JP6428065B2 - Belt conveying device, belt conveying unit, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a belt conveyance device, a belt conveyance unit, and an image forming apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 describes a belt shift control method for a belt conveying device that facilitates an operation for optimally setting an initial elastic biasing force of a spring member with respect to an edge guide. Specifically, after obtaining the moving speed information in the direction of the endless belt (endless belt) when the endless belt is moving to reach the edge guide stability regulation position, the edge guide stability regulation position is obtained. Is adjusted so that the alignment of the steering roll (adjustment roll) is adjusted according to the obtained moving speed information.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-56296

  Conventionally, the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction is detected by detecting the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction and controlling the inclination of the adjustment roll based on the position information. It was. When an instruction to form an image on only one recording medium (one sheet job) is continuously executed, the endless belt is repeatedly circulated and stopped at short intervals. In such a case, if the endless belt detects the position of the endless belt in the width direction of the belt and tries to control the inclination of the adjusting roll, the adjusting roll has a short time for the endless belt to go around. In some cases, the process of controlling the degree of inclination of the above is not completed. If such a situation continues, the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction may deviate from the allowable range of the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction. In this case, the step of controlling the degree of inclination of the adjustment roll can be completed by increasing the number of times the endless belt is circulated for executing the single-sheet job.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction from deviating from the allowable range of the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction without increasing the number of times the endless belt rotates.

The belt conveyance device according to claim 1 is an endless endless belt that is in contact with a conveyed object, a circulating member that circulates the endless belt, a detection member that detects a position of the endless belt in the belt width direction, An adjustment member that is wound around an endless belt, is inclined with respect to the belt width direction, and adjusts the position in the belt width direction, and a control that controls the degree of inclination of the adjustment member based on the detection result of the detection member comprising a part, wherein the control unit has a mode for circulating the endless belt in which the orbiting member is stopped from controlling the degree of inclination of the adjusting member based on a detection result of the detecting member, the When an image is formed on the carrier, and the number of conveyed objects on which an image is formed is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the mode is executed, and the number of conveyed objects on which an image is formed is determined in advance. Is If more than the number, the mode is not executed.

The belt conveying device according to claim 2 is an endless endless belt that comes into contact with a conveyed object, a circulating member that circulates the endless belt, a detection member that detects a position of the endless belt in the belt width direction, An adjustment member that is wound around an endless belt, is inclined with respect to the belt width direction, and adjusts the position in the belt width direction, and a control that controls the degree of inclination of the adjustment member based on the detection result of the detection member comprising a part, wherein the control unit has a mode for circulating the endless belt in which the orbiting member is stopped from controlling the degree of inclination of the adjusting member based on a detection result of the detecting member, the When the image is formed on the conveyance body and the time required for forming the image on the conveyance body is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the mode is executed and the image is formed on the conveyance body. For If longer than the time period which is required predetermined, the mode is not executed.

Belt conveying unit according to claim 3 is the belt conveyance apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, a first belt conveying device for conveying the object to be transferred, a belt conveying device according to claim 1 or 2 And a second belt conveying device that presses the conveyed object against the first belt conveying device and conveys the conveyed object together with the first belt conveying device.

An image forming apparatus according to claim 4, an image forming member for forming an image on a recording medium as an object to be conveyed medium, according to claim 1 or 2 for conveying a recording medium on which an image is to be formed by said image forming member A belt conveyance device.

An image forming apparatus according to claim 5, an image forming member for forming an image on a recording medium as an object to be conveyed medium, belt transport according to claim 3 for conveying the recording medium on which an image is to be formed by said image forming member And a unit.

  According to the belt conveyance device of the first aspect, when the one-sheet job is continuously executed, the inclination of the adjustment member with respect to the belt width direction is controlled only after the endless belt starts to circulate. Compared with the case where the position in the width direction is adjusted, the position in the belt width direction of the endless belt is changed in the belt width direction of the endless belt without increasing the number of times the endless belt rotates, by executing the mode in advance. It is possible to prevent the position from deviating from the allowable range.

