Transfer Device Resistance Portion Separation Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in suppressing separation discharge between the sheet and the conveyance belt, which can lead to toner scattering and decreased cleaning performance of the cleaning member, while also increasing power consumption when attempting to manage the potential differences and electrostatic forces involved.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a resistance portion with electrical resistance, specifically set between 500 kΩ and 5 MΩ, is used to ground the second roller, thereby controlling the outflow of electric charge from the conveyance belt and reducing separation discharge, while maintaining effective cleaning performance by optimizing the voltage applied to the cleaning member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of toner is applied to the cleaning member to attract toner, then cleaning performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (voltage) applied to the cleaning member from a high voltage opposite polarity to a low voltage same polarity as the toner charge. This parameter change allows the cleaning member to repel toner gently, achieving cleaning function while consuming less power and avoiding excessive electrostatic attraction that would increase power consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the stretch roller is electrically grounded to control electrostatic forces, then separation discharge is suppressed, but cleaning performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical state of the stretch roller from fully grounded (0V) to having a same polarity voltage as the toner charge. This parameter change allows the stretch roller to repel toner, improving cleaning performance while still controlling electrostatic forces to suppress separation discharge between sheet and conveyance belt.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic forces are increased to prevent toner scattering, then image quality is improved, but separation discharge between sheet and conveyance belt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the voltage polarity and magnitude applied to the stretch roller from grounded state to same polarity as toner charge. This creates a controlled electrostatic field that prevents toner scattering (maintaining image quality) while the gradual potential difference suppresses separation discharge between sheet and conveyance belt.
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 suppresses separation discharge and maintains the cleaning performance of the cleaning member without increasing power consumption, ensuring efficient image formation and reduced toner scattering.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyance belt causes a sheet such as a printing sheet to be electrostatically attracted thereto, and conveys the sheet
Implementation Method 2
The transfer roller transfers, onto the sheet, a toner image that is formed on the image carrier at the contact position upon application of a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of toner
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning member is configured to attract the toner attached to a surface of the conveyance belt upon application of a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner
Implementation Method 4
the stretch roller is grounded via a resistance portion having electrical resistance... controlling the outflow of electric charge from the conveyance belt
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device includes a conveyance belt, a transfer roller, a stretch roller, and a cleaning member. The conveyance belt is configured to convey a sheet via a contact position with an image carrier. The transfer roller is configured to transfer the toner image onto the sheet at the contact position. The stretch roller is configured to stretch the conveyance belt at a separation position where the sheet is separated from the conveyance belt and the stretch roller is grounded via a resistance portion having electrical resistance. The cleaning member is provided to oppose the stretch roller across the conveyance belt, downstream, in a running direction of the conveyance belt, from the separation position, and is configured to attract the toner attached to a surface of the conveyance belt upon application of a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner.