EP3096187B1 - Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3096187B1
EP3096187B1 EP16168781.9A EP16168781A EP3096187B1 EP 3096187 B1 EP3096187 B1 EP 3096187B1 EP 16168781 A EP16168781 A EP 16168781A EP 3096187 B1 EP3096187 B1 EP 3096187B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
driving
developer
image
developing roller
developing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16168781.9A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3096187A1 (de
Inventor
Toshio Koike
Hideki Kosugi
Yu Takahashi
Keinosuke Kondoh
Kentaro Mikuniya
Teppei Kikuchi
Akira Fujimori
Makoto Yasuda
Nobuo Kuwabara
Tetsuya Muto
Kazuhiro Aso
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ricoh Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2015165467A external-priority patent/JP6525200B2/ja
Application filed by Ricoh Co Ltd filed Critical Ricoh Co Ltd
Publication of EP3096187A1 publication Critical patent/EP3096187A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3096187B1 publication Critical patent/EP3096187B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5008—Driving control for rotary photosensitive medium, e.g. speed control, stop position control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0806—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer on a donor element, e.g. belt, roller
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/02—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices
    • G03G15/0266—Arrangements for controlling the amount of charge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/065—Arrangements for controlling the potential of the developing electrode
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/55—Self-diagnostics; Malfunction or lifetime display
    • G03G15/553—Monitoring or warning means for exhaustion or lifetime end of consumables, e.g. indication of insufficient copy sheet quantity for a job
    • G03G15/556—Monitoring or warning means for exhaustion or lifetime end of consumables, e.g. indication of insufficient copy sheet quantity for a job for toner consumption, e.g. pixel counting, toner coverage detection or toner density measurement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/0005—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge for removing solid developer or debris from the electrographic recording medium
    • G03G21/0011—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge for removing solid developer or debris from the electrographic recording medium using a blade; Details of cleaning blades, e.g. blade shape, layer forming

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a photocopier, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having at least two of copying, printing, facsimile transmission, plotting, and scanning capabilities, and a process cartridge removably installed therein.
  • an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a photocopier, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having at least two of copying, printing, facsimile transmission, plotting, and scanning capabilities, and a process cartridge removably installed therein.
  • MFP multifunction peripheral
  • image forming apparatuses such as photocopiers, facsimile machines, printers, and MFPs
  • two-component developer including toner and carrier one or more additives may be included
  • toner and carrier one or more additives may be included
  • JP-2009-258276-A discloses a method of removing a blockage between a developing roller and a developer regulating member, by pausing the developing roller and a photoconductor drum, and reversibly rotating the developing roller. This counter rotation causes an accumulation of developer at the downstream side of the point of contact between the developing roller and photoconductor drum, which is subsequently removed by rotating the developing roller in the normal direction to take the accumulated developer in a direction away from the point of contact of the developing roller and photoconductor drum.
  • US-2014-003827-A1 discloses a means to prevent the slipping through of toner resulting from an abrupt change of a frictional force between a photosensitive drum and a cleaning blade, by controlling the rotation speed of a developing roller in order to minimize the change in dynamic torque experienced by the photosensitive drum.
  • US-2012-243908-A1 discloses a gear system in order to switch a circumferential velocity of a development roller from a second velocity to a first velocity no later than when development of a photoconductive drum is started, and to switch the circumferential velocity of the development roller from the first circumferential velocity to the second circumferential velocity after the development of the photoconductive drum is completed.
  • a preset developer case containing fresh developer is disposed on a new developing device.
  • the developer is supplied from the preset developer case into the developing device and distributed therein uniformly while driving the developing device and a photoconductor drum (an image bearer).
  • a developer container containing fresh developer is connected to a new developing device or a replaced developing device installed in an image forming apparatus in a state in which a cover (e.g., a cover for developer supply) of the image forming apparatus is opened. Then, the developer is supplied from the developer container into the developing device and distributed therein uniformly while driving the developing device and a photoconductor drum (an image bearer).
  • a cover e.g., a cover for developer supply
  • the above-described method in which the developer is supplied into the empty or almost empty developing device while driving the developing device, is advantageous in that the developer is distributed uniformly in the developing device in a relatively short time relatively easily, compared with a method of supplying the developer while an operator manually drives the developing device.
  • a conceivable approach to inhibit such inconveniences is driving only the developing roller (the developing device) while keeping the photoconductor drum stationary in supplying developer.
  • developer accumulates on the upstream side of a developing gap where the photoconductor drum faces the developing roller, and the accumulating developer surges into the developing gap and is compressed therein when the photoconductor drum, in addition to the developing roller, is driven. Then, the developer firmly adheres to the developing roller or the photoconductor drum undesirably.
  • the developer firmly adhering to the developing roller, the photoconductor drum, or both can result in substandard images having streaks and periodic uneven image density.
  • developer accumulating on an upstream side of a developing gap, where the developing roller faces the image bearer, is inhibited from surging into the developing gap and being compressed when the image bearer and the developing roller are driven. Accordingly, adhesion of developer to the developing roller or the image bearer is inhibited.
  • FIG. 1 a multicolor image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.
  • Embodiment 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 .
  • FIG. 1 a configuration and operation of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment is described below.
  • reference numerals 1 represents an image forming apparatus, which in the present embodiment is a tandem-type multicolor copier
  • 2 represents a writing device to emit laser beams according to image data
  • 3 represents a document feeder to send a document D to a document reading unit 4 that reads image data of the document D
  • 7 represents a sheet feeding tray containing sheets P of recording media (i.e., transfer paper)
  • 8 represents sheet feeding rollers
  • 9 represents a registration roller pair (i.e., a timing roller pair) to adjust the timing to transport the sheet P
  • 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK represent process cartridges to form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively.
  • reference numerals 17 represents an intermediate transfer belt
  • 18 represents a secondary-transfer bias roller to transfer a toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto the sheet P
  • 19 represents a belt cleaning device to clean the intermediate transfer belt
  • 20 represents primary-transfer bias rollers to transfer the toner images from photoconductor drums 12 onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 in superimposed manner
  • 30 represents a fixing device to fix the toner image on the sheet P
  • 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50BK represent toner cartridges (i.e., toner containers) to contain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively.
  • FIG. 2 is also referred to when image forming process performed on the photoconductor drums 12 are described.
  • conveyance rollers transport documents D set on a document table in a direction indicated by an arrow onto an exposure glass 5 of the document reading unit 4. Then, the document reading unit 4 optically reads image data of the document D set on the exposure glass 5.
  • the document reading unit 4 scans the image on the document D with light emitted from an illumination lamp.
  • the light reflected by a surface of the document is imaged on a color sensor via mirrors and lenses.
  • the color sensor reads the multicolor image data of the document D for each of decomposed colors of red, green, and blue (RGB) and convert the image data into electrical image signals.
  • RGB red, green, and blue
  • an image processor performs image processing (e.g., color conversion, color calibration, and spatial frequency adjustment) according to the image signals, and thus image data of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are obtained.
  • the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black image data is transmitted to the writing device 2 (i.e., an exposure device).
  • the writing device 2 directs laser beams L (illustrated in FIG. 2 ) to the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 12 according to the image data of respective colors.
  • the photoconductor drums 12 in the four process cartridges 10 rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1 .
  • the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 is charged by a charging device 14 (i.e., a charging roller) uniformly at a position facing the charging device 14 (charging process).
  • the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 is charged to a predetermined electrical potential.
  • the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 thus charged reaches a position to receive the laser beam L (illustrated in FIG. 2 ).
  • the writing device 2 emits the laser beams L according to the image data from four light sources.
  • the four laser beams L pass through different optical paths for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.
  • the laser beam L corresponding to the yellow component is directed to the photoconductor drum 12 in the process cartridge 10Y that is the first from the left in FIG. 1 among the four process cartridges 10.
  • a polygon mirror that rotates at high velocity deflects the laser beam L for yellow in a direction of a rotation axis of the photoconductor drum 12 for yellow (main scanning direction) so that the laser beam L scans the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 for yellow.
  • an electrostatic latent image for yellow is formed on the photoconductor drum 12 charged by the charging device 14.
  • the laser beam L corresponding to the magenta component is directed to the photoconductor drum 12 in the process cartridge 10M, which is the second from the left in FIG. 1 , thus forming an electrostatic latent image for magenta thereon.
  • the laser beam L corresponding to the cyan component is directed to the photoconductor drum 12 of the process cartridge 10C, which is the third from the left in FIG. 1 , thus forming an electrostatic latent image for cyan thereon.
  • the laser beam L corresponding to the black component is directed to the fourth photoconductor drum 12 from the left in FIG. 1 , thus forming an electrostatic latent image for black thereon.
  • each developing device 13 supplies toner of the corresponding color to the photoconductor drum 12 to develop the latent image on the photoconductor drum 12 into a single-color toner image (development process).
  • the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 reaches a position (a primary transfer nip) facing the intermediate transfer belt 17, serving as the image bearer as well as an intermediate transfer member.
  • the primary-transfer bias rollers 20 are disposed at the positions where the respective photoconductor drums 12 face the intermediate transfer belt 17 and in contact with an inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. At these positions, the toner images on the respective photoconductor drums 12 of the process cartridges 10 are sequentially transferred and superimposed one on another on the intermediate transfer belt 17 in a primary-transfer process.
  • a primary transfer bias which is different in polarity from the toner, is applied to each primary-transfer bias roller 20.
  • each photoconductor drum 12 reaches a position facing a cleaning blade 15 (i.e., a cleaning section).
  • the cleaning blade 15 collects toner (untransferred toner) remaining on the photoconductor drum 12 (a cleaning process).
  • each photoconductor drum 12 passes through a discharge device, and thus a sequence of image forming processes performed on each photoconductor drum 12 is completed.
  • the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 carrying the superimposed toner image moves counterclockwise and reaches the position facing the secondary-transfer bias roller 18.
  • the secondary-transfer bias roller 18 transfers the multicolor toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto the sheet P (secondary transfer process).
  • the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches a position facing the belt cleaning device 19.
  • the belt cleaning device 19 collects untransferred toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Thus, a sequence of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is completed.
  • the sheet P is transported from one of the sheet feeding trays 7 via the registration roller pair 9 and the like to the secondary transfer nip between the intermediate transfer belt 17 and the secondary-transfer bias roller 18.
  • the sheet feeding roller 8 sends out the sheet P from the sheet feeding tray 7, and the sheet P is then guided by a sheet guide to the registration roller pair 9.
  • the registration roller pair 9 forwards the sheet P to the secondary transfer nip, timed to coincide with the arrival of the multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17.
  • the fixing device 30 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller pressing against each other. In a nip therebetween, the multicolor image is fixed on the sheet P.
  • the process cartridge 10 i.e., an image forming unit
  • an image forming unit is described in further detail below.
  • the process cartridge 10 includes the photoconductor drum 12 serving as the image bearer, the charging device 14 to charge the surface of the photoconductor drum 12, the developing device 13 to develop the latent image on the photoconductor drum 12, the cleaning blade 15 to clean the photoconductor drum 12, and a lubricant supply device 16.
  • Each process cartridge 10 is removably mountable in a body of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter "apparatus body").
  • process cartridges 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10BK are similar in configuration, and thus the subscripts Y, C, M, and BK are omitted from the process cartridges 10, the photoconductor drums 12, and the developing devices 13 in FIGS. 2 and 3 and descriptions below for simplicity.
  • the photoconductor drum 12 used in the present embodiment is an organic photoconductor charged to a negative polarity and includes a photosensitive layer on a drum-shaped conductive support base.
  • the photoconductor drum 12 is multilayered, and a base coat serving as an insulation layer, the photosensitive layer, and a protection layer (surface layer) are formed sequentially on the support base.
  • the photosensitive layer includes a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer.
  • a conductive material having a volume resistivity of 10 10 ⁇ cm or lower is usable.
  • the photoconductor drum 12 is rotated in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 2 , as indicated by arrow Y1) by a first driving motor 61 serving as a first driver. It is to be noted that, in Embodiment 1, the first driving motor 61 also rotates the charging device 14 (the charging roller), a lubricant supply roller 16a, and a conveying screw 15b, via a train of gears, in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 2 .
  • the charging device 14 is a roller having an elastic layer of moderate resistivity overlying an outer circumference of a conductive metal core.
  • the charging device 14 is disposed to contact the photoconductor drum 12 at a position downstream from the lubricant supply device 16 in the direction of rotation of the photoconductor drum 12 indicated by arrow Y1.
  • the charging device 14 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 facing the charging device 14.
  • the charging device 14 is pressed against the photoconductor drum 12 in Embodiment 1, in another embodiment, the charging device 14 is disposed across a minute gap from the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the cleaning blade 15 is disposed downstream from the lubricant supply device 16 in the direction of rotation of the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the cleaning blade 15 is made of or includes rubber, such as urethane rubber, and contacts or abuts on the surface of the photoconductor drum 12, at a predetermined angle and with a predetermined pressure. With this arrangement, substances such as toner and dust adhering to the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 are mechanically scraped off and are collected in the process cartridge 10.
  • the conveying screw 15b transports the toner collected in the process cartridge 10, as waste toner, to a waste-toner container removably attached to the back side of the apparatus body, which is on the back side of the paper on which FIG. 1 is drawn.
  • the substances adhering to the photoconductor drum 12 include paper dust resulting from the sheet P, discharge products generated on the photoconductor drum 12 during discharge by the charging device 14, additives to the toner, and the like in addition to the untransferred toner.
  • the cleaning blade 15 according to Embodiment 1 serves as a leveling blade to level off, to a suitable layer thickness, the lubricant supplied to the photoconductor drum 12 by the lubricant supply roller 16a.
  • the lubricant supply device 16 includes a solid lubricant 16b, the lubricant supply roller 16a (e.g., a brush roller) to slide on the photoconductor drum 12 and the solid lubricant 16b, a holder 16e to hold the solid lubricant 16b, and a compression spring 16c to bias the holder 16e, together with the solid lubricant 16b, to the lubricant supply roller 16a.