Further, the endless belt can be circulated before the degree of inclination of the adjusting member is controlled.

According to the belt conveyance device of the second aspect , the endless belt can be circulated before the degree of inclination of the adjustment member is controlled.

According to the belt conveying unit of claim 3 , when the one-sheet job is continuously executed, the inclination of the adjusting member with respect to the belt width direction is controlled only after the endless belt starts to circulate, and the belt of the endless belt Compared to the case of conveying the object to be conveyed while facing the belt conveying device that adjusts the position in the width direction, by executing the mode in advance, the endless belt that circulates without increasing the number of laps of the endless belt It is possible to prevent the position in the belt width direction from deviating from the allowable range of the position in the belt width direction of the endless belt.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect , the position in the belt width direction of the endless belt deviates from the allowable range as compared with the case where the belt conveying apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects is not provided. This can reduce the number of times of maintenance caused.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect , as compared with the case where the belt conveying unit according to the fourth aspect is not provided, the maintenance caused by the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction deviating from the allowable range. The number of times can be reduced.

It is the flowchart used for demonstrating the effect | action of the belt conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the belt conveying apparatus and belt conveying unit which concern on embodiment of this invention. (A) (B) It is the perspective view and side view which showed the adjustment roll with which the belt conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was equipped. (A) (B) It is the perspective view and sectional drawing which showed the adjustment roll with which the belt conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was equipped. (A) (B) It is the perspective view and the top view which showed the detection member etc. with which the belt conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was equipped. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An example of a belt conveyance device, a belt conveyance unit, and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawing, an arrow H indicates the vertical direction of the apparatus (vertical direction), an arrow W indicates the apparatus width direction (horizontal direction), and an arrow D indicates the depth direction of the apparatus (horizontal direction).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 (an example of an image forming member) that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and a sheet member P (an example of a recording medium) on which an image is formed. A plurality of conveying members (reference numerals omitted) that convey along the conveying path 16 of the sheet member P.

  The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a cooling unit 20 that cools the sheet member P on which an image is formed, a correction unit 22 that corrects the curvature of the sheet member P, and an image inspection that inspects an image formed on the sheet member P. Part 24. Details of the cooling unit 20 will be described later.

  Further, in order to form an image on both sides of the sheet member P, the image forming apparatus 10 reverses the sheet member P with the image formed on the surface and conveys the sheet member P toward the image forming unit 12 again. It has.

(Image forming part)
As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming unit 12 forms a plurality of toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K that respectively form toner images of the respective colors, and the toner images formed by the toner image forming unit 30 as sheets. And a transfer section 32 for transferring to the member P. Further, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet member P by the transfer unit 32 on the sheet member P. In the present embodiment, a toner image forming unit 30 of a total of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is provided. In each figure, (Y), (M), (C), and (K) indicate each color.

  The toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for the respective colors are arranged along the transfer belt 50 that rotates around the transfer unit 32, and in the rotation direction of the transfer belt 50 (see arrows in the drawing). From the upstream side, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner image forming units 30 are arranged in this order in the horizontal direction. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), Y, M, C, and K attached to the reference numerals are omitted. To do.

  Each color toner image forming unit 30 has basically the same configuration except for the toner to be used. As shown in FIG. 6, a rotating cylindrical image holding body 40 and charging for charging the image holding body 40 are performed. Instrument 42. Further, the toner image forming unit 30 forms an electrostatic latent image as a toner image with an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image carrier 40 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developer G containing toner. And a developing device 46 for developing. Each color image carrier 40 is in contact with the transfer belt 50 that moves around.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the transfer unit 32 includes a transfer belt 50 that is wound around a plurality of rolls (reference numerals omitted) and circulates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing, and the image carrier 40 of each color with the transfer belt 50 interposed therebetween. A primary transfer roll 52 disposed on the opposite side. The primary transfer roll 52 transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier 40 to the transfer belt 50.

  Further, the transfer unit 32 is disposed on the opposite side of the roll 56 with respect to the roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P. And a secondary transfer roll 54.

  The fixing device 34 includes a fixing belt 60 wound around a plurality of rolls (reference numerals omitted) and heated, and a pressure roll 62 that presses the sheet member P toward the fixing belt 60.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, in the toner image forming unit 30 of each color, the charger 42 charges the rotating image holding body 40, and the exposure device 44 holds the charged image holding. The body 40 is irradiated with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image. Further, the developing device 46 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 40 as a toner image with the developer G.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the transfer unit 32, the primary transfer roll 52 of each color transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier 40 of each color to the transfer belt 50, and the secondary transfer roll 54 The toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 is transferred to the surface of the sheet member P. In addition, the fixing device 34 fixes the toner image on the sheet member P by sandwiching the sheet member P to which the toner image is transferred between the rotating fixing belt 60 and the pressure roll 62.

  Further, the sheet member P on which the toner image is fixed passes through the cooling unit 20, the correction unit 22, and the image inspection unit 24 in this order and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, when a toner image is formed on the back surface of the sheet member P, the sheet member P having the toner image formed on the front surface is reversed by being conveyed along the reversing path 26, and the image forming unit 12 again performs the sheet member. A toner image is formed on the back side of P.

(Main part configuration)
Next, the cooling unit 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling unit 20 includes a heat absorbing device 70 that absorbs heat of the sheet member P, and a pressing device 72 that presses the sheet member P against the heat absorbing device 70. The heat absorption device 70 is disposed on the upper side with respect to the transport path 16, and the pressing device 72 is disposed on the lower side with respect to the transport path 16.

  The heat absorption device 70 includes a belt conveyance device 76 (an example of a first belt conveyance device), a heat sink 78 for heat dissipation disposed inside the belt conveyance device 76, and a fan 80 for cooling the heat sink 78. It is configured. The pressing device 72 includes a belt conveyance device 136 (an example of a second belt conveyance device).

[Belt conveying device 76]
The belt conveyance device 76 includes an endless endless belt 82 that contacts the sheet member P on the outer peripheral surface. The endless belt 82 is formed of a polyimide resin, which is a resin material, and has a thickness of 80 [μm].

  The belt conveying device 76 includes a drive roll 84 (an example of a rotating member) around which the endless belt 82 is wound, and an adjustment roll 86 (an example of a so-called steering roll, an adjustment member) that adjusts the position of the endless belt 82 in the belt width direction. , And three driven rolls 88A, 88B, 88C. A driving roll 84, a driven roll 88A, an adjustment roll 86, a driven roll 88B, and a driven roll 88C are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction of the endless belt 82 (the arrow direction and the counterclockwise direction in the figure). A portion of the endless belt 82 wound around the belt 84 defines a part of the transport path 16.

  Further, the belt conveyance device 76 includes an adjustment mechanism 100 (see FIG. 3) that tilts the adjustment roll 86 with respect to the belt width direction, and a detection member 92 that detects the position of the endless belt 82 that circulates in the belt width direction. I have. The detection member 92 is disposed between the drive roll 84 and the driven roll 88A as viewed from the belt width direction of the endless belt 82 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “belt width direction”). The belt width direction is the same as the apparatus depth direction in this embodiment.

[Detection member 92]
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the detection member 92 includes a swinging member 92A that comes into contact with one end of the endless belt 82, and a main body 92B that supports the swinging member 92A in a swingable manner. And. The swinging member 92A is urged by a urging member (not shown), and comes into contact with one end of the endless belt 82, regardless of whether the endless belt 82 moves in one or the other in the belt width direction. ing.

  In this configuration, even when the endless belt 82 moves in the belt width direction, the swinging member 92A of the detection member 92 swings and is always in contact with one end of the endless belt 82. The position of the endless belt 82 in the belt width direction is always detected.

[Adjustment roll 86]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the adjustment roll 86 includes a cylindrical roll portion 86A and a columnar shaft portion 86B penetrating the roll portion 86A. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, a bearing 86C is disposed between the roll portion 86A and the shaft portion 86B, and the roll portion 86A rotates around the shaft portion 86B. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the back side portion of the shaft portion 86B in the device depth direction passes through a circular hole 90A formed in the plate-like frame 90, and the shaft portion 86B in the device depth direction. The front side portion passes through a long hole 94 </ b> A formed in the plate-like frame 94.

  The size of the circular hole 90A is determined so as to allow the inclination of the shaft portion 86B. The long hole 94A extends in the vertical direction of the apparatus, and a portion of the shaft portion 86B that passes through the long hole 94A can move in the vertical direction of the apparatus.

[Adjustment mechanism 100]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the adjustment mechanism 100 is disposed on the front side of the shaft portion 86B in the apparatus depth direction.

  The adjustment mechanism 100 includes a stepping motor 106 (hereinafter simply referred to as “motor 106”) and a gear 108 to which a rotational force is transmitted from the motor 106. Further, the adjustment mechanism 100 includes a swinging member 110 that supports a portion of the shaft portion 86B that protrudes through the long hole 94A and swings when a rotational force is transmitted from the gear 108.

  The swing member 110 swings about a shaft portion 110A whose axial direction is the belt width direction. Further, in the swing member 110, a shaft hole 86B passes through the portion on one side (right side in the drawing) with respect to the shaft portion 110A, and a long hole 110B extending in the apparatus width direction is formed. Further, a gear portion 110C that meshes with the gear 108 is formed on a portion of the swing member 110 on the other side (left side in the drawing) with respect to the shaft portion 110A.

  Further, a shield plate 112 extending upward from the apparatus is fixed to the swing member 110, and the shield plate 112 swings together with the swing member 110.

  The adjustment mechanism 100 includes a photo sensor 114 (hereinafter simply referred to as “sensor 114”) that detects the swinging shielding plate 112, and the light emitted from the sensor 114 is reflected by the shielding plate 112, so that the shielding plate 112 is It is detected by the sensor 114.

  In the present embodiment, when the shaft portion 86B of the adjustment roll 86 is positioned at the lower end of the long hole 94A, the adjustment roll 86 is positioned at a reference position (so-called initial position) of the adjustment roll 86. The shielding plate 112 is fixed to the swing member 110 so that the shielding plate 112 is detected by the sensor 114 with the adjustment roll 86 positioned at the reference position.

[Others]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the belt conveying device 76 operates a control unit 120 that controls the inclination of the adjustment roll 86 by operating the motor 106 (see FIG. 3) based on the detection result of the detection member 92. I have. The control unit 120 controls the degree of inclination of the adjustment roll 86 so that the position of the endless belt 82 in the belt width direction is the allowable range of the position of the endless belt 82 in the belt width direction (hereinafter simply “allowable range”). It is designed to prevent it from coming off.

  If the end of the endless belt 82 deviates from this allowable range, the endless belt 82 may hit a frame member (not shown) and the endless belt 82 may be damaged.

  In addition, control of each part by this control part 120 is demonstrated with the effect | action mentioned later.

[Belt conveying device 136]
Next, the belt conveyance device 136 will be described. Note that the belt conveyance device 136 will be described mainly with respect to differences from the belt conveyance device 76. 3 and 4 indicate the reference numerals of members constituting the belt conveying device 136.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the belt conveying device 136 includes an endless endless belt 142 that contacts the sheet member P on the outer peripheral surface and presses the sheet member P against the endless belt 82 of the belt conveying device 76. The belt width direction of the endless belt 142 is the same as the belt width direction of the endless belt 82, and is the same direction as the apparatus depth direction in this embodiment.

  The belt conveyance device 136 includes a drive roll 144 (an example of a rotating member) around which the endless belt 142 is wound, an adjustment roll 146 that adjusts the position of the endless belt 1422 in the belt width direction, and three driven rolls 148A, 148B, and 148C. It has. A drive roll 144, a driven roll 148A, an adjustment roll 146, a driven roll 148B, and a driven roll 148C are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction of the endless belt 82 (the arrow direction in the figure, the clockwise direction). A portion of the endless belt 142 wound around the driven roll 148 </ b> C and the drive roll 144 defines a part of the conveyance path 16 and is in contact with a part of the endless belt 82. The drive roll 144 rotates the endless belt 142 so that the peripheral speed of the endless belt 142 is the same as the peripheral speed of the endless belt 82. The belt transport device 136 includes an adjustment mechanism 160 (see FIG. 3) that tilts the adjustment roll 146 with respect to the belt width direction, and a detection member 152 that detects the position of the circulating endless belt 142 in the belt width direction. ing. The detection member 152 is disposed between the drive roll 144 and the driven roll 148A when viewed from the belt width direction.

[Detection member 152]
The detection member 152 includes a swinging member 152A and a main body portion 152B, and the detection member of the belt conveyance device 76 except that the main body portion 152B is disposed inside the endless belt 142 when viewed from the belt width direction. The configuration is the same as 92.

[Adjustment roll 146]
The adjustment roll 146 has the same configuration as the adjustment roll 86 of the belt conveyance device 76, and as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a roll portion 146A corresponding to the cylindrical roll portion 86A and a shaft portion. A shaft portion 146B corresponding to 86B and a bearing 146C corresponding to the bearing 86C are provided.

  The back portion of the shaft portion 146B in the apparatus depth direction passes through a circular hole 150A formed in the plate-like frame 150, and the near side portion of the shaft portion 146B in the device depth direction is formed on the plate-like frame 154. It penetrates through a long hole 154A extending in the vertical direction of the device.

[Adjustment mechanism 160]
The adjustment mechanism 160 has the same configuration as the adjustment mechanism 100 of the belt conveyance device 76, and as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a motor 166 corresponding to the motor 106 and a gear 168 corresponding to the gear 108 are provided. And a rocking member 170 corresponding to the rocking member 110. A shielding plate 172 corresponding to the shielding plate 112 is fixed to the swing member 170.

  Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 160 includes a sensor 174 corresponding to the sensor 114, and the sensor 174 detects the swinging shielding plate 172.

[Others]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the belt conveyance device 136 operates a control unit 180 that controls the degree of inclination of the adjustment roll 146 by operating the motor 166 (see FIG. 3) based on the detection result of the detection member 152. I have. The control of each unit by the control unit 180 will be described together with the operation described later.

  In the configuration of the cooling unit 20 described above, the endless belt 142 of the circulating belt conveyance device 136 presses the sheet member P against the endless belt 82 of the circulating belt conveyance device 76. The belt conveying devices 76 and 136 convey the sheet member P while sandwiching the sheet member P between the endless belt 82 and the endless belt 142.

  Further, the heat of the sheet member P conveyed by the belt conveying devices 76 and 136 is absorbed by the heat sink 78 via the endless belt 82, and the sheet member P is cooled.

  As described above, the belt conveyance unit 96 that conveys the sheet member P includes the belt conveyance device 76 and the belt conveyance device 136.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 provided in the cooling unit 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the state before an instruction to form an image on the sheet member P (hereinafter simply referred to as “print job”) is output to the image forming apparatus 10, the control units 120 and 160 control the inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146. I don't remember. Further, the drive rolls 84 and 144 are not operating, and the endless belts 82 and 142 are not rotating.

