Color Image Forming Apparatus Misregistration Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color image forming apparatuses using electrophotography face misregistration issues due to mechanical factors, particularly in in-line systems with independent image forming units for colors, leading to positional deviations and requiring complex misregistration correction controls that reduce usability.
Innovation Solution
A color image forming apparatus that employs a high-voltage power supply system with current detection circuits to form and detect electrostatic latent images on photosensitive drums, allowing for precise misregistration correction without transferring a 100% toner image, thereby enhancing usability and reducing toner consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a toner image for detection (density of 100%) is transferred from the photosensitive drum onto the image carrier for misregistration correction control, then misregistration can be detected and corrected, but cleaning efforts are required for the drum and carrier, reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the toner image transfer process by using an optical sensor to detect the electrostatic latent image directly on the photosensitive drum before toner transfer. This separates the measurement function from the image formation function, allowing misregistration detection without requiring 100% density toner images and subsequent cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary device to detect the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. This intermediary enables misregistration detection without direct contact between the detection system and the image carrier, eliminating the need for cleaning the carrier while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a toner image for detection (density of 100%) is transferred from the photosensitive drum onto the image carrier, then misregistration correction control can be executed, but toner is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the toner transfer process by detecting the electrostatic latent image directly on the photosensitive drum using an optical sensor. This eliminates the need to transfer 100% density toner images onto the image carrier, thereby preventing toner consumption for detection purposes while maintaining measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If misregistration correction control is executed using conventional toner image detection, then positional deviation can be corrected, but cleaning operations are required, increasing operational downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the toner image transfer process by using an optical sensor to detect the electrostatic latent image directly on the photosensitive drum. This eliminates the need for cleaning operations on both the drum and image carrier, reducing operational downtime and improving productivity while maintaining image positioning accuracy through continuous misregistration correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous misregistration correction control by detecting the electrostatic latent image in real-time on the photosensitive drum without interrupting the image formation process for cleaning operations. This continuous detection and correction mechanism maintains productivity while ensuring manufacturing precision.
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
The solution effectively corrects misregistration without the need for frequent cleaning of the photosensitive drums and intermediate transfer belt, maintaining high print quality and reducing operational downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive drum for the respective colors... laser scanning positions on the photosensitive drums... forming an electrostatic latent image
Implementation Method 2
a primary transfer roller configured to transfer the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer belt
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus (10) includes process units that are closely arranged around respective photosensitive members (22a-22d) and act on the photosensitive members, a light emission section that forms an electrostatic latent image for detection on the photosensitive member and a detection section that detects the electrostatic latent image passes through a position facing to the process unit and a control section (209) that performs misregistration correction control based on the detection result. It achieves to resolve a problem that is caused in detection of a conventional toner image for detection by an optical sensor and to enhance usability of an image forming apparatus.