JP2003280386A - Image forming apparatus, computer program, and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which a load for recovering a developer on a photoconductor or an intermediate transfer body is reduced, and to provide a computer program and a computer system for the same. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes an image carrier to form a latent image, and a rotatable developer carrier for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier as a developer image with the developer. The image forming apparatus has an operation mode for making the developer carried on the circumferential surface of the developer carrier adhere to a non-image formation area on the image carrier by rotating the developer carrier. An operation for making the developer carried on part of the circumferential surface of the developer carrier adhere to the non-image formation area is carried out more than once in the operation mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a computer system.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART As an image forming apparatus of this type, for example,
A rotary device having a plurality of developing devices for developing a latent image formed on a photoconductor as an example of an image bearing member with toner as an example of a developer, and these developing devices being arranged radially around a rotation axis. An image forming apparatus or the like provided with a developing unit of the type is known. When an image signal is transmitted from an external device such as a host computer, these image forming apparatuses rotate one of the plurality of developing devices to a developing position facing the photoconductor by rotating the developing unit around the rotation axis. Position. Then, the latent image formed on the photoconductor is developed to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto an intermediate transfer body as an example of a transfer medium. At this time, while sequentially switching the plurality of developing devices, similarly developing and transferring are repeated to form a color image by superposing a plurality of toner images. In order to realize the above-described function of developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor, the developing device described above has a developing roller as a developer carrying body for carrying toner and a toner containing section. , A toner supply roller, a regulation blade, and the like.

By the way, when such an image forming apparatus repeatedly performs image formation with a low print ratio (image formation with a low print duty), the toner carried on the developing roller is not consumed, and therefore is not consumed. In addition, the toner remaining on the developing roller is repeatedly rubbed by the toner supply roller, the regulating blade, etc., and the charging characteristics of the toner are deteriorated, resulting in the problem that the image quality is deteriorated.

In order to solve such a problem, at a predetermined timing (for example, when it is determined that the print ratio is low by some method, and the print ratio is low).
A method of adhering the toner carried on the developing roller to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor, that is, a method of forcibly consuming the toner is proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-2001).
-75438).

By the way, the toner after forced consumption attached to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor must be collected by some method. As described in the above publication, the toner remaining on the photoconductor after the forced consumption is collected by a photoconductor cleaning unit without being transferred from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer body, or It is transferred from the body onto the intermediate transfer body and is collected by the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit.

However, in such a situation, the following problems occur. That is, based on the case of performing normal image formation, in other words, the toner image visualized in the image forming area on the photoconductor by the toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer member,
The toner remaining on the photoconductor without being transferred to the intermediate transfer body is collected by the photoconductor cleaning unit, and the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer body is transferred to a transfer material such as a recording medium,
The performance of the photoconductor cleaning unit and the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit is designed based on the case where the toner left on the intermediate transfer member without being transferred to the transfer material is collected by the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit. Therefore, if the toner remaining on the photoconductor after the forced consumption is to be collected by the photoconductor cleaning unit or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit as described above, the toner is excessively collected in the photoconductor cleaning unit or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit. However, there is a possibility that cleaning failure will occur.

Further, in the forced consumption of the toner, in consideration of not affecting the speed required for the normal image formation, etc., the toner is applied to the developing roller in order to shorten the time required for the forced consumption. It is conceivable to increase the developing efficiency by increasing the absolute value of the developing bias to be larger than the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developing roller during the normal image formation. In such a situation, the burden on the photosensitive member cleaning unit or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit becomes greater, which further accelerates the occurrence of defective cleaning.

Further, in order to avoid the occurrence of the cleaning failure, it is possible to improve the performance of the photoconductor cleaning unit or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit. However, the main function as compared with the normal image formation is It is not efficient in terms of design of the image forming apparatus to improve the performance of the photoconductor cleaning unit or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit due to the forced consumption of toner, which requires cost and effort.

Therefore, a method for reducing the load on the photosensitive member cleaning unit or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit is desired.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of collecting the developer on the photosensitive member or the intermediate transfer member. Forming device, computer program,
And to realize a computer system.

[0011]

The main object of the present invention is to provide an image bearing member on which a latent image can be formed, and a rotatable member for visualizing the latent image formed on the image bearing member with a developer as a developer image. And a developer carrying member for rotating the developer carrying member to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member to a non-image forming area on the image carrying member. In the image forming apparatus having a mode, the operation mode is a mode in which the operation of adhering the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times. A characteristic image forming apparatus. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS At least the following will be made clear by the description in the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

An image bearing member capable of forming a latent image and a rotatable developer bearing member for visualizing the latent image formed on the image bearing member as a developer image with a developer are provided. An image forming apparatus having an operation mode for rotating a developer carrier to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to a non-image forming area on the image carrier, The image forming apparatus is a mode in which an operation of causing the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to adhere to the non-image forming area is performed a plurality of times.

The operation mode is a mode in which the operation of adhering the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce the burden of collecting the developer on the transfer medium.

In the operation mode, the developer carrying member has a plurality of regions on the peripheral surface thereof, which are divided by boundaries along the axial direction of the developer carrying member, and each of the regions has the above-mentioned region. The developer may be attached to the non-image forming area in plural times. This makes it possible to more effectively reduce the burden of collecting the developer on the image carrier or on the transfer medium.

Further, the developer adhered to the non-image forming area on the image carrier according to the operation mode may form a solid image. In such a case, the burden of collecting the developer is further increased, so that it is possible to reduce the above-mentioned effect, that is, the burden of collecting the developer on the image carrier or the transfer medium. The effect of will be exhibited more effectively.

The absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developer carrying member in the operation mode is the absolute value of the developer when the developer image is visualized in the image forming area on the image carrying member by the developer. It may be greater than the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the carrier. In such a case, the burden of collecting the developer is further increased, so that it is possible to reduce the above-mentioned effect, that is, the burden of collecting the developer on the image carrier or the transfer medium. The effect of will be exhibited more effectively.

In the operation mode, the developer carrier is rotated to remove the deteriorated developer from the developer carrier, and the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier is removed. It may be attached to a non-image forming area on the image carrier. In order to peel off the deteriorated developer from the developer carrying member, the developer carrying member is rotated and the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member is transferred to the non-image forming area on the image carrying member. When attached, the amount of the developer to be collected is likely to increase, and the burden of collecting the developer becomes greater. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect, that is, the image carrier or the transfer medium The effect of being able to reduce the burden of collecting the above developer will be more effectively exhibited.

A transfer medium serving as a medium for transferring the developer image on the image carrier to a transfer material, and a first transferable medium for transferring the developer image on the image carrier to the transfer medium. A transfer means, a first recovery means for recovering the developer left on the image carrier without being transferred by the first transfer means, and the developer image on the transfer medium on the transfer material. A second transfer means capable of transferring, and a second recovery means for recovering the developer left on the transfer medium without being transferred by the second transfer means, the first recovery means and the second recovery means. Either one or both of the second recovery means may have a developer transport means. In such a case, there is no need to increase the cost and prepare the developer transporting means having higher performance.

