JP2000214693A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out an image formation of high quality by preventing misalignment between toner images that are superimposed on an intermediate transfer body by accurately detecting the shift position of the intermediate transfer body. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with an image carrier 1 that can be rotated, an intermediate transfer body 2 where the toner images formed on the image carrier 1 are sequentially transferred, a discriminating means 3 indicating the shift position of the intermediate transfer body 2 installed on the intermediate transfer body 2, a detecting means 4 detecting the discriminating means 3 and an intermediate transfer body restricting means 5 restricting the shape of the intermediate transfer body 2, installed either upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body 2, at least in the vicinity of a detecting range where the discriminating means 3 is detected by the detecting means 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine thereof. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that sequentially transfers a plurality of toner images formed on an intermediate transfer member to form an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional color image forming apparatus, for example, four developing devices each containing four color toners of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are arranged in the vicinity of a photoreceptor, and toner is formed on the photoreceptor. The toner image is supplied and developed to form a toner image, and then the toner image is transferred to an intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member having the toner image of the first color travels as it is, and the toner image developed by the toner of the second color is transferred to be superimposed on the toner image of the preceding color. In this way, the toner images of the third color and the fourth color are also sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer member so that the full-color toner image is completely transferred onto the intermediate transfer member. At this point, for the first time, the process proceeds to the transfer stage for the transfer paper, and the toner image is collectively transferred onto the transfer paper. After receiving the transfer, the transfer paper is fixed on the image and discharged onto a discharge tray or the like in the same manner as in a normal electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer belt of such an intermediate transfer body is not provided with a tension roller that presses the intermediate transfer belt from the outer peripheral surface in order to prevent image defects such as fluctuation due to meandering of the intermediate transfer belt. It is publicly known (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-222804).
Further, in order to prevent the bending of the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer member, it is also known that the deformation restricting member is brought into contact with the support roll to restrict the elastic deformation of the support roll (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-1998).
No. 59575). An endless belt or drum-shaped photoreceptor having a photoreceptor layer on its surface; photoreceptor position detection means for detecting a position of the photoreceptor in a rotation direction; and latent image formation for scanning the photoreceptor to form a latent image Means,
A plurality of developing means for visualizing the latent image; an intermediate transfer body for temporarily holding the visualized image on the photoconductor; and an intermediate transfer body position for detecting a position of the intermediate transfer body in a rotation direction. 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic apparatus having a detecting means for forming one position detection mark on the photoconductor and a plurality of position detection marks on the intermediate transfer member is known (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-150574). Gazette).

However, this kind of rotatable latent image carrier, latent image forming means for sequentially forming a plurality of latent images corresponding to a plurality of image information on the latent image carrier, and the latent image carrier Developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the body, a movable intermediate transfer member on which the latent image on the latent image carrier is sequentially transferred, and an intermediate member provided on the intermediate transfer member. An identification member that indicates a movement position of the transfer body, a detector that is provided near the movement path of the intermediate transfer and detects the identification member, and a latent image forming time of the latent image forming unit based on a detection result of the detector. Image forming apparatus having a latent image forming control unit for controlling
Due to the slack or swing of the intermediate belt of the intermediate transfer member, the detection accuracy of the detector is insufficient, causing a timing shift of latent image formation, for example, when toner images are overlapped on the intermediate transfer member when toner images are superimposed. There has been a problem that a displacement or the like occurs.

[0004]

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image by sequentially transferring a plurality of toner images formed on an image carrier to an intermediate transfer member by the above-described conventional electrophotographic method, an intermediate transfer is performed. Due to looseness or shaking of the body, the detection accuracy of the movement position is insufficient, for example, a timing shift of the latent image formation occurs, and the toner image is formed due to a positional shift between the toner images when the toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer body. Image quality was degraded. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve such a problem. That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which a moving position of an intermediate transfer member is accurately detected, a position shift between toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is prevented, and a high-quality image is formed. I do.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of toner images formed on an image carrier by an electrophotographic method are sequentially transferred to an intermediate transfer member. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image, a rotatable image carrier, an intermediate transfer member on which a toner image formed on the image carrier is sequentially transferred, and the intermediate transfer member provided on the intermediate transfer member Identification means for indicating a movement position of the detection means, detection means for detecting the identification means, and arranged at an upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least in proximity to a detection area for detecting the identification means by the detection means, The most main feature is that the image forming apparatus comprises an intermediate transfer member regulating means for regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer member. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the main feature is that the intermediate transfer body regulating means is an image forming apparatus which also serves as a mounting member of the detecting means.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the intermediate transfer member regulating unit regulates the front surface of the intermediate transfer member and the back surface regulating the back surface of the intermediate transfer member. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus includes a regulating unit. Claim 4 of the present invention provides Claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in Item 2 or 3, the intermediate transfer member regulating unit is an image forming device in which a front plate member of the surface regulating unit and a back plate member of the back regulating unit face each other via the intermediate transfer member. It is the main feature. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, the front plate member and the back plate member of the intermediate transfer member regulating unit are provided with a gap larger than the thickness of the intermediate transfer member. The main feature is that the image forming apparatuses are facing each other. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect, the gap between the front plate member and the back plate member of the intermediate transfer member regulating unit is x (mm), When the thickness of the transfer body is y (mm), the gap x (mm) is x
The main feature is that the image forming apparatus satisfies (mm) ≦ y (mm) +4 (mm). The invention of claim 7 is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, is characterized in that the intermediate transfer body regulating means is an image forming apparatus that also serves as a unit frame of the intermediate transfer body. The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3,
The main feature of the image forming apparatus according to 4 or 7 is that the intermediate transfer member regulating unit is a surface regulating unit and a back surface regulating unit, and is an image forming device that sandwiches and faces the intermediate transfer member. The present invention according to claim 9 is based on claims 1, 2, 3, 4,
9. The image forming apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus mainly includes an intermediate transfer body sandwiched and opposed by a surface driven roller of a surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and a back plate member of the back regulating unit. Characteristics.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first and second aspects.
3. The image forming apparatus according to 3, 4, 7 or 8, wherein the surface driven roller of the surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and the back surface driven roller of the back surface regulating unit sandwich the intermediate transfer body and face each other. The main feature is that there is. Claim 1
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, or eighth aspect, wherein the surface brush of the surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and the back plate member of the back surface regulating unit are used for the intermediate transfer. It is a main feature that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus which is opposed to the body. The present invention of claim 12 is based on claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, 7, or 8, the image forming apparatus sandwiches the intermediate transfer body between the front resin sheet of the surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and the back plate member of the back regulating unit. The main feature is that it is a device. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, or eighth aspect, wherein the surface blade of the surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and the back plate member of the back surface regulating unit, The main feature is that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus which is opposed to the intermediate transfer member. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, or eighth aspect, the surface foaming elastic body of the surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and the back plate member of the back surface regulating unit. The main feature of the present invention is that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that faces an intermediate transfer member while sandwiching the same. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourteenth aspects, the intermediate transfer member regulating unit includes a gap that regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer body or an adjusting unit that regulates a biasing force to be clamped. The main feature is that it is a forming device. According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects and the eleventh to fifteenth aspects, the back plate member of the back regulating means is a slidability improving member for improving the slidability of the intermediate transfer member. The main feature of the present invention is that the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which is provided on the surface.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus configured to indicate a moving position provided on an intermediate transfer body to which a toner image formed on a rotatable image carrier is sequentially transferred. The identification means is arranged at the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body close to at least the detection area where the identification means is detected by the detection means by the intermediate transfer body regulating means, and regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer body. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting a moving position of an intermediate transfer body, preventing misregistration of toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer body, and performing high-quality image formation. To be able to According to a second aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating a movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred,
The intermediate transfer member restricting device, which also serves as a mounting member for the detecting device, regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer member by being arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer member close to the detection area where the detecting device detects the identifying device. As a result, the number of components is small, the moving position of the intermediate transfer member is detected more accurately, and the displacement of the toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is prevented. A low-cost image forming apparatus on which an image is formed can be provided. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the intermediate transfer body of the intermediate transfer body regulating means. Surface regulating means for regulating the back surface regulating means for regulating the back surface of the intermediate transfer member,
The shape of the intermediate transfer body is disposed on the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body close to at least the detection area where the identification means is detected by the detection means, and the shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated on both sides, and the detection is performed by the detection means. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which a moving position of a body is more accurately detected, a position shift between toner images to be superimposed on an intermediate transfer body is surely prevented, and a higher quality image is formed. To According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the intermediate transfer body of the intermediate transfer body regulating means. The upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detection unit detects the identification unit by the back surface regulation unit that regulates the back surface of the intermediate transfer body facing through the intermediate transfer body with the surface regulation unit that regulates The movement position of the intermediate transfer member is more accurately detected by regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer member on both sides opposed to each other and detecting by the detecting means, and the toner superimposed on the intermediate transfer member It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming images of higher quality by reliably preventing misalignment between images.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. A surface regulating unit that regulates the surface of the body and a back surface regulating unit that regulates the back surface of the intermediate transfer body facing through a gap wider than the thickness of the intermediate transfer body. The shape of the intermediate transfer body is arranged on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer body and is regulated on both opposing surfaces, so as to be detected by the detection means, the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a higher-quality image by reliably preventing a positional deviation between toner superposed images superimposed on an intermediate transfer member. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the intermediate transfer body of the intermediate transfer body regulating means. Regulating means and intermediate transfer body thickness +4
A rear surface regulating unit that regulates the back surface of the intermediate transfer body facing through a gap smaller than mm is disposed on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detection unit detects the identification unit. The shape of the transfer body is regulated on both opposing surfaces and detected by the detection means, so that the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, and the positional deviation between the toner superposed images superimposed on the intermediate transfer body. And an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image with higher quality can be provided. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is also used as a unit frame of the intermediate transfer body. The transfer body regulating means is arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means so as to regulate the shape of the intermediate transfer body so that the detection means detects it. Therefore, the number of parts is small, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected,
It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misalignment of toner images to be superimposed on an intermediate transfer member and performing high-quality low-cost image formation.

According to the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is regulated by the surface regulation of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. The intermediate transfer body is sandwiched and opposed by the means and the back surface regulating means, and is arranged at least on the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means. And the detection unit detects the movement position of the intermediate transfer member, thereby detecting the movement position of the intermediate transfer member more accurately. To provide an image forming apparatus that performs the following. According to the ninth aspect, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the surface regulation means of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By sandwiching and facing the intermediate transfer member between the driven roller and the back plate member of the back regulating member, the intermediate transfer member is disposed on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer member at least in proximity to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means. The shape of the intermediate transfer member is regulated and detected by the detecting means, so that the moving position of the intermediate transfer member is accurately detected, and the position of the toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is prevented from being misaligned. An image forming apparatus capable of forming a high quality image can be provided. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the surface regulation means of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By sandwiching and facing the intermediate transfer body between the driven roller and the backside driven roller of the backside regulating means, the intermediate transfer body is arranged on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detecting means detects the identification means. By regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer member,
As a result of the detection by the detecting means, the intermediate transfer body is prevented from being worn due to friction between the intermediate transfer belt and the intermediate transfer body regulating means, and the moving position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, and Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misregistration between superposed toner images and forming a high quality image.

[0010] In the eleventh aspect, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is defined by the surface regulation of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By interposing and facing the intermediate transfer body between the front brush of the means and the back plate member of the back regulation means, the detection means detects the identification means and is arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area. Then, the shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated and detected by the detection means, the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface brush, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, and Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misregistration of toner images to be superimposed and forming a high quality image. In the twelfth aspect, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the surface regulation means of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By sandwiching and facing the intermediate transfer body between the resin sheet and the back plate member of the back regulating means, the intermediate transfer body is arranged at least on the upstream side or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means. The shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated and detected by the detection means, the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface resin sheet, the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is detected more accurately, and It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misregistration of toner images to be superposed and forming a high quality image. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is a surface of the surface regulation means of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By interposing the intermediate transfer body between the blade and the back surface plate member of the back surface regulating unit and facing the intermediate transfer body, the intermediate unit is disposed at the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detection unit detects the identification unit. The shape of the transfer body is regulated and detected by the detection means, the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface resin blade, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected and overlapped on the intermediate transfer body. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misalignment between toner images to be aligned and forming a high-quality image.

According to the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is regulated by the surface regulation of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By interposing the intermediate transfer body between the front foam elastic body of the means and the back plate member of the back regulating means so as to face each other, the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means It is arranged in the shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated, so as to detect by the detection means, the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface foam elastic body, the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that performs high-quality image formation by preventing positional deviation between toner images superimposed on an intermediate transfer member. According to a fifteenth aspect, the identification means indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is identified by the intermediate transfer body regulating means by the detection means. The shape of the intermediate transfer member is arranged at the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer member close to at least the detection area for detecting the means, and the shape of the intermediate transfer member is regulated. By adjusting the gap for regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer body or the biasing force to be clamped, the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is detected more accurately, and the misalignment of the toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer body is ensured. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high quality image. According to a sixteenth aspect, the identification means indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is identified by the intermediate transfer body regulating means by the detection means. The rear surface plate member of the back surface regulating unit, which is disposed at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area for detecting the unit, regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer body, detects the surface by the detecting unit, By providing a slidability improving member on the front surface for improving the slidability of the body, and by improving the slidability of the intermediate transfer body on the back plate member of the back surface regulating means, the moving position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurate. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image by reliably preventing misalignment of toner images to be superimposed on an intermediate transfer member.

[0012]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, an image carrier 1 is a flexible belt-shaped photoconductor as an endless belt-shaped image carrier, and a flexible belt-shaped photoconductor as a belt-shaped image carrier of the image carrier 1 is a rotating roller. 1a, rotating roller 1
b and is driven to rotate clockwise in the direction of arrow A shown in the figure. The developing means 6 is of a rotary type having a plurality of developing devices each containing a developer of a specific color around a rotation axis.
The charging position of the charging member 7 by the charging member and the light writing position of the laser writing system unit driven by the exposure driving unit 8a of the exposure unit 8 are determined by the rotating roller 1a on which the belt-shaped photosensitive member of the image carrier 1 is mounted. Is set at a position corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of. The developing unit 6 contains, for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developers, respectively, and includes developing sleeves that approach or contact the image carrier 1 at predetermined positions. It has a function of converting a latent image into a toner image by non-contact or contact development. An intermediate transfer belt 2a serving as a transfer image carrier of the intermediate transfer body 2 is provided between a driving roller 2b and a driven roller 2c, and is driven to rotate counterclockwise in a direction indicated by an arrow B in FIG. Is done. The intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 and the belt-shaped photoconductor of the image carrier 1 are in contact with each other at the rotation roller 1b. The intermediate transfer body 2 is provided with a mark of the identification means 3 indicating the moving position, and at least a detection area 4 for detecting the presence or absence of the identification means 3 by the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4.
The shape of the intermediate transfer member 2 on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer member 2 is regulated by the intermediate transfer member regulating means 5 close to a, so that the intermediate transfer member 2 is prevented from loosening and swinging. Accordingly, the moving position of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is accurately detected, and the displacement of the toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is prevented, so that high-quality image formation is achieved. Done. The first toner image on the belt-shaped photoconductor of the image carrier 1 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 by a bias roller 2d provided in the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2. . Then, by repeating the same process, the second toner image, the third toner image, and the fourth toner image are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2, and there is no displacement. Is transcribed.

