Image Registration Adjustment via Sheet Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face productivity losses and cleaning member deterioration due to image registration failures caused by scratches or defects on photosensitive or intermediate transfer members, leading to wasted developing solution and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that adjusts the conveying speed of sheets based on detected registration-use images and sheet positions, using a registration device to change the conveying speed from a first to a second speed at a predetermined position, and employing sensors to generate reference signals for accurate image registration, even in cases where the registration-use image sensor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a registration patch is formed on a photosensitive member and image registration is performed by detecting the registration patch, then image registration accuracy is improved, but if there is a scratch or defect on the photosensitive member or intermediate transfer member at the registration patch position, the image is invalidated and productivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the registration patch position using a registration-use image sensor before actual image formation. By detecting the position in advance and validating the registration patch quality, the system can determine whether to proceed with image formation or skip it, preventing wasted developing solution and maintaining productivity while ensuring registration accuracy when conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup reference signals by detecting the top end of the sheet as an alternative reference when the registration-use image sensor fails to successfully detect the registration patch. This preliminary preparation of alternative reference signals ensures that image formation can continue without interruption even when defects are present, cushioning against productivity loss
2Manufacturing precision
If image registration is performed by detecting the registration patch, then registration accuracy is improved, but the cleaning member deteriorates due to repeated imaging and cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs registration detection only when necessary for accurate registration, using the registration-use image sensor to detect the registration patch position. By selectively performing detection based on actual need rather than continuously, the system reduces the number of imaging and cleaning cycles, thereby extending cleaning member lifespan while maintaining registration accuracy when required
3Reliability
If the image position is moved to avoid scratches on the photosensitive member, then image formation can continue, but productivity is still lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the registration-use image sensor to detect whether a registration patch is successfully formed and detectable. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to proceed with normal image formation or switch to alternative reference signal methods. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable image formation continuity by adapting to actual conditions while minimizing productivity loss through intelligent decision-making rather than blanket position movements
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of always performing image registration adjustment with a high accuracy and realizing a higher image quality without lowering the productivity and deteriorating a cleaning member. A first conveying speed of a sheet being conveyed on a conveying path is changed to a second conveying speed at a predetermined position to thereby perform registration of an image on an image bearing member with the sheet, at a position of the image being transferred to the sheet. Detecting an registration-use image on the image bearing member causes a first reference signal to be generated, and detecting a top end of the sheet conveyed on the conveying path causes a second reference signal to be generated. The predetermined position is determined on the basis of the first reference signal when the registration-use image sensor has successfully generated the first reference signal, and the predetermined position is determined on the basis of the second reference signal when the registration-use image sensor does not successfully generate the first reference signal.