Transfer Voltage Control for Stable Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic processes, it is challenging to maintain stable image quality during print jobs on continuous paper, as environmental changes like temperature fluctuations can cause resistance variations in the transfer section, leading to potential transfer defects.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a hardware processor that controls the transfer voltage by correcting a reference transfer voltage with a correction amount based on environmental changes. This correction amount depends on the transfer voltage and is determined by referring to the transfer voltage of the immediately preceding transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ATVC (Active Transfer Voltage Control) is used to control transfer voltage based on resistance detection, then transfer voltage control accuracy is improved, but the ability to maintain stable image quality during continuous paper printing deteriorates because ATVC cannot be executed between sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs transfer voltage control based on environmental temperature changes before printing continuous paper, and maintains this corrected voltage throughout the printing process. This preliminary action ensures that the transfer voltage is appropriately adjusted for the environmental conditions before the printing starts, eliminating the need for continuous detection during printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the sheet-by-sheet detection mechanism of ATVC with a continuous correction mechanism based on environmental temperature detection. Instead of detecting resistance for each sheet, the system continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the transfer voltage accordingly, enabling continuous paper printing to maintain stable image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transfer voltage is controlled based on real-time resistance detection, then adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but device complexity increases due to continuous monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from real-time resistance detection to environmental temperature detection combined with transfer voltage correction. By monitoring temperature (a simpler parameter) and applying correction based on predetermined relationships, the system achieves adaptability to environmental changes without requiring complex continuous resistance monitoring during printing.
3Reliability
If ATVC is executed between sheets, then transfer voltage correction is achieved, but productivity decreases due to additional control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer voltage correction is performed before printing starts based on environmental temperature, rather than during printing between sheets. This preliminary correction eliminates the need for repeated control steps during high-speed printing, maintaining both correction accuracy and printing productivity.
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 enables appropriate control of transfer voltage in response to environmental changes, ensuring stable image quality even during print jobs on continuous paper, where traditional active transfer voltage control methods are difficult to implement.
Implementation Method 1
a uniformly charged photoreceptor is irradiated (exposed) with laser light based on image data, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on a surface of the photoreceptor
Implementation Method 2
the transfer voltage is controlled based on the resistance of the transfer section
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic process, and includes a transfer section that transfers a toner image on an image bearing member onto a transfer-receiving member; and a hardware processor (transfer voltage controller) that controls a transfer voltage to be applied to the transfer section by correcting a reference transfer voltage with a correction amount that is based on an environmental change, wherein, the correction amount depends on at least the transfer voltage, and the hardware processor determines the correction amount for determining the transfer voltage for a current transfer by referring to the transfer voltage for an immediately preceding transfer.