The cleaning means 9 includes the rotating roller 1
and a cleaning device for the image carrier 1 provided on the rotating roller 1b. The transfer cleaning unit 10 includes:
This is a cleaning device for the intermediate transfer member belt 2a of the intermediate transfer member 2 provided on the driving roller 2b and the driven roller 2c. The transfer roller 2e is provided so as to be brought into contact with and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 by a contact / separation drive unit (not shown). The transfer cleaning blade 10a of the transfer cleaning unit 10 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 2a during image formation, and is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 2a only during cleaning after image transfer. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 2 a of the intermediate transfer body 2 are fed from the sheet feeding table 11 a of the sheet feeding unit 11 to the sheet feeding roller 11 b and the registration roller 1.
The paper is transferred by the transfer roller 2e to the transfer paper of the transfer target (P) conveyed to the transfer roller 2e through the transfer roller 2e. After the completion of the transfer, the transfer sheet on the transfer target (P) is fixed by the fixing unit 13 and is discharged and stored in the discharge tray 18 by the discharge roller 17 to complete a full-color image. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member. When the rotation roller 1a is driven to rotate by the rotation drive motor 14a of the drive source 14, the belt-like photosensitive member of the image carrier 1 rotates. It is rotationally driven at a constant speed by the moving roller 1a. Further, a gear train 14d provided at one end of the timing belt 14c is driven by the pulley 14b and the timing belt 14c. The gear train 14d includes the drive roller 2b
Is driven, and the intermediate transfer belt 2 is driven by the driving roller 2b.
Is rotated at a constant speed. On the intermediate transfer belt 2a, a mark of the identification means 3 having a different reflectance from that of the intermediate transfer belt 2a is provided, and the presence or absence of the mark of the identification means 3 is detected by the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4. At least the shape of the intermediate transfer body 2 on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a is regulated by the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 proximate to the detection area 4a, so that slack and shaking are prevented. The output timing of the write signal is determined by detecting the presence or absence of the signal by the optical mark detecting device of the detecting means 4.
The mark of the identification means 3 is, for example, a mark having a width of 10 mm.
Ten intermediate transfer belts 2a having a circumference of 400 mm are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the intermediate transfer belt 2a rotates at a linear speed of 100 mm / sec.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the structure of the detecting means of one embodiment and the periphery thereof. The optical mark detecting device of the detecting means 4 detects at least a detection area 4a for detecting the presence or absence of a mark of the identifying means 3. On the upstream side and on the downstream side, a surface plate member 5a1 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 and a back surface regulating means 5b on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 2a.
The gap x (mm) between the back plate member 5b1 and the front plate member 5a1 and the back plate member 5b1 confronts each other via the intermediate transfer belt 2a, when the thickness of the intermediate transfer member is y (mm). , X (mm) ≦ y (mm) +4 (mm), so that the shape of the intermediate transfer belt 2a is regulated to prevent loosening and swinging. Surface plate member 5a1 of surface regulating means 5a of intermediate transfer body regulating means 5
And the back plate member 5b1 of the back surface regulating means 5b of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 on the back surface is made of a sheet metal having a thickness of 1 mm, and the gap between the regulating portions is 2 mm. If the thickness of the intermediate transfer belt 2a is 0.15 mm, and the gap between the front plate member 5a1 and the back plate member 5b1 is larger than 4 mm excluding the thickness of the intermediate transfer belt 2a, the mark of the identification means 3 is marked. And a displacement of 0.1 mm or more in the superimposed image due to a change in the distance between the optical mark detecting device of the detecting means 4 and the optical mark detecting device. A displacement of 1 mm or less was realized. The gap between the surface plate member 5a1 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 and the back surface plate member 5b1 of the back surface regulating means 5b of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 on the back side excludes the thickness of the intermediate transfer belt 2a. By setting the gap to 4 mm or less, a positional deviation of 0.1 mm or less could be realized.
Therefore, the gap between the surface plate member 5a1 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 and the back surface plate member 5b1 of the back surface regulating means 5b of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 on the back surface is determined by the thickness of the intermediate transfer belt 2a. It has been found that when the gap excluding is set to 4 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, the displacement can be reliably prevented.

