18338548. IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
MITSURU Yamatani of Ibaraki (JP)
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18338548 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an image forming apparatus that includes an image bearing member, an intermediate transfer belt, and current supply devices. The apparatus uses constant current control to ensure a balanced current supply to the intermediate transfer belt during a print job.
- The current balance of the current supplied to the intermediate transfer belt is maintained by controlling the discharge current.
- The current balance is defined as the difference between the sum of current densities of positive currents supplied from the outer to inner peripheral surface and the sum of current densities of positive currents supplied from the inner to outer peripheral surface.
- The electric resistance of the intermediate transfer belt is higher when the current balance is negative compared to when it is positive.
- The control unit of the apparatus performs constant current control based on current supply detection to maintain a positive current balance.
Potential Applications
- This technology can be applied in various image forming apparatus such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices.
- It can improve the quality and consistency of printed images by ensuring a balanced current supply to the intermediate transfer belt.
Problems Solved
- Uneven current supply to the intermediate transfer belt can lead to image quality issues such as uneven toner transfer and streaks on printed pages.
- The patent application addresses this problem by implementing constant current control to maintain a positive current balance, resulting in improved image quality.
Benefits
- Constant current control ensures a balanced current supply to the intermediate transfer belt, leading to consistent and high-quality printed images.
- By maintaining a positive current balance, the patent application helps prevent image quality issues caused by uneven current distribution.
- The technology can enhance the overall performance and reliability of image forming apparatus.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, an intermediate transfer belt, and current supply devices. If (i) a current balance of a current supplied to the intermediate transfer belt is Ia-Ib where Ia is a sum of current densities of positive currents supplied from an outer to an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and Ib is a sum of current densities of positive currents supplied from the inner to the outer peripheral surface and (ii) an electric resistance of the intermediate transfer belt relative to the current balance is larger when the current balance is a negative of a predetermined value than when it is a positive of the predetermined value, a control unit performs constant current control on a discharge current supplied to the intermediate transfer belt during a print job such that, based on current supply detection, the current balance is positive.
