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic charge removal member is positioned upstream of the transfer nip to remove electrostatic charge from the transfer material before it enters the transfer portion. This preliminary action prevents abnormal electrical discharge during transfer without requiring complex pressing mechanisms at the transfer nip itself.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrostatic charge removal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the transfer material and the intermediate transfer belt. This mediator removes electrostatic charge through corona discharge or contact, preventing direct electrical discharge between the transfer material and belt while maintaining simple apparatus structure.
2Reliability
If the electrostatic charge removal portion is arranged closer to the secondary transfer nip, then image defects are better prevented, but the recording material may be damaged due to contact with the control electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic charge removal member acts as an intermediary that removes electrostatic charge from the transfer material before it contacts the intermediate transfer belt. This prevents harmful electrical discharge while the material passes through the conveyance guide, avoiding direct contact between the material and control electrodes that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrostatic charge is removed in advance upstream of the transfer nip, before the recording material enters the critical transfer zone. This preliminary charge removal prevents subsequent electrical discharge and image defects without requiring the charge removal portion to be positioned in a location that would damage the material.
3Ease of operation
If a conveyance guide is arranged immediately anterior to the secondary transfer nip, then conveyance is improved, but space restrictions prevent proper arrangement of the electrostatic charge removal portion
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance guide and electrostatic charge removal member are merged into a single integrated component. This combination allows both conveyance guidance and electrostatic charge removal functions to be performed simultaneously in the limited space upstream of the transfer nip, eliminating the conflict between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance guide is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a guide for recording material conveyance and as an electrostatic charge removal member. This universal component performs multiple functions in the space-constrained region, allowing proper arrangement of both conveyance and charge removal functions without increasing apparatus size.
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 prevents image defects by minimizing electrical discharge, ensuring stable transfer and conveyance, while reducing the complexity and size of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic charge removal member configured to remove electrostatic charge from a surface of the transfer member at a counter portion facing the surface of the transfer member at an upstream of the transfer nip portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable transfer member configured to be brought into contact with an image bearing member to form a transfer nip portion, and transfer, to a transfer material, toner supplied to a surface of the image bearing member, at the transfer nip portion, an electrostatic charge removal member configured to remove electrostatic charge from a surface of the transfer member at a counter portion facing the transfer member at an upstream of the transfer nip portion in both a rotational direction of the transfer member and a moving direction of the transfer material, and a transfer voltage application unit configured to apply a transfer voltage to the transfer member, wherein the electrostatic charge removal member is arranged in such a manner as to remove electrostatic charge from the transfer member in a state in which the transfer voltage is applied to the transfer member.