Further, the developer may include a release agent. In such a case, since the developer is likely to deteriorate, the developer carrier is rotated to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area on the image carrier. Since the importance of the operation mode for increasing the above becomes higher, the above-mentioned effect, that is, the effect of being able to reduce the burden of collecting the developer on the image carrier or the transfer medium is more effectively exhibited. The Rukoto.

Further, a developer stripping member for stripping the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying body is provided,
The rotation direction of the developer stripping member may be opposite to the rotation direction of the developer carrying member. In such a case, as compared with the case where the rotation direction of the developer stripping member is the same as the rotation direction of the developer carrying member, the developer is more likely to remain on the developer carrying member. Since the importance of the operation mode for rotating the carrier to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area on the image carrier becomes high, Therefore, the effect that the burden of collecting the developer on the image carrier or the transfer medium can be reduced can be more effectively exhibited.

Next, an image bearing member capable of forming a latent image, a rotatable developer bearing member for visualizing the latent image formed on the image bearing member as a developer image with a developer, and A transfer medium serving as a medium when the developer image on the image carrier is transferred to a transfer material, a first transfer unit capable of transferring the developer image on the image carrier to the transfer medium, and A first recovery means for recovering the developer remaining on the image carrier without being transferred by one transfer means, and a second transfer capable of transferring the developer image on the transfer medium to the transfer material. Means, second collecting means for collecting the developer remaining on the transfer medium without being transferred by the second transfer means, and peeling off the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying body. And a developer stripping member for stripping the deteriorated developer from the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus having an operation mode for rotating the developer carrying member to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member to a non-image forming area on the image carrying member, The operation mode is a mode in which an operation of adhering the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times, and in the operation mode, the developer carrying method is performed. The body has, on its peripheral surface, a plurality of regions divided by boundaries along the axial direction of the developer carrier, and the developer is provided in the non-image forming region in each of the plurality of regions. And the developer attached to the non-image forming area on the image carrier in the operation mode forms a solid image, and the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developer carrier in the operation mode. Is due to the developer Is larger than the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developer carrier when the developer image is visualized in the image forming area on the image carrier, One or both of them have a developer conveying means, the developer has a release agent, and the rotation direction of the developer stripping member is opposite to the rotation direction of the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is a direction. By doing so, all the effects described above are achieved, and the object of the present invention is achieved more effectively.

Further, it is possible to realize a computer program for causing an image forming apparatus to execute the above method, which has the effect of reducing the burden of collecting the developer on the image carrier or the transfer medium. Is also possible.

Next, a computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and an image forming apparatus connectable to the computer main body, which is capable of forming a latent image, and an image carrier formed on the image carrier. A rotatable developer carrier for visualizing the formed latent image as a developer image with a developer, and the developer carrier is rotated to be carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus having an operation mode for adhering a developer to a non-image forming area on the image carrier, wherein the operation mode is the development carried on a part of a peripheral surface of the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus, which is in a mode in which an operation of applying the agent to the non-image forming area is performed plural times. The computer system realized in this way is superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

=== Overall Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus === An outline of an example of a laser beam printer (hereinafter also referred to as a printer) 10 as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a printer 10.
It is the figure which showed the main components which comprise. Note that FIG.
In the drawing, the up and down directions are indicated by arrows. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is arranged in the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is arranged in the upper part of the printer 10.

The printer 10 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the charging unit 30, along the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 as an example of an image carrier capable of forming a latent image,
An exposure unit 40, a YMCK developing unit 50, a primary transfer unit 60 as an example of a first transfer unit capable of transferring the developer image on the image carrier to a transfer medium, and a developer image on the image carrier as a transfer material. An intermediate transfer body 70 as an example of a transfer medium that serves as a medium at the time of transfer, and an example of a first collecting means for collecting the developer left on the image carrier without being transferred by the first transfer means. A second transfer unit 80 as an example of a second transfer unit capable of transferring the developer image on the transfer medium to a transfer material. A liquid crystal panel without an intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85, a fixing unit 90, and a user notification unit as an example of a second recovery unit for recovering the developer left on the transfer medium Comprising a display unit 95 and, has a control unit which controls the operation of the controls these units such as a printer (FIG. 2).

The photosensitive member 20 has a cylindrical conductive base material and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable about the central axis. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive member 20 shown in FIG. Rotate clockwise as shown by the arrow.

The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the charged photoconductor 20 by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 has a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like,
Based on the image information input from a host computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor or the image information included in the control unit, a modulated laser is irradiated onto the charged photoconductor 20.

The YMCK developing unit 50 includes the photoconductor 20.
The latent image formed on the toner was stored in each developing device as a toner T as an example of the developer, that is, in the black (K) toner stored in the black developing device 51, and in the magenta developing device 52. Magenta (M) toner, cyan (C) toner contained in the cyan developing device 53, and yellow (Y) contained in the yellow developing device 54.
This is a device for developing with toner.

In the present embodiment, the YMCK developing unit 50 rotates to move the positions of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53 and 54. That is, this YMCK developing unit 5
0 designates the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 as 4
The four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are held by one holding portion 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d.
Can rotate about the central axis 50a while maintaining their relative positions. Each time the image formation for one page is completed, the toner T selectively faces the photoconductor 20 and is formed on the photoconductor 20 by the toner T accommodated in each of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54. Develop the latent image.

The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring the monochromatic toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer member 70. When the four color toners are sequentially transferred in an overlapping manner, the intermediate transfer member 70 is transferred. A full-color toner image is formed on.

The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt in which an aluminum vapor deposition layer is provided on the surface of a PET film, and a semiconductive paint is further formed on the surface layer of the PET film, and laminated.
It is driven to rotate at almost the same peripheral speed as 0. A reading sensor for synchronization RS is arranged near the intermediate transfer body 70. The synchronization reading sensor RS is a sensor for detecting the reference position of the intermediate transfer member 70, and is a vertical synchronization reading for obtaining a synchronization signal in the sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction, that is, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync. Functions as a sensor. More specifically, the synchronization reading sensor RS has a light emitting portion for emitting light and a light receiving portion for receiving light, and the hole formed at a predetermined position of the intermediate transfer member 70 is When passing the light emitted from the light emitting unit, the light is received by the light receiving unit, and the synchronization reading sensor RS outputs a pulse signal.

As described above, since one pulse signal is output every time the intermediate transfer member 70 makes one rotation, the synchronization reading sensor RS detects the moving amount (rotation speed) of the intermediate transfer member 70. It also serves as a moving amount (rotational speed) detecting means.

The photoconductor cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30 and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 which is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20. After the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 70, the toner T remaining on the photosensitive member 20 is cleaned with the cleaning blade 7.
It is a device for scraping off and collecting by 6.

The secondary transfer unit 80 is an intermediate transfer member 70.
This is a device for transferring the single-color toner image or the full-color toner image formed on a recording medium such as paper, film or cloth as an example of a transfer material.

The intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 includes
It has a rubber cleaning blade 87 which is provided above the YMCK developing unit 50 and is in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer body 70, and is used after the toner image is transferred onto the transfer material by the secondary transfer unit 80. The cleaning blade 87 scrapes off the toner T remaining on the intermediate transfer member 70 and collects it.

The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single color toner image or a full color toner image transferred onto a recording medium to a recording medium such as paper to form a permanent image.

The control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 1 as shown in FIG.
Image signals are input to the main controller 101, and the unit controller 102 controls the units and the like in accordance with a command based on the image signals to form an image.

Next, the printer 10 configured as described above.
The operation will be described with reference to other components.

First, when an image signal from a host computer (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via an interface (I / F) 112, the unit controller 102 of the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. Control the photoconductor 20,
Also, the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates. Then, after that, the reference position of the intermediate transfer member 70 is detected by the synchronization reading sensor RS, and a pulse signal is output. The pulse signal is sent to the unit controller 102, and with the pulse signal as a reference, in other words, after a lapse of a predetermined time after the pulse signal is sent, development as an example of a developer carrier provided in the developing device. The rollers start to rotate.
Further, various operations described below are also performed based on the pulse signal.

The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating. The charged region of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40 causes the first color,
For example, a latent image corresponding to yellow Y image information is formed in the area. Further, the YMCK developing unit 50 positions the yellow developing device 54 containing the yellow (Y) toner at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the developing position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing device 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoconductor 20.

The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates,
The image is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, the toner T
A primary transfer bias (voltage) as a transfer bias applied to the first transfer unit having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of is applied. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 and the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 85 are separated from the intermediate transfer body 70.

By repeating the above processing for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, the toner images of four colors corresponding to the respective image signals are superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 70. Transcribed. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.

The full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates, and is transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The recording medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70, and a secondary transfer bias (voltage) having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner T is applied to the secondary transfer unit 80. To be done. The residual toner T on the intermediate transfer body 70 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 87 supported by the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 85. The scraped-off toner T is conveyed by a conveying screw as a developer conveying means, and is collected in a residual toner collecting section of the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85.

The full-color toner image transferred to the recording medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the recording medium.

On the other hand, after the photoconductor 20 has passed the primary transfer position, the toner T adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 to form the next latent image. Prepare for charging to form. The scraped-off toner T is conveyed by a conveying screw as a developer conveying means, and is collected in a residual toner collecting section included in the photoconductor cleaning unit 75.

=== Example of Configuration of Developing Device === Next, an example of the configuration of the developing device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the developing device. Note that, similarly to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 also shows the vertical direction by arrows, for example, of a developer carrying member for visualizing a latent image formed on the image carrying member with a developer as a developer image. The central axis of the developing roller 510 as an example is the photosensitive member 20.
It is below the central axis of. Further, in FIG. 3, the yellow developing device 54 is shown in a state of being located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The YMCK developing unit 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and ,
Yellow developing device 54 containing yellow (Y) toner
However, since the configuration of each developing device is the same, the yellow developing device 54 will be described below.

The yellow developing device 54 includes a developing roller 510 as a developer carrying member, a seal member 520, a toner containing portion 530, a frame 540, a toner supply roller 550 as a developer stripping member, a regulating blade 560, and a regulating blade. It has a blade backing member 570 for biasing.

The developing roller 510 carries a toner T, which is an example of a developer, and conveys it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of an aluminum alloy such as a 5056 aluminum alloy or a 6063 aluminum alloy, an iron alloy such as STKM, or the like, and is plated with nickel or chrome as necessary. Further, the developing roller 510 is rotatable about the central axis,
As shown in FIG. 3, the photoconductor 20 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) to the rotation direction (clockwise in FIG. 3). The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the yellow developing device 54 faces the photoconductor 20, there is a gap between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. That is, the yellow developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is developed, the developing bias generator 130 (FIG. 2) applies a developing bias in which a DC voltage and an AC voltage are superimposed to the developing roller 510, and the developing roller 510 develops. An alternating electric field is formed between 510 and the photoconductor 20.

The seal member 520 is the yellow developing device 5.
4 prevents the toner T inside 4 from leaking to the outside of the device, and the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position.
Are collected in the developing device without being scraped off. The seal member 520 is a seal made of polyethylene film or the like. The seal member 520 is a seal support metal plate 522.
Supported by the seal support sheet metal 522 and attached to the frame 540. Further, a seal urging member 524 made of maltoprene or the like is provided on the opposite side of the seal member 520 from the developing roller 510 side, and the seal member 520 is developed by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524. It is pressed against 510. The contact position where the seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.

The toner storage portion 530 is a portion for storing the toner T, and is constituted by a part of the frame 540. The toner T stored in the toner storage portion 530
Although a stirring member for stirring the toner may be provided, in the present embodiment, the toner storage unit 530 is not provided with the stirring member.

The toner supply roller 550 applies the toner T stored in the toner storage portion 530, which will be described later, to the developing roller 51.
The toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after development is supplied to the developing roller 510.
It has the function of peeling from. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like and is in elastically deformed contact with the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage unit 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 is stored in the toner storage roller 550.
The toner supply member 5 is provided below the toner storage portion 530.
It is supplied to the developing roller 510 by 30. The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is below the central axis of rotation of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 3).

The regulating blade 560 is connected to the developing roller 510.
The toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is charged, and the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is regulated. The regulation blade 560 has a rubber portion 560a and a rubber support portion 560b. The rubber portion 560a is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber, or the like, and has a rubber supporting portion 560b.
Is a thin plate having a spring property such as phosphor bronze and stainless steel. The rubber portion 560a is supported by the rubber supporting portion 560b, and the rubber supporting portion 560b is supported by the blade supporting sheet metal 562 with one end thereof sandwiched and supported by the pair of blade supporting sheet metal 562. Is attached to. Further, a blade backing member 570 made of malt plane or the like is provided on the opposite side of the regulation blade 560 from the developing roller 510 side.

Here, the rubber portion 560a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber supporting portion 560b. Further, the blade back member 570 is
The toner T is placed between the rubber supporting portion 560b and the frame 540.
Of the rubber support portion 560b is stabilized, and the rubber portion 560a is biased from the backside of the rubber portion 560a toward the developing roller 510 to prevent the rubber portion 560a from developing. 51
I am pushing it to 0. Therefore, the blade backing member 57
0 improves the uniform contact of the rubber portion 560a with the developing roller 510.

The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the side supported by the blade supporting sheet metal 562, that is, the tip, is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and the portion separated from the tip by a predetermined distance. , Is in contact with the developing roller 510 with a certain width. That is, the regulation blade 560 is
The developing roller 510 is not in contact with the edge at the edge but is in contact with the abdomen. Further, the regulation blade 560 is arranged so that its tip end faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in contact with what is called a counter.
The contact position where the regulation blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550.

The frame 540 is manufactured by joining a plurality of integrally molded frames (upper frame, lower frame, etc.) and has an opening at the bottom. The developing roller 510 is arranged in this opening with a part thereof exposed.

