Image Forming Apparatus Tension Correction for Double-Sided Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tandem type image forming apparatuses, the change in tension of the intermediate transfer belt between the YMCK contact state and the K contact state affects the time it takes for toner images to reach the transfer position, leading to decreased correction accuracy of geometric characteristics during double-sided monochrome printing.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a switching unit to switch between a YMCK mode and a K mode, and a controller to determine a correction value for the image forming position based on the reading result of an adjustment image. The controller forms the second image in the YMCK mode without forming the first image, ensuring accurate geometric correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the photosensitive members of Y, M, and C are separated from the intermediate transfer member during monochrome printing, then the aging progression of these photosensitive members is suppressed and running costs are reduced, but the tension of the intermediate transfer belt changes causing decreased correction accuracy of geometric characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the contact state of photosensitive members with the intermediate transfer member changeable based on printing requirements. The separation mechanism dynamically switches between YMCK contact state for color printing and K contact state for monochrome printing, allowing the system to adapt its configuration to different operational modes while maintaining both cost efficiency and printing accuracy through appropriate mode selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state (contact or separation) of the photosensitive members with the intermediate transfer member. By changing the contact state parameter based on whether color or monochrome printing is required, the system achieves both economic benefits (reduced aging for Y, M, C members) and maintains printing accuracy through proper parameter management and correction value determination
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer units of Y, M, and C move toward the photosensitive members to contact the intermediate transfer member, then color images can be printed, but the tension change causes delayed image transfer timing affecting correction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the transfer units to dynamically change their position and contact state with the photosensitive members based on the required print mode. The system can switch between having all four transfer units contacted (YMCK state for color printing) and having only the K transfer unit contacted (K state for monochrome printing), allowing flexible adaptation to different printing requirements while managing timing accuracy through mode-specific correction values
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the image forming apparatus to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system. The same intermediate transfer member and transfer units are used for both color and monochrome printing, with the separation mechanism enabling the system to universally handle different print modes. By determining correction values that account for different contact states, the system maintains accuracy across both color and monochrome operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit to form a first image of a chromatic color, a second image forming unit to form a second image of an achromatic color, a transfer unit, a reading unit, a switching unit to switch a first mode and a second mode, and a controller. In a case where an adjustment image for adjusting an image forming position is fixed to a sheet and the adjustment image fixed to the sheet is read by the reading unit, the controller performs a determining process to determine a correction value for correcting the image forming position based on a reading result of the reading unit. In a case where the controller is set to form the second image without forming the first image and the controller is set to perform the determining process, the controller forms the second image in the first mode.