Surface regulating means 5a of intermediate transfer body regulating means 5
The surface plate member 5a1 is also used as the mounting member 4b of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4, and the rear plate member 5b1 of the back surface restriction means 5b of the intermediate transfer body restriction means 5 is connected to the unit frame 2f of the intermediate transfer body 2. As a result, an increase in the number of components can be prevented, and a low-cost image forming apparatus can be provided. Therefore, in the intermediate transfer belt 2a, the fluctuation of the distance between the mark of the identification unit 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection unit 4 due to the slack or the sway caused by the undulation or the deterioration of the flatness of the roller curl or the like during the long-term use. As a result, it is possible to prevent inaccuracy in detection of the mark detection means 4 of the identification means 3 by the optical mark detection device without increasing the number of parts. That is, since the distance at the time of detection of the mark by the identification means 3 does not change for each color, the fluctuation of the distance is suppressed and the positional relationship is stable, so that the detection timing does not vary. Deviation can be prevented. By the solenoid of the adjusting means 5c, the surface plate member 5a1 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 moves in the direction of arrow C shown in the figure to adjust the gap (x) regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer body 2. Then, the fluctuation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is restricted or released, and the distance at the time of detection of the mark of the identification means 3 is kept unchanged and the fluctuation of the distance is suppressed. Relationships can be stabilized or opened.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system in the apparatus of the present invention. The optical mark detecting device of the detecting means 4, an exposure driving means 8a for driving an exposing means 8 for forming a latent image, and a developing means 6, a developing drive unit 6a for driving the transfer cleaning unit 6, a transfer cleaning drive unit 10b for driving the transfer cleaning unit 10, a paper feed drive unit 11c for driving the paper feed unit 11,
The main control unit includes an operation display drive unit 15a for driving the operation display unit 15, a drive source 14 for driving the intermediate transfer belt 2a, a gap adjustment drive unit 5c1 for driving the solenoid of the adjustment unit 5c of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit 5, and the like. 16 are connected. The main control unit 16 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 16a, a read-only memory “ROM” 16
b, readable and writable memory "RAM" 1
6c and the like. The control programs are written in the “ROM” 16b of the read-only memory. Then, in the main control unit 16,
According to the control program read from the "ROM" 16b, an operation command is sent to each drive unit while performing various recognitions and judgments including an operation timing of each drive unit by an input signal of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4. Output to perform a predetermined operation. FIG. 5 is a structural view of an example of the intermediate transfer member regulating means used in the present invention. The surface regulating member 5a of the intermediate transfer member regulating means 5 uses a surface driven roller 5a2 which is driven and rotated by the intermediate transfer member. .
On the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a, a back plate member 5b1 of the back regulating means 5b is disposed so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 2a so as to sandwich the surface driven roller 5a2 and the intermediate transfer belt 2a. ing. Surface driven roller 5a
2 is the intermediate transfer belt 2 from the compression spring of the urging means 5a21.
a. Due to the cushioning effect of the urging means 5a21, the roller can rotate smoothly and stably without exerting its function. In addition, 1 mm is attached to the back plate member 5b1.
The slidability is improved by using a thick sheet metal and affixing a fluorine-based adhesive tape of the slidability improving member 5b11 to the surface, but this may be coated, and the slidability may be applied instead of the sheet metal. It is also possible to use a good resin material, for example, POM. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is reliably positioned upstream and downstream of the detection area 4a of the optical mark detection device of the mark detection means 4 of the identification means 3, and Intermediate transfer belt 2a
Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus which can accurately detect a mark of the identification unit 3 because the fluctuation of the distance between the mark of the identification unit 3 and the detection unit 4 can be suppressed, and can form a good image with no positional displacement. I can do it.

Due to the solenoid of the adjusting means 5c, the surface driven roller 5a2 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 moves in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG.
The variation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is regulated or released by adjusting the biasing force for regulating the shape of the mark. Does not change, the change in distance can be suppressed, and the positional relationship can be stabilized or released. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 is a surface driven roller 5a2, and the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is also provided. A rear driven roller 5b2 of the regulating means 5b is disposed. The front driven roller 5a2 and the back driven roller 5b2 are arranged to face each other with the intermediate transfer belt 2a interposed therebetween. The surface driven roller 5a2 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate body 2 by the pressing force from the compression spring of the urging means 5a21. The intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is reliably worn on the upstream side and the downstream side close to the detection area 4a of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 without being worn by rubbing with the intermediate transfer body regulation means 5. And the fluctuation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is suppressed, so that the mark of the identification means 3 can be detected with high accuracy, and a good image with no displacement can be obtained. be able to. Further, the surface driven roller 5a of the surface regulating unit 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit 5 is operated by the solenoid of the adjusting unit 5c.
2 moves forward and backward in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG.
The variation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is regulated or released by adjusting the biasing force for regulating the shape of the mark. Does not change, the change in distance can be suppressed, and the positional relationship can be stabilized or released.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment, which is characterized in that a surface brush 5a3 is used as the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5. Also, on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2, the back plate member 5b1 of the back side control means 5b is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2. The brush 5a3 and the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 are arranged so as to sandwich and face each other. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is reliably positioned on the upstream and downstream sides close to the detection area 4a of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4, and the mark of the identification means 3 and the detection means 4 At the same time as the distance fluctuation with the optical mark detection device
Since the mark of the identification means 3 is always cleaned by the surface brush 5a3, the mark of the identification means 3 can be detected with higher accuracy, and an image forming apparatus capable of continuously forming a good image with no displacement is provided. I can do it. The surface brush 5a3 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 is operated by the solenoid of the adjusting means 5c.
Moves in the direction of arrow C shown in the figure to adjust the biasing force for regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer body 2 so that the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is regulated. Then, the distance at the time of detection of the mark by the identification means 3 does not change, and the change in the distance can be suppressed to stabilize the positional relationship. FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which a surface resin sheet 5a4 made of, for example, a PET film or the like is used as the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5. On the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer member 2, the surface resin sheet 5a4 of the surface control unit 5a is arranged such that the back plate member 5b1 of the back surface control unit 5b contacts the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2. And the intermediate transfer body 2 are arranged so as to face each other with the intermediate transfer belt 2a therebetween. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is reliably positioned on the upstream and downstream sides close to the detection area 4a of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4, and the mark of the identification means 3 and the detection means 4 Of the identification means 3 is cleaned by the surface resin sheet 5a4, and the mark of the identification means 3 can be detected with higher accuracy, and a good position without displacement can be obtained. An image forming apparatus capable of continuously forming an image can be provided.