The yellow developing device 5 thus constructed
4, the toner supply roller 550 has the toner storage unit 5
The toner T contained in 30 is supplied to the developing roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 with the rotation of the developing roller 510, and when passing through the contact position, an electric charge is applied and the layer thickness is regulated. To be done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated is
Is further rotated to reach a developing position facing the photoconductor 20, and the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is developed under an alternating electric field at the developing position. The developing roller 5 that has passed the developing position by further rotation of the developing roller 510.
The toner T on 10 passes through the seal member 520 and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the seal member 520. Further, the toner T still remaining on the developing roller 510 is transferred to the toner supply roller 550.
Can be stripped by.

=== Outline of Control Unit === Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 101 of the control unit 100 is connected to a host computer via an interface 112 and includes an image memory 113 for storing an image signal input from the host computer. The unit controller 102 includes each unit (charging unit 30, exposure unit 40,
The YMCK developing unit 50, the transfer unit 58, the cleaning unit 75, the fixing unit 90, and the display unit 95) are electrically connected to each other, and by receiving signals from sensors provided therein, while detecting the state of each unit, Each unit is controlled based on the signal input from the main controller 101.

The unit controller 102 includes
An image information storage unit 144 and an image information switching unit 146 are provided. The image information switching unit 146 includes the exposure unit 40.
It has a function of switching the input destination of the image information that is the basis of the latent image formed by the main controller 101 or the image information storage unit 144 described later. The image information storage unit 144 has a function of storing image information that is a basis of a latent image and is used when the toner T is forcibly consumed.

That is, during normal image formation, image information is sent from the main controller 101, and a latent image is formed by the exposure unit 40 based on the image information. On the other hand, when the toner T is forcibly consumed, image information is sent from the image information storage unit 144, and a latent image is formed by the exposure unit 40 based on the image information.

The exposure unit drive control circuit 122 connected to the exposure unit 40 is provided with a pixel counter 124, and counts the number of pixels of the image data input to the exposure unit 40. The pixel counter 124
It may be provided in the exposure unit 40 or in the main controller 101. The number of pixels is the number of pixels in the basic resolution unit of the printer 10, in other words, the number of pixels of the image to be actually printed. Since the consumption amount of the toner T is proportional to the number of pixels, by counting the number of pixels,
The consumption amount of the toner T can be detected.

The YMCK developing unit drive control circuit 122 connected to the YMCK developing unit 50 includes a developing bias generator 130 and a developing bias control circuit 1.
32 is provided. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, the development bias generator 130 applies a development bias, in which a DC voltage and an AC voltage are superimposed, to the development roller 510, and the development roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.
An alternating electric field is formed between and. Further, the developing bias control circuit 132 plays a role of controlling on / off of the developing bias and setting an appropriate developing bias value.

The transfer unit 58 has the above-mentioned synchronization reading sensor RS together with the primary transfer unit 60, the secondary transfer unit 80, etc., and the vertical synchronization signal Vsync obtained by the synchronization reading sensor RS is , To the unit controller 102.

The transfer unit drive control circuit 134 connected to the transfer unit 58 includes a primary transfer bias generation circuit 136, a primary transfer bias control circuit 138, a secondary transfer bias generation circuit 140, and a secondary transfer bias control circuit 142. Is provided. The toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the primary transfer unit 60 causes the intermediate transfer member 7 to move.
When transferred to 0, the primary transfer bias generation circuit 136
Thus, the primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. Further, the primary transfer bias control circuit 138 plays a role of controlling on / off of the primary transfer bias and setting an appropriate primary transfer bias value.

Similarly, when the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 reaches the secondary transfer position with the rotation of the intermediate transfer member 70 and is transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The secondary transfer bias generation circuit 140 applies the secondary transfer bias to the secondary transfer unit 80. Further, the secondary transfer bias control circuit 142 plays a role of controlling on / off of the secondary transfer bias and setting an appropriate secondary transfer bias value.

The unit controller 102 also includes
A RAM 126 is provided, and the RAM 126 is
Information about the number of pixels of each YMCK color, the number of pulses of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and the like is stored.

=== Configuration of Toner === Next, the configuration of the toner T according to the present embodiment will be described. The toner T has mother particles and an external additive. The mother particles and the external additive are a Henschel mixer,
They are mutually dry-mixed and adhered to each other by a high-speed fluidized mixer such as Perpenmeier or a mixer such as mechanochemical method. The toner T may be either negative polarity or positive polarity toner.

The mother particles have materials such as a colorant, a charge control agent, a release agent (WAX), and a resin. Using these materials, known kneading and pulverizing method, spray-drying method,
And the mother particles are produced by a polymerization method or the like. The mother particles may further contain a dispersant, a magnetic material, other additives and the like.

As the mother particles, polystyrene and copolymers such as hydrogenated styrene resin, styrene / isobutylene copolymer, ABS resin, ASA resin, AS resin, A
AS resin, ACS resin, AES resin, styrene / P-chlorostyrene copolymer, styrene / propylene copolymer,
Styrene / butadiene crosslinked polymer, styrene / butadiene / chlorinated paraffin copolymer, styrene / allyl /
Alcohol copolymer, styrene / butadiene rubber emulsion, styrene / maleic acid ester copolymer, styrene / isobutylene copolymer, styrene / maleic anhydride copolymer, acrylate resin or methacrylate resin and its copolymer, Styrene / acrylic resin and its copolymer, for example, styrene / acrylic copolymer, styrene / diethylamino / ethylmethacrylate copolymer, styrene / butadiene / acrylic acid ester copolymer, styrene / methylmethacrylate copolymer , Styrene / n-butyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene / methyl methacrylate / n-butyl acrylate copolymer, styrene / methyl methacrylate / butyl arylate / N- (ethoxymethyl) acrylamide copolymer Styrene / glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene / butadiene / dimethyl / aminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene / acrylic acid ester / maleic acid ester copolymer, styrene / methyl methacrylate / 2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer Coal, styrene / n-butyl arylate / ethyl glycol methacrylate copolymer, styrene / n-
Butylmethacrylate / acrylic acid copolymer, styrene / n-butylmethacrylate / maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene / butylacrylate / isobutylmaleic acid half ester / divinylbenzene copolymer, polyester and its copolymer, Polyethylene and its copolymer, epoxy resin, silicone resin, polypropylene and its copolymer, fluororesin, polyamide resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyurethane resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, etc., one kind or a blend of two or more kinds. Can be used.

Examples of the colorant include carbon black, spirit black, nigrosine, rhodamine, triaminotriphenylmethane, cationic, dioxazine, copper phthalocyanine, berylylene, azo, gold-containing azo pigments, azochrome complex, carmine, Benzidine,
Solar Pure Yellow 8G, quinacridone, polytungstophosphoric acid, induslen blue, sulfonamide derivative and the like can be used.

As the charge control agent, an electron-accepting organic complex, chlorinated polyester, nitrofunnic acid, quaternary ammonium salt, pyridinyl salt and the like can be used.

