WO2002056118A1 - Image forming device and method - Google Patents
Image forming device and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002056118A1 WO2002056118A1 PCT/JP2001/000164 JP0100164W WO02056118A1 WO 2002056118 A1 WO2002056118 A1 WO 2002056118A1 JP 0100164 W JP0100164 W JP 0100164W WO 02056118 A1 WO02056118 A1 WO 02056118A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- transfer
- intermediate transfer
- image forming
- roller
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/01—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
- G03G15/0105—Details of unit
- G03G15/0131—Details of unit for transferring a pattern to a second base
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/14—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base
- G03G15/16—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer
- G03G15/1605—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer using at least one intermediate support
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/01—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies
- G03G2215/0103—Plural electrographic recording members
- G03G2215/0119—Linear arrangement adjacent plural transfer points
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/01—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies
- G03G2215/0167—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies single electrographic recording member
- G03G2215/0174—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies single electrographic recording member plural rotations of recording member to produce multicoloured copy
- G03G2215/0177—Rotating set of developing units
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and method, such as a printer and a copier, for forming a single image by an electrophotographic process, and more particularly, to transferring toner images of different colors formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums to an intermediate transfer belt.
- the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method including an intermediate transfer process for finally transferring onto a sheet after superimposing. Background art
- image forming apparatuses such as a printer that forms a color image by using an electrophotographic process are roughly classified into two types: a four-pass type and a single-pass type (tandem type).
- FIG. 1 shows a conventional 4-pass process.
- the 4-pass type is a single photoconductor drum 100 and a development unit 100 for forming images of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).
- An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by a laser scan of the exposure unit 104 after the surface is uniformly charged by a charger 102 provided following the cleaning blade 101. .
- an image is formed by developing with the yellow toner of the developing unit 106, and the image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 108 in contact with the photosensitive drum 100 by applying a transfer voltage by the transfer roller 110.
- the toner image is electrically transferred.
- the same processing is repeated in the order of magenta, cyan, and black to superimpose the colors on the transfer belt 108, and finally the four-color developer is collectively transferred onto the paper by the transfer roller 111, Fixing unit 1 1 2
- the 4-pass type requires only one set of the photosensitive drum 100, the cleaning blade 101, the charger 102, the exposure unit 104, and the transfer rotor 110, so that cost is superior. It is. However, in order to form one color image, it is necessary to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 108 four times, and the speed of color printing is as slow as 1 Z4 of monochrome printing.
- Figure 2 shows a conventional single-pass (tandem) process (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249452, etc.). O Single-pass processes include yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and Image forming units 112-1 to 112-14 are arranged in a line for each color of black (K).
- each of the image forming units 112-1 to 1112-4 includes a photosensitive drum 112-1 112 ⁇ 4, around which a cleaning blade, a charger, an LED exposure unit, and a developing device are arranged. ⁇ Form an image of each color in 1-2-2.
- the image of each color formed on the photoconductive drums 114-1 to 114-14 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt .116 which moves in contact with the photoconductive drums 114-1 to L14-14 of each color.
- the transfer voltage from 1 to 118-4 the images are successively superposed and electrostatically transferred, and are fixed on paper by the fixing device 122 to obtain an image.
- Both the transfer roller 110 used for the primary transfer and the paper transfer roller 120 used for the secondary transfer generally use a sponge roller with conductivity, and the photosensitive drums facing each other with the intermediate transfer belt interposed therebetween. Or, it is placed in pressure contact with the backup roller.
- the intermediate transfer roller requires electrical resistance, sponge hardness, and accuracy of the sponge surface.
- the intermediate transfer unit is not treated as a consumable item like an image forming unit, and the exchange cycle force is relatively long. And mechanical durability are required. Therefore, it is conceivable to make the intermediate transfer roller made of metal for low cost and high reliability.
- the metal roller is pressed against the photosensitive drum via the intermediate transfer belt, the contact point between the photosensitive drum and the transfer belt is considered. The use of metal rollers was difficult because the transfer nip became unstable and local transfer failure occurred.
- the voltage application timing of the primary transfer and the secondary transfer may overlap, and the power supply for applying the secondary transfer voltage during the primary transfer may be turned on. At this time, the secondary transfer voltage (current) interfered with the primary transfer via the intermediate transfer belt, which was a resistive element, and horizontal stripe image defects sometimes occurred.
- the primary transfer is performed by the intermediate transfer rollers 1 18—1 to 1 18—4 and the photosensitive drums 1 1 4—1 to 1 1 4—4.