  When the print job is output to the image forming apparatus 10, in step 100, before the drive rolls 84 and 144 of the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 are operated, the control units 120 and 180 set the adjustment rolls 86 and 146. Move to the reference position.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control units 120 and 180 operate the motors 106 and 166, and the swinging members 110 and 170 are illustrated in the drawing via the gears 108 and 168, respectively. Oscillate clockwise. As a result, the portions on the near side in the apparatus depth direction of the shaft portions 86B and 146B of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 move to the lower ends of the long holes 94A and 154A. In this way, the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 move to the reference position. At this position, the sensors 114 and 174 detect the shielding plates 112 and 172, and based on the detection result, the control units 120 and 180 store that the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 have moved to the reference position, and the motors 106, 166 is stopped.

  When the control units 120 and 180 store that the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 have moved to the reference position and stop the motors 106 and 166, the process proceeds to step 200.

  In step 200, the control units 120 and 180 obtain the detection results detected by the detection members 92 and 152. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control units 120 and 180 acquire position information in the belt width direction of the endless belts 82 and 142 that are not circulating (stopped) from the detection members 92 and 152. .

  When the control units 120 and 180 acquire the position information of the endless belts 82 and 142 in the stopped state, the process proceeds to step 300.

  In step 300, the control units 120 and 180 control (change) the inclination degrees of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 as necessary based on the positional information of the endless belts 82 and 142 in the belt width direction. The position of the belt 162 in the belt width direction is prevented from being out of the allowable range.

  Specifically, the control units 120 and 180 operate the motors 106 and 166 based on the position information of the endless belts 82 and 142, and the gears 108 and 168, as shown in FIGS. The rocking members 110 and 170 are rocked via the. Then, the portions on the near side in the apparatus depth direction of the shaft portions 86B and 146B of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 move within the long holes 94A and 144A. Thereby, the inclination degree of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 is controlled, and the position of the endless belts 82 and 142 in the belt width direction is prevented from deviating from the allowable range.

  For example, when the width centers of the endless belts 82 and 142 are deviated from the width center of the allowable range, the adjustment rolls so that the width centers of the endless belts 82 and 142 move to the width center of the allowable range. The degree of inclination of 86 and 146 is controlled (changed).

  When the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146, the process proceeds to step 400.

  In step 400, the control units 120 and 180 operate the drive rolls 84 and 144 to rotate the endless belts 82 and 142. When the endless belts 82 and 142 go around, the process proceeds to step 500.

  In step 500, the control units 120 and 180 acquire position information in the belt width direction of the endless belts 82 and 142 detected by the detection members 92 and 152. When the control units 120 and 180 acquire the position information of the endless belts 82 and 142 that are circulating, the process proceeds to step 600.

  In step 600, the control units 120 and 180 determine whether or not the print job has been completed. If the print job has been completed, the process proceeds to step 700 where the drive rolls 84 and 144 are deactivated and a series of processes are performed. finish. On the other hand, if the print job is not completed in step 600, the process proceeds to step 710.

  In step 710, the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 as necessary based on positional information of the endless belts 82 and 142 in the belt width direction, and the belts of the endless belts 82 and 162. The position in the width direction is prevented from deviating from the allowable range. A specific process is the same as that in step 300.

  When the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146, the process proceeds to step 810.

  In step 810, the control units 120 and 180 determine whether or not the print job has been completed. If the print job has been completed, the process proceeds to step 910 where the drive rolls 84 and 144 are deactivated and a series of steps are performed. finish. On the other hand, if the print job is not completed in step 810, the process proceeds to step 500 again. Then, the above-described steps are repeated until the print job is completed.

(Summary)
Hereinafter, after describing a comparative form with respect to the present embodiment, a summary of the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  Unlike the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 of the present embodiment, the belt conveyance device of the comparative embodiment differs from the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 of the present embodiment in that the degree of inclination of the adjustment roll based on the position information in the belt width direction of the endless belt in the stopped state. Do not control. In the belt conveying device of the comparative form, the inclination degree of the adjustment roll is controlled based on the position information of the circulating endless belt in the belt width direction only after the endless belt starts to rotate.