As the release agent (WAX), low molecular weight polypropylene, low molecular weight polyethylene, ethylene bisamide, paracrystalline wax such as microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, etc. are preferably used. It is not particularly limited as long as it is incompatible and has a releasing property. In the present embodiment, “not compatible” means a state in which the wax is dispersed in the mother particles in an island shape and is not incorporated in the molecular chain of the resin when melt-kneaded.

Note that oil may be applied to the fixing roller in order to prevent the toner T from adhering to the fixing roller during the fixing process. In the present embodiment, however, such oil application is unnecessary. Therefore, a large amount of release agent is included in the mother particles. The content of the release agent is 3 to 10% by weight based on the resin. Is.

As the dispersant, metal soap, polyethylene glycol or the like can be used. Other additives include
Zinc stearate, zinc oxide, cerium oxide and the like can be used.

As the magnetic agent, Fe, Co, Ni, C
Metal powder such as r, Mn, Zn, Fe3O4, Fe2O3, Cr
A metal oxide such as 2O3 or ferrite, an alloy that exhibits ferromagnetism by heat treatment such as an alloy containing manganese and an acid, or the like can be used, and a pretreatment such as a coupling agent may be performed in advance.

As the external additive, various ones whose surface has been subjected to a hydrophobic treatment can be used. In the toner T according to the present embodiment, silica is used as the external additive, but in addition to silica, fine particles of metal oxides such as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, strontium titanate, cerium oxide, magnesium oxide, and chromium oxide, Fine particles of nitride such as silicon nitride,
Fine particles of a carbide such as silicon carbide, fine particles of a metal salt such as calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate and the like, inorganic fine particles such as a composite thereof, and organic fine particles such as acrylic fine particles can be used. As the surface treatment agent, a silane coupling agent, a titanate coupling agent, a fluorine-containing silane coupling agent, a silicone oil, or the like can be used. The hydrophobicity of the external additive treated with these treating agents is preferably 60% or more according to the conventional methanol method. When it is less than this range, adsorption of water tends to cause deterioration of chargeability and fluidity at high temperature and high humidity, which is not preferable. The particle size of the external additive is 0.001 to 1 μ from the viewpoint of transportability and chargeability.
It is preferably m. Further, the external additive is not limited to one kind, and a mixture of two or more kinds can be used.

=== Toner Forced Consumption Operation Mode === Next, the developer carrying member is rotated so that the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member is transferred to the non-image forming area on the image carrying member. A forced toner consumption operation mode for peeling the deteriorated developer from the developer carrier will be described as an example of the operation mode for adhesion, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to the toner forced consumption operation mode. 5 to 10 will be described later.

As described above, when the image signal from the host computer is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the control of the unit controller 102 based on the instruction from the main controller 101. Due to the photoconductor 20,
Also, the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates. Then, thereafter, the reference position of the intermediate transfer member 70 is detected by the synchronization reading sensor RS, and a pulse signal is output (step S).
2). The pulse signal is sent to the unit controller 102.
To the pulse signal, in other words, with reference to the pulse signal,
The developing roller 510 starts to rotate after a lapse of a predetermined time after the pulse signal is sent.

After the pulse signal is sent to the unit controller 102, the unit controller 10 concerned
Reference numeral 2 denotes the number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, Mk and the vertical synchronization signal Vsync for each YMCK color stored in the RAM 126 from the RAM 126 as a cumulative value accumulated in the past.
The pulse number V of is loaded (step S4).

Next, the unit controller 102 sets the number of pixels my, mm, mc, and mk for each YMCK color of the image data input to the exposure unit 40 counted by the above-mentioned pixel counter 124 to the above-mentioned pixels. Add to the numbers My, Mm, Mc, Mk (step S
6). That is, My = My + my, Mm = Mm + m
The calculation represented by m, Mc = Mc + mc, and Mk = Mk + mk is performed. The number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, and Mk added to my, mm, mc, and mk is 1 for the intermediate transfer member 70.
It is the number of pixels of the image data input to the exposure unit 40 during rotation.

Furthermore, the unit controller 102
One is added to the pulse number V of the vertical synchronizing signal Vsync described above (step S6). That is, the calculation represented by V = V + 1 is performed.

Next, the pulse number V to which 1 is added in step S6 is compared with a predetermined threshold value V0 (step S8). In the present embodiment, V0 = 1000
However, the number of pulses is not limited to this.
It should be noted that it is desirable to set the threshold value to a value smaller than the number of pulses that does not deteriorate the toner even when printing is continued at a low printing rate.

In step S8, when the pulse number V is smaller than the threshold value V0, the system controller 102
Is the number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, Mk after addition is performed.
And the pulse number V are saved in the RAM 126 (step S10), and the process returns to step S2.

On the contrary, when the pulse number V becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value V0, the pixel numbers My, Mm, M after the addition is performed.
The result N obtained by dividing c and Mk by the pulse number V, respectively.
y, Nm, Nc, and Nk are compared with a predetermined threshold value N0 (step S12). That is, the pixel counter 12
The results Ny, Nm, Nc, and Nk obtained based on the number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, and Mk detected by No. 4 and the number of pulses V detected by the synchronization reading sensor RS are compared with a threshold value N0.

When the results Ny, Nm, Nc, and Nk are larger than the threshold value N0, the system controller 10
2 is the number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, M after the addition is performed.
RAM by resetting k and the pulse number V (as 0)
The reset result is saved in 126 (step S14), and the process returns to step S2.

On the contrary, when the results Ny, Nm, Nc, and Nk are less than the threshold value N0, it is determined that the printing rate is low, and the toner forced consumption described in detail later is executed (step S
16), after performing the procedure shown in step S14, return to step S2.

As described above, every time the pulse number V detected by the synchronization reading sensor RS reaches a predetermined number, the pixel counter 124 detects the number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, M.
k as the average value of the developer consumption amount based on the pulse number V detected by the reading sensor RS for synchronization Ny, Nm, N
c and Nk are obtained, and if the results Ny, Nm, Nc, and Nk are less than or equal to a predetermined value, toner forced consumption is executed.

Whether or not the results Ny, Nm, Nc, and Nk are smaller than the threshold value N0 is determined for each YMCK color.
Depending on the result of this determination, whether or not to perform toner forced consumption is selected for each YMCK color.

Next, the forced toner consumption will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state where the photoconductor 20 is developed. In the figure, the arrow direction indicates the circumferential direction of the photoconductor 20. Further, in the figure, hatched regions X1 and X2 are the photoconductor 2
The image forming area formed at 0 is shown. Of the image forming area, the hatching area X1 shown in the upper part of the drawing
Indicates that there is an image forming area on the entire surface of the recording medium. On the other hand, the hatching area X2 shown at the bottom of the figure
Indicates that there is an image forming area in a part of the recording medium. That is, the area Y above the dotted line in the drawing indicates the non-image forming area on the recording medium. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining forced toner consumption. In addition,
7 to 10 will be described later. In the present embodiment, as an example, the forced consumption of the yellow (Y) toner when the result Ny becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value will be described, but the same applies to the forced consumption of other toners.