- the paper transfer roller 1 1 1 and the backup roller are arranged opposite to each other with the intermediate transfer belt 1 1 1 6 interposed therebetween, and as shown in Fig. 3, the volume resistance in the thickness direction of the intermediate transfer belt 1 16 is used. This is the transfer process used. Since there is a strong dependence between the transfer resistance and the volume resistance of the intermediate transfer belt 116 as shown in the measurement results of FIG. 4, the transfer tends to be unstable. In particular, when the transfer belt deteriorated significantly after long-term use, a transfer frictional force was generated.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and method for preventing interference between a primary transfer voltage and a secondary transfer voltage when an intermediate transfer process is used. Disclosure of the invention
- An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units that form a visible image of each color by electrostatically attaching a developing agent having a different color to an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum, and each of the image forming units includes: Image of each color for transferring and superimposing the developer attached on the image carrier A belt-shaped transfer member such as an intermediate transfer belt that is in contact with the carrier; and a belt-shaped transfer member positioned opposite to each image carrier provided in the image forming section and in contact therewith. And an intermediate transfer electrode member such as an intermediate transfer roller (primary transfer roller) to which a transfer voltage for transferring an image to the shape transfer member in order of being electrostatically superposed thereon is applied.
- the present invention is characterized in that each of the intermediate transfer electrode members is arranged at a position away from the belt contact point (transfer nip) of the image carrier in the belt surface direction.
- the transfer roller as the intermediate transfer electrode member is disposed at a position separated from the belt contact point (nip) of the photosensitive drum as the image carrier in the belt surface direction.
- a low-cost member such as a metal roller can be used.
- only the metal shaft portion of the conventional sponge roller may be used, thereby reducing the cost of the intermediate transfer roller to less than half and eliminating one of the factors of the high cost of the single pass type.
- it is not necessary to use a sponge roller it is not necessary to consider a change in sponge resistance, a change in outer diameter, and a change in sponge resistance and hardness due to temperature, thereby improving durability, stability and reliability. Become.
- the sponge spoiler makes it difficult for the belt drive to slip due to sponge residue, which has been a problem when using the sponge, and it is possible to eliminate image quality deterioration such as color misregistration and jitter.
- the intermediate transfer electrode member is disposed at a position shifted in the belt surface direction with respect to the belt contact point of the photosensitive drum without using the volume resistance in the thickness direction of the transfer belt, so that the surface direction of the intermediate transfer belt can be improved.
- the resistance in the surface direction is stable even when the applied transfer voltage changes, and the electric field for transfer is formed by the stable resistance in the surface direction. Stable transfer can be performed even when used over a wide range.
- the plurality of intermediate transfer electrode members arranged in the image forming apparatus of the present invention are arranged, for example, on the downstream side in the traveling direction of the belt-shaped transfer member with respect to the belt contact point of the image carrier.
- the most upstream intermediate transfer electrode member is located upstream of the belt contact point of the most upstream image carrier, and the most downstream intermediate transfer electrode member is located at the most downstream image carrier. Is desirably located downstream of the belt contact point.
- the image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes: a medium transfer electrode member for applying a transfer voltage to the belt-shaped transfer member, the transfer voltage for batch-transferring the visible image superimposed on the belt-shaped transfer member to a recording medium such as paper; A backup roller disposed in contact with the opposite side of the medium transfer electrode member with a belt-shaped transfer member interposed therebetween; a tension roller disposed between the drive roller and the backup roller to apply tension to the belt-shaped transfer member; and a belt-shaped transfer member. And an electrical separation structure for electrically separating the image transfer member from the medium transfer electrode member.
- the drive roller and the backup roller are electrically floated, the tension roller is electrically grounded, and provided between the backup roller and the image carrier.
- An electrically grounded earth roller is placed in contact with the opposite side of the member.
- the tension roller is provided at a substantially intermediate position between the drive roller and the backup roller.
- the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the number n of the intermediate transfer electrode members is set such that n ⁇ m and n ⁇ l with respect to the number m of the image carriers.
- the intermediate transfer electrode member is displaced from the transfer nip which is the belt contact point of the photosensitive drum, so that the intermediate transfer electrode member can be disposed between the image carriers.
- single-pass multicolor superimposed transfer can be performed with a smaller number of intermediate transfer electrode members than the number of image carriers. Therefore, the number of intermediate transfer electrode members conventionally used by the number of image carriers, that is, the number of colors is reduced, and the problem of high cost, which has been a problem with the single pass type, is reduced.
- the surface resistance of the belt-shaped transfer member used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention is, for example, 5 ⁇ 10 8 to 5 XI 0 10 ⁇ / port.
- the intermediate transfer electrode member is a metal member. Specifically, a metal roller, a metal brush, a metal sheet, a metal shaft, a metal block, a metal plate, or a metal plate can be used as the intermediate transfer electrode member.
- the present invention provides an electrophotographic recording method, an image forming step of forming a visible image of each color by electrostatically attaching a developer of a different color to an image carrier, and a plurality of image carriers.
- the operation is performed from a position that is separated from the target.
- Figure 1 shows the conventional 4 /. Process illustration of the method
- FIG. 2 illustrates the process of the conventional single pass method
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of applying the transfer voltage by calculating the volume resistance of the conventional intermediate transfer belt
- FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the measurement result of the volume resistance and the transfer voltage of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an illustration of the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer roller in FIG. 1;
- Fig. 7 is an explanatory drawing of the primary transfer part of Fig. 5.
