JP2006085031A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which improves the quality of an image. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises a color shift amount detector 40 for detecting the shift amount in a toner image formed by photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K and an image forming position adjusting part 50 for adjusting the forming position for each toner image formed to each of the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K. Adjustment is made in forming positions of each toner image formed on each of the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K so that the adjusted amount in the forming position of the toner images of color K set before hand among toner images of colors Y, M, C and K is minimum under the condition that the adjusted amount of the forming positions of the toner images of the colors of Y, M, C and K are kept within a specified range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention forms a color toner image by forming different color toner images on each of a plurality of image carriers, and finally transferring and fixing the formed color toner images on a recording medium. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer, a facsimile machine, and a copier, an electrostatic latent image is formed on each photoconductor provided with a plurality of photoconductors, and the electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor is converted to Y ( Yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) toners are developed to form each color toner image. These color toner images are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt and further transferred onto a sheet. Thus, a so-called tandem image forming apparatus is widely used in which an image composed of a fixed toner image is formed on the sheet by fixing the sheet. In this tandem image forming apparatus, one photoconductor is rotated four times to sequentially transfer each color toner image onto an intermediate transfer belt, and further transferred onto a sheet and fixed, thereby fixing toner onto the sheet. Compared with a so-called four-cycle image forming apparatus that forms an image consisting of images, image formation can be performed at high speed, and the productivity is excellent.

  In a tandem image forming apparatus, it is important to accurately superimpose the color toner images formed at each image forming station on the intermediate transfer belt to reduce color misregistration of the color image formed on the paper. It is a problem. This color shift is caused by the inclination of each photoconductor constituting each image forming station, the unevenness of the refractive characteristics of the scanning lens of the optical system that irradiates each photoconductor with laser light for each color, and the angle adjustment of the reflection mirror This occurs because the scanning line on each photosensitive member by the laser beam for each color is inclined (skew), curved (bow), or has a magnification variation.

Therefore, in order to correct the color misregistration, each color obtained based on the detection result of two or more registration marks formed corresponding to the respective colors Y, M, C, and K and having different positions in the main scanning direction. A technique has been proposed in which a correction approximation function for calculating the writing position of each pixel forming an image is generated from the amount of misregistration, and the image writing position is corrected based on this correction approximation function (Patent Literature). 1).
JP 2000-112206 A

  In conventional image forming apparatuses, in general, when performing color misregistration correction and image magnification adjustment of a color image, the color misregistration correction amount and image magnification adjustment amount measured in advance are converted into address amounts on the image memory, The image forming position is corrected by shifting the address of the image memory by the converted address amount. Here, when the address of the image memory is shifted by the converted address amount, the movement is performed in units of pixels. For this reason, a step is generated in units of pixels at the position where the movement is performed.

  Here, when forming an image in the image forming apparatus, an area gradation method is often used. In this area gradation method, a screen having a periodic structure represented by halftone dots, lines, etc. is used, and the size and line width of the halftone dots are modulated according to the intensity of the image signal. Perform gradation reproduction. Here, the arrangement direction of screens having a periodic structure is referred to as a screen angle, and the spatial frequency (spatial density) is referred to as a screen line number. The screen angle is represented by the tilt angle of the screen with respect to the reference axis, and the screen line number is represented by the number of halftone dots (or a series of halftone dots) per unit length.

  In the image forming apparatus, such a screen is prepared for each color, and each screen has a screen angle and a screen line number corresponding to each color. In the image forming apparatus, the toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt based on the image data representing the toner images of the respective colors and the image data representing the screen angles of the respective colors. In conventional image forming apparatuses, as described above, a level difference occurs in units of pixels when correcting color misregistration of a color image or adjusting image magnification. This step has a predetermined angle. Here, the predetermined angle of the step and the screen angle may overlap. Then, white stripes or black stripes may occur in the image finally formed on the paper. Therefore, there is a problem that the quality of the image is deteriorated.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving image quality.

The first image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus of the present invention that solves the above object forms toner images of different colors on each of a plurality of image carriers, and finally forms the formed toner images of a plurality of colors. In an image forming apparatus for forming a color image consisting of a fixed toner image by transferring and fixing on a recording medium,
A color misregistration amount detection unit for detecting a color misregistration amount of a toner image formed by the plurality of image carriers;
An image forming position adjusting unit that adjusts the forming position of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the color misregistration amount detected by the color misregistration amount detecting unit;
The image forming position adjusting unit has an adjustment amount of a formation position of a preset color toner image among the toner images of a plurality of colors, and an adjustment amount of a formation position of the toner images of the plurality of colors is within a predetermined range. It is characterized in that the formation position of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers is adjusted so as to be minimized under the condition of being within.