First, the photosensitive member 20 is sequentially charged at the charging position by the charging unit 30 while rotating (step S20).

The charged area of the photoconductor 20 is equal to that of the photoconductor 2.
With the rotation of 0, the exposure position is reached, and the exposure unit 40 forms a latent image corresponding to the image information of yellow Y in the area. As described above, when the toner is forcibly consumed, the image information is selected from the image information stored in the image information storage unit 144 (step S22), and the exposure unit 40 operates based on the selected image information. A latent image is formed (step S24). In this embodiment, it is assumed that image information for forming a solid image is selected and a latent image is formed based on the image information.

Next, the YMCK developing unit 50 includes the yellow developing device 54 containing the yellow (Y) toner.
It is located at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the developing position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing device 54. In the toner forced consumption operation, a latent image is formed on the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20 (step S24), and the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is rotated on the non-image forming area while rotating the developing roller 510. It is attached (step S26).
The non-image forming area will be described in detail later.

In the present embodiment, the operation of adhering the toner T carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times. Further, the developing roller 510 has a plurality of areas on its peripheral surface, which are divided by boundaries along the axial direction of the developing roller 510, and the toner is applied to the non-image forming area in a plurality of times for each area. Attach T.

With respect to the above, detailed description will be added based on some examples with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. 7 to 9
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of regions that the developing roller 510 has on its peripheral surface. In each figure, the developing roller 5
The peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 when the roller 10 is unfolded is shown. The vertical direction in the drawing corresponds to the peripheral direction of the developing roller 510, and the horizontal direction in the drawing corresponds to the axial direction of the developing roller 510. Further, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a sequence in which the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is attached to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20.

Attention is first directed to FIG. In FIG. 7,
The peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is divided into six rectangles by five boundaries along the axial direction of the developing roller 510. Of these six rectangles, the region formed by the first and fourth rectangles from the top in the figure is the first region, and the region formed by the second and fifth rectangles from the top is the second region. , The area formed by the third and sixth rectangles from the top is the third area. That is, the developing roller 510 has, on its peripheral surface, three regions divided by a boundary along the axial direction of the developing roller 510.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, a toner image is formed on the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20, and the toner carried on the first area of the three areas in the first round of the developing roller 510. T is attached to the non-image area, and further the developing roller 510 is rotated, so that
The toner T carried in the second area is adhered to the non-image area in the third cycle, and the toner T carried in the third area is adhered to the non-image area in the third cycle of the developing roller 510.

Next, another example will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is divided into three rectangles by two boundaries along the axial direction of the developing roller 510. Of these three rectangles, the first rectangle is the first rectangle, the second rectangle is the second rectangle, and the third rectangle is the third rectangle. The region formed by the rectangle located is the third region. That is, the developing roller 510 has, on its peripheral surface, three regions divided by a boundary along the axial direction of the developing roller 510.

Then, a latent image is formed on the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20, and the toner T carried on the first area and the second area of the three areas is formed on the first rotation of the developing roller 510. The toner T attached to the non-image area is further rotated, and the toner T carried on the second area and the third area in the second rotation of the developing roller 510 is rotated.
Is adhered to the non-image area, the toner T carried on the third area in the third round of the developing roller 510 is adhered to the non-image area, and is carried in the first area on the fourth round of the developing roller 510. The toner T present is attached to the non-image area.

In the above two examples, the developing roller 510 has a plurality of regions on its peripheral surface, which are divided by boundaries along the axial direction of the developing roller 510, and a plurality of times are set for each of the regions. Although the toner T is attached to the non-image forming area separately, it is not limited to this.

That is, if the operation of adhering the toner T carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 to the non-image forming area is carried out a plurality of times, for example, the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is shown in FIG. , The latent image is formed in the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20, and the toner T carried in the first area in the first rotation of the developing roller 510 is divided into three areas as shown in FIG. The toner T carried in the second area on the second lap of the developing roller 510
The toner T carried in the third area may be adhered to the non-image area in the third round.

Further, the information about in which area of the developing roller 510 the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is attached is included in the image information stored in the image information storage section 144. The latent image is formed by the exposure unit 40 based on the image information, and the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is attached to the photoconductor 20 as in the above example.

Next, regarding the above-mentioned non-image forming area,
This will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the non-image forming area is an area sandwiched between the hatching area X1 and the hatching area X2. The area to which the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is attached may be a non-image forming area (area Y in the drawing) on the recording medium in the area sandwiched between the hatched areas X1 and X2. However, it may be an inter-recording medium area sandwiched between a plurality of recording media (an area sandwiched between hatched area X1 and area Y in the drawing).

As described above, when developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, a developing bias is applied to the developing roller 510 by the developing bias generator 130 (FIG. 2) (step S28). ), In order to reduce the time required for the toner to be forcibly consumed, the absolute value of the development bias applied to the developing roller during the forcible consumption is changed to the absolute value of the development bias applied to the developing roller during normal image formation. It is made larger than the value to increase the developing efficiency. In the present embodiment, the DC component of the developing bias is set to -250V when the toner is forcibly consumed, whereas the DC component of the developing bias is set to -400V when the toner is forcibly consumed. As a result, the developing efficiency is increased from about 60% to about 95%, and the time required for the forced toner consumption is shortened. The development bias is set by the development bias control circuit 132 described above.

Further, the toner T attached to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20 forms a solid image.

Next, the toner T attached on the photosensitive member 20.
Is not transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70 when a bias having a polarity opposite to the normal primary transfer bias is applied when the photosensitive member 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photosensitive member 20 rotates. After the primary transfer position has passed, the cleaning blade 76 supported by the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 scrapes it off. Toner T scraped off
The toner is conveyed by a conveying screw as a developer conveying means, and is collected by the residual toner collecting section of the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 (step S30).

The toner T attached on the photoconductor 20 is
Is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70 at the primary transfer position,
The toner T transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 70 may be scraped off by the cleaning blade 87 supported by the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 without being transferred onto the recording medium. In this case, the scraped-off toner T is transported by a transport screw as a developer transport unit, and the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 is transported.
The toner is collected in a residual toner collecting unit provided in the.

The program for performing the above processing is stored in the ROM provided in the unit controller 102, and the program is executed by the CPU 120.

As described above, in the above-described operation mode, if the operation of adhering the toner T carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times, the photoconductor 20 is operated. It is possible to reduce the burden of collecting the toner T on the upper or intermediate transfer body 70.

That is, as described in the section of the background art, the performances of the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 and the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 are designed based on the case of performing normal image formation. The toner T remaining on the photoconductor is removed by the photoconductor cleaning unit 7
5 or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 collects the photosensitive member cleaning unit 75 or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 with an excessive load, and cleaning failure may occur.

Further, in order to avoid the occurrence of the cleaning failure, it is possible to improve the performance of the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85, but the main function compared with the normal image formation. It is not efficient in terms of design of the image forming apparatus to improve the performance of the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 or the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 by spending time and effort for the forced consumption of the toner T, which is hard to say. .