  On the other hand, in the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 of the present embodiment, before the endless belts 82 and 142 are circulated in the above-described step 300, the control units 120 and 180 adjust the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 as necessary. Is to control. That is, the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 based on the position information in the belt width direction of the endless belts 82 and 162 in the stopped state. For this reason, compared with the belt conveyance apparatus which concerns on a comparison form, it is suppressed that the position of the belt width direction of the endless belt to circulate remove | deviates from an allowable range, without increasing the frequency | count of an endless belt.

  Here, when an instruction to form an image on only one sheet member P (hereinafter simply referred to as “one sheet job”) is continuously executed, the endless belts 82 and 142 are repeatedly circulated and stopped at short intervals. It is. In such a case, in the belt conveyance device according to the comparative embodiment, the inclination degree of the adjustment roll is controlled based on the position information of the circulating endless belt in the belt width direction only after the endless belt starts to rotate. For this reason, in the belt conveyance device according to the comparison mode, when a single-sheet job is continuously executed, a state in which the change in the inclination degree of the adjustment roll is not completed to the end and is ended in the middle is continuously generated. In the end, however, the endless belt may be out of the allowable range.

  However, in the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 according to the present embodiment, as described above, before the endless belts 82 and 142 circulate, the control units 120 and 180 adjust the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 as necessary. Is to control. For this reason, as compared with the belt conveyance device according to the comparative mode, even when one sheet job is continuously executed, the position of the endless belt in the belt width direction is not increased without increasing the number of times of the endless belt. The deviation from the allowable range is suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the belt conveyance unit 96 conveys the sheet member P to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet member P while sandwiching the sheet member P between the endless belt 82 and the endless belt 142. ing.

  For example, when the width center of the endless belt 82 and the width center of the endless belt 142 are located on opposite sides of the width center of the allowable range, the endless belt 82 is moved to one side in the belt width direction, The endless belt 142 must be moved to the other side in the belt width direction. At this time, since the moving direction of the endless belt 82 and the moving direction of the endless belt 142 are opposite to each other, the movement of the endless belts 82 and 142 is delayed. However, in this embodiment, as described above, before the endless belts 82 and 142 are circulated, the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 as necessary. . For this reason, the position in the belt width direction of the endless belt that circulates without increasing the number of circulations of the endless belt, compared to the case of conveying the sheet member P in combination with the belt conveyance device according to the comparative form, is within the allowable range. Detachment is suppressed.

  Further, in the belt conveyance devices 76 and 136 according to the present embodiment, the endless belts 82 and 142 are displaced from the permissible range in the position of the endless belts 82 and 142 in the belt width direction as compared with the belt conveyance device according to the comparative example. Is prevented from being damaged.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, since the endless belts 82 and 142 are suppressed from being damaged, maintenance caused by damage to the endless belts 82 and 142 is achieved as compared with the case where the belt conveying device according to the comparative example is provided. The number of times is reduced.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments can be taken within the scope of the present invention. This will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the belt conveyance device 76 and the belt conveyance device 136. However, any one of the belt conveyance devices may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the belt conveying device 76 and the belt conveying device 136 are arranged to face each other to convey the sheet member P. However, the belt conveying device 76 alone may convey the sheet member P. The belt conveying device 76 may be used for a transfer belt, a fixing belt, or the like.

  The control units 120 and 180 are separately provided for the belt conveyance device 76 and the belt conveyance device 136. However, the number of the control units may be one, and the control unit of the image forming apparatus 10 may be the control unit. 120 and 180 may also be used.

  In the above embodiment, the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 before the endless belts 82 and 142 circulate. For example, a single-sheet job is continuously executed. Only in this case, before the endless belts 82 and 142 are circulated, the control units 120 and 180 may control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146. In other words, the control units 120 and 180 control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 before the belt conveying devices 76 and 136 rotate the endless belts 82 and 142 when a specific condition is satisfied. You may have a mode.

