Image Forming Apparatus Transfer Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses fail to accurately detect and prevent abnormal discharge due to changes in atmospheric pressure, leading to image quality deterioration and potential damage to electric elements, as they do not account for variations in atmospheric pressure in their transfer voltage control methods.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a transfer unit, an applying unit, a detection unit, and an environment detection sensor that determines whether abnormal discharge occurs by comparing detected voltage or current values with predetermined thresholds, allowing for adaptive control of applied voltage or current to prevent discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage is applied to transfer unit and separation charge removal unit, then transfer current is sufficient for image formation, but abnormal discharge (leakage) occurs between components at high altitude due to low atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the voltage applied to the transfer unit and separation charge removal unit based on atmospheric pressure conditions. At high altitude where atmospheric pressure is low, the voltage is reduced to prevent abnormal discharge, while at normal altitude the standard voltage is applied to ensure sufficient transfer current. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining adequate transfer power and preventing harmful discharge.
2Measurement precision
If atmospheric pressure sensor is installed to detect leakage, then abnormal discharge can be detected, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the existing power supply circuitry to detect abnormal discharge. The power supply unit monitors its own output current and detects leakage conditions without requiring external sensors. This approach maintains detection capability while avoiding the added complexity of installing atmospheric pressure sensors or other detection devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If voltage is reduced based on atmospheric pressure condition, then abnormal discharge is prevented, but transfer current becomes insufficient causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage adjustment conditional and reversible based on atmospheric pressure detection. The system dynamically adjusts voltage only when low atmospheric pressure is detected, and restores normal voltage when standard pressure conditions return. This dynamic response ensures that image quality is maintained under normal conditions while preventing discharge only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between discharge prevention and image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which forms an image on a recording material includes a transfer unit which transfers a toner image formed on an image bearing member to a recording medium, an applying unit which applies a predetermined current or voltage to the transfer unit, a detection unit which detects a voltage value with respect to the predetermined current applied by the applying unit or a current value with respect to the predetermined voltage applied by the applying unit, an environment detection sensor which detects an environment, and a determination unit which compares a detection result of the detection unit with a predetermined value according to a detection result of the environment detection sensor to determine whether or not predetermined discharge occurs in the transfer unit.