Image Forming Apparatus Frame Alignment for Sheet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with toner image displacement in the width direction due to misalignment between guide members and the exposing unit, despite regulation by guide members.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a sheet supporting portion, a sheet feeding portion, a sheet regulation portion, an image forming portion with an image bearing member, a charging portion, an exposing portion, and a developing portion, where the position of the exposing portion is determined with respect to a frame member, and the sheet regulation portion's position is aligned with this frame member, ensuring precise alignment of the sheet and the toner image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If guide members are used to regulate sheet position, then sheet position in width direction is controlled, but toner image displacement occurs due to misalignment between guide members and exposing unit
Solution Approach 1:
A frame member is introduced as an intermediary reference structure that both the exposing unit and sheet regulation portion can align to. The frame member serves as a common reference frame, allowing the exposing unit's position to be determined relative to the frame, and the sheet regulation portion's position to be determined relative to the same frame, thereby ensuring their mutual alignment without direct mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into independent modules (exposing unit, sheet regulation portion, frame member) that can be separately positioned and adjusted. Each module has its position determined with respect to the frame member, allowing independent adjustment and maintenance of alignment accuracy without affecting other components.
2Measurement precision
If guide members regulate sheet position, then sheet alignment is improved, but relative positional deviation between guide member and exposing unit causes image displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member acts as a common intermediary reference that connects the measurement system (sheet regulation portion) with the image formation system (exposing unit). By determining both positions with respect to this common reference, the patent eliminates cumulative positioning errors that would occur if direct alignment was attempted.
3Ease of manufacture
If guide members are positioned independently, then installation is simplified, but alignment accuracy between guide members and exposing unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member serves as a pre-fabricated intermediary reference structure that simplifies assembly. Instead of directly aligning the sheet regulation portion with the exposing unit (which would be complex), both components are independently positioned relative to the frame member, making assembly easier while maintaining high alignment precision through the common reference frame.
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
This solution improves the precision of image formation by accurately aligning the sheet and toner image in the width direction, enhancing the drawing start position precision and relative positional precision between the laser scanner and sheet width regulation unit, thereby improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a charging portion configured to charge a surface of the image bearing member
Implementation Method 2
an exposing portion configured to expose the charged surface of the image bearing member to form an electrostatic latent image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a sheet supporting portion, a sheet feeding portion configured to feed a sheet supported on the sheet supporting portion, a sheet regulation portion configured to regulate a position of the sheet in a width direction, an image forming portion including an exposing portion configured to expose a charged surface of an image bearing member, the image forming portion being configured to form an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding portion, and a frame member provided inside the apparatus body. A position of the exposing portion is determined with respect to the frame member. A position of the sheet regulation portion is determined with respect to the frame member.