  • the lubricant supply roller 16a e.g., a brush roller
  • the lubricant supply device 16 supplies the lubricant to the photoconductor drum 12. Then, the cleaning blade 15 disposed downstream from the lubricant supply device 16 levels the lubricant, into a thin layer, on the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the developing device 13 includes a developing roller 13a, serving as a developer bearer, disposed across a gap (i.e., a development gap) of predetermined size from the photoconductor drum 12.
  • a developing roller 13a serving as a developer bearer
  • the developing range or a developing nip
  • the developing device 13 contains two-component developer G including toner particles T (also "toner T") and carrier particles C1 (also "carrier C1").
  • the developing device 13 develops the latent image on the photoconductor drum 12 into a toner image.
  • the configuration and operation of the developing device 13 are described in further detail later.
  • the toner cartridges 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50BK (also collectively “toner cartridges 50") contain respective color toners T supplied into the developing devices 13. Specifically, according to the toner concentration (the ratio of toner T in developer G) detected by a magnetic sensor 13h (illustrated in FIG. 3 ) disposed in the developing device 13, a toner supply device supplies the toner T from the toner cartridge 50 via a supply inlet 13e (illustrated in FIG. 3 ) to the developing device 13 as required.
  • the data according to which the toner T is supplied is not limited to the toner concentration.
  • the toner T can be supplied according to image density calculated from the reflectance of the toner image on the photoconductor drum 12 or the intermediate transfer belt 17.
  • the toner T can be supplied according to a combination of such data.
  • the toner supply device to supply toner to the developing device 13
  • a configuration in which a conveying auger transports toner, a configuration in which a screw pump transports toner together with air, and the like can be used.
  • the four toner cartridges 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50BK are mountable in and removable from the apparatus body from the front side of the paper on which FIG. 1 is drawn, that is, the side on which a control panel is disposed. When the toner cartridge 50 becomes empty, the toner cartridge 50 is replaced.
  • the developing device 13 is described in further detail below.
  • the developing device 13 includes the developing roller 13a serving as a developer bearer, first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 (screw augers) serving as developer conveyors, and a doctor blade 13c serving as a developer regulator.
  • a casing 13k of the developing device 13 has an opening to partly expose the developing roller 13a to the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the developing roller 13a includes a sleeve 13a2 that is a cylindrical, nonmagnetic component made of aluminum, brass, stainless steel, or conductive resin.
  • the sleeve 13a2 is rotated by a second driving motor 62 serving as a second driver via a driving gear that meshes with a gear attached to a shaft of the second driving motor 62.
  • a magnet 13a1 is disposed not to rotate with a shaft thereof lightly fitted in a side plate.
  • the magnet 13a1 generates multiple magnetic poles around the circumference of the sleeve 13a2.
  • the developer G carried on the developing roller 13a is transported in the direction indicated by arrow Y2 in FIG. 2 to the doctor blade 13c (the developer regulator).
  • the amount of the developer G on the developing roller 13a is adjusted by the doctor blade 13c to a suitable amount.
  • the amount of developer G scooped onto a unit area is about 30 mg/cm 2 to 38 mg/cm 2 .
  • the developer G is transported to the developing range facing the photoconductor drum 12.
  • toner in the developer G is attracted to the latent image on the photoconductor drum 12 due to the magnetic field (generated with the difference between the latent image potential on the photoconductor drum 12 and the developing bias applied to the developing roller 13a) in the developing range.
  • the developing bias is applied from a power source 68 (i.e., a developing bias source) serving as a developing bias source.
  • the doctor blade 13c serving as the developer regulator is a shaped like a place made of a nonmagnetic material and disposed facing the top side of the developing roller 13a in FIG. 2 .
  • a distance (i.e., the size of a doctor gap) between the doctor blade 13c and the developing roller 13a is about 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.
  • the developing roller 13a is rotated in a predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 2 ) by the second driving motor 62 (the second driver) as indicated by arrow Y2. In other words, both of the photoconductor drum 12 and the developing roller 13a rotate downward at the position (the development gap) facing each other.
  • the linear speed A means the linear speed of the outer circumference of the photoconductor drum 12 and about 415 mm/s, for example.
  • the linear speed B is the speed of the outer circumference of the developing roller 13a at the position facing the photoconductor drum 12, and the linear speed B is about 623 mm/s, for example.
  • the ratio of the linear speed B relative to the linear speed A (hereinafter "linear speed ratio X”) is about 1.5 in Embodiment 1.
  • Preferable images can be developed in the developing process in which the developing roller 13a rotates faster than the photoconductor drum 12 in the developing range.
  • the second driving motor 62 also rotates, via a train of gears, the first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 in the directions indicated by respective arrows in FIG. 2 .
  • the second driving motor 62 is in a driving system independent of a driving system including the first driving motor 61.
  • the second driving motor 62 is a variable-speed motor, and the rotation speed thereof is changed in two steps in Embodiment 1.
  • the first conveying screw 13b1 and the second conveying screw 13b2 stir and mix the developer G contained in the developing device 13 while transporting the developer G horizontally in the longitudinal direction or the axial direction, which is perpendicular to the surface of the paper on which FIG. 2 is drawn and lateral in FIG. 3 .
  • the first conveying screw 13b1 is disposed facing the developing roller 13a.
  • the first conveying screw 13b1 supplies the developer G to the developing roller 13a as indicated by hollow arrows illustrated in FIG. 3 at the position corresponding to a scooping pole while transporting the developer G to the left in Section (a) of FIG. 3 as indicated by a broken arrow illustrated in Section (a).
  • the second conveying screw 13b2 is disposed below the first conveying screw 13b1 and faces the developing roller 13a. After image development, the developer G is separated by a developer release pole from the developing roller 13a in the direction indicated by hollow arrows, and the second conveying screw 13b2 transports the developer G that has left the developing roller 13a to the right in Section (b) of FIG. 3 as indicated by a broken arrow illustrated therein.
  • the developer G is transported from the downstream side of the conveyance compartment in which the first conveying screw 13b1 is disposed (hereinafter “first conveyance compartment 31") through a first communication opening 13g to the conveyance compartment in which the second conveying screw 13b2 is disposed (hereinafter “second conveyance compartment 32").
  • the second conveying screw 13b2 transports the developer G downstream in the second conveyance compartment 32 and forwards the developer G through a second communication opening 13f to the upstream side of the first conveyance compartment 31 (as indicated by alternate long and short dashed arrow).
  • the first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 are disposed so that rotation axes thereof are substantially horizontal similar to the developing roller 13a and the photoconductor drum 12.
  • Each of the first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 includes a screw shaft and a spiral blade winding around the screw shaft.
  • An inner wall of the developing device 13 separates the first conveyance compartment 31 (or a supply compartment) in which the first conveying screw 13b1 is disposed from the second conveyance compartment 32 (or a collecting compartment) in which the second conveying screw 13b2 is disposed.
  • the downstream side of the second conveyance compartment 32 in which the second conveying screw 13b2 is disposed, communicates with the upstream side of the first conveyance compartment 31 through the second communication opening 13f.
  • the developer G that is not supplied to the developing roller 13a accumulates adjacent to the second communication opening 13f and then transported therethrough to the upstream side of the first conveyance compartment 31.