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of applying a transfer voltage using the resistance in the belt surface direction of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a measurement result of the resistance in the belt surface direction and the transfer voltage of FIG. 8;
- Fig. 11 is a characteristic diagram of the primary transfer efficiency with respect to the primary transfer voltage when the intermediate transfer roller is placed 2 O mm downstream of the transfer nip;
- Fig. 12 is a characteristic diagram of the primary transfer efficiency with respect to the primary transfer voltage when the intermediate transfer roller is placed 3 Omm downstream of the transfer nip;
- FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 15 shows the characteristics of primary transfer efficiency versus primary transfer voltage when the intermediate transfer roller is placed 10 mm upstream of the transfer nip;
- FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of another arrangement example of the intermediate transfer roller according to the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of an embodiment in which the number of intermediate transfer rollers is reduced by one with respect to the number of photosensitive drums;
- FIG. 18 is a characteristic diagram of the primary transfer efficiency with respect to the primary transfer voltage of each color in FIG. 17;
- FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which the number of intermediate transfer rollers is reduced by two with respect to the number of photosensitive drums ;
- FIG. 20 is a characteristic diagram of the primary transfer efficiency with respect to the primary transfer voltage of each color in FIG. 19;
- FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment in which the number of intermediate transfer rollers is reduced with respect to the number of photosensitive drums;
- FIG. 22 is an explanatory view listing specific examples of a metallic intermediate transfer electrode member used in the present invention.
- FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and exemplifies a case where the present invention is applied to a color printer.
- an intermediate transfer belt 24 used as an intermediate transfer member is disposed in the color printer 10.
- the intermediate transfer belt 24 is stretched around a drive roller 26, tension rollers 28, 30 and a backup roller 30 functioning as a driven roller. Turn counterclockwise.
- Y yellow
- M magenta
- C cyan
- K black
- the image forming units 12-1 to 12-4 are provided with photosensitive drums 14-11, 14-2, 14-3, and 14-14 as image bearing members.
- photoreceptor drum 1 4 1 1 to 1 4 1 4 there is a charger 16-1 to 16-14, an LED array 18-1 to 18-6, and a toner cartridge 20-1 to 20.
- -Developing device with 4 2 2-1 to 2 2-4 forces are arranged.
- a cleaning blade, a static eliminator, and other components are placed in front of the front of the printer.
- the photosensitive drums 141-1 to 14-14 provided on the image forming unit 12-1 to 1-24 are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 24 at the lower end.
- an intermediate transfer roller 38 1, 38-2, 38-3, 38-used as an intermediate transfer electrode member for applying a primary transfer voltage to a position opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 24. 4 is arranged.
- an intermediate transfer roller 38-1 to 38-4 is provided for a contact point of the photosensitive drums 14-1 to 14-14 with the intermediate transfer belt 24, a so-called transfer nip. They are arranged in contact with each other in the direction of the belt surface.
- the intermediate transfer roller 38-- :! is transferred to the transfer nip which is the belt contact point of the photosensitive drums 141-1 to 1-4-4.
- ⁇ 3 8-4 are arranged at the downstream side of the belt.
- a predetermined voltage set within a range of +500 V to 100 V from the power supply 40 is applied to the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 at the timing of the primary transfer.
- a paper transfer in which a secondary transfer voltage is applied via an intermediate transfer belt 24 to a backup roller 32 provided on the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 24 opposite to the drive roller 26 of the intermediate transfer belt 24 Roller 4 5 is placed.
- a constant current power supply 46 is connected to the paper transfer roller 45, and a prescribed bias voltage is applied at the timing of the secondary transfer, and the intermediate transfer is performed on the paper 50 sent out from the hopper 48 by the pickup roller 52. Transfers the image superimposed on the transfer belt 24 to the paper.
- the paper which has been subjected to the image transfer force by the paper transfer rollers 45, is heated and fixed by the fixing device 54, and then is discharged to a stap force 60.
- the fixing device 54 is provided with a heat roller 56 and a backup roller 58.
- a cleaning blade 42 is disposed between the backup roller 32 on the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 24 and the image forming unit 12-1 using the first yellow toner.
- the ground roller 44 is disposed at a position opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 24 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 24.
- the earth roller 4 4 is an electrically grounded roller.
- tension rollers 28 and 30 arranged between the drive roller 26 and the opening and closing ports 32 apply predetermined tension to the intermediate transfer belt 24, and the tension roller 34 is also electrically driven. Connected to ground. With respect to the electrical ground connection of the earth roller 44 and the tension roller 34, The drive roller 26 and the backup roller 32 are electrically placed in a floating state.
- the photoconductor drums 141-1 to 14-14 provided in the image forming units 12-1 to 12-4 have a layer thickness of about 25 m comprising a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer in an aluminum tube having an outer diameter of 3 Omm, for example.
- the drum surface is uniformly charged by the chargers 16-1 to 16-14.
- a conductive brush is brought into contact with the surface of the photoconductor drums 14-1 to 14-14, and for example, a charging bias having a frequency of 800 Hz, P-P3 ⁇ 4E1100 V, and an offset voltage of 650 V is used.
- a corona charger, a solid roller charger, or the like can be used as the charging process.
- the next LED array 18-1 to 18-4 is used to perform exposure according to the image of each color, and the surface of the drum is exposed to light.
