Image Formation System

In this unit, you will study the principles used in forming an image on print paper while learning about the functions and operation of the major units of the image formation system as well as the tasks of the service person


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 To learn about the machine’s image formation system, go through the following topics:

Study an overview of the image formation system.

Overview of the Image Formation System

　

○Purpose: Here, you will have an overview of the image formation system by studying its components and associated specifications.

　

　

1. Outline

An image formation system is the core of any printing engine, and serves to draw toner images on print paper according to video signals coming from the machine's main controller.

The machine's image formation system consists of the following: developing unit, sub hopper, drum unit, drum cleaning unit, transfer unit, all under the control of the DC controller. When a print command arrives from the main controller, the DC controller drives these units to draw an image using a specific image formation process.

The following shows the arrangement of the components used in the image formation system:

　

○Diagram of the Image Formation System

[1] Toner bottle

 

[2] Sub hopper

[3] Developing unit

 

[4] Photosensitive drum

 

[5] Transfer roller

 

[6] Primary charging roller

 

[7] Drum unit

 

[8] Drum cleaning unit

 

[9] Pre-exposure unit

 

[10] Waste toner box

 

[11] Stack eliminator

Image Formation System

2. Specifications of the Image Formation System

The specifications associated with individual units are as follows:

■Specifications of the Drum Unit

Photosensitive drum 　 Drum type OPC 　 Drum diameter 30 mm 　 Cleaning mechanism by cleaning blade 　 Process speed 230mm/sec (iR3570/iR4570) 137mm/sec (iR2270/iR2870) Primary charging 　 Charging method by roller (AC + DC application) 　 Charging roller diameter 16 mm 　 Cleaning mechanism by brush (reciprocating mechanism)

■Specifications of the Pre-Exposure Unit

LED 12 pc. 　 Timing of activation at time of drum rotation

■Specifications of the Developing Unit

Developing cylinder diameter 20 mm 　 Developing method dry, 1-component toner projection (AC + DC application) 　 Developing cylinder life 480,000 prints (approx.) 　 Toner level detection yes toner level sensor x 2 pc. (sub hopper, developing unit)

■Specifications of the Toner Bottle

Yield 21,000 prints (iR2270/2870) 24,000 prints (iR3570/4570) 　 Toner amount 1060 g (iR2270/2870) 1220 g (iR3570/4570) 　 Toner 1-component insulating magnetic toner 　 Toner level detection no

■Specifications of the Waste Toner

Collection method to toner box 　 Capacity equivalent of 70,000 prints (iR2270/2870) equivalent of 75,000 prints (iR3570/4570) 　 Waste toner case full detection yes

■Specifications of the Transfer Unit

Charging method by roller (DC application) 　 Charging roller diameter 16 mm 　 Separation method by static eliminator + curvature 　 Transfer roller life 150,000 prints 　 Static eliminator life 150,000 prints