By the solenoid of the adjusting means 5c, the surface resin sheet 5a4 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 moves in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. By adjusting the biasing force, the fluctuation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detecting device of the detection means 4 is regulated, and the fluctuation of the distance is suppressed without changing the distance when the mark of the identification means 3 is detected. And the positional relationship can be stabilized. FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which a surface blade 5a5 made of a flexible material is used for the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5. On the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer member 2, the front plate member 5b1 of the back surface control unit 5b and the front blade 5a5 of the surface control unit 5a are brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2. The intermediate transfer member 2 is disposed so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 2a with the intermediate transfer belt 2a therebetween. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is reliably positioned on the upstream and downstream sides close to the detection area 4a of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4, and the mark of the identification means 3 and the detection means 4 Since the distance fluctuation with the optical mark detection device of the above is suppressed and the mark of the identification means 3 is always cleaned by the surface blade 5a5,
The mark of the identification means 3 can be detected with higher accuracy, and an image forming apparatus capable of continuously forming a good image without a positional shift can be provided. By the solenoid of the adjusting means 5c, the surface blade 5a5 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 moves in the direction of arrow C shown in the drawing to adjust the biasing force for clamping the shape of the intermediate transfer body 2. Then, the variation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is restricted, and the distance at the time of detection of the mark of the identification means 3 is not changed, and the variation of the distance is suppressed to reduce the positional relationship. It can be stabilized.

In FIG. 10, the intermediate transfer member regulating means 5 is shown.
The surface regulating means 5a is made of foamed elastic body 5a6, for example, urethane foam. On the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2, a back plate member 5b1 of the back side regulating means 5b is provided.
The intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is sandwiched between the elastic body 5a6 of the surface regulating means 5a and the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 so as to face each other. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 2a of the intermediate transfer body 2 is reliably positioned on the upstream and downstream sides close to the detection area 4a of the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4, and the mark of the identification means 3 and the detection means 4 The fluctuation of the distance from the optical mark detecting device is suppressed, and at the same time, the mark of the identification means 3 is always formed by the surface foamed elastic body 5.
a6, for example, since it is cleaned with urethane foam, the mark of the identification means 3 can be detected with higher accuracy, and it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of continuously forming a good image without positional displacement. I can do it. Due to the solenoid of the adjusting means 5c, the surface foamed elastic body 5a6 of the surface regulating means 5a of the intermediate transfer body regulating means 5 moves forward and backward in the direction of arrow C shown in the figure to hold the intermediate transfer body 2 in place. By adjusting the power, the fluctuation of the distance between the mark of the identification means 3 and the optical mark detection device of the detection means 4 is regulated, and the fluctuation of the distance is suppressed without changing the distance when the mark of the identification means 3 is detected. The positional relationship can be stabilized. Although the image carrier 1 has been described using a flexible belt-shaped photoconductor as a belt-shaped image carrier, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to all devices that use a mark detection device such as a drum and a photosensitive paper transport belt. Further, the detecting means 4 uses an optical reflection type detecting means as an optical mark detecting device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a belt is passed between a light emitting element and a light receiving element. A detecting means for detecting the light transmission of the mark hole formed in the hole or a position detecting means using a magnetic mark and a magnetic detecting means may be used. Further, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained by combining the above embodiments.

[0021]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the intermediate transfer member to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided. The identification means for indicating the movement position provided in the intermediate transfer body regulating means, disposed at the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area to detect the identification means by the detection means, Because the shape is regulated and the detection unit detects it, the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is accurately detected, and the displacement of the toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer body is prevented, so that a high-quality image is prevented. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which formation is performed. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body on which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is also used as the mounting member of the detection means. The intermediate transfer member regulating means is disposed at the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer member at least in proximity to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means, regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer member, and detects by the detection means. As a result, the number of parts is small, the moving position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, and the displacement of the toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer body is prevented, so that high-quality image formation is performed at a low cost. Can be provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. By a surface regulating unit that regulates the surface of the intermediate transfer body and a back surface regulating unit that regulates the back surface of the intermediate transfer body, at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detection unit detects the identification unit by the detection unit. Since the arrangement is such that the shape of the intermediate transfer member is regulated on both sides and detected by the detecting means, the movement position of the intermediate transfer member is more accurately detected, and the toner images overlapping on the intermediate transfer member are It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which misregistration is reliably prevented and higher quality image formation is performed. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. By means of a surface regulating means for regulating the surface of the body and a back surface regulating means for regulating the back surface of the intermediate transfer body facing through the intermediate transfer body, an upstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the sensing area where the identifying means is detected by the sensing means The position of the intermediate transfer body is regulated by the detection means by regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer body on both sides that are arranged on the side or the downstream side, so that the moving position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, and As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a higher-quality image by reliably preventing misalignment of toner images to be superimposed. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body on which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. A surface regulating unit that regulates the surface of the body and a back surface regulating unit that regulates the back surface of the intermediate transfer body facing through a gap wider than the thickness of the intermediate transfer body. The shape of the intermediate transfer body is arranged on the upstream side or the downstream side of the intermediate transfer body and is regulated on both opposing surfaces, and the detection unit detects the movement position, so that the moving position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a higher quality image by reliably preventing misalignment of toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member.

