Image Forming Apparatus Conveyance Section Width Displacement Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, long sheets are prone to twisting and image deformation when registration roller pairs move to correct sheet width displacement, leading to wrinkles and misalignment during image formation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a displacement detection section and control section that moves conveyance sections in the sheet width direction to correct sheet displacement, ensuring the long sheet remains aligned without twisting by synchronizing the movement of upstream and downstream conveyance sections based on detection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the registration roller pair is moved in the sheet width direction to correct sheet displacement, then the image and sheet alignment is improved, but the long sheet becomes twisted causing wrinkles and image deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making both the registration roller pair (first conveyance section) and the fixing section (second conveyance section) movable in the sheet width direction. This dynamic configuration allows both sections to move synchronously based on detected sheet displacement, enabling continuous correction of sheet position while maintaining their relative positional relationship, thus preventing sheet twisting while achieving accurate alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using an optical sensor to detect the actual position of the long sheet during conveyance. The detected displacement information is fed back to the control section, which then adjusts the positions of both the registration roller pair and fixing section accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate sheet alignment while preventing twisting by coordinating the movement of both conveyance sections.
2Manufacturing precision
If only the registration roller pair is moved to correct displacement, then the sheet position is adjusted, but the relative position between conveyance sections changes causing sheet twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction function into a coordinated system where both the registration roller pair and fixing section move together in response to sheet displacement. By combining their movement control, the system maintains the relative positional relationship between these sections while correcting sheet position, thus achieving accurate alignment without compromising image quality or causing sheet distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor provides real-time feedback on sheet position, enabling the control section to adjust both conveyance sections synchronously. This feedback mechanism ensures that the sheet is positioned accurately while the relative configuration between conveyance sections remains stable, preventing image deformation and maintaining high image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first conveyance section disposed on an upstream side of the image formation position in a sheet conveyance direction of the long sheet, and configured to convey the long sheet to the image formation position; a second conveyance section disposed on a downstream side of the image formation position in the sheet conveyance direction, and configured to convey the long sheet on which the toner image is formed; a displacement detection section configured to detect displacement of the long sheet in a sheet width direction; and a control section configured to move the first conveyance section in the sheet width direction to orient the long sheet in the sheet width direction, and move the second conveyance section in a direction identical to a direction along which the first conveyance section is moved based on a detection result of the displacement detection section.