  Here, the image forming position adjusting unit corrects the relative color misregistration of each color toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the color misregistration amount detected by the color misregistration amount detecting unit. Each adjustment amount for each color is obtained, and then the adjustment amount for each preset color is minimized under the condition that each adjustment amount for each color is within a predetermined range. It is preferable that the final adjustment amount for each color is obtained by adjusting the amount.

  According to the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the adjustment amount of the formation position of a preset color toner image among the plurality of color toner images is the same as the adjustment amount of the formation position of the plurality of color toner images. The position of forming each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers is adjusted so as to be minimized under the condition of being within a predetermined range. For this reason, as a result of the color misregistration correction, a step is generated in units of pixels, and an angle of the step and an angle of a preset color screen are overlapped to finally form on the paper. When white or black streaks are expected to occur in an image, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a level difference in units of pixels by minimizing the adjustment amount of the formation position of a preset color toner image. . By doing in this way, the white stripe and black stripe which generate | occur | produce in an image can be suppressed, and the quality of an image can be improved.

The second image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention that solves the above-described object forms a plurality of color images by forming toner images of different colors on a plurality of image carriers. In an image forming apparatus for forming a color image consisting of a fixed toner image by finally transferring and fixing the toner image on a recording medium,
An image magnification detection unit for detecting a magnification in a main scanning direction of a toner image formed by the plurality of image carriers;
An image magnification adjustment unit that adjusts the magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the magnification detected by the image magnification detection unit;
The image magnification adjustment unit adjusts the magnification adjustment amount of a preset color toner image out of the plurality of color toner images, and the magnification adjustment amount of each of the color toner images falls within a predetermined range. The magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers is adjusted so as to be minimized under the above conditions.

  Here, the image magnification adjustment unit corrects the relative magnification of each color toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the magnification detected by the image magnification detection unit. By adjusting each adjustment amount so that the adjustment amount for each color is minimized under the condition that each adjustment amount for each color is within a predetermined range. It is preferable to obtain a final adjustment amount for each color.

  According to the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the magnification adjustment amount of a preset color toner image out of a plurality of color toner images is in a predetermined range. The magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers is adjusted so as to be minimum under the condition of being contained within. For this reason, as a result of the magnification adjustment, a step is generated in units of pixels, and an angle formed by the step and an angle of a preset color screen are overlapped, so that an image finally formed on the sheet is formed. If white or black streaks are expected to occur, the amount of adjustment of the magnification in the main scanning direction of the preset color toner image is minimized to prevent the occurrence of steps in pixel units. Can do. By doing in this way, the white stripe and black stripe which generate | occur | produce in an image can be suppressed, and the quality of an image can be improved.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, white lines and black lines generated in an image can be suppressed and the image quality of the image can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a first image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K on which Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) toner images are formed, respectively. Equivalent to an example of an image carrier in the invention), chargers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K for charging the surfaces of the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K to a predetermined potential, and Y, M, C, and K colors. Development units 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K containing the toner and cleaning members 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K that remove residual toner remaining on the surfaces of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. .

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is opposed to the endless intermediate transfer belt 20 that moves in the direction of arrow A while contacting the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively. Primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K that are disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 20 and primarily transfer the toner images on the corresponding photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K onto the intermediate transfer belt 20, and A drive roll 22, a tension roll 23, and a backup roll 24 are provided.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a secondary transfer roll 25 that is opposed to the backup roll 24 with the intermediate transfer belt 20 interposed therebetween and secondarily transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the paper P, and the paper P A fixing device 26 including a heating roller 26a and a pressure roller 26b for fixing the toner image transferred thereon, and a conveying roller 27 for conveying the paper P on which the image including the fixing toner image is formed to the outside of the apparatus. Is provided.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is transported from one of the paper trays 28 and 29, the transport rolls 30 and 31 that transport the paper P from the paper trays 28 and 29, and the paper trays 28 and 29. A registration roll 32 is provided for feeding the incoming paper P to a transfer area composed of a backup roll 24 and a secondary transfer roll 28 at a predetermined timing.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 irradiates the photoconductors 11C and 11K with an exposure device (ROS) 33 that irradiates the photoconductors 11Y and 11M with laser light corresponding to the image information, and a laser beam corresponding to the image information. An exposure device (ROS) 34 is provided.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus 1, a color misregistration amount detection unit 40 that detects a color misregistration amount of a toner image formed by the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and a color misregistration amount detection unit 40 detect it. An image forming position adjusting unit 50 is provided that adjusts the forming position of each toner image formed on each of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K via the exposure devices 33 and 34 based on the amount of color misregistration. Yes. The image forming position adjusting unit 50 adjusts the amount of adjustment of the toner image forming position of a preset color among the toner images of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K to the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The exposure position of each toner image formed on each of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is set so that the adjustment amount of the toner image formation position is minimized under the condition that the toner image formation position is within a predetermined range. It adjusts via 33,34.

  Further, the image forming position adjusting unit 50 is formed on each of the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K based on the color misregistration amount detected by the color misregistration amount detecting unit 40, which will be described in detail later. A condition that each adjustment amount for each color for correcting the relative color misregistration of each color toner image is obtained, and then the preset color adjustment amount is such that each adjustment amount for each color falls within a predetermined range. The final adjustment amount for each color is obtained by adjusting each adjustment amount so as to be minimum below.

  In order to form a color image composed of a fixed toner image on the paper P with such an image forming apparatus 1, typically, image information representing an original read by a scanner (not shown) is obtained from the exposure device 33, 34. The exposure devices 33 and 34 irradiate the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, which are charged with a predetermined potential by the chargers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K in advance with laser light corresponding to the image information. As a result, electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and the electrostatic latent images are developed by the developing units 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K, and the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, and 11C are developed. , 11K, a visible image composed of a toner image is formed. The toner images thus formed are primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 by primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K to which a predetermined transfer bias voltage is applied.

  The transferred toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 is secondarily transferred by the backup roll 24 and the secondary transfer roll 25. In this secondary transfer, the paper P stored in the paper tray 28 (or paper tray 29) is transported by the transport roll 30 (or transport roll 31) and is transferred from the backup roll 24 and the secondary transfer roll 25 at the timing of the registration roll 32. Then, the image is transferred onto the paper P. The toner image transferred onto the paper P is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 26, fixed on the paper P, and conveyed outside the apparatus by the conveying roll 27. In this way, a series of image forming cycles is completed.

  Next, color misregistration correction (skew correction) in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, toner images of Y, M, C, and K colors for color misregistration correction are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 by the image forming apparatus 1. Next, these toner images are detected by the color misregistration amount detection unit 40, and further, the image formation position adjustment unit 50 adjusts the formation positions of these toner images. Details will be described below.

  Color misregistration correction is performed throughout the first stage and the second stage. In the first stage, an operation for reducing the skew correction amount for each color as much as possible is performed. Next, in the second stage, absolute correction based on a specific color described later is performed. In the first stage, an operation for reducing the skew correction amount for each color as much as possible is performed. This is because when the correction is performed using the sensor as a reference, a correction amount for the sensor mounting accuracy is added to the correction mechanism. In order to avoid this, the adjustment amount is increased and the cost is increased. Details will be described below.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the color misregistration correction in the first stage of the color misregistration correction in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 2A shows the state of skew (skew) of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt before color misregistration correction is performed. FIG. 2A shows a Y-color toner image 61Y, an M-color toner image 61M, a K-color toner image 61K, and a C-color toner image 61C in ascending order of the inclination of the toner image (in order from the top in FIG. 2). Has been. The color misregistration amounts of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, and 61C having such an inclination are detected by the color misregistration amount detection unit 40 shown in FIG. First, the image forming position adjustment unit 50 obtains skew correction amounts SKY, SKM, SKK, and SKC corresponding to the detected color misregistration amounts of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, and 61C. Next, the image forming position adjusting unit 50 adjusts each color for correcting the relative color shift of each color toner image 61Y, 61M, 61K, 61C from the skew correction amounts SKY, SKM, SKK, SKC. SKy, SKm, SKk, and SKc are obtained. In particular,
SKstd = (MAX (SKX) + MIN (SKX)) / 2
(However, X is one of Y, M, K, or C)
In addition,
SKX = SKX-SKstd
Is calculated.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 2B, toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, 61C aligned at the location of SKstd are obtained, and the respective adjustment amounts SKy, 61Y, 61M, 61K, 61C are obtained. SKm, SKk, and SKc are obtained. .

  Next, of the color misregistration correction in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the color misregistration correction in the second stage of the color misregistration correction in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  In the second stage, the adjustment value SKk of the formation position of the toner image 61K of a preset color (specific color: K color in this case) is the adjustment amount SKy, SKm, each of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61C of the respective colors. The final adjustment amount for each color is obtained by adjusting the adjustment amounts SKy, SKm, SKk, and SKc so as to be minimized under the condition that all of SKc are within the predetermined range. Here, the K toner image 61K, which is a preset color, will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an area gradation method is used for image formation. In this area gradation method, a screen having a periodic structure represented by halftone dots, lines, etc. is used, and the size and line width of the halftone dots are modulated according to the intensity of the image signal. Tone reproduction is performed. This screen is prepared for each of Y, M, K, and C colors, and each screen has a different screen angle. Here, when the color misregistration correction of the conventional color image is performed, the movement is performed by a predetermined address amount. Therefore, a step is generated in units of pixels at the position where the movement is performed. This step has a predetermined angle. Here, when the predetermined angle and the angle of the K-color screen overlap, compared to the case where the predetermined angle and the angle of the Y-, M-, and C-color screens overlap, they are finally formed on the paper. White or black streaks appear in the image. Therefore, in this embodiment, the K toner image 61K is set as a preset color toner image, and the adjustment amount of the K color toner image 61K is minimized as described below. Adjust the adjustment amount.

  FIG. 3 shows three cases as color misregistration correction performed in the second stage. The first case is a case where the color misregistration correction performed in the first stage is performed as it is. The second case is an ideal case in which the formation positions of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, and 61C of the respective colors are adjusted so that the adjustment amount of the formation position of the K-color toner image 61K is minimized. Further, in the third case, each color is adjusted so that the adjustment amount of the formation position of the K-color toner image 61K is minimized under the condition that the adjustment amount of the formation position of the Y-color toner image 61Y is within a predetermined range. In this case, the formation positions of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, and 61C are adjusted. Details will be described below.

  FIG. 3 shows the maximum value of adjustment range (adjustment amount MAX) and the minimum value of adjustment range (adjustment amount MIN).

Here, the adjustment amount MIN ≦ SKstd ≦ the adjustment amount MAX
It is expressed as

  In addition, absolute correction (correction between the adjustment amount MIN and the adjustment amount MAX) based on the preset K-color toner image 61K causes interference with the screen (a phenomenon in which white stripes and black stripes are generated). In order to prevent this, the SKstd is collectively offset so that the final adjustment amount is from the adjustment amount MIN to the adjustment amount MAX so as to make the adjustment amount of the specific color as small as possible.

  Further, between the adjustment amount MAX and the adjustment amount MIN, a maximum allowable value (SKsafty) and a minimum allowable value (-SKsafty) for allowing the adjustment amount of the formation position of the K toner image 61K are shown. . In all cases, keeping the adjustment amount of a specific color within a predetermined amount leads to an increase in cost from the viewpoint of securing the adjustment amount. Therefore, by providing such maximum and minimum allowable values, the adjustment amount can be allowed. A value is determined in advance, and adjustment within this range is performed. Further, K = 0 (0, which is the minimum adjustment amount of the formation position of the K toner image 61K) is shown at the center between the maximum allowable value (SKsafty) and the minimum allowable value (−SKsafty).

First, SKYuY ₀ = SKsafty−MAX (| SKx |) is calculated.

Here, SKYuuY ₀ indicates the adjustment amount SKy of the Y-color toner image 61Y. Further, SKx indicates one of an adjustment amount SKm for the M toner image 61M, an adjustment amount SKk for the K toner image 61K, and an adjustment amount SKc for the C toner image 61C.

Note that the case where SKYuY ₀ <0 is the first case. In this case, the adjustment amount SKy of the Y color toner image 61Y is larger than SKsafety, and therefore the adjustment amount SKk of the K color toner image 61K is set to K = 0. The color misregistration correction performed in the first stage is performed as it is without approaching to.

If SKYuY ₀ > 0, execute:
1. If SKYuY ₀ ≧ | SKk |, the second case is executed.

SKx = SKx−SKk is obtained, and adjustment is performed so that the adjustment amount SKk of the formation position of the K-color toner image 61K is minimized (the position of K = 0). Thus, the formation positions of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, and 61C for the respective colors are adjusted.
2. If SKYuY ₀ <0, the following additional determination is made to execute the third case.