- An electrostatic latent image is formed. Note that a laser scanning exposure apparatus can be used instead of the LED arrays 18-1 to 18-4.
- development is performed using toner of each color by the developing units 22-1 to 22-4.
- An electrostatic latent image is visualized.
- non-magnetic one-component contact development is used as a development method.
- the developing method is not limited to non-magnetic one-component contact development, and the charging polarity of the toner is not limited to minus.
- the transfer from the photoreceptor drums 14-1 to 14-14 to the intermediate transfer belt 24 is performed by a predetermined primary transfer defined in the range of + 500V to 101000V at the intermediate transfer port 38- ⁇ to 38-14. Apply voltage In this way, electrostatic transfer is performed.
- the intermediate transfer belt 24 is a polycarbonate resin member having a thickness of 150 ⁇ m, the resistance of which is adjusted by a force, and the resistance value is such that the volume resistance in the belt thickness direction is 1 E + 8 to l E + 10 ⁇ .
- the intermediate transfer belt 24 has a volume of 1E + 6 to: LE + 11 ⁇ ⁇ cm, and a surface resistance of about 1E + 6 to 1E + 11 ⁇ a force used in the present invention. It can be used in a general resistance range.
- the resistance value of the intermediate transfer belt 24 which is determined by the separation distance of the transfer nip, which is the belt contact point between the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 to 38-4 and the photosensitive drum 14-1 to 14-4, It is necessary to adjust the voltage applied to the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4.
- the material of the intermediate transfer belt 24 is not limited to polycarbonate resin, and resin materials such as polyimide, nylon, and fluorine can be used.
- the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is collectively transferred onto a recording medium, for example, a paper 50 by a secondary transfer using a paper transfer roller 45.
- the paper transfer roller 45 which functions as a secondary transfer roller, uses a sponge roller in which the resistance between the center axis and the roller surface is adjusted to about 1 ⁇ + 5 ⁇ 1 ⁇ + 8 ⁇ .
- the roller is arranged to be pressed against the backup roller 32 with a pressure of about 0.5 to 3 kg.
- the hardness of the sponge roller is 40 to 60 degrees with Asker C.
- the secondary transfer is performed by a constant current power supply 46 to a paper transfer roller 45 on a paper 50 which is sent out and conveyed by a pickup roller at an appropriate timing with respect to an image position on the intermediate transfer belt 24.
- the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is electrostatically transferred by applying a bias voltage.
- the color image transferred on the paper 50 is passed through a fixing device 54 including a roller 56 and a backup roller 58, and the developer is thermally fixed on the paper 50 to obtain a fixed image. After that, it is discharged to stat force 60.
- the printing speed in a series of color printing processes in the color printer 10, that is, the paper conveyance speed determined by the speed of the intermediate transfer belt 24 is, for example, 9 lmm / s.
- the paper conveyance speed is not limited to this, and it is 45 mm / 7 s
- printing is not limited to this, and it is the same even when printing at a higher speed.
- the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 functioning as the primary transfer rollers are made of stainless steel, for example, a rotatable metal roller having an outer diameter of 8 mm.
- FIG. 6 shows the photosensitive drum 14-1 provided on the image forming unit 12-1 located at the most upstream side in FIG. 5 and the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 provided corresponding thereto. And the arrangement relationship with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 24.
- the vertical position of the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 is drawn from the top of the center line of the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 with respect to the tangent drawn from the bottom of the center line of the photoconductor drum 14-1.
- the arrangement of the intermediate transfer opening 38-1 allows the photosensitive drum 14-1 to come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt with a winding angle, and the width of the transfer nip is about 1 mm. I am trying to take it.
- the positional relationship of the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 with respect to the photosensitive drum 14-1 is shown in FIG. 5 with the remaining photosensitive drums 142-1-4-14 and the intermediate transfer roller 38-8_2-3. The same applies to 8-4.
- FIG. 7 shows the four-color photosensitive drums 14 1 to 14 14 in the color printer 10 shown in FIG. 5 and the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 shifted to the opposite side across the intermediate transfer belt 24. 3-8-4 are taken out, showing a side view and a plan view seen from below.
- the photosensitive drum 14 1:! The intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 are located at a predetermined distance L1 downstream from the transfer nips contacting the intermediate transfer belts 24 to 14-4, respectively. .
- the intermediate transfer rollers 381-1 to 38_4 have roller widths corresponding to an image forming width smaller than the width of the intermediate transfer belt 24. Have a length. Fig.
- FIG. 8 shows the two photosensitive drums 14-1 and 14-2 on the upstream side of Fig. 6 and the intermediate transfer belt. It shows how current flows to the transfer nip when the primary transfer voltage is applied by the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 and 38-2 which are shifted to the opposite side via the belt 24.
- the intermediate transfer port 38-1 as an example, if a specified DC voltage, for example, 500 V is applied, the current due to this applied voltage depends on the resistance of the intermediate transfer belt 24 toward the surface. Then, as indicated by an arrow 62, it flows to the position of the transfer nip, which is the belt contact point of the corresponding photosensitive drums 14-11, and then flows in the thickness direction, that is, the direction in which the volume resistance is significant.
