Intermediate Transfer Unit With Variable Resistors for Stable Toner Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intermediate transfer units experience transfer failures due to inadequate control of primary transfer currents, leading to inefficiencies in image formation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a high-voltage resistor unit with resistors of varying resistance values connected in parallel to the power supply line, allowing for precise adjustment of primary transfer currents to each primary transfer member, thereby stabilizing the transfer process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional power supply line with uniform resistors is used, then the structure is simple, but transfer failures occur due to inadequate control of primary transfer currents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer process stabilityVSAvoidpower supply line structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by connecting resistors with different resistance values to different primary transfer members based on their specific current requirements. Each primary transfer member receives a customized resistor configuration, allowing precise control of primary transfer current for each member while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (resistance value) of the resistors connected to different primary transfer members. By varying the resistance values in the power supply line branches, the system optimizes the primary transfer current for each primary transfer member, preventing transfer failures without requiring a completely complex redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If resistors with different resistance values are connected to each primary transfer member, then primary transfer current control is optimized, but the power supply line structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprimary transfer current controlVSAvoidpower supply line configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by tailoring the resistor configuration to each primary transfer member's specific needs. Each member receives resistors with resistance values optimized for its particular requirements, achieving precise current control at the local level while maintaining a relatively simple overall power supply architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform resistors are used in the power supply line, then the circuit design is straightforward, but transfer failures occur due to insufficient current adjustment capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply line assemblyVSAvoidtransfer operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using resistors with different resistance values in the power supply line branches. This allows the system to adjust the primary transfer current for each primary transfer member according to its specific requirements, improving transfer operation stability while maintaining practical manufacturability through standardized resistor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively suppresses transfer failures by ensuring optimal primary transfer currents, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the image forming process.

Implementation Method 1

The power supply line and each of the primary transfer members are connected via a high-voltage resistor unit that includes a plurality of resistors having different resistance values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4603920A1Intermediate transfer unit, image forming apparatus including same and method for manufacturing intermediate transfer unit
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4603920A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603920A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603920A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An intermediate transfer unit (30) includes a seamless intermediate transfer belt (8), a plurality of primary transfer members (6a) and a power supply line (81). On the intermediate transfer belt (8), toner images formed on a plurality of image carrying members (1a to 1d) are sequentially stacked. The primary transfer members (6a) are respectively arranged opposite the image carrying members (1a to 1d) via the intermediate transfer belt (8), and transfer the toner images formed on the image carrying members (1a to 1d) onto the intermediate transfer belt (8). The power supply line (81) branches to at least two or more locations from a transfer voltage power supply which applies a primary transfer voltage to each of the primary transfer members (6a) to cause a primary transfer current to flow to each of the primary transfer members. The power supply line (81) and each of the primary transfer members are connected via a high-voltage resistor unit (80a) that includes a plurality of resistors (801a, 802a and 803a) having different resistance values.