Image Forming Apparatus Speed Fluctuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience color misregistration and density unevenness due to fluctuations in the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt, which existing speed detection and feedforward control methods fail to effectively mitigate.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a hardware processor for feedforward control, a driving roller, a drive transmission system, and detectors for the motor and drive transmission system speeds, utilizing stored control data to select an appropriate feedforward operation pattern based on detected speed fluctuations, thereby synchronizing the conveyance of the paper sheet and stabilizing the intermediate transfer belt speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedforward control is performed based on angular velocity detection of the motor driving the intermediate transfer belt, then an attempt is made to reduce speed fluctuations, but the detection does not directly represent actual belt speed fluctuations, limiting the effectiveness in reducing color misregistration and density unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (transmission system with gears or belts) between the motor and the intermediate transfer belt. Speed detectors are placed at multiple points in this transmission system to indirectly measure the belt speed fluctuations. This intermediary measurement approach allows accurate detection of actual belt speed variations without directly measuring the motor's angular velocity, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability of image quality and precision of speed detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt fluctuates due to component tolerance, wear, or temperature changes, then conveyance reaction force is generated on the belt, but this leads to color misregistration and density unevenness in the toner image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of speed fluctuations at multiple points in the transmission system before they affect the intermediate transfer belt. Feedforward control is applied in advance to adjust motor operation, preventing the fluctuations from causing color misregistration and density unevenness. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to component tolerance, wear, and temperature changes while maintaining image positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic speed control by continuously monitoring transmission system speeds and adjusting motor operation in real-time. The feedforward control mechanism dynamically compensates for speed variations caused by component tolerance, wear, or temperature changes, ensuring consistent image quality despite changing operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are added to the transmission system to improve speed detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple detectors positioned at different points in the transmission system to copy and compare speed information. By placing detectors at strategic locations (motor shaft and intermediate transmission elements), the system obtains redundant measurements that improve accuracy without requiring a single complex detection system. This copying approach allows precise speed detection while keeping individual detector components simple and standard.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a hardware processor that performs feedforward control on a motor; a driving roller that drives an intermediate transfer belt for transferring a toner image; a drive transmission system that transmits a driving force of the motor; a first detector that detects a speed of a driving shaft of the motor; a second detector that detects a speed of a driving shaft of the drive transmission system; and a storage that stores a plurality of sets of control data having different conformity states, wherein the plurality of sets of control data include pairs of a feedforward operation pattern and a drive transmission system deformation pattern, the drive transmission system deformation pattern corresponds to a fluctuation pattern of difference values, and the hardware processor compares the fluctuation pattern of difference values with the plurality of sets of control data.