Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Slide Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using intermediate transfer belts face productivity limitations due to the long time required for image formation and the need for prolonged sheet stopping during edge position detection for adjusting image positions on both sides of a sheet, which affects the alignment and quality of images on both sides of a sheet.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an edge position detecting unit and control system that adjusts the image forming position on the second side of a sheet based on the detected edge positions of the first side, allowing for earlier initiation of image formation on the second side by calculating and applying the necessary adjustments to the irradiation timing on the photosensitive drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If edge position detection is performed on the first sheet to adjust image positions for the second side, then image alignment quality is improved, but the time required for image formation increases due to prolonged sheet stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs edge position detection on the first sheet before image formation on the second side begins. The control unit calculates the difference between detected edge positions and reference positions, and determines adjusted image forming positions in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare alignment corrections without stopping the sheet during the critical image formation process, thereby maintaining both high alignment quality and productivity.
2Productivity
If the image forming process is optimized to reduce formation time, then productivity is improved, but the time available for edge position detection and adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs edge position detection on the first sheet during the image formation process for the first side, rather than requiring a separate detection phase. The control unit utilizes this detection result to calculate adjusted image forming positions for the second side in advance, enabling continuous operation without additional stopping time while maintaining alignment quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If edge position detection is performed accurately to ensure proper image alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the complexity of the detection and control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the edge position detecting unit detects actual edge positions of the sheet, and the control unit compares these detected positions with reference positions to calculate differences. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines adjusted image forming positions that compensate for sheet position variations, ensuring accurate image alignment while using a relatively simple detection and control system.
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 approach improves productivity by enabling earlier adjustment and alignment of image positions on both sides of a sheet, enhancing the quality of dual-sided image formation and reducing the time required for image formation, thus meeting the demand for higher productivity.
Implementation Method 1
an edge position detecting unit that can detect a side edge position along the sheet conveying direction of a sheet conveyed to the image forming portion
Implementation Method 2
The primary charging devices 12a to 12d uniformly charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d
Implementation Method 3
The photosensitive drums 11a to 11d are irradiated with and exposed to laser beams that are modulated according to a record image signal by the optical systems 13a to 13d
Implementation Method 4
The toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 31 are transferred (secondary-transferred) together onto a coming sheet
Data Source
AI summary
When an image is formed on a second side of a sheet, the image forming position is adjusted on the basis of a value calculated using the amount αn of lateral registration deviation detected before forming an image on the first side and the amount γn-1, of lateral registration deviation of the previous sheet on which image formation is performed. Thus, it is possible to adjust the positions of irradiation of laser light to the photosensitive drums and to start forming the second-side images as soon as the first-side images have been primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt.