Image Forming Apparatus Conveyance Speed Control for Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using the intermediate transfer method, misregistration and jamming occur due to variations in the distance from the front end of the base sheet to the label, affecting image quality and medium conveyance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes detection sections to adjust the conveyance speed of the medium based on the timing and position of the toner image on the intermediate transfer body, ensuring precise registration by changing the conveyance speed from a first speed to a second speed matching the intermediate transfer body's speed, thereby improving image quality and preventing jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the medium is conveyed at a constant speed equal to the intermediate transfer body speed, then the conveyance system is simple, but misregistration occurs between the medium and toner image due to variations in distance from front end to label
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance speed of the medium is changed from a constant speed to a variable speed that is dynamically adjusted based on the detected position of the label. The control section modifies the conveyance speed to make the medium travel at a first speed or a second speed depending on the distance from the front end to the label, enabling precise registration while adapting to different medium types.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection section is introduced to detect the position of the label on the medium. The control section uses this detection information to feedback-adjust the conveyance speed, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate registration by continuously monitoring and correcting the medium position relative to the toner image.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance speed is changed to accommodate different label positions, then registration precision is improved, but the conveyance control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance speed parameter is changed from a fixed value to a variable value with at least two distinct speeds (first speed and second speed). The control section selects and applies different speed values based on the detected label position, allowing the system to achieve precise registration across various medium configurations without requiring a completely complex variable speed mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance from front end to label is not controlled, then medium handling is simple, but misregistration and jamming occur affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The detection section detects the label position in advance before the medium reaches the transfer point. The control section uses this advance information to pre-adjust the conveyance speed, ensuring that the label is positioned correctly for image transfer before the actual transfer occurs, thereby preventing misregistration and jamming.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus including an intermediate transfer body; a secondary transfer section; a conveyance section; a first detection section; a second detection section that is arranged downstream of the first detection section in a conveyance direction of a medium; and a control section that performs control for changing a conveyance speed of the medium by the conveyance section to a first speed based on timing of detection of the medium by the first detection section and a position of the image on the intermediate transfer body at that time point and changing the conveyance speed of the medium by the conveyance section to a second speed equal to the traveling speed of the intermediate transfer body based on timing of detection of the medium by the second detection section and the position of the image on the intermediate transfer body at that time point.