  • the downstream side of the first conveyance compartment 31 communicates with the upstream side of the second conveyance compartment 32 through the first communication opening 13g.
  • the developer G that has not supplied to the developing roller 13a falls under the weight thereof through the first communication opening 13g to the upstream side of the second conveyance compartment 32.
  • a paddle or a screw winding in the opposite direction can be disposed on the downstream side of the second conveyance compartment 32 (at a position facing the second communication opening 13f) to facilitate developer conveyance through the second communication opening 13f (movement against the gravity from the second conveyance compartment 32 to the first conveyance compartment 31).
  • This configuration provides a circulation passage through which the developer G is circulated in the longitudinal direction by the first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 in the developing device 13. That is, when the developing device 13 is activated, the developer G contained therein flows in the developer circulation direction indicated by the broken arrows illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • Separating the first conveyance compartment 31 (the supply compartment), in which the first conveying screw 13b1 supplies the developer G to the developing roller 13a, from the second conveyance compartment 32 (the collecting compartment), to which the developer G is collected from the developing roller 13a by the second conveying screw 13b2, can reduce density unevenness of toner images on the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the magnetic sensor 13h to detect the toner concentration in the developer G circulated in the developing device 13 is disposed below the first conveying screw 13b1, on the upstream side of the first conveyance compartment 31. Based on the toner concentration detected by the magnetic sensor 13h, fresh toner T is supplied from the toner cartridge 50 to the developing device 13 through the supply inlet 13e disposed adjacent to the second communication opening 13f.
  • the supply inlet 13e is located above the upstream side of the first conveyance compartment 31, in which the first conveying screw 13b1 is disposed, and away from the developing range, that is, disposed outside the area occupied by the developing roller 13a in the longitudinal direction.
  • the developing device 13 (or the process cartridge 10) according to Embodiment 1 includes a developer supply inlet 13m to supply the developer G into the developing device 13.
  • the developer supply inlet 13m is disposed above the second conveyance compartment 32, in which the second conveying screw 13b2 is disposed, and away from the developing range to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 (on which a door 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 is disposed).
  • the developer supply inlet 13m is sealed with a cap except a period during which the two-component developer G is supplied to the developing device 13.
  • a service person or an operator fills the developing device 13 with the developer G as follows. Open the door 100 (i.e., an apparatus body cover), which is hinged, in the directions illustrated in FIG. 4 in a state in which the developing device 13 is in the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK are exposed. Couple a funnel 71 (a relay member) to the developer supply inlet 13m of the developing device 13 from outside. Further, couple the developer container 70 (containing fresh developer G) to the funnel 71 from outside. Supply the developer G from the developer container 70 via the funnel 71 into the developing device 13 while driving the developing device 13 (with the second driving motor 62).
  • a funnel 71 a relay member
  • FIG. 4 illustrates supplying the developer G to the developing device 13 of the process cartridge 10BK of the four process cartridges 10Y, 10C, 10M and 10BK, the developer G is supplied to the other process cartridges 10Y, 10C, and 10M in similar manner.
  • Supplying the developer G to the empty developing device 13 occurs when a new developing device 13 (a new process cartridge) is installed the image forming apparatus 1, when the degraded developer G (degraded carrier C1) is discharged from the developing device 13 in use and replaced with fresh developer G, and the like.
  • replacement of developer requires removal of the degraded developer G from the developing device 13 in use.
  • Such operation can be done manually after the developing device 13 (the process cartridge 10) in use is removed from the image forming apparatus 1.
  • the developing device 13 includes an openable and closable developer outlet (to be coupled to a waste developer container)
  • the developer G can be automatically discharged while driving the developing device 13 after the developer outlet is opened.
  • such developer supply is a special work performed in a state in which the door 100 is open, and the service person or the like inputs a special key on a control panel of the image forming apparatus 1 to perform this work.
  • Embodiment 1 as described above, although the developing device 13 (the second driving motor 62) is driven during the developer supply operation, the photoconductor drum 12 (the first driving motor 61) is not driven. That is, during the developer supply operation, rotation of the photoconductor drum 12 is stopped, and only the developing device 13 (the developing roller 13a and the first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 in particular) is driven.
  • This configuration inhibits curl or noise of the cleaning blade 15 that slides on the photoconductor drum 12 and alleviates acceleration of wear of the photoconductor drum 12, the cleaning blade 15, and the charging device 14.
  • the door 100 is open and the interior of the image forming apparatus 1 is exposed during the developer supply operation. Accordingly, application of high voltage, such as the developing bias applied to the developing roller 13a and the charging bias applied to the charging device 14, is inhibited to eliminate risks for the operator to touch a component to which high voltage is applied. If the photoconductor drum 12 is rotated in a state in which the developing bias and the charging bias are turned off, there arise inconveniences. For example, the toner in the developer G borne on the developing roller 13a adheres to the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 as background toner stain, and the toner concentration in the developer G in the developing device 13 decreases. If the background toner stain scatters from the photoconductor drum 12, the interior of the apparatus is soiled with toner. Accordingly, stopping the photoconductor drum 12 during the developer supply operation is advantageous.
  • high voltage such as the developing bias applied to the developing roller 13a and the charging bias applied to the charging device 14
  • Embodiment 1 in a case where first driving (i.e., a first driving mode or a developer supply mode) is executed in an idle time (non-image formation period) during which the image forming apparatus 1 does not perform the standard image forming process on the photoconductor drum 12, the image forming apparatus 1 executes second driving (or operates in a second driving mode) for a predetermined period D2.
  • the controller 60 controls the first driving motor 61 (the first driver) and the second driving motor 62 (the second driver) to drive the developing roller 13a with driving of the photoconductor drum 12 (the image bearer) stopped.
  • the image forming apparatus 1 executes the second driving for the predetermined period D2.
  • the controller 60 controls the first driving motor 61 and the second driving motor 62 to make the linear speed ratio X (the ratio B/A of the linear speed B of the developing roller 13a relative to the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12 in the development gap) smaller than 1.
  • the linear speed ratio X is returned to the standard value (1.5 in Embodiment 1). Then, the process control (adjustment of image forming conditions) or standard image formation (printing operation) is performed.
  • the first driving is the developer supply mode, in which the developer G is supplied into the empty or almost empty developing device 13, as described above with reference to FIG. 4 , in the state in which the process cartridge 10 (including the developing device 13 and the photoconductor drum 12) is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.
  • the first driving the developer supply mode
  • the second driving motor 62 drives the developing roller 13a to rotate at a normal speed.
  • normal speed used here means a linear speed or the number of revolutions for standard image formation.
  • the linear speed B of the developing roller 13a at that time is set at about 623 mm/s.
  • the controller 60 controls the power sources 66 not to apply the charging bias to the charging device 14 (e.g., the charging roller) and not to apply developing bias to the developing roller 13a.
  • Other biases, such as the transfer bias, are turned off similarly.
  • the first driving (the developer supply mode) is executed for a predetermined period D1, which is preliminarily set to a constant length of time (about 30 seconds in Embodiment 1) based on the capacity of the developer container 70, the speed at which the first and second conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 circulate the developer G in the developing device 13, and the like.
  • the second driving is executed for the predetermined period D2 (about 10 seconds in Embodiment 1) immediately after the first driving.