- an electric current flows from the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 to the photosensitive drum 14-2 located on the downstream side, as indicated by the dashed arrow 63.
- the currents indicated by arrows 62 and 63 depend on the distance between the belt contact point of the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 and the transfer nip of the photosensitive drums 14-1 and 14-12. Increase.
- the current flowing through the transfer nip of the photoconductor drum when a voltage is applied to the intermediate transfer port is mainly a current flowing toward the belt surface. It can be seen that it depends on the surface resistance in the belt surface direction.
- FIG. 9 shows the measurement results of the voltage applied by the intermediate transfer roller and the resistance value toward the belt surface in the present invention in FIG. 8, and the distance L1 from the transfer nip to the transfer voltage application point is 100 mm, 50 mm. mm, 20 mm, 1 O mm, 5 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm.
- the resistance value in the belt surface direction was: There is almost no change at any distance, indicating an extremely stable resistance value. For this reason, even when used for a long time, in the primary transfer of the present invention, an electric field for transfer is generated by utilizing the stable surface resistance in the belt surface direction as shown in FIG. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 24 is hardly deteriorated, no transfer blur occurs, and stable transfer can be performed.
- the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 are connected to the transfer drums of the photosensitive drums 141-1 to 14-4 on the downstream side of the transfer drums 8 to 4-5.
- Fig. 10 to Fig. 13 show the measurement results of the transfer efficiency when the transfer voltage was changed in this state.
- the position of 45 mm when the intermediate transfer roller is moved downstream in the range of 8 to 45 mm is almost half of the distance between the drums 90 mm, and It corresponds to a substantially central position.
- the distance between drums is 90 It is not limited to mm, and can be set within an acceptable range for the device configuration.
- ⁇ 10 is a measurement result of the transfer efficiency when the intermediate transfer roller is set at 10 mm downstream of the transfer nip.
- the transfer efficiency is defined as the ratio of the amount of toner transferred on the intermediate transfer belt to the amount of toner attached to the photosensitive drum before transfer on the solid image. The transfer efficiency is judged to be good when the transfer efficiency is 90% or more.
- Y, ⁇ , and C in Fig. 10 (A) are the transfer efficiencies of the primary colors, which are monochrome colors, and ⁇ / ⁇ in Fig.
- CZYM is a secondary color that transfers magenta toner on the top
- CZYM is a tertiary color that transfers cyan C toner onto the magenta and yellow toners transferred on the intermediate transfer belt.
- Fig. 11 shows the measurement results of the transfer efficiency when the intermediate transfer roller was placed 20 mm downstream of the transfer nip.
- Fig. 12 shows the transfer efficiency of the intermediate transfer port 30 mm downstream of the transfer nip. The measurement results of the transfer efficiency when the transfer is arranged, and FIG. 13 shows the measurement results of the transfer efficiency when the intermediate transfer opening is arranged 45 mm downstream of the transfer nip.
- the preferable range of the transfer varies depending on the position of the intermediate transfer roller. This depends on the length of the intermediate transfer belt from the transfer nip to the intermediate transfer roller, depending on the position of the intermediate transfer roller, and the length of the intermediate transfer belt, which is a voltage force resistor applied from the intermediate transfer roller. It can be said that the voltage drop mainly occurred depending on the surface resistance, and the effective voltage force was changed at the transfer nip portion which is the contact point of the photosensitive drum with the belt. Therefore, there are good combinations of conditions for the position of the intermediate transfer roller, the surface resistance of the intermediate transfer belt, and the effective applied voltage mainly at the transfer nip. Can be set.
- the transfer voltage of each color used in the primary transfer has the same voltage characteristics that can obtain the same transfer efficiency. This makes it possible to transfer multiple colors with the same voltage, that is, with a single power supply, thereby reducing power supply costs. Can be reduced.
- the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 of each color are located at the same position on the downstream side with respect to the transfer nip of the photosensitive drums 141-1 to 14-4.
- the voltage characteristics of the transfer efficiency of each color show almost the same tendency, and the transfer can be performed by a single power supply 40. Essentially, the variation of the effective voltage in the transfer nip portion of each color is within the voltage margin of the transfer efficiency, and the voltage margins of each color only need to overlap.
- a different power supply may be used for each color, and the distance of the intermediate transfer roller to the transfer nip is not limited to the same distance for each color.
- the intermediate transfer belt 24 as a resistor has a structure stretched by a driving roller 26 and a backup roller 32.
- the driving roller 26 and the backup roller 32 are electrically floating.
- the current roller that flows when the primary transfer voltage is applied from the power supply 40 to the transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 is prevented from leaking from the drive roller 26 and the backup roller 32 to reduce leakage current. To prevent unnecessary current consumption.
- the intermediate transfer belt 24 is in contact with the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 and the paper transfer roller 45 for secondary transfer, and the secondary transfer voltage is applied by the paper transfer roller 45. There is a case where the timing of adding the primary transfer voltage overlaps with the timing of applying the primary transfer voltage.