According to the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. Surface regulating means for regulating the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and back surface regulating means for regulating the back surface of the intermediate transfer member facing through a gap smaller than the thickness of the intermediate transfer member +4 mm.
The shape of the intermediate transfer member is arranged on the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer member close to at least the detection region where the detection device detects the identification device, and the shape of the intermediate transfer member is regulated on both opposing surfaces. To provide an image forming apparatus in which a moving position of an intermediate transfer member is detected more accurately, and a position shift between toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is reliably prevented to form a higher quality image. Is now available. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is also used as the unit frame of the intermediate transfer body. The intermediate transfer member regulating means is arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer member close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means, and regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer body, and is detected by the detection means. As the number of parts is small, the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected, and the displacement of the toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer body is prevented, so that high-quality, low-cost image formation is achieved. Can be provided. According to the invention of claim 8, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred,
By sandwiching and confronting the intermediate transfer body with the surface regulation unit and the back surface regulation unit of the intermediate transfer body regulation unit, at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detection unit detects the identification unit by the detection unit. Since the position of the intermediate transfer member is regulated and detected by the detecting means, the movement position of the intermediate transfer member is more accurately detected, and the misregistration of the toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is performed. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing high-quality image formation while preventing image formation. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is regulated by the surface of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By sandwiching and facing the intermediate transfer body between the surface driven roller of the means and the back plate member of the back regulating means, at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detecting means detects the identification means. Since the position of the intermediate transfer member is regulated and detected by the detecting means, the movement position of the intermediate transfer member is accurately detected, and the positional deviation between the toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is determined. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which high-quality image formation is performed while preventing image formation.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is provided by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. By sandwiching and confronting the intermediate transfer body with the front driven roller of the front regulating unit and the back driven roller of the back regulating unit, the upstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area for detecting the identification unit by the detection unit or Since the intermediate transfer member is arranged on the downstream side and regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer member so that the intermediate transfer member detects the shape of the intermediate transfer member, the intermediate transfer member does not wear due to friction between the intermediate transfer belt and the intermediate transfer member restriction member. The transfer position of the transfer body is more accurately detected,
It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misregistration between toner images to be superimposed on an intermediate transfer member and performing high-quality image formation. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is regulated by the surface of the intermediate transfer body regulating means. By interposing and facing the intermediate transfer body between the front brush of the means and the back plate member of the back regulation means, the detection means detects the identification means and is arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area. As a result, the shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated and detected by the detection means, so that the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface brush, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is detected more accurately, and the intermediate transfer body is detected. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misalignment of the toner images to be superposed on each other and forming a high-quality image.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer member to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is an intermediate transfer member regulating means. By sandwiching the intermediate transfer body between the surface resin sheet of the surface regulation unit and the back plate member of the back surface regulation unit and facing each other, the upstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detection unit detects the identification unit or Since it is arranged on the downstream side and regulates the shape of the intermediate transfer body and detects it by the detection means, the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface resin sheet, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misalignment of toner images to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member and performing high-quality image formation. According to the thirteenth aspect, the identification means for indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body on which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is regulated by the surface of the intermediate transfer body regulation means. By interposing and holding the intermediate transfer body between the front blade of the means and the back plate member of the back regulating means, it is arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means by the detection means. Then, the shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated and detected by the detection means, so that the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface resin blade, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is detected more accurately, and the intermediate transfer body is detected. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misalignment of toner images superimposed on a body and forming a high-quality image. According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is regulated by the surface of the intermediate transfer body regulating means. By interposing the intermediate transfer body between the front foam elastic body of the means and the back plate member of the back regulating means so as to face each other, the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body at least close to the detection area where the detection means detects the identification means And the shape of the intermediate transfer body is regulated and detected by the detection means, so that the mark of the identification means is cleaned by the surface foamed elastic body, and the movement position of the intermediate transfer body is more accurately detected. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misregistration of toner images to be superimposed on an intermediate transfer member and performing high-quality image formation. According to the fifteenth aspect, the identification means indicating the movement position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is detected by the intermediate transfer body regulating means. Means for detecting the identification means by means, arranged at least on the upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area, regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer body, detecting by the detection means, and adjusting the intermediate transfer body regulating means; By means, the gap for regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer member or the biasing force for clamping is adjusted, so that the movement position of the intermediate transfer member can be detected more accurately, and the toner images overlapping on the intermediate transfer member can be adjusted. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which a high-quality image is formed by reliably preventing displacement.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the identification means for indicating the moving position provided on the intermediate transfer body to which the toner images formed on the rotatable image carrier are sequentially transferred is the intermediate transfer body regulating means. The sensor is arranged at least upstream or downstream of the intermediate transfer body close to the detection area where the identification means is detected by the detection means. The face plate member is
Since the slidability improving member for improving the slidability of the intermediate transfer member is provided on the front surface, the movement position of the intermediate transfer member is improved by improving the slidability of the intermediate transfer member on the back plate member of the back surface regulating means. Has been detected more accurately, and it has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image by reliably preventing misalignment of toner images to be superimposed on an intermediate transfer member.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory diagram illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image carrier, 1a rotation roller, 1b rotation roller 2 Intermediate transfer body, 2a Intermediate transfer belt, 2b drive roller, 2c driven roller, 2d bias roller, 2e
Transfer roller 2f Unit frame 3 Identification means 4 Detection means, 4a Detection area, 4b Mounting member 5 Intermediate transfer body regulating means, 5a Surface regulating means, 5a1
Surface plate member, 5a2 surface driven roller, 5a21 biasing means, 5a3 surface brush, 5a4 surface resin sheet, 5a5
Surface blade, 5a6 surface foamed elastic body, 5b back surface regulating means, 5b1 back plate member, 5b11 slidability improving member,
5b2 Backside driven roller, 5c adjusting means, 5c1 gap adjusting driving means 6 developing means, 6a developing driving unit 7 charging means 8 exposing means, 8a exposing driving means 9 cleaning means 10 transfer cleaning means, 10a transfer cleaning blade, 10b transfer cleaning drive Reference Signs List 11 paper feeding means, 11a paper feeding table, 11b paper feeding roller, 11c paper feeding driving unit 12 registration roller 13 fixing means 14 drive source, 14a rotary drive motor, 14b pulley, 14c timing belt, 14d gear train 15 operation display means, 15a operation display drive unit 16 main control unit, 16a central processing unit (CP
U), 16b ROM, 16c RAM 17 paper discharge roller 18 paper discharge tray

