Transfer Device Charging Control for Toner Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with toner scattering and quality degradation due to uneven electric charging of toner layers, particularly when a base layer with a larger mass is transferred, leading to inconsistent image reproduction on different media types.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a setting portion that adjusts the electric charge amount of toner layers based on their position on the transfer belt, ensuring a higher charge when the base layer is uppermost and a lower charge when it is not, using voltage application members to maintain optimal adhesive power and prevent scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a base layer with larger mass is transferred, then the toner layer forms a stable structure, but the electric charging becomes uneven causing toner scattering and quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the electric charge amount based on the position of the base layer on the transfer belt. When the base layer is located at a specific position (uppermost), a larger electric charge amount is applied; when it is not at this position, a smaller electric charge amount is applied. This localized adjustment of charging parameters prevents toner scattering while maintaining image quality consistency across different media types.
2Device complexity
If uniform electric charging is applied to all toner layers, then the charging process is simple, but toner scattering occurs when base layer mass varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electric charge amount adjustable based on the base layer's position on the transfer belt. The charging device dynamically changes the electric charge amount according to whether the base layer is at the uppermost position or not, thereby preventing toner scattering while maintaining manageable process complexity through automated position detection and adaptive charging.
3Strength
If larger electric charge amount is applied always, then toner adhesive power increases, but toner scattering increases and image quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the electric charge amount as a variable parameter based on the base layer's position. When the base layer is at the uppermost position, a larger electric charge amount is used to enhance adhesive power; when not at this position, a smaller electric charge amount is used to prevent scattering. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes both adhesive power and prevents harmful scattering effects.
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 enhances image quality by reducing toner scattering and maintaining consistent hue across different media types, improving the overall output of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The toner is electrically charged by a charging device
Implementation Method 2
maintain optimal adhesive power and prevent scattering
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device includes a holding body, a transfer body, and a setting portion. The holding body holds multiple layers including a base layer formed of a toner having a mass larger than a threshold. The toner is electrically charged by a charging device. The transfer body transfers the layers on the holding body to a recording medium. The setting portion sets the charging device so that the charging device electrically charges a toner immediately after being transferred to the holding body with a larger amount of electric charges when the base layer is located uppermost on the holding body, than when the base layer is located other than uppermost on the holding body.