Electrophotographic Transfer Power Circuit Using Shared AC-to-DC Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and increased space requirements of power supply circuits for generating primary transfer voltage in image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method, particularly due to the high voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a toner container, photosensitive member, intermediate transfer member, primary transfer member, sensor, AC power supply, and DC power supply that generates and applies DC voltage to the primary transfer member, utilizing an AC voltage for toner detection and converting it to DC voltage for toner transfer, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the power supply circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply circuit is used to generate primary transfer voltage, then the toner image transfer function is achieved, but the cost and arrangement space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates both the AC voltage for toner detection and the DC voltage for primary transfer. By integrating these functions into a single circuit, the patent eliminates the need for separate power supply circuits, thereby reducing device complexity and arrangement space while maintaining reliable toner image transfer functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the AC power supply for sensor operation and the DC power supply for primary transfer voltage generation into a single integrated power supply circuit. This merging of functions reduces the overall complexity and space requirements of the power supply system while ensuring both functions operate reliably
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
The solution reduces the cost and space requirements of the power supply circuit while effectively transferring toner images, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC power supply configured to generate a DC voltage in a first polarity by converting the AC voltage output from the AC power supply
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that is provided in the toner container and is configured to detect information regarding a remaining amount of the toner contained in the toner container; an AC power supply configured to supply an AC voltage to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
a primary transfer member that is applied with a primary transfer voltage and transfers the toner image from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises a sensor provided in a toner container and is configured to detect information regarding a remaining amount of toner contained in the toner container. An AC power supply supplies an AC voltage to the sensor. A DC power supply generates a DC voltage in a given polarity by converting the AC voltage output from the AC power supply, and applies the DC voltage in the given polarity to a primary transfer member.