  • the controller 60 controls the first driving motor 61 and the second driving motor 62 to rotate the developing roller 13a at a linear speed B' lower than the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the photoconductor drum 12 rotates at the linear speed A (about 415 mm/s) similar the speed for standard image formation, and the developing roller 13a rotates at a lower speed (the linear speed B') of about 265 mm/s.
  • the ratio of the linear speed B' to the linear speed A is about 0.64, for example.
  • the controller 60 controls the power sources 66 and 68 to apply the charging bias to the charging device 14 (e.g., the charging roller) and to apply developing bias to the developing roller 13a. This operation inhibits the toner T and the carrier C1 included in the developer G carried on the developing roller 13a from adhering to the photoconductor drum 12.
  • development gap size PG the size of the development gap
  • the developer G tends to accumulate on the upstream side of the development gap in the direction of rotation of the developing roller 13a as illustrated in FIG. 6A .
  • p/PG the ratio of the scooped developer amount p to the development gap size PG
  • both of the developing roller 13a and the photoconductor drum 12 rotate at the linear speed for standard printing operation (the linear speed ratio therebetween is 1 or greater), it is possible that the developer G accumulating on the upstream side of the development gap is compressed in the development gap and firmly adheres to the developing roller 13a or the photoconductor drum 12 as illustrated in FIG. 7 .
  • the developer firmly adhering to the developing roller 13a, the photoconductor drum 12, or both can result in substandard images with streaks and periodic uneven image density.
  • Embodiment 1 even when the developer G accumulates on the upstream side of the development gap during the first driving, the developer G enters the development gap little by little as illustrated in FIG. 6B since the developing roller 13a rotates at the linear speed B' lower than the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12 in the second driving. Thus, the developer G is less likely to firmly adhere to the developing roller 13a or the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the state of the developer G in the developing device 13 returns to a state suitable for standard image formation.
  • the accumulation of the developer G caused by the first driving is resolved to a degree suitable for standard image formation. That is, the second driving is for removing the accumulating developer.
  • the state of the developer G returns to the state suitable for standard image formation as illustrated in FIG. 6C .
  • FIG. 8 presents results of observation with eyes of adhesion of developer in each linear speed combination. The experiment was executed under a condition to cause the accumulation of developer illustrated in FIG. 6A .
  • "YES” means that adhesion of developer was observed
  • "NO” means that adhesion of developer was not observed.
  • the result illustrated in FIG. 8 ascertains that, even when the developer accumulates in the first driving as illustrated in FIG. 6A , adhesion of developer to the developing roller 13a and the photoconductor drum 12 is inhibited by rotating the developing roller 13a at the linear speed B' lower than the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12 after the first driving.
  • a point of the second driving is rotting the developing roller 13a at the linear speed B' lower than the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12. Accordingly, it is conceivable that, in the second driving, the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum 12 in the development gap can be increased from the linear speed A for standard image formation, and the rotation speed of the developing roller 13a can be similar to the linear speed B for standard image formation. In this case, however, it is necessary that the first driving motor 61 has a capability to increase the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum 12 from the rotation speed A for standard image formation, and the size and the cost of the first driving motor 61 increase.
  • the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum 12 in the development gap is set to the linear speed A for standard image formation, and the rotation speed of the developing roller 13a is reduced from the linear speed B for standard image formation. Accordingly, without increasing the size and the cost of the first driving motor 61 and the second driving motor 62, adhesion of developer to the developing roller 13a and the photoconductor drum 12 is inhibited.
  • FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating changes in the driving torque of the second driving motor 62, which drives the developing device 13, after the second driving is started.
  • the driving torque is converted from the detection result generated by an electrical-current detector 63 serving as a torque detector, which detects the value of electrical current flowing to the second driving motor 62.
  • a solid graph represents changes in the driving torque in a state in which the developer G is contained in the developing device 13 (after the first driving is executed), and a broken graph represents changes in the driving torque in a state in which the developer G is not contained in the developing device 13 (empty state without supply of developer), as a comparative state.
  • the driving torques represented by the solid graph and the broken graph are high since a large starting current (electrical current) or a large starting torque is generated immediately after the second driving motor 62 is started.
  • the driving torque in the developing device 13 without developer G decreases and becomes stable.
  • a period N is a time difference between Time point T2 and Time point T3, and it takes the period N to resolve the accumulation of the developer G illustrated in FIG. 6A .
  • the inventors measured the changes in the driving torque (illustrated in FIG. 9 ) of the developing device 13 in accordance with each of the experimental conditions presented in FIG. 8 .
  • the period N is relatively long under the conditions to cause firm adhesion of developer. Under the conditions that do not cause firm adhesion of developer, the period N is shorter and close to zero.
  • the controller 60 controls the first driving motor 61 and the second driving motor 62 so that the linear speed ratio X at the driving start of the developing roller 13a and the photoconductor drum 12 is similar to the ratio for image formation (about 1.5, for example).
  • the first driving is executed only when developer is supplied to the developing device 13, and the second driving is subsequently executed in that case.
  • the first driving is executed only when developer is supplied to the developing device 13, and the second driving is subsequently executed in that case.
  • the first driving nor the second driving is executed, and the photoconductor drum 12 and the developing roller 13a (the developing device 13) are driven at the normal linear speed ratio.
  • the first driving and the second driving are not executed regarding the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, and 10C.
  • the photoconductor drum 12 and the developing roller 13a (the developing device 13) in each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, and 10C are started at the normal linear speed ratio.
  • the photoconductor drum 12 and the developing roller 13a are driven at the normal linear speed ratio in each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, and 10C, which are not the targets of developer supply.
  • Such driving control is advantageous in that the first driving and the second driving are executed when unnecessary.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the above-descried driving control in supplying developer to the developing device 13.
  • the controller 60 determines whether or not the developer G is supplied to the developing device 13. For example, to determine whether or not the developing device 13 is in the state to receive supply of the developer G, a detector detects whether or not the developer container 70 (and the funnel 71) is connected to the developer supply inlet 13m of the developing device 13.
  • the apparatus executes the first driving (operates in the developer supply mode) until the controller 60 determines that the developer supply is completed at S3. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the controller 60 executes the first driving for the predetermined period D1.
  • the controller 60 executes the second driving (the accumulating developer removal mode) for the predetermined period D2.
  • the developing roller 13a is driven at the linear speed B' lower than the speed for image formation, and the photoconductor drum 12 is driven at the normal speed for image formation.
  • the controller 60 executes the process control (image forming condition adjustment) while driving the developing device 13 and the photoconductor drum 12 at the respective normal speeds for image formation.
  • the process control is typically executed after developer supply and the like and includes calibration of output of an optical sensor to detect a patch pattern on the photoconductor drum 12 or the intermediate transfer belt 17 and adjustment of the charging bias and the developing bias.
  • standard image formation (standard printing operation) is performed while driving the developing device 13 and the photoconductor drum 12 at the respective normal speeds.
  • controller 60 determines that the developing device 13 is not in the state to receive supply of the developer G (No at S1), the steps S2 through S4 are not executed, but the steps S5 and S6 are executed.