Therefore, as shown in some examples, the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is divided into a plurality of times (a plurality of rotations of the developing roller 510), and the photosensitive member 20 is divided.
If the toner T is attached to the non-image forming area of the photoconductor 2,
When scraping and collecting from 0, for example, the developing roller 51
Compared with the case where the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of 0 is uniformly attached to the non-image forming area of the photoconductor 20, the load on the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 can be reduced.

Further, the toner T attached on the photoconductor 20
Is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70 at the primary transfer position, and the toner T transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 70 is scraped and collected by the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85. The load on the cleaning unit 85 can be reduced.

Note that, in the above, as a third example, the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is set as shown in FIG.
The toner T carried in the first area in the first round of the developing roller 510 is divided into two areas.
Of the toner T carried in the second area on the second lap of
In the third example of the developing roller 510, the toner T carried in the third region is attached to the non-image region of the photoconductor 20, but in such a case, the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 is used. When scraping and collecting the toner T from the photoconductor 20, a situation may occur in which the load is not reduced on a part of the cleaning blade 76 supported by the photoconductor cleaning unit 75. For example, after the toner T carried on the first area or the second area of the developing roller 510 adheres to the non-image area of the photoconductor 20, the toner T adhered to the end portion of the photoconductor 20 in the axial direction is cleaned with a cleaning blade. When scraped off at the end of 76, the load on the cleaning blade 76 is not reduced, as is apparent from FIG.

Therefore, as in the first and second examples, the developing roller 510 has a plurality of regions on the peripheral surface thereof, which are divided by boundaries along the axial direction of the developing roller 510. From the above viewpoint, it is preferable that the toner T is attached to the non-image forming area in a plurality of times for each area.

=== Other Embodiments === The image forming apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described based on the above-described embodiments. However, the above-described embodiments of the present invention facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the above embodiments, the intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer was described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to the intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer, monochrome laser beam printer, and copying machine. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as a facsimile and a facsimile.

Further, the photosensitive member is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller constituted by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate, and a photosensitive layer is provided on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive substrate. A so-called photosensitive belt configured as described above may be used.

In the above embodiment, the toner T attached to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20 in the forced toner consumption operation mode forms a solid image, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not a thing.

However, in such a case, the burden of collecting the toner T is further increased. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect, that is, the photoconductor 20 or the intermediate transfer member 70 is obtained.
The above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the effect of being able to reduce the burden of collecting the above toner T can be more effectively exhibited.

In the above embodiment, the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developing roller 510 in the forced toner consumption mode is determined by the toner T when the toner image is visualized in the image forming area on the photoconductor 20. In addition, the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developing roller 510 is larger than that, but the present invention is not limited to this.

However, in such a case, the burden of collecting the toner T is further increased. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect, that is, the photoconductor 20 or the intermediate transfer member 70 is obtained.
The above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the effect of being able to reduce the burden of collecting the above toner T can be more effectively exhibited.

In the above embodiment, the deteriorated toner T is used as the operation mode for adhering the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20. The operation mode in which the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 to be peeled off from the developing roller 510 is attached to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20, that is, the so-called forced toner consumption operation mode has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not something that is done. For example, the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is adhered to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20 to form a patch in order to adjust various set values related to development and the like, and the purpose is achieved. After that, it is also applicable to the operation mode in which the patch is collected.

However, in the so-called forced toner consumption operation mode, there is a high possibility that the amount of toner T to be collected will be large, and the burden of collecting toner T will be greater, so the above-mentioned effect is obtained. That is, the above embodiment is more effective in that the effect of reducing the burden of collecting the toner T on the photoconductor 20 or the intermediate transfer member 70 can be more effectively exhibited. More desirable.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, either one or both of the photoconductor cleaning unit 75 and the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 85 has the carrying screw as the developer carrying means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both cleaning units may not have the conveying screw.

However, in such a case, there is a possibility that cleaning failure may occur due to the toner conveying speed by the conveying screw not catching up with the speed of collecting the toner T by the cleaning unit. In addition to the effect that it is possible to reduce the burden of collecting the toner T on the body 20 or the intermediate transfer body 70, it is possible to obtain the effect that it is not necessary to prepare a conveying screw having higher performance at high cost. Therefore, the above embodiment is more preferable.

Further, in the above embodiment, the toner T has the release agent, but the present invention is not limited to this.

However, when the toner T contains a releasing agent, the toner T is easily deteriorated, and therefore the developing roller 51 is used.
Since the operation mode for adhering the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of 0 to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20 becomes more important, the above-described effect, that is, on the photoconductor 20 or the intermediate transfer member 70 is obtained. The above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the effect of being able to reduce the burden of collecting the above toner can be more effectively exhibited.

Further, in the above embodiment, the toner supply roller 550 for stripping the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is provided, and the rotation direction of the toner supply roller 550 is the same as the rotation direction of the developing roller 510. Is in the opposite direction, but is not limited to this.

However, in such a case, as compared with the case where the rotation direction of the toner supply roller 550 is the same as the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, the toner T is applied to the developing roller 51.
0 tends to remain in the developing roller 510, and the importance of the operation mode for adhering the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 to the non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20 becomes high. The above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the effect of being able to reduce the burden of collecting the toner on the toner 20 or on the intermediate transfer member 70 can be more effectively exhibited.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of pixels My, Mm, Mc, Mk detected by the pixel counter 124 is synchronized with the number of pulses detected by the reading sensor RS for synchronization each time the number of pulses V reaches a predetermined number. Based on the pulse number V detected by the reading sensor RS, the results Ny, Nm, Nc, and Nk as the average value of the developer consumption are obtained, and the results Ny,
The forced toner consumption is executed when Nm, Nc, and Nk are equal to or less than a predetermined value, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the pulse number V, the number of printed recording media may be used. Alternatively, the forced toner consumption may be executed according to a command from the user interface by the user.

=== Configuration of Computer System etc. ==
= Next, an embodiment of a computer system, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the external structure of the computer system. Computer system 100
0 is a computer main body 1102 and a display device 1104.
A printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. Computer 1102
In the present embodiment, is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited to this. Display device 1104
In general, a CRT (CathodeRay Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like is used, but the invention is not limited to this. Printer 11
For 06, the printer described above is used.
The input device 1108 is the keyboard 110 in this embodiment.
8A and mouse 1108B are used, but are not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the reading device 1110 includes flexible disk drive devices 1110A and C.
Although the D-ROM drive device 1110B is used, the D-ROM drive device 1110B is not limited to this.
o Optical) Disk drive device or DVD (Digital V
ersatile disk) and the like.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and a hard disk drive unit 1204 are housed in a housing accommodating the computer main body 1102.
An external memory such as is further provided.

In the above description, the printer 1 is used.
Reference numeral 106 denotes a computer main body 1102 and a display device 110.
4, an example in which the computer system is configured by being connected to the input device 1108 and the reading device 1110 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the computer system may include the computer main body 1102 and the printer 1106, and the computer system may not include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.

In addition, for example, the printer 1106 may include the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1.
108, and a part of each function or mechanism of the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit for performing image processing, a display unit for performing various displays, and a recording medium attaching / detaching unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium recording image data photographed by a digital camera or the like. It may be configured to have.

