Transfer Belt Speed Adjustment Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing image forming apparatuses experience variations in transfer position when the speed adjustment mechanism switches between different adjustment patterns regardless of the holding start timing or detection timing, leading to inconsistent image transfer onto the recording medium.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates a speed adjustment mechanism that synchronizes the switching timing between the first and second adjustment patterns with the holding start timing or detection timing, ensuring consistent image transfer by adjusting the rotation speed of the transfer body accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the speed adjustment mechanism switches between the first adjustment pattern and the second adjustment pattern regardless of the holding start timing, then the rotation speed of the transfer body can be adjusted flexibly, but the transfer position where the image is transferred onto the recording medium varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidtransfer position consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism determines in advance whether to apply the first adjustment pattern or the second adjustment pattern based on the holding start timing. This preliminary determination ensures that the speed adjustment is synchronized with the holding operation, preventing variation in transfer position while maintaining flexible speed adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the holding start timing as feedback to dynamically select the appropriate adjustment pattern. By monitoring when the holding unit actually starts to hold the recording medium, the control mechanism can switch between adjustment patterns appropriately, ensuring consistent transfer position regardless of speed variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the speed adjustment mechanism uses a fixed adjustment pattern, then the transfer position remains consistent, but the rotation speed cannot be optimized for different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer position consistencyVSAvoidspeed optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between the first adjustment pattern and the second adjustment pattern based on the holding start timing. This dynamic adaptation allows the rotation speed to be optimized for different operating conditions while maintaining consistent transfer position, as the control mechanism selects the appropriate pattern for each specific holding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the speed adjustment parameters by selecting different adjustment patterns (first and second patterns) based on the holding start timing. This parameter change enables the rotation speed to be optimized for varying operating conditions while keeping the transfer position consistent through synchronized switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4530733A1Image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4530733A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4530733A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4530733A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer belt with an outer peripheral surface onto which an image formed on a formation body is transferred, the transfer belt having an annular shape; a driving roll around which the transfer belt is wound and that causes the transfer belt to revolve; a transfer body that transfers, at a transfer region between the transfer body and the transfer belt, the image from the transfer belt to a recording medium while transporting the recording medium; a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the transfer body; a holding unit that holds the recording medium and that integrally moves with rotational movement of the transfer body so that the recording medium passes through the transfer region; and a speed adjustment mechanism that adjusts a rotation speed of the transfer body rotated by the drive mechanism each time the transfer body makes one rotation, that switches between a first adjustment pattern and a second adjustment pattern different from the first adjustment pattern each time the transfer body makes one rotation, and that synchronizes a switching timing, at which switching between the adjustment patterns is performed, with a holding start timing at which the holding unit starts to hold the recording medium.