- the electrical transfer is performed between the paper transfer roller 45 to which the secondary transfer voltage is applied and the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 located at the most upstream side to which the primary transfer voltage is applied.
- a grounding roller 44 connected to the ground is disposed at the same time, and the tension rollers 28 and 30 between the driving porter 26 and the backup roller 32 are electrically grounded.
- the belt area of the intermediate transfer belt 24 to which the primary transfer voltage is applied and the belt area to which the secondary transfer voltage is applied are electrically separated by the paper transfer roller 45. In addition, the electrical effects of the primary transfer voltage and the secondary transfer voltage are suppressed.
- FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a color printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
- the intermediate transfer belt 24 is stretched at three points: a driving roller 26, a backup roller 32, and a tension roller 35.
- the belt space is small.
- the primary transfer of the primary transfer is set to be shifted to the opposite side across the intermediate transfer belt 24.
- the intermediate transfer rollers 38- 8 to 38-4 the intermediate transfer rollers 38-2 to 38-4 located on the downstream side are the same as in the embodiment of FIG.
- the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 which is located on the most upstream side, is located on the upstream side in this embodiment with respect to the transfer nip of the photosensitive drum 14-1, It is set apart.
- FIG. 10 shows a case where the intermediate transfer roller is arranged at a position of L 0 mm, as shown in the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 in FIG. 14, upstream of the transfer nip of the photosensitive drum 14-11. It shows the measurement results of the transfer efficiency with respect to the primary transfer voltage.
- the intermediate transfer port is arranged on the upstream side, compared with the case where the intermediate transfer port is arranged on the downstream side in FIGS. 10 to 13, it is better on the low voltage side of 100 V or less of the transfer voltage.
- the intermediate transfer opening is positioned at the downstream side of the transfer nip of the photoconductor drum, a force capable of recording the transfer margin, and good transfer efficiency is obtained even when the intermediate transfer opening is arranged at the upstream side. It has been confirmed that a voltage margin exists. Therefore, the position of the intermediate transfer port in the present invention may be not only downstream but also upstream of the transfer nip. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the intermediate transfer port is a combination that is arranged separately on the downstream side and the upstream side. It turns out that you may. Further, when the intermediate transfer roller 38-1 located at the most upstream side in FIG.
- the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24. Since the upstream and downstream of the transfer nip, which is the belt contact point of the photosensitive drums 14 to 1 to 14 to 14 to be transferred, are surrounded by the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 and 38-4, Thus, the interference of the secondary transfer bias applied to the intermediate transfer belt 24 by the paper transfer roller 46 can be reduced, and the image quality can be prevented from deteriorating.
- FIG. 16 is a view showing the transfer nips of the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 for the primary transfer corresponding to the photosensitive drums 141-1 to 14-4 in the primary transfer of the present invention. It is another embodiment of an arrangement position.
- Fig. 16 (A) shows that the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1, 3 and 8-2 are arranged on the upstream side, and the intermediate transfer rollers 38-3 and 38-4 are It is located downstream.
- FIG. 16 (B) the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-3 are arranged on the upstream side, and only the intermediate transfer rollers 38-4 are arranged on the downstream side.
- FIG. 16C all of the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-4 are arranged on the upstream side.
- FIG. 16 (A) shows that the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1, 3 and 8-2 are arranged on the upstream side, and the intermediate transfer rollers 38-3 and 38-4 are It is located downstream.
- FIG. 16 (B) the intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-3 are arranged on the upstream side
- FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the color printing apparatus to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.
- the number of image forming units that is, the number n of photosensitive drums
- the number of intermediate transfer rollers used for primary transfer is reduced to several meters.
- the intermediate transfer ports 38-8-1 to 38-3 are located at the intermediate positions between the drums. It is located about 45 mm away from the transfer nip.
- the drive roller 26 and the backup roller 32 in the embodiment of FIG. 17 and the electric floating state, and the state of the electrical ground connection between the tension rollers 28 and 30 and the earth roller 44 are shown in FIG. This is the same as the embodiment.
- a transfer voltage is applied to the three intermediate transfer rollers 38-1 to 38-3 from a single power source 40 as shown in FIG.
- FIG. 18 shows the measurement results of the transfer efficiency when the L-order transfer voltage is applied to the three intermediate transfer rollers 38-:! To 38-3 from the single power supply in the embodiment of Fig. 17. ing. As is evident from the voltage characteristics of the transfer efficiency, good transfer efficiency was maintained at 90% or less. Assuming above, a voltage margin range of transfer efficiency of 90% exists between about 100 V and 130 OV, and as shown in the embodiment of FIG. Intermediate transfer roller that applies the primary transfer voltage to the number of four transfer nips from 1 to 4
- FIG. 19 shows another embodiment in which the number of intermediate transfer rollers for performing primary transfer is reduced with respect to the number of photoconductor drums.
- photoconductor drums 141-1-1 to 1-11 are used.
- Each of 2 is arranged at a position of 45 mm, which is almost at the middle of the distance 90 mm between the drums of the photosensitive drums 14-11, 14-2 and 14-3, 14-4.