When SKk ≧ 0 (in fact, it exists only when “>”, and “=” is not possible)
SKk = SKx-SKYyuY ₀
When SKk <0 SKk = SKx + SKYuY ₀
SKStd = SKStd + ((MAX (| SKx |) + (MIN (| SKx |)) / 2
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment amount of the formation position of the K-color toner image 61K is minimum under the condition that the adjustment amount of the formation position of the Y-color toner image 61Y is within a predetermined range. The formation positions of the toner images 61Y, 61M, 61K, 61C of the respective colors are adjusted so that

  Next, white stripes and black stripes that are finally generated in an image formed on a sheet when only color misregistration correction is performed will be described.

  4 is a diagram showing an original image formed on a sheet, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing white streaks generated in an image formed on a sheet, and FIG. 6 is generated in an image formed on the sheet. It is a figure which shows the black stripe to perform.

  The original image shown in FIG. 4 shows ideal K color toner images 71K, 72K, 73K, and 74K. Actually, due to the inclination of each photoconductor and the like, inclinations (skew) occur with respect to such ideal toner images 71K, 72K, 73K, and 74K. Therefore, the skew value is measured in advance, and the adjustment amount for correcting the measured skew value is converted into the address amount on the image memory, and the image memory address is converted by the converted address amount. The image forming position is corrected by shifting. Here, when the address of the image memory is shifted, movement is performed in units of pixels. In FIG. 5, the movement is performed with a blank (logic 0) in the right direction of FIG. 5 over 6 lines in units of pixels with reference to the position A of each toner image 81K, 82K, 83K, 84K. Then, a white step (shaded portion) is generated on a pixel basis with respect to the position A. When this step and the angle of the screen for K color overlap, white streaks occur in the portion P1 of the image shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the movement is performed with black (logic 1) leftward in FIG. 6 in units of pixels with reference to the position B of each toner image 91K, 92K, 93K, 94K. With this position B as a reference, a black step (shaded portion) is generated in pixel units. When this step and the angle of the K color screen overlap, black streaks occur in the portion P2 of the image shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as a result of correcting the color misregistration, when the step and the angle of the screen for K color overlap, the occurrence of white stripes and black stripes becomes significant. Therefore, the K toner image 61K is set as a preset color toner image, and each adjustment amount is adjusted so that the adjustment amount of the K toner image 61K is minimized. By doing so, the generation of white stripes and black stripes is suppressed and the image quality is improved.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the inclination (skew) of each color toner image is adjusted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the adjustment is performed in the same manner as in the case of adjusting the inclination of each color toner image. The curvature (bow) of the toner image may be adjusted in the sub-scanning direction to avoid interference with the screen.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the second image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The same components as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 in an image magnification detecting unit 140 and an image magnification adjusting unit 150.

  The image magnification detection unit 140 detects the magnification in the main scanning direction of the toner image formed by the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

  Further, the image magnification adjusting unit 150 determines the magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K based on the magnification detected by the image magnification detecting unit 140. It adjusts via 33,34. Here, the image magnification adjusting unit 150 adjusts the magnification of the preset color toner image among the toner images of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is set so that the adjustment amount of the magnification of the toner image is minimized under the condition that all of the toner images are within a predetermined range. Adjustment is performed via exposure apparatuses 33 and 34.

  More specifically, the image magnification adjustment unit 150 corrects the relative magnification of each color toner image formed on each of the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K based on the magnification detected by the image magnification detection unit 140. Each adjustment amount for each color is obtained, and then the magnification of the preset color toner image is minimized under the condition that each adjustment amount for each color toner image is within a predetermined range. By adjusting each adjustment amount, a final adjustment amount for each color is obtained.

  Next, image magnification correction in the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment will be described. In the image magnification correction in the present embodiment, after calculating an adjustment amount for absolute correction of the main scanning total magnification, the entire image magnification is offset with reference to a predetermined specific color, whereby a screen with this specific color is corrected. The purpose is to prevent interference.

