Transfer Member Contact Detection to Prevent Image Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image defects due to local deformation in transfer members of image forming apparatuses caused by prolonged contact with pressure, necessitating a mechanism to detect the position of the transfer member and prevent transfer defects.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a configuration that includes a transfer member, a moving portion, a driving portion, an applying portion, a detecting portion, and a discriminating means to detect and reset the reference value based on the detecting result during the moving operation, ensuring accurate positioning of the transfer member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the transfer member is kept contacting the image bearing member for long term storage, then the transfer member maintains its functional position, but local deformation occurs due to applied pressure causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the contacting state before deformation causes image defects, and automatically separates the transfer member when contact is detected during storage periods, preventing the harmful deformation effect from occurring
Solution Approach 2:
The contacting state detection mechanism provides feedback about the transfer member's contact status to the control system, which then adjusts the transfer member position accordingly - maintaining contact during operation and separating during storage to prevent deformation
2Reliability
If a contacting/separating mechanism is provided to prevent deformation, then image quality is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage application mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables toner transfer during operation and simultaneously acts as a detection mechanism by monitoring current flow to determine contacting state, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single controller that manages both the voltage application for transfer and the contacting state detection, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
3Reliability
If the transfer member is separated from the image bearing member during storage, then local deformation is prevented, but the mechanism requires additional components to detect and control the position
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage application system performs dual functions: transferring toner images during operation and detecting contacting state during storage by monitoring current flow, eliminating the need for dedicated detection components
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer member's electrical properties (current flow characteristics) are utilized to automatically indicate its contacting state, allowing the system to self-diagnose position without external sensors or additional detection infrastructure
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
Prevents image defects by accurately detecting and maintaining the appropriate position of the transfer member, thereby enhancing the reliability and quality of image formation.
Implementation Method 1
an applying portion configured to apply a voltage to the transfer member; a detecting portion configured to detect at least one of a voltage applied to the transfer member by the applying portion and a current flowing through the transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a moving portion to perform a moving operation in which a transfer member is moved between a contact position where the transfer member contacts an image bearing member and a separated position where the transfer member is separated from the image bearing member. A detector detects a voltage applied to the transfer member and/or a current flowing through the transfer member when the voltage is applied to the transfer member. A discriminator discriminates whether a position of the transfer member is in the contact position or the separated position based on a result of comparison between a detecting result of the detecting portion and a reference value. The discriminator resets the reference value in a case in which the detecting result is not below the reference value while the moving operation of the moving portion is performed.