- FIG. 20 shows the measurement results of the transfer efficiency when the primary transfer voltage was applied to the intermediate transfer rollers 28-1 and 28-2 in the embodiment of FIG. It has a voltage range in which a good transfer efficiency of 90% or more can be obtained on the high voltage side exceeding V, and it has been confirmed that a good voltage margin can be obtained in which sufficient transfer efficiency can be obtained.
- FIG. 21 lists another embodiment in which the number m of the intermediate transfer rollers for performing the primary transfer is smaller than the number n of the photosensitive drums.
- an intermediate transfer roller 28-1 is arranged between the two photosensitive drums 14-1 and 14-12 on the upstream side, and the remaining two intermediate transfer rollers 28-2 and 28- Numeral 3 is arranged at the intermediate position of each of the three photoconductive drums 14-13 to 14-5 on the downstream side.
- m 3, which is two less, and the arrangement positions of the intermediate transfer rollers 28_1 to 28-3 are different. That is, the intermediate transfer roller 28-1 It is arranged further upstream of the photosensitive drum 14-11 located on the upstream side.
- the middle intermediate transfer roller 28-2 is located at an intermediate position between the photosensitive drums 14-2 and 14-13. Further, the third intermediate transfer roller 28-3 is arranged at the intermediate position between the photosensitive drums 14-4 and 14-15 as in FIG. 21 (B).
- the number of photosensitive drums is two or more, all the arrangements of the intermediate transfer rollers of L and less than L are included. '
- FIG. 22 lists specific examples of the intermediate transfer electrode member used in the primary transfer of the present invention.
- the intermediate transfer electrode member is located at a position shifted in the belt surface direction with respect to the transfer nip which is the belt contact point of the photosensitive drum. Since the transfer electrode member can be arranged, the transfer electrode member can be a metal intermediate transfer electrode member, and the specific examples shown in FIG. 22 can be used.
- FIG. 22 (A) shows a metal roller 28.
- FIG. 22 (B) shows the metal brush 64.
- FIG. 22 (C) shows the metal sheets 66-1 to 66-4.
- FIG. 22 (D) shows an example of metal shafts 68_1 to 68-4. Specifically, a conventional sponge roller shaft can be used as it is.
- FIG. 22 (A) shows a metal roller 28.
- FIG. 22 (B) shows the metal brush 64.
- FIG. 22 (C) shows the metal sheets 66-1 to 66-4.
- FIG. 22 (D) shows an example of metal shafts 68_
- FIGS. 22 (A) to 22 (G) the positional relationship between the metallic intermediate transfer members and the photosensitive drums is shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. It is arranged so that it can be contacted at a predetermined wrap angle so that the width of the transfer nip is about 1 mm.
- a transfer roller as an intermediate transfer member is arranged at a position separated from a belt contact point (transfer nip) of a photosensitive drum as an image carrier in a belt surface direction, as in the related art.
- a low-cost member such as a metal roller can be used in place of the conductive sponge roller, which is expensive, and the use of a metal intermediate transfer member reduces cost, durability, and stability. Further, the reliability is improved.
- the present invention provides a method in which the intermediate transfer member is disposed at a position shifted in the belt surface direction with respect to the transfer nip serving as the belt contact point of the photosensitive drum, thereby utilizing the surface resistance of the intermediate transfer roller, that is, the surface resistance. Electrolysis for transfer is generated in the transfer nip, and the resistance in the surface direction of the intermediate transfer belt is stable against belt deterioration and changes in transfer voltage. As a result, stable transfer over a long period of time is achieved. It can be carried out. Also, the present invention provides a separation structure for electrically separating the primary transfer voltage region and the secondary transfer voltage region with respect to the intermediate transfer belt, so that the timing of the primary transfer and the secondary transfer can be adjusted. O Stable primary transfer and secondary transfer can be achieved.o In addition, the drive roller supporting the intermediate transfer belt and the backup roller opposite to the drive roller are electrically floating. Therefore, when the transfer voltage is applied, useless leakage current does not flow and current consumption can be prevented.
- the number of intermediate transfer rollers as an intermediate transfer member for performing primary transfer is reduced with respect to the number of photoreceptor drums as an image carrier, so that a Sindal / press printing process is performed.