  FIG. 8 is a view for explaining image magnification correction in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

First, the image forming apparatus 2 forms toner images of Y, M, C, and K colors for image magnification correction on the intermediate transfer belt 20. FIG. 8 shows a lateral width dimension 297 mm of the A4 size paper P. A Y-color toner image 161Y formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 with a small image magnification in the main scanning direction with respect to the lateral width 297 mm. A C-color toner image 161C having a large image magnification in the main scanning direction is shown. FIG. 8 also shows a Y-color toner image 161Y that has been subjected to image magnification correction as described below. The image magnification of the toner images 161Y and 161C shown in FIG. 8 and the M toner images 161M and KK toner images 161K (not shown) for correcting the image magnification formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 are detected by the image magnification detection unit 140. Detected. Next, the image magnification adjustment unit 150 obtains main scanning total magnification adjustment amounts (unit: mm) LMY, LMM, LMK, and LMC corresponding to the detected image magnifications of the toner images 161Y, 161M, 161K, and 161C. Further, the image magnification adjustment unit 150 corrects the relative image magnification of each color toner image 161Y, 161M, 161K, 161C from these main scanning total magnification correction amounts LMY, LMM, LMK, LMC. Adjustment amounts LMy, LMm, LMk, and LMc are obtained. Specifically, when a preset color (referred to as a reference color) is K color,
LMx = (297 + LMx) × 297 ÷ (297 + LMk) −297
Thus, the other color can be matched with the K color while setting the adjustment value of the K color to 0. The K color is the main scanning width in the assembled state of the apparatus. Here, the main scanning total magnification has a device configuration which is not affected by the left / right difference magnification.

Also in the main scanning left / right difference magnification correction, the adjustment amount of the specific color is set to zero. Here, since it is influenced by the main scanning total magnification, the adjustment amount taking this into consideration is calculated. Specifically, when the main scanning left / right difference magnification adjustment amount (unit: mm) of each of Y, M, C, and K is LBy, LBm, LBc, and LBk with respect to the lateral width of 297 mm of the A4 size paper, If the reference color is K,
LBx = (LBx−LBk) × 297 ÷ (297 + LBx)
It is expressed as A value considering the influence of all magnifications is 297 / (297 + LBx).

  Here, the adjustment amount of K color is set to 0, but it may be used as a reference if the adjustment amount does not cause image quality defects.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of image magnification correction.

  In the upper left of FIG. 9, the state of the image memory 171 before image magnification correction is shown. The image memory 171 stores image data 171a. The image data 171a forms an image 181a on a sheet 181 through a so-called IOT (Image Output Terminal) which is an image output unit composed of a photoconductor, an intermediate transfer belt, and the like. Here, the magnification in the main scanning direction of the image 181a formed on the paper 181 is small, and therefore it is necessary to widen the image 181a to the margin 181b of the target paper 181.

  Therefore, the image data 171a is divided into a plurality of parts in the vertical direction as shown in the upper right of FIG. 9 by controlling the address for the image data 171a in the image memory 171 and detecting the magnification and performing arithmetic processing to obtain a correction value. Then, a part (pixel data) of the image data 171a is copied and inserted as the image data 171b between the divided parts. In this way, the target image 181c is formed on the paper 181 as shown in the lower right of FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of image magnification correction.

  In the upper part of FIG. 10, image data 171a extending in the main scanning direction is shown. The image data 171a is composed of a plurality of lines (FIG. 10 shows five lines as an example), and each line is composed of a large number of pixels. When such image data 171a is corrected by inserting image data 171b (pixel data) at the same time in the same position in the vertical direction over a plurality of lines as shown in FIG. 10, one streak appears in the vertical direction. It will end up.

  Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 10, the image data 171b (pixel data) is inserted and corrected for a plurality of lines at different positions. Then, a step is generated in units of pixels at the position where the pixel data is inserted, and when the angle (correction angle) of the step and the angle of the screen overlap, white stripes or black stripes appear on the image formed on the paper. May occur.

  11 is a diagram showing an original image formed on a sheet, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing white streaks that occur in an image formed on a sheet, and FIG. 13 is generated in an image formed on a sheet. It is a figure which shows the black stripe to perform.