  • the predetermined period D2 during which the second driving is executed is changed in accordance with changes in the predetermined period D1 during which the first driving is executed.
  • the predetermined period D1 of the first driving is longer, the amount of accumulating developer illustrated in FIG. 6A is greater compared with a case where the predetermined period D1 is shorter. Accordingly, the predetermined period D2 is increased to reliably remove the accumulating developer in a longer time.
  • the predetermined period D1 is set to a longer time, and the predetermined period D2 of the second driving is set to a longer time accordingly.
  • the predetermined period D2 of the second driving is preliminarily set to a constant value.
  • the controller 60 can be configured to complete the second driving when the driving torque detected by the electrical-current detector 63 (the torque detector) illustrated in FIG. 2 falls to or below a threshold.
  • the electrical-current detector 63 indirectly detects the magnitude of torque applied to the second driving motor 62 (the second driver) based on changes in the current flowing to the driving motor 62. As described above with reference to FIG. 9 , whether or not the accumulating developer is removed is known from the changes in the driving torque applied to the second driving motor 62. This configuration is advantageous in efficiently and reliably removing the developer accumulating on the upstream side of the development gap.
  • an accumulating developer detector such as a photosensor can be used to directly detect the developer accumulating on the upstream side of the development gap, and the controller 60 can be configured to complete the second driving based on the detection result generated by the accumulating developer detector.
  • the second driving is executed for the predetermined period D2 subsequent to the first driving.
  • the first driving motor 61 and the second driving motor 62 are controlled to make the linear speed ratio X (B/A, the ratio of the linear speed B of the developing roller 13a relative to the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12 in the development gap) smaller than 1.
  • Embodiment 2 is described below with reference to FIGS. 11 through 13 .
  • FIG. 11 is a timing chart of actions when developer is supplied to the developing device 13 and the cleaning blade 15 is new in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 5 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 12 is a timing chart of actions when developer is not supplied to the developing device 13 and the cleaning blade 15 is new in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 5 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart of driving control according to Embodiment 2 including the actions illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 .
  • FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 10 of Embodiment 1.
  • the driving control according to Embodiment 2 is different from that of Embodiment 1 in that toner is input to the cleaning blade 15 when the cleaning blade 15 is new.
  • the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 has a configuration similar to that according to Embodiment 1. Similar to Embodiment 1, after executing the first driving (the developer supply mode), the controller 60 executes the second driving (the accumulating developer removal mode).
  • the image forming apparatus 1 includes a data reader 64 (illustrated in FIG. 2 ), serving as a new-blade detector to detect whether or not the cleaning blade 15 is new.
  • the cleaning blade 15 contacts or abuts against the surface of the photoconductor drum 12 at a predetermined angle and a predetermined pressure to remove toner adhering to the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the data reader 64 serving as the new-blade detector is configured to read data stored in an ID (identity) chip disposed in the process cartridge 10.
  • the ID chip stores various types of data, such as usage history and date of manufacture, of the process cartridge 10. From the read data, the controller 60 determines whether or not the cleaning blade 15 is new.
  • the cleaning blade 15 being new means that the cleaning blade 15 is not used at all to clean the photoconductor drum 12, or has been used only for a short length of time.
  • toner input operation the cleaning blade 15
  • blade protection mode the developing device 13 develops a predetermined latent image on the photoconductor drum 12, and then the cleaning blade 15 collects the toner from the developed image.
  • the writing device 2 forms, on the photoconductor drum 12, a predetermined electrostatic latent image for the blade protection mode.
  • the developing device 13 develops the predetermined electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and the toner image is not transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 in the primary transfer nip but supplied to the cleaning blade 15. Accordingly, during the toner input operation (the blade protection mode), the transfer bias for the primary-transfer bias roller 20 is turned off. Alternatively, a bias identical in polarity to toner is applied to the primary-transfer bias roller 20.
  • Embodiment 2 in the toner input operation (the blade protection mode) executed simultaneously with the second driving, a solid image of A4 size (320 mm ⁇ 210 mm) is regarded as a unit toner pattern (unit toner image), and 15 toner patterns are formed on the photoconductor drum 12 to input a sufficient amount of toner to the edge of the cleaning blade 15 entirely in the width direction of the cleaning blade 15.
  • the operation "toner input operation” is performed because the cleaning blade 15 being new contacts the photoconductor drum 12 too tightly. If the second driving is executed and the photoconductor drum 12 rotates in this state, the cleaning blade 15 curls or noise of machine vibration is generated.
  • Embodiment 2 when the cleaning blade 15 is new and the photoconductor drum 12 rotates in the second driving, the toner image is formed so that the toner reaches the edge (abutting on the photoconductor drum 12) of the cleaning blade 15. Therefore, the toner is retained at the edge of the cleaning blade 15 and serves as lubricant interposed between the cleaning blade 15 and the photoconductor drum 12. Accordingly, curl of the cleaning blade 15 and noise of machine vibration are alleviated. That is, the toner input operation is executed to protect the cleaning blade 15.
  • Embodiment 2 in a case where the first driving (the developer supply mode) is not executed and the data reader 64 (the new-blade detector) detects that the cleaning blade 15 is new, the second driving (the accumulating developer removal mode) is not executed, and the operation "toner input operation" (the blade protection mode) is executed with the linear speed ratio X set to a ratio X2 (about 1.5 in Embodiment 2) similar to the ratio for standard image formation.
  • Such control is performed because reducing the linear speed ratio X is unnecessary when the second driving is not executed.
  • the linear speed ratio X is similar to that for standard image formation, the developing capability of the developing device 13 (the toner adhesion amount per unit area of the toner image on the photoconductor drum 12) is higher, and forming the toner image for the blade protection mode becomes easier.
  • Embodiment 2 in the toner input operation (the blade protection mode) executed without the second driving, a solid image of A4 size (320 mm ⁇ 210 mm) is regarded as a unit toner pattern, and 6 toner patterns are formed on the photoconductor drum 12 to input a sufficient amount of toner to the edge of the cleaning blade 15 entirely in the width direction of the cleaning blade 15.
  • Embodiment 2 when “A1” represents the total area of the patters (toner images) developed in the toner input operation executed simultaneously with the second driving, “A2” represents the total area of the patters (toner images) developed in the toner input operation executed without the second driving, “XI” represents the linear speed ratio X during the second driving (about 0.64 in Embodiment 2), and “X2” represents the linear speed ratio X for standard image formation, A1 ⁇ A2 ⁇ (X2/X1) is satisfied.
  • the number of the toner patterns is 15 and the total area A1 of the toner patters is 320 mm ⁇ 210 mm ⁇ 15.
  • the number of the toner patterns is 6 and the total area A2 of the toner patters is 320 mm ⁇ 210 mm ⁇ 6.
  • the linear speed ratio X of the developing roller 13a relative to the photoconductor drum 12 is set to the ratio X1 (lower than the ratio X2 for standard image formation), and the developing capability (the toner adhesion amount per unit area on the photoconductor drum 12) is lower, and the amount of toner supplied to the cleaning blade 15 decreases.
  • the number of toner patterns is increased to compensate for the decrease in the toner adhesion amount due to the decrease in the linear speed ratio X in the second driving.
