Image Forming Apparatus Skew Correction via Dual Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in suppressing positional displacement of image positions in the width direction of a recording medium due to skew during transportation, as they only perform feed-forward corrections based on detection by a single upstream detector, which does not adequately address the displacement occurring downstream.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first and second detector positioned upstream and downstream of respective image forming units, which form and detect correction images to enable both pre and post-image forming corrections, ensuring accurate alignment by adjusting nozzle positions or timings to compensate for skew.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single upstream detector is used to detect correction images for feed-forward correction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of image position alignment deteriorates due to inadequate compensation for skew during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detectors positioned at different locations (upstream and downstream of image forming units). Each detector independently detects correction images, enabling separate measurement of skew at different positions along the transportation path, which improves alignment precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback correction by using detected skew information to adjust subsequent image forming operations. The correction values derived from detector measurements are fed back to control the image forming units, enabling continuous improvement of alignment precision through real-time compensation
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple detectors are added to perform feedback corrections, then the manufacturing precision of image position alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Detectors are strategically positioned at specific locations where skew measurement is most effective - upstream and downstream of image forming units. This localized placement ensures high alignment precision at critical points while minimizing the overall number of detectors required, balancing precision improvement with device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, first and second detectors, and a corrector. The image forming unit includes first and second image forming units disposed downstream of the first unit in a transport direction of a recording medium and causes the first and second units to form predetermined correction images onto the recording medium. The first detector is disposed downstream of the first unit and upstream of the second unit in the transport direction, and detects the correction image formed by the first unit. The second detector is disposed downstream of the second unit in the transport direction and detects the correction image formed by the second unit. The corrector corrects an image position of the second unit in a width direction of the recording medium by using the correction images formed by the first and second units and detected by the first and second detectors.