  In the original image shown in FIG. 11, ideal K toner images 271K, 272K, 273K, and 274K are shown. Actually, the magnification variation in the main scanning direction occurs due to an error of the optical system that irradiates the laser beam, and thus image magnification correction is performed. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, when correction is performed by inserting (copying) logical 0 pixel data indicating a blank with reference to the position A of each toner image 181K, 182K, 183K, 184K. A white step (shaded portion) is generated in pixel units with reference to the position A. When this step and the angle of the screen for K color overlap, white stripes occur in the portion P1 of the image shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when correction is performed by inserting (copying) logical 1 pixel data indicating black with reference to the position B of each toner image 191K, 192K, 193K, 194K. With this position B as a reference, a black step (shaded portion) is generated in pixel units. When this step and the angle of the K color screen overlap, black streaks occur in the portion P2 of the image shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as a result of performing image magnification correction, when the step and the angle of the screen for K color overlap, the occurrence of white stripes and black stripes becomes significant. Therefore, the K toner image 61K is set as a preset color toner image, and each adjustment amount is adjusted so that the adjustment amount of the K toner image 61K is minimized. By doing so, the generation of white stripes and black stripes is suppressed and the image quality is improved.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a first image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining color misregistration correction in a first stage of color misregistration correction in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining color misregistration correction in a second stage of color misregistration correction in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the original image formed on the paper. It is a figure which shows the white stripe which generate | occur | produces in the image formed on the paper. It is a figure which shows the black stripe which generate | occur | produces in the image formed on the paper. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of one Embodiment of the 2nd image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the image magnification correction in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of image magnification correction. It is a figure which shows the detail of image magnification correction | amendment. It is a figure which shows the original image formed on the paper. It is a figure which shows the white stripe which generate | occur | produces in the image formed on the paper. It is a figure which shows the black stripe which generate | occur | produces in the image formed on the paper.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 Image forming apparatus 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K Photoconductor 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Charger 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K Developer 14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K Cleaning member 20 Intermediate transfer belt 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K Primary transfer roll 22 Drive roll 23 Tension roll 24 Backup roll 25 Secondary transfer roll 26 Fixing device 26a Heating roll 26b Pressure roll 27 Transport roll 28, 29 Paper tray 32 Registration roll 33, 34 Exposure device 40 Color misregistration amount Detection unit 50 Image forming position adjustment unit 61Y, 61M, 61K, 61C, 71K, 72K, 73K, 74K, 81K, 82K, 83K, 84K, 91K, 92K, 93K, 94K, 161Y, 161C, 172K, 173K, 174K, 181K , 182K, 183K, 184K, 191K, 192K, 193K, 194K Toner image 140 Image magnification detection unit 150 Image magnification adjustment unit 171 Image memory 171a, 171b Image data 181 Paper 181a, 181c Image 181b Margin

Claims (4)

A toner image of a different color is formed on each of a plurality of image carriers, and a color image composed of a fixed toner image is formed by finally transferring and fixing the formed toner images on a recording medium. In the image forming apparatus,
A color misregistration amount detection unit for detecting a color misregistration amount of a toner image formed by the plurality of image carriers;
An image forming position adjusting unit that adjusts the forming position of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the color misregistration amount detected by the color misregistration amount detecting unit;
The image forming position adjusting unit has an adjustment amount of a formation position of a toner image of a preset color among the toner images of a plurality of colors, and an adjustment amount of the formation position of the toner image of a plurality of colors is within a predetermined range. An image forming apparatus that adjusts the formation position of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers so as to be minimized under the condition of being contained within.   The image forming position adjusting unit corrects the relative color shift of each color toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the color shift amount detected by the color shift amount detection unit. Obtain each adjustment amount for each color, and then adjust each adjustment amount so that the preset color adjustment amount is minimized under the condition that each adjustment amount for each color is within the predetermined range. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a final adjustment amount for each color is obtained. A toner image of a different color is formed on each of a plurality of image carriers, and a color image composed of a fixed toner image is formed by finally transferring and fixing the formed toner images on a recording medium. In the image forming apparatus,
An image magnification detector for detecting a magnification in a main scanning direction of a toner image formed by the plurality of image carriers;
An image magnification adjustment unit that adjusts the magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the magnification detected by the image magnification detection unit;
The image magnification adjustment unit adjusts a magnification adjustment amount of a preset color toner image of the plurality of color toner images, and a magnification adjustment amount of the plurality of color toner images falls within a predetermined range. An image forming apparatus that adjusts the magnification in the main scanning direction of each toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers so as to be minimal under the above conditions.   The image magnification adjustment unit adjusts each color for correcting the relative magnification of each color toner image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers based on the magnification detected by the image magnification detection unit. For each color by adjusting the adjustment amount so that the adjustment amount for each color is minimized under the condition that each adjustment amount for each color is within the predetermined range. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a final adjustment amount is obtained.

Images