Movable Opposing Member Stabilization for Sheet Color Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The instability of the opposing member's position when moving close to the measurement unit in image forming apparatuses can lead to varying distances between the measurement unit and the sheet, resulting in deteriorated measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a movable opposing member that can switch between a position where it presses the sheet against an opening and a separated position, utilizing a holding member with an abutment portion to stabilize the opposing member's position and maintain accurate sheet alignment for measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the opposing member moves to a position close to the measurement unit, then the sheet can be pressed against the opening for stable positioning, but the position of the opposing member becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member acts as an intermediary between the opposing member and the measurement unit. It provides a stable mounting structure with an abutment portion that contacts the first conveyance guide, allowing the opposing member to be positioned close to the measurement unit for accurate sheet pressing while the holding member absorbs positional instabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is pre-configured with an abutment portion that will contact the first conveyance guide when the opposing member moves to the first position. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the opposing member approaches the measurement unit, the abutment portion is already in place to provide stable positioning and prevent position instability
2Measurement precision
If the opposing member moves close to the measurement unit, then sheet positioning is improved, but the distance between the measurement unit and the sheet varies
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member serves as a mediator that decouples the positioning function from the pressing function. The abutment portion of the holding member contacts the first conveyance guide to establish a fixed reference position, while the opposing member can then press the sheet against the opening with consistent positioning relative to the measurement unit
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member provides more than just support for the opposing member; it also provides the abutment function against the first conveyance guide. This excessive structural provision ensures that even with the opposing member's movement, the sheet positioning relative to the measurement unit remains consistent
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance guide, a measurement unit, an opposing member, and a holding member. The conveyance guide has an opening and forms a conveyance path through which a sheet with an image formed on the sheet is conveyed. The measurement unit measures, through the opening, a color of the image on the sheet being conveyed through the conveyance path. The opposing member opposes the measurement unit at a measurement position of the measurement unit. The holding member holds the opposing member so that the opposing member is movable between a first position where the opposing member presses the sheet against the opening and a second position where the opposing member is separated from the opening as compared with the first position. The holding member includes an abutment portion that abuts against the conveyance guide in a state where the opposing member is at the first position.