Patent ID: 7660542
Filing Date: 2010-02-09
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming method whereby in which an intermediate transfer body made of an endless flexible member is rotated, and an image is formed on a surface of a transfer member by undergoing a secondary transfer of a developer image onto a second transfer position from the intermediate transfer body to the transfer member, the developer image undergoing a primary transfer onto a first transfer position from an image carrier to a surface of the intermediate transfer body, the image forming method comprising: a step of detecting the developer image on the surface of the intermediate transfer body by a detecting part provided between the first transfer position and the second transfer position; a step of determining a distance from the first transfer position to a detecting position by the detecting part based on a time period from a time when the developer image undergoes the primary transfer to a time when detection is made by the detecting part; a step of estimating a moving distance necessary for moving the developer image having undergone the primary transfer onto the intermediate transfer body from the detecting position to the second transfer position based on a difference between the distance and a preset standard distance; and a step of adjusting time for conveying the transfer member to the second transfer position based on the moving distance, wherein when another developer image of a different color is transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body without overlapping the developer image; a position where the developer images are to be overlapped on the surface of the intermediate transfer body is corrected based on the difference of times when the developer images are detected by the detecting part; the distance from the first transfer position to the detecting position detected by the detecting part is determined based on the time period from the time when the developer image undergoes the primary transfer to the time when detection is made by the detecting part; and the moving distance is estimated based on a difference between the distance and a standard distance.