  • a sufficient amount of toner is supplied to the cleaning blade 15, curl of the cleaning blade 15 and noise of machine vibration are alleviated.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the above-descried driving control according to Embodiment 2. It is to be noted that descriptions of steps similar to those in FIG. 10 of Embodiment 1 are simplified or omitted to avoid redundancy.
  • the controller 60 determines whether or not the developing device 13 is in the state to receive supply of the developer G.
  • the apparatus executes the first driving (operates in the developer supply mode), similar to step S2 in FIG. 10 , until the controller 60 determines that the developer supply is completed at S13.
  • the controller 60 determines whether or not the cleaning blade 15 is new based on the detection result generated by the data reader 64.
  • the second driving the accumulating developer removal mode
  • the process control is performed similar to S5 in FIG. 10 .
  • standard image formation is performed similar to S6 in FIG. 10 .
  • the controller 60 determines that the cleaning blade 15 is new (Yes at S14), at S20, the second driving (the accumulating developer removal mode) and the toner input operation (the blade protection mode) are executed for the predetermined period D2. Then the process proceeds to steps S16 and S17.
  • the controller 60 determines whether or not the cleaning blade 15 is new based on the detection result generated by the data reader 64.
  • the process proceeds to steps S16 and S17.
  • the controller 60 determines that the cleaning blade 15 is new (Yes at S18), at S19, without executing the second driving (the accumulating developer removal mode), the toner input operation (the blade protection mode) is executed for the predetermined period with the linear speed ratio X set to the ratio X2 for standard image formation. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.
  • the primary-transfer bias is not applied to the primary-transfer bias roller 20 so that the toner pattern (toner image) is not transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 but is supplied to the cleaning blade 15.
  • the image forming apparatus 1 includes a contact-separation mechanism to move the intermediate transfer belt 17 (or the primary-transfer bias roller 20) away from the photoconductor drum 12.
  • the contact-separation mechanism separates the intermediate transfer belt 17 from the photoconductor drum 12 to prevent the toner pattern from being transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, the toner pattern is supplied to the cleaning blade 15.
  • Embodiment 2 similar to Embodiment 1, in the case where the first driving (i.e., the developer supply mode), in which the first driving motor 61 (the first driver) and the second driving motor 62 (the second driver) are controlled to drive the developing roller 13a with driving of the photoconductor drum 12 (the image bearer) stopped, in an idle time (non-image formation period), the second driving is executed for the predetermined period D2 subsequent to the first driving.
  • the first driving i.e., the developer supply mode
  • the first driving motor 61 the first driver
  • the second driving motor 62 the second driver
  • the first driving motor 61 and the second driving motor 62 are controlled to make the linear speed ratio X (the ratio B/A of the linear speed B of the developing roller 13a relative to the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12 in the development gap) smaller than 1.
  • the developing device 13 is a component of the process cartridge 10 and united with other image forming components
  • the above-described aspects of this disclosure are applicable to image forming apparatuses in which the developing device 13 is not united with other components but is configured to be independently mounted in or removed from the image forming apparatus.
  • process cartridge used in this specification means a unit including an image bearer and at least one of a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device united together and is designed to be removably installed together in the body of the image forming apparatus.
  • the developing device 13 includes a single developing roller (13a), two conveying screws (13bl and 13b2) in a vertical arrangement, and a doctor blade (13c) disposed above the developing roller.
  • the various aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described developing device 13 but are also applicable to other types of developing devices.
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to a developing device including multiple developing rollers disposed facing the image bearer in a vertical arrangement, a developing device including two conveying screws arranged horizontally, a developing device including three or more conveying screws, a developing device including a paddle roller serving as a developer conveyor, and a developing device including a doctor blade disposed below the developing roller.
  • the developer is supplied from the developer container 70, which is externally coupled to the developing device 13 in the state in which the developing device 13 is set in the apparatus and the door 100 is open.
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to an image forming apparatus, such as the one disclosed in JP-4695296-B , in which the developer is supplied from the developer container (a preset developer case) disposed above the developing device in a state in which the developing device is set in the apparatus and the door of the apparatus body is closed.
  • the process linear speed (e.g., the linear speed A of the photoconductor drum 12 and the speed at which the sheet P is transported) is fixed to the predetermined speed.
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to an image forming apparatus in which the process linear speed is variable in multiple steps depending on sheet type or the like. For example, there is an image forming apparatus to operate in a low-speed mode for thick paper. In such a configuration, effects similar to the above-described effects can be attained by setting the first diving and the second driving in accordance with the respective process linear speeds.
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to an image forming apparatus that executes, at a predetermined timing, the first driving, in which the developing roller 13a is driven in the state in which the photoconductor drum 12 is stopped.
  • an image forming apparatus executes the first driving when a new developing device is set in the image forming apparatus. In such configurations, effects similar to those described above are attained.
  • the developing device 13 contains two-component developer including toner and carrier in the above-described embodiments
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to an image forming apparatus including a developing device that employs one-component developer including toner (one or more additives can be included).
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to a configuration in which the developing roller is disposed across a gap from the image bearer and a configuration in which the developing roller contacts the image bearer.
  • the developing roller 13a rotates in the direction trailing to the rotation of the photoconductor drum 12 in the developing gap in the above-described embodiments
  • the aspects of the present disclosure can adapt to an image forming apparatus in which the developing roller rotates in the direction counter to the rotation of the photoconductor drum in the developing gap.
  • any of the aforementioned methods may be embodied in the form of a program.
  • the program may be stored on a computer readable media and is adapted to perform any one of the aforementioned methods when run on a computer device (a device including a processor).
  • the storage medium or computer readable medium is adapted to store information and is adapted to interact with a data processing facility or computer device to perform the method of any of the above mentioned embodiments.

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Claims (12)

  1. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1), die Folgendes umfasst:
    einen Bildträger (12), der dafür konfiguriert ist, ein latentes Bild zu tragen;
    einen ersten Treiber (61), der dafür konfiguriert ist, den Bildträger (12) zu drehen;
    eine Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13), die dafür konfiguriert ist, Entwickler zu enthalten, wobei die Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13) eine Entwicklungswalze (13a) umfasst, die dafür konfiguriert ist, das latente Bild auf einer Oberfläche des Bildträgers (12) zu entwickeln;
    einen zweiten Treiber (62), der dafür konfiguriert ist, die Entwicklungswalze (13a) zu drehen; und
    eine Steuerung (60), die dafür konfiguriert ist, den ersten Treiber (61) und den zweiten Treiber (62) zu steuern und ein lineares Drehzahlverhältnis (X) einzustellen, das ein Verhältnis einer linearen Drehzahl (B) der Entwicklungswalze (13a) zu einer linearen Drehzahl (A) des Bildträgers (12) an einer Position darstellt, an der die Entwicklungswalze (13a) dem Bildträger (12) zugewandt ist,
    wobei die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, einen ersten Antrieb in einer Leerlaufzeit auszuführen, während der keine Bilderzeugung durchgeführt wird, wobei der erste Antrieb ein Antrieb ist, bei dem sich die Entwicklungswalze (13a) dreht, während die Drehung des Bildträgers (12) gestoppt ist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerung (60) ferner für Folgendes konfiguriert ist:
    Ausführen eines zweiten Antriebs in der Leerlaufzeit für eine vorbestimmte Zeitspanne (D2) nach dem ersten Antrieb, in der sich sowohl die Entwicklungswalze (13a) als auch der Bildträger (12) drehen,
    Antreiben der Entwicklungswalze (13a) und des Bildträgers (12), so dass an einer Position, an der die Entwicklungswalze und der Bildträger einander zugewandt sind, sich die Oberflächen der beiden Walzen während des zweiten Antriebs und bei der Bilderzeugung in die gleiche tangentiale Richtung bewegen,
    und
    Einstellen des linearen Drehzahlverhältnisses (X) auf ein erstes Verhältnis (X1), das beim zweiten Antrieb kleiner als 1 ist, und auf ein zweites Verhältnis (X2), das bei der Bilderzeugung gleich oder größer als 1 ist.
