Transfer Voltage Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the fluctuation in electric resistance of transfer rollers due to environmental changes or long-term use can lead to transfer defects if the transfer voltage is not adjusted accordingly, especially when the interval between sheets is shortened, making it challenging to maintain target current flow and resulting in potential transfer defects or abnormal discharge.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that switches the command value of the transfer voltage from a first value to a reference value and then to a second value, correcting it based on real-time voltage and current detection results during a predetermined time, ensuring accurate transfer voltage adjustment for continuous image forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the interval between sheets is shortened to improve productivity, then processing speed increases, but there may not be sufficient time to switch voltage and acquire accurate current sampling data, leading to transfer defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage switching to a reference voltage level before the actual transfer operation. This preliminary action allows the voltage to stabilize and current sampling to be accurately acquired within the shortened interval between sheets, ensuring reliable transfer quality while maintaining high processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage switching and current sampling process is integrated continuously into the sheet transfer cycle without interruption. By maintaining continuous monitoring and adjustment of transfer voltage throughout the shortened interval, the system ensures accurate current acquisition and prevents transfer defects even at high processing speeds
2Reliability
If ATVC is executed at interval between sheets to correct transfer voltage, then transfer defects are prevented, but the complexity of voltage control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by detecting the actual current flowing during the interval between sheets and using this information to correct the reference voltage for the next transfer operation. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts voltage parameters to prevent transfer defects without requiring complex manual control
Solution Approach 2:
The ATVC system performs self-correction of transfer voltage parameters using automatically detected current data from the transfer nip portion. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting voltage settings based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex control algorithms
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 ensures stable target current flow, reducing the likelihood of transfer defects and abnormal discharge, even when the interval between sheets is shortened, by accurately adjusting the transfer voltage based on real-time detection data.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply configured to apply a voltage to the transfer member... configured to transfer the toner image on the image bearing member to a recording material by being applied a transfer voltage
Implementation Method 2
a voltage detection unit configured to detect the voltage applied to the transfer member from the power supply
Implementation Method 3
a current detection unit configured to detect a current supplied to the transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to execute a mode for correcting a transfer voltage during a continuous image forming job of forming an image on a plurality of recording materials. The controller is configured to correct the transfer voltage on the basis of detection results which are detected by a voltage detection unit and a current detection unit during a predetermined time.