Transfer Roller Ion Conductive Member Field Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ion conductive member in transfer rollers used in imaging apparatuses experiences increased volume resistivity over time due to ion disproportionation relative to the transfer nip and rotation shaft, leading to inefficiencies in image transfer.
Innovation Solution
A power-feed path switching mechanism is employed to reverse the direction of the electric field applied to the ion conductive member based on whether an image is being transferred or not, thereby preventing ion imbalance and maintaining low volume resistivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transfer voltage is applied continuously through the rotation shaft to supply current through the transfer nip, then image transfer function is maintained, but ions in the ion conductive member become disproportionate and volume resistivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic reversal of the electric field direction by switching the power feed path between two different configurations. During image transfer, voltage is applied through the rotation shaft (first power feed path). During non-transfer periods, voltage is applied through an alternative path (second power feed path) that reverses the field direction. This periodic action prevents ion disproportionation while maintaining transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between two power feed paths based on whether image transfer is occurring. The system transitions from a static continuous voltage application to a dynamic switching mechanism that adapts the electric field configuration to operational requirements, preventing ion polarization during non-transfer periods.
2Productivity
If the transfer roller operates continuously, then productivity is maintained, but the service life of the transfer roller decreases due to increased volume resistivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reversal of the electric field during non-transfer periods to prevent ion disproportionation. This allows the transfer roller to operate continuously for productivity while periodically resetting the ion balance, thereby extending the service life by preventing degradation from cumulative ion polarization.
3Device complexity
If a single power feed path is used for the transfer roller, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent ion polarization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between two power feed paths controlled by a switching mechanism. This adds complexity to the power feed system but enables the critical function of reversing electric field direction to prevent ion polarization, thereby improving reliability of ion balance stability.
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 effectively prevents the increase in volume resistivity of the ion conductive member, ensuring stable and efficient image transfer, and extends the service life of the transfer roller.
Implementation Method 1
A power source to generate a transfer voltage
Implementation Method 2
a roller-shaped ion conductive member made of epichlorohydrin rubber, which is disposed on a rotation shaft made of a conductive material. When a transfer voltage is applied through the rotation shaft to supply a current through the transfer nip, ions in the ion conductive member become disproportionate
Implementation Method 3
The power-feed path switching mechanism switches, during rotation of the transfer roller, a power-feed path from the power source to the transfer roller between different power-feed paths depending on whether the image is being transferred or not being transferred, to thereby reverse the direction of an electric field applied by the transfer voltage to the roller-shaped ion conductive member
Data Source
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AI summary
A transfer device includes a transfer roller, a power source and a switch device. The transfer roller may transfer an image formed on an image carrier to a transfer medium in an imaging apparatus. The transfer roller includes a rotation shaft including a conductive material, and a ion conductive member disposed around the rotation shaft. The power source may generates a transfer voltage. The switching device may selectively connect, during rotation of the transfer roller, a power-feed path from the power source to the transfer roller, among a plurality of power-feed paths based on whether the image is being transferred or not being transferred, to thereby reverse the direction of an electric field applied by the transfer voltage to the ion conductive member.