Claims (16)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for sequentially transferring a plurality of toner images formed on an image carrier by an electrophotographic method to an intermediate transfer body to form an image, the image carrier being rotatable, An intermediate transfer member on which the toner images formed on the carrier are sequentially transferred, identification means for indicating a movement position of the intermediate transfer member provided on the intermediate transfer body, detection means for detecting the identification means, An intermediate transfer member regulating unit disposed at an upstream or downstream side of the intermediate transfer member at least in proximity to a detection area for detecting the identification unit by a detection unit to regulate a shape of the intermediate transfer member. Image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An image forming apparatus, wherein an intermediate transfer member regulating unit is also used as a mounting member of a detecting unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transfer member regulating unit includes a surface regulating unit that regulates a surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a back surface regulating unit that regulates a back surface of the intermediate transfer member. An image forming apparatus comprising: 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transfer member regulating unit includes a front plate member of the surface regulating unit and a back plate member of the back surface regulating unit via the intermediate transfer member. An image forming apparatus characterized by being confronted. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front plate member and the back plate member of the intermediate transfer member regulating means face each other via a gap wider than the thickness of the intermediate transfer member. An image forming apparatus. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the front plate member and the back plate member of the intermediate transfer member regulating means is x (mm), When the thickness is y (mm), the gap x (mm) is x
(Mm) ≤y (mm) +4 (mm). 7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate transfer member regulating means is also used as a unit frame of said intermediate transfer member. . 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transfer member regulating means sandwiches and faces the intermediate transfer member between the front surface regulating device and the back surface regulating device. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate transfer means comprises a surface driven roller of said surface regulating means of said intermediate transfer member regulating means and a back plate member of said back surface regulating means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the body is sandwiched and confronted. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface transfer roller of the surface control unit of the intermediate transfer body control unit and the back surface drive roller of the back surface control unit use the intermediate transfer. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the body is sandwiched and confronted. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface brush of the surface regulating means of the intermediate transfer body regulating means and the back plate member of the back surface regulating means comprise an intermediate transfer body. An image forming apparatus comprising: 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transfer is performed by the front resin sheet of the front regulating unit and the back plate member of the rear regulating unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the body is sandwiched and confronted. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface blade of the surface regulating unit of the intermediate transfer body regulating unit and the back plate member of the back surface regulating unit comprise:
An image forming apparatus characterized in that an intermediate transfer member is sandwiched and confronted. 14. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate member comprises a surface foaming elastic body of the surface regulating means of the intermediate transfer body regulating means and a back plate member of the back surface regulating means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that a transfer body is sandwiched and confronted. 15. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate transfer member regulating means comprises a gap for regulating the shape of the intermediate transfer member or an adjusting means for adjusting a biasing force to be clamped. Image forming apparatus. 16. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first to ninth aspects are different from the first to ninth aspects.
In the above image forming apparatus, the back plate member of the back regulating means is provided with a slidability improving member for improving the slidability of the intermediate transfer member on the surface.