- the problem is that the cost of the intermediate transfer section, which had become a problem, could be greatly reduced.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)
- Color Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2001/000164 WO2002056118A1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | Image forming device and method |
JP2002556312A JPWO2002056118A1 (ja) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | 画像形成装置及び方法 |
EP01900735A EP1351100B1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | Color image forming device |
US10/611,810 US6850726B1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2003-07-02 | Image forming apparatus and imaging method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2001/000164 WO2002056118A1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | Image forming device and method |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/611,810 Continuation US6850726B1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2003-07-02 | Image forming apparatus and imaging method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2002056118A1 true WO2002056118A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
Family
ID=11736904
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/JP2001/000164 WO2002056118A1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | Image forming device and method |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6850726B1 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP1351100B1 (ja) |
JP (1) | JPWO2002056118A1 (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2002056118A1 (ja) |
Cited By (10)
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JP2006259639A (ja) * | 2005-03-18 | 2006-09-28 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2007041124A (ja) * | 2005-08-01 | 2007-02-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2007310024A (ja) * | 2006-05-16 | 2007-11-29 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置および画像形成方法 |
US7813682B2 (en) | 2005-03-11 | 2010-10-12 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus that smoothly conveys transfer medium while suppressing pre-transfer |
JP2011221321A (ja) * | 2010-04-12 | 2011-11-04 | Sharp Corp | 転写装置及び画像形成装置 |
JP2011232785A (ja) * | 2011-08-23 | 2011-11-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2011232784A (ja) * | 2011-08-23 | 2011-11-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2011253207A (ja) * | 2011-09-16 | 2011-12-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2012108554A (ja) * | 2012-03-01 | 2012-06-07 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
KR101749122B1 (ko) * | 2010-10-29 | 2017-06-20 | 에스프린팅솔루션 주식회사 | 화상형성장치 |
Families Citing this family (13)
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JP2005128078A (ja) * | 2003-10-21 | 2005-05-19 | Sharp Corp | 転写装置 |
JP4124362B2 (ja) * | 2004-02-19 | 2008-07-23 | シャープ株式会社 | 転写装置及び画像形成装置 |
KR100716985B1 (ko) * | 2004-11-05 | 2007-05-10 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 전자사진방식 칼라화상형성장치 |
JP4643324B2 (ja) * | 2005-03-18 | 2011-03-02 | 株式会社リコー | 画像形成装置 |
JP4628854B2 (ja) * | 2005-04-27 | 2011-02-09 | 株式会社リコー | 画像形成装置 |
KR100677587B1 (ko) * | 2005-05-23 | 2007-02-02 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 화상전사유닛 및 이를 구비한 전자사진방식 화상형성장치 |
JP4789534B2 (ja) * | 2005-07-29 | 2011-10-12 | キヤノン株式会社 | 画像形成装置 |
JP4812728B2 (ja) * | 2007-10-16 | 2011-11-09 | シャープ株式会社 | 画像形成装置 |
JP5142037B2 (ja) * | 2008-07-24 | 2013-02-13 | 株式会社リコー | ベルト部材、転写装置及び画像形成装置 |
KR20110039002A (ko) * | 2009-10-09 | 2011-04-15 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 화상형성장치 |
DE102015117453A1 (de) * | 2015-10-14 | 2016-11-03 | Océ Printing Systems GmbH & Co. KG | Verfahren und Transferstation zur Verbesserung des Tonertransfers |
JP6489074B2 (ja) * | 2016-06-24 | 2019-03-27 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | 画像形成装置 |
JP6853635B2 (ja) * | 2016-09-05 | 2021-03-31 | シャープ株式会社 | クリーニング装置、転写装置および画像形成装置 |
Citations (1)
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JP2000162891A (ja) | 1998-11-26 | 2000-06-16 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | 多重画像形成装置 |
Family Cites Families (1)
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JP4345195B2 (ja) * | 2000-05-11 | 2009-10-14 | パナソニック株式会社 | カラー画像形成装置 |
-
2001
- 2001-01-12 JP JP2002556312A patent/JPWO2002056118A1/ja active Pending
- 2001-01-12 EP EP01900735A patent/EP1351100B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-01-12 WO PCT/JP2001/000164 patent/WO2002056118A1/ja active Application Filing
-
2003
- 2003-07-02 US US10/611,810 patent/US6850726B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (1)
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JP2000162891A (ja) | 1998-11-26 | 2000-06-16 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | 多重画像形成装置 |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of EP1351100A4 |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7813682B2 (en) | 2005-03-11 | 2010-10-12 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus that smoothly conveys transfer medium while suppressing pre-transfer |
JP2006259639A (ja) * | 2005-03-18 | 2006-09-28 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2007041124A (ja) * | 2005-08-01 | 2007-02-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2007310024A (ja) * | 2006-05-16 | 2007-11-29 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置および画像形成方法 |
JP4724601B2 (ja) * | 2006-05-16 | 2011-07-13 | 株式会社リコー | 画像形成装置および画像形成方法 |
JP2011221321A (ja) * | 2010-04-12 | 2011-11-04 | Sharp Corp | 転写装置及び画像形成装置 |
US8824924B2 (en) | 2010-04-12 | 2014-09-02 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Transfer device and image forming apparatus |
KR101749122B1 (ko) * | 2010-10-29 | 2017-06-20 | 에스프린팅솔루션 주식회사 | 화상형성장치 |
JP2011232785A (ja) * | 2011-08-23 | 2011-11-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2011232784A (ja) * | 2011-08-23 | 2011-11-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2011253207A (ja) * | 2011-09-16 | 2011-12-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
JP2012108554A (ja) * | 2012-03-01 | 2012-06-07 | Ricoh Co Ltd | 画像形成装置 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6850726B1 (en) | 2005-02-01 |
EP1351100A1 (en) | 2003-10-08 |
EP1351100B1 (en) | 2012-07-25 |
JPWO2002056118A1 (ja) | 2004-05-20 |
EP1351100A4 (en) | 2007-12-12 |
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