Transfer Section Torque Control for Image Formation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the transfer section's rotation is hindered by load fluctuations from cleaning members, leading to accuracy issues in image formation due to varying torque applied to the image bearing member, especially when the transfer section is pressed into contact with an intermediate transfer belt or photoconductor.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system that maintains constant speed and torque control for the transfer section by detecting drive torque when separated from the image bearing member and adjusting torque values during contact to minimize load fluctuations, ensuring consistent image formation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transfer section is pressed into contact with the image bearing member to transfer the toner image, then the transfer efficiency is improved, but the load fluctuation on the transfer section increases due to cleaning member contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive mode of the transfer section variable rather than fixed. The control section dynamically switches between constant speed control and constant torque control based on the operational state (whether the transfer section is pressed into contact with the image bearing member). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for transfer efficiency during contact while maintaining image formation accuracy during separation, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cleaning member is pressed into contact with the transfer section to remove adhered toner, then the transfer section cleanliness is improved, but the load on the transfer section increases making drive difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the control parameter for the transfer section drive from speed to torque. When the cleaning member contacts the transfer section and load increases, the control section switches to constant torque control, allowing the transfer section to maintain sufficient rotational force despite the additional load from cleaning. This parameter change enables the system to handle the increased force requirement while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If the transfer section is driven at constant speed to ensure consistent image formation, then the image quality is improved, but the torque fluctuation increases when load conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that monitors the operational state of the transfer section and adjusts the drive mode accordingly. The control section receives information about whether the transfer section is pressed into contact with the image bearing member and feedback about load conditions, then switches between constant speed control and constant torque control modes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain image formation accuracy while compensating for torque fluctuations caused by varying load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: an image bearing member for bearing a toner image; a transfer section, which is pressed against, and is separated from, the image bearing member, for transferring a toner image on the image bearing member onto a recording medium when being pressed against the image bearing member, a transfer section drive section for driving the transfer section to rotate; and a control section configured to control the transfer section drive section to carry out constant speed control and constant torque control, to drive said transfer section to rotate at a constant speed, and at a constant torque, respectively, wherein the control section carries out the constant torque control while the transfer section is pressed against the image bearing member, in accordance with a drive torque detected when the constant speed control is carried out while the transfer section is separated from the image bearing member.