Transfer Member Cleaning via Scraping and Alternating Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deposition of calcium carbonate particles on the surface of a transfer member in image forming apparatuses leads to surface roughness and hardness deviations, impairing the cleaning function of the transfer member.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with a scraping member that mechanically removes toner and calcium carbonate from the transfer member, and an alternating voltage applied to the transfer member to reduce the adhesion force of calcium carbonate, preventing filming and maintaining surface roughness within optimal ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transfer member contacts a recording sheet for toner transfer, then toner transfer function is achieved, but calcium carbonate particles deposit on the transfer member surface causing roughness and hardness deviations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner transfer functionVSAvoidsurface roughness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using a scraping member to remove calcium carbonate particles from the transfer member surface before they can accumulate and cause filming. The scraping member continuously or periodically contacts the transfer member surface to prevent particle buildup, thereby maintaining surface roughness within optimal ranges and preventing the harmful effects of particle deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If calcium carbonate particles deposit on the transfer member surface, then filming occurs, but the cleaning function of the transfer member is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidfilming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of calcium carbonate particle deposition into a beneficial outcome by applying an alternating voltage to the transfer member. This alternating voltage causes the deposited particles to vibrate and detach from the surface, transforming the harmful accumulation into a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents filming and maintains the cleaning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If an alternating voltage is applied to the transfer member, then adhesion force of calcium carbonate is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface roughnessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by applying an alternating voltage to the transfer member at specific frequencies and duty cycles. This periodic voltage application creates oscillating electric fields that periodically disrupt the adhesion between calcium carbonate particles and the transfer member surface, enabling particle removal while controlling energy consumption through optimized waveform parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively prevents the occurrence of filming on the transfer member, ensuring consistent toner removal and maintaining the surface roughness and hardness within appropriate ranges, thereby enhancing the cleaning function and image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a first application unit that applies a voltage, for transferring the toner image, to the opposing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic transfer: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a second application unit that applies to the transfer member a voltage having a polarity opposite to a polarity of the voltage applied by the first application unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS20170176894A1Transfer device applying a voltage for transfering a toner image to a member disposed opposite a transfer member with an image carrier therebetween

Publication Date: 2017.06.22 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A transfer device includes a transfer unit including an image carrier that carries a toner image to be transferred to a transfer surface of a recording medium, a transfer member disposed on a non-transfer-surface side of the recording medium, and an opposing member disposed opposite the transfer member with the image carrier therebetween; a scraping member that scrapes adhering matter from a surface of the transfer member by contacting the surface; a first application unit that applies a voltage, for transferring the toner image, to the opposing member; and a second application unit that applies to the transfer member a voltage having a polarity opposite to a polarity of the voltage applied by the first application unit.