The computer system thus realized is superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

[0140]

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a computer system that reduce the burden of collecting the developer on the photosensitive member or the intermediate transfer member.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main constituent elements constituting an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing main components of a developing device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to a toner forced consumption operation mode.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a photoconductor 20 is developed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining forced toner consumption.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of regions on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of regions on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of a plurality of regions on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a sequence in which the toner T carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 510 is attached to a non-image forming area on the photoconductor 20.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system.

12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Laser beam printer (main unit) 20 photoconductor 30 charging unit 40 exposure unit 50 YMCK development unit 50a rotating shaft 51 black developing device 52 Magenta Developing Device 53 Cyan developing device 54 yellow developing device 55 Support frame 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d Holding section 58 transfer unit 60 Primary transfer unit 70 Intermediate transfer body 75 Photoconductor cleaning unit 76 cleaning blade 80 Secondary transfer unit 85 Intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 87 Cleaning blade 90 fixing unit 92 paper feed tray 94 paper feed roller 95 display unit 96 cash register 100 control unit 101 Main controller 102 unit controller 112 interface 113 image memory 120 CPU 122 Exposure unit drive control circuit 124 pixel counter 126 RAM 128 YMCK developing unit drive control circuit 130 Development bias generator 132 Development bias control circuit 134 Transfer unit drive control circuit 136 Primary Transfer Bias Generator 138 Primary Transfer Bias Control Circuit 140 Secondary transfer bias generator 142 Secondary transfer bias control circuit 144 image information storage unit 146 Image information switching unit 510 developing roller 520 seal member 522 Seal support sheet metal 524 Seal biasing member 530 toner container 540 frames 550 Toner supply roller 560 regulation blade 560a rubber part 560b rubber support 562 blade support sheet metal 570 Blade back member 1000 computer system 1102 Computer body 1104 display device 1106 printer 1108 Input device 1108A keyboard 1108B mouse 1110 reader 1110A flexible disk drive device 1110B CD-ROM drive device 1202 internal memory 1204 hard disk drive unit T toner RS synchronization reading sensor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 21/10 G03G 15/08 507L 2H200 21/00 312 F term (reference) 2H005 AA06 CA13 CA14 2H027 DA07 DA45 DE07 EA03 EA05 EC14 ED07 ED09 ED24 EE07 FA35 2H073 AA07 BA04 BA09 BA13 BA43 BA45 CA02 CA14 CA22 2H077 AC04 AC16 AD02 AD06 AD13 AD17 AD23 AD31 AD36 BA10 DA20 DA22 DB08 DB25 EA16 GA03 GA13 2H134 GA01 GA06 GA02 H02JA02 GA01 GB02 HD01 JA02 GB02 H01 JA02 GB02 H02 JA02 GA34 GA46 GA47 GA50 GA54 GA57 GB12 GB25 HA03 HB12 HB22 JA02 JA29 JC03 JC12 LB02 LB13 LB39 PA03 PA10 PA26

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image bearing member capable of forming a latent image, and a rotatable developer bearing member for visualizing the latent image formed on the image bearing member with a developer as a developer image. An image forming apparatus having an operation mode for rotating the developer carrier to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to a non-image forming area on the image carrier, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the operation mode is a mode in which an operation of adhering the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the operation mode, the developer carrier is divided into a plurality of peripheral surfaces by a boundary along an axial direction of the developer carrier. The image forming apparatus, wherein the developer is attached to the non-image forming area in a plurality of times for each area. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer attached to the non-image forming area on the image carrier according to the operation mode forms a solid image. Image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a development bias applied to the developer carrier in the operation mode is the image carrier by the developer. An image forming apparatus characterized by being larger than an absolute value of a developing bias applied to the developer carrying member when a developer image is visualized in an image forming area on the body. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the operation mode, the developer carrier is rotated to peel off the deteriorated developer from the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying member is adhered to a non-image forming area on the image carrying member. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer medium serves as a medium when the developer image on the image carrier is transferred onto a transfer material, and the image. A first transfer means capable of transferring the developer image on the carrier to the transfer medium; and a first means for recovering the developer left on the image carrier without being transferred by the first transfer means. Recovery means, second transfer means capable of transferring the developer image on the transfer medium to the transfer material, and recovery of the developer left on the transfer medium without being transferred by the second transfer means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a second collecting unit for storing, and one or both of the first collecting unit and the second collecting unit has a developer conveying unit. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer contains a release agent. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a developer stripping member for stripping off the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrying body. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the rotation direction of the developer stripping member is opposite to the rotation direction of the developer carrying member. 9. An image bearing member capable of forming a latent image, a rotatable developer bearing member for visualizing the latent image formed on the image bearing member as a developer image with a developer, and the image. A transfer medium serving as a medium for transferring the developer image on the carrier to a transfer material; a first transfer unit capable of transferring the developer image on the image carrier to the transfer medium; First recovery means for recovering the developer remaining on the image carrier without being transferred by the transfer means, and second transfer means capable of transferring the developer image on the transfer medium to the transfer material. A second recovery means for recovering the developer remaining on the transfer medium without being transferred by the second transfer means, and peeling off the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier. And a developer stripping member for removing the deteriorated developer from the developer carrier. In an image forming apparatus having an operation mode for rotating the developer carrier to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to a non-image forming area on the image carrier, The operation mode is a mode in which the operation of causing the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to adhere to the non-image forming region is executed a plurality of times, and in the operation mode, the developer carrier is Has, on its peripheral surface, a plurality of regions divided by boundaries along the axial direction of the developer carrying member, and the developer is placed in the non-image forming region in each of the plurality of regions. The developer adhered to the non-image forming area on the image carrier in the operation mode forms a solid image, and the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developer carrier in the operation mode is , Depending on the developer It is larger than the absolute value of the developing bias applied to the developer carrier when the developer image is visualized in the image forming area on the image carrier, and is one of the first collecting means and the second collecting means. One or both of them has a developer conveying means, the developer has a release agent, and the rotation direction of the developer stripping member is opposite to the rotation direction of the developer carrier. And an image forming apparatus. 10. An image bearing member capable of forming a latent image, and a rotatable developer bearing member for visualizing a latent image formed on the image bearing member as a developer image with a developer. An image forming apparatus having an operation mode for rotating the developer carrier to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to a non-image forming area on the image carrier, A computer program for causing a plurality of operations of causing the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to adhere to the non-image forming area. 11. A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and an image forming apparatus connectable to the computer main body, wherein an image carrier capable of forming a latent image, and an image carrier formed on the image carrier. A rotatable developer carrier for visualizing the latent image with a developer as a developer image,
And an image forming apparatus having an operation mode for rotating the developer carrier to attach the developer carried on the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to a non-image forming area on the image carrier. The operation mode includes an image forming apparatus, which is a mode in which an operation of adhering the developer carried on a part of the peripheral surface of the developer carrier to the non-image forming area is executed a plurality of times. A computer system characterized by the above.