  2. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1, die ferner Folgendes umfasst:
    eine Ladevorrichtung (14), die dafür konfiguriert ist, die Oberfläche des Bildträgers (12) aufzuladen;
    eine Ladevorspannungsquelle (66), die dafür konfiguriert ist, eine Ladevorspannung an die Ladevorrichtung (14) anzulegen; und
    eine Entwicklungsvorspannungsquelle (68), die dafür konfiguriert ist, eine Entwicklungsvorspannung an die Entwicklungswalze (13a) anzulegen,
    wobei die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, das Anlegen der Ladevorspannung an die Ladevorrichtung (14) und das Anlegen der Entwicklungsvorspannung an die Entwicklungswalze (13a) während des ersten Antriebs zu verhindern, und
    wobei die Steuerung (60) ferner dafür konfiguriert ist, zu bewirken, dass die Ladevorspannungsquelle (66) die Ladevorspannung an die Ladevorrichtung (14) und die Entwicklungsvorspannungsquelle (68) anlegt, um die Entwicklungsvorspannung während des zweiten Antriebs an die Entwicklungswalze (13a) anzulegen.
  3. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
    wobei beim zweiten Antrieb die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, die lineare Drehzahl (A) des Bildträgers (12) auf eine Drehzahl einzustellen, die gleich einer Drehzahl bei der Bilderzeugung ist, und die lineare Drehzahl (B) der Entwicklungswalze (13a) auf eine Drehzahl (B') einzustellen, die niedriger als eine Drehzahl bei der Bilderzeugung ist.
  4. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3,
    wobei die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, die vorbestimmte Periode (D2) des zweiten Antriebs gemäß einer Änderung in einer Periode (D1) zu ändern, während der der erste Antrieb ausgeführt wird.
  5. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
    wobei nach dem zweiten Antrieb die Ansammlung von Entwickler auf einer stromaufwärtigen Seite der Position, an der die Entwicklungswalze dem Bildträger zugewandt ist, in einen Zustand zurückkehrt, der zur Bilderzeugung geeignet ist.
  6. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, die ferner einen Drehmomentdetektor umfasst, der dafür konfiguriert ist, ein an den zweiten Treiber (62) aufgebrachtes Antriebsmoment zu erfassen,
    wobei die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, den zweiten Antrieb abzuschließen, wenn das vom Drehmomentdetektor erfasste Antriebsmoment unter einen Schwellenwert fällt.
  7. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6,
    wobei, wenn der erste Antrieb nicht in der Leerlaufzeit ausgeführt wird, die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, das lineare Drehzahlverhältnis (X) zu Beginn der Drehung der Entwicklungswalze (13a) und des Bildträgers (12) gleich dem zweiten Verhältnis (X2) bei der Bilderzeugung einzustellen, ohne den zweiten Antrieb auszuführen.
  8. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7,
    wobei die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, den ersten Antrieb auszuführen, wenn der Entwickler der Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13) in einem Zustand zugeführt wird, in dem die Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13) und der Bildträger (12) in der Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) montiert sind und die Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13) leer oder fast leer ist.
  9. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, die ferner Folgendes umfasst:
    eine Reinigungsblatt (15), die dafür konfiguriert ist, den Bildträger (12) zu kontaktieren, um Toner von der Oberfläche des Bildträgers (12) zu entfernen; und
    einen Detektor für neue Blätter (64), der dafür konfiguriert ist, zu erkennen, ob das Reinigungsblatt (15) neu ist oder nicht,
    wobei in einem Fall, in dem der erste Antrieb ausgeführt wird und der Detektor für neue Blätter (64) erkennt, dass das Reinigungsblatt (15) neu ist, die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, während der Ausführung des zweiten Antriebs einen Tonereingabevorgang auszuführen,
    wobei der Tonereingabevorgang Folgendes umfasst: Zuführen des Toners mit der Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13) zu einem vorbestimmten latenten Bild auf dem Bildträger (12) und Sammeln des Toners mit dem Reinigungsblatt (15) vom Bildträger (12).
  10. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 9,
    wobei in einem Fall, in dem der erste Antrieb nicht ausgeführt wird und der Detektor für neue Blätter (64) erkennt, dass das Reinigungsblatt (15) neu ist, die Steuerung (60) dafür konfiguriert ist, die Tonereingabevorgang auszuführen, wobei das lineare Drehzahlverhältnis (X) bei der Bilderzeugung auf ein Verhältnis eingestellt ist, das dem zweiten Verhältnis (X2) entspricht, ohne den zweiten Antrieb auszuführen.
  11. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 10,
    wobei A1 ≥ A2 x (X2/X1) erfüllt ist, wenn A1 eine Gesamtfläche eines Tonerbildes darstellt, das bei dem Tonereingabevorgang entwickelt wurde, der zusammen mit dem zweiten Antrieb ausgeführt wird, A2 eine Gesamtfläche eines Tonerbildes darstellt, das bei dem Tonereingabevorgang entwickelt wurde, der ohne den zweiten Antrieb ausgeführt wurde, X1 das lineare Drehzahlverhältnis (X) bei dem zweiten Antrieb darstellt und X2 das lineare Drehzahlverhältnis (X) bei der Bilderzeugung darstellt.
  12. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11,
    wobei die Entwicklungsvorrichtung (13) einen Entwicklerregler (13c) umfasst, der über der Entwicklungswalze (13a) angeordnet ist, um eine Menge des auf der Entwicklungswalze (13a) getragenen Entwicklers einzustellen,
    wobei der Bildträger (12) und die Entwicklungswalze (13a) dafür konfiguriert sind, sich an der Position nach unten zu drehen, an der die Entwicklungswalze (13a) dem Bildträger (12) zugewandt ist, und
    wobei der Entwickler ein Zweikomponentenentwickler ist, der Toner und Träger umfasst.
EP16168781.9A 2015-05-19 2016-05-09 Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung Active EP3096187B1 (de)

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JP2009258276A (ja) * 2008-04-15 2009-11-05 Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc 画像形成装置
JP5256987B2 (ja) 2008-10-15 2013-08-07 株式会社リコー 画像形成装置
JP2011013663A (ja) * 2009-06-01 2011-01-20 Canon Inc 画像形成装置
JP2012203010A (ja) * 2011-03-23 2012-10-22 Brother Ind Ltd 画像形成装置
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