  Hereinafter, other examples of specific conditions will be described.

  As another example of the specific conditions, whether or not to execute the above-described mode may be controlled by the control units 120 and 180 depending on the number of sheet members P on which an image is formed by one print job.

  Specifically, when the number of sheet members P on which an image is formed by one print job is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the above-described mode is executed. On the other hand, when the number of sheet members P on which an image is formed by one print job is larger than a predetermined number, the above-described mode is not executed, and before the inclination degree of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 is controlled. The endless belts 82 and 142 are rotated. In other words, when a sufficient time for changing the inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 can be secured during one print job, it is not necessary to control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 in advance, and the endless belt 82 is immediately available. , 142 is started.

  As another example of the specific condition, whether or not to execute the above-described mode is controlled by the control units 120 and 180 depending on the time required for forming an image on the sheet member P by one print job. May be.

  Specifically, when the time required for forming an image on the sheet member P by one print job is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time, the above-described mode is executed. On the other hand, when the time required for forming an image on the sheet member P by one print job is longer than a predetermined time, the above-described mode is not executed, and the inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 is not performed. Before controlling the endless belts 82 and 142. In other words, when a sufficient time for changing the inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 can be secured during one print job, it is not necessary to control the degree of inclination of the adjustment rolls 86 and 146 in advance, and the endless belt 82 is immediately available. , 142 is started.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Image forming part (an example of image forming member)
76 Belt conveyor 76 (an example of a first belt conveyor)
82 Endless belt 84 Driving roll (an example of a rotating member)
86 Adjustment roll (example of adjustment member)
92 detection member 96 belt conveyance unit 120 control unit 136 belt conveyance device (an example of a second belt conveyance device)
142 endless belt 144 drive roll (an example of a rotating member)
146 Adjustment roll 152 Detection member 180 Control unit

Claims (5)

An endless endless belt in contact with the conveyed object;
A revolving member for revolving the endless belt;
A detection member for detecting a position of the endless belt in the belt width direction;
An adjustment member that is wound around the endless belt, is inclined with respect to the belt width direction, and adjusts the position in the belt width direction;
A control unit for controlling the degree of inclination of the adjustment member based on the detection result of the detection member;
The control unit has a mode of rotating the endless belt in which the rotating member is stopped after controlling the degree of inclination of the adjusting member based on the detection result of the detecting member,
An image is formed on the transported object,
When the number of transported bodies on which an image is formed is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, the mode is executed, and when the number of transported bodies on which an image is formed is larger than a predetermined number, A belt conveyance device in which the mode is not executed . An endless endless belt in contact with the conveyed object;
A revolving member for revolving the endless belt;
A detection member for detecting a position of the endless belt in the belt width direction;
An adjustment member that is wound around the endless belt, is inclined with respect to the belt width direction, and adjusts the position in the belt width direction;
A control unit for controlling the degree of inclination of the adjustment member based on the detection result of the detection member;
The control unit has a mode of rotating the endless belt in which the rotating member is stopped after controlling the degree of inclination of the adjusting member based on the detection result of the detecting member,
An image is formed on the transported object,
When the time required for forming the image on the conveyed object is equal to or less than the predetermined time, the mode is executed, and the time required for forming the image on the conveyed object is determined in advance. The belt conveyance device in which the mode is not executed when the time is longer than a predetermined time . The belt conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first belt conveying device that conveys the object to be conveyed,
The belt conveying device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a second belt conveying device that presses a conveyed object against the first belt conveying device and conveys the conveyed object together with the first belt conveying device,
A belt conveyance unit comprising: An image forming member for forming an image on a recording medium as a transported medium;
The belt conveyance device according to claim 1 or 2, which conveys a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming member,
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming member for forming an image on a recording medium as a transported medium;
The belt conveyance unit according to claim 3 , which conveys a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming member,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images