Maintenance Basics | Alignment Section (Part 9)

This issue shares the working principle of the Konica Minolta color machine "alignment unit". The reference model is C364.

The alignment unit has two functions: correcting paper skew and aligning the image. It can be seen that if there is a problem with the alignment unit, the image will be skewed and misaligned. 

Drive

The alignment unit is driven by the transmission motor. The engagement of the alignment clutch controls the rotation and stop of the alignment roller. The alignment sensor is responsible for the timing detection of the paper reaching the alignment roller.

 

Registration control

• When the registration clutch is turned on, the transmission motor will engage with the registration roller, causing the registration roller to rotate. At this time, the registration sensor is in a blocked state.

 

• When the paper reaches the registration sensor activator, the registration sensor output changes and the registration roller stops. At this time, the registration sensor is in a conductive state.

 

• Since the registration roller stops, the paper forms a wave, thereby minimizing the paper skew.

 

• When the timing is synchronized with the paper position when the image starts, the registration roller will start to rotate again.

Wave adjustment

The wave generated by the paper in the registration part can be adjusted in the maintenance mode, and the appropriate value can be set for different paper boxes and different paper types.

Note

1. The registration roller is made of rubber material. Please clean it with a wet cloth dipped in water, not alcohol.
2. Customers with poor environment, large printing volume, and poor paper quality should pay attention to check the wear degree of the registration sensor activator and the bushings at both ends of the registration roller to avoid paper jams.

Conclusion:

The alignment unit in the Konica Minolta C364 color printer is essential for ensuring accurate image alignment and correcting paper skew. Proper maintenance of the alignment roller and timely adjustments in the maintenance mode are crucial to prevent issues like paper jams and misaligned prints. Regular checks and cleaning will help maintain high print quality and prolong the life of your printer.