JP2004069911A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform an appropriate operation as an error processing (jamming processing) of an image forming apparatus without stopping an image forming operation and making the load of the recovery mechanism of a transfer material as small as possible in the case that the feed of the transfer material is delayed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with a paper-feed detecting means to detect the feed of the transfer material 201; a transfer material detecting means to detect the position of the transfer material 201; a feed delay detecting means to detect the feed delay of the transfer material 201 by using the paper-feeding detecting means and the transfer material detecting means; a cleaning means 107 to clean the surface on a photoreceptor 100 or an endless image carrier 104A; and a storing means 108 to store residual developer recovered after transfer by the cleaning means 107. The image forming apparatus is further provided with a selecting means to select a transfer condition in accordance with the quantity of the residual developer after transfer stored in the storing means 108 when the feed delay of the transfer material 201 is detected by the feed delay detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer that forms an image in accordance with image information sent from an external device, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having an endless image holding member and performing a sheet feeding operation during the same printing. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be performed a plurality of times.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having an endless image carrier has been known.
[0003]
A method for forming a color image in an image forming apparatus having an endless image carrier will be described with reference to FIG.
[0004]
2 is a photosensitive drum, 5 is an image carrier, 6 is a transfer and transport belt, 7 is a fixing unit, 9 is an optical unit, 10 is a developing rotary, and 12 to 16 are transfer material holders (hereinafter, referred to as a paper feed tray). , 19 is an upper tray section, 20 is a lower discharge tray section, 21 is a transport belt, 31 is a feed roller, 32 is a registration roller, 93Y, 93M, 93C, and 93K are developing units for each color, and 98 is a developing unit selection mechanism. L, laser, and P, a transfer material.
[0005]
First, the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by the image information transmitted for each color by the optical unit 9 is used for developing devices 93Y, 93M, 93C, 93K of each color held in the developing device selecting mechanism 98. It is developed and visualized by the developer.
[0006]
The visualized image is transferred to the endless image carrier 5 a plurality of times, and a multicolor image is formed on the endless image carrier 5.
[0007]
After that, the transfer material P fed from the selected one of the paper feed trays 12 to 16 is transported between the endless image carrier 5 and the transfer and transport belt 6, and the endless image is transferred onto the transfer material P. The multicolor image on the carrier 5 is transferred.
[0008]
The multicolor image transferred onto the transfer material P is thermally fixed to the transfer material P by the fixing unit 7.
[0009]
Thereafter, the transfer material P is conveyed and discharged to the upper tray section 19 or the lower discharge tray section 20. When forming a monocolor image, the multiplex image is a single color image.
[0010]
Next, the feeding and conveyance of the transfer material P will be described.
[0011]
As described above, the transfer material P is selected from one of the paper feed trays 12 to 16 and is fed and conveyed in order to transfer an image formed by the developer formed on the endless image carrier 5.
[0012]
As for the paper feed control, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-297438, when the paper runs out, the idle rotation is performed while the image formed on the endless image carrier is left, and the transfer is performed again when the transfer material is supplied. Or a method for preventing the consumption of the developer by stopping the formation of the image when the transfer material is exhausted as described in JP-A-2000-75734, and further, as specified in JP-A-2001-134142. If the transfer material is not conveyed, a method of prompting the user to insert the designated transfer material and holding the image on the endless image carrier until the designated transfer material is inserted and fed has been disclosed.
[0013]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus having the conventional endless image carrier, various countermeasures are taken when the transfer material runs out and the designated transfer material does not match.
[0014]
Also, countermeasures are being studied for phenomena other than the lack of the transfer material and the mismatch of the designated transfer material.
[0015]
For example, when the transfer delay of the transfer material is detected, when a transfer delay is detected, a paper jam (hereinafter, referred to as a jam) is notified to a user, a removal request is issued to the user, and an image on the endless image carrier is held or retained. Either cleaning was done.
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the image on the endless image carrier is held, the drive of the endless image carrier cannot be stopped instantaneously. Therefore, a method called idle rotation is generally used. It is known that the density is lower than the quality of the image.
[0017]
Also, in the case of cleaning, since the cleaning means usually considers the recovery of the transfer residual developing material, there is a concern that when cleaning the entire normally formed image, a considerable load is imposed on the margin of the recovery mechanism. .
[0018]
That is, when the transfer of the transfer material is delayed, the print quality is always reduced when all the images on the endless image carrier are retained, and when all the images are cleaned, a considerable load is imposed on the margin of the collection mechanism. Would.
[0019]
It is generally considered that the probability of occurrence of the above-mentioned transfer material shortage and the probability of occurrence of transfer material conveyance delay are 1/250 to 500 in the former case and 1/10000 in the latter case as products.
[0020]
Therefore, various methods have been employed for running out of the transfer material, but a transfer delay of the transfer material, which is almost impossible in a normal state, is generally handled as a jam processing.
[0021]
However, at least in the present situation where there is a wide variety of transfer materials, and in a situation where the wear related to the paper feeding mechanism of the image forming apparatus main body occurs, it is also a fact that the transfer delay of the transfer material cannot be ignored. ing.
[0022]
Further, in a network environment in which a user is not very close as in recent years, since printing cannot be performed during stoppage due to a jam, that time tends to be a problem, and there is a need for improvement.
[0023]
Therefore, in the case where the transfer material has not run out, regarding the transfer delay of the transfer material during the processing of a jam trouble or the like, the transfer material can be transferred without bothering the user and without causing network stress. It is required to perform a transport delay process.
[0024]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a purpose thereof is to perform image processing as an error processing (jam processing) of an image forming apparatus when a transfer delay of a transfer material occurs. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing an appropriate operation without stopping a forming operation and as much as possible without imposing a load on a transfer material collecting mechanism.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has achieved the above object by the following technical configuration.
[0026]
(1) A latent image is formed on a photoconductor by laser beam scanning or LED emission corresponding to image information sent from the outside, and the latent image on the photoconductor is developed with a developer using a developing device. The image developed on the photoreceptor is transferred onto a transfer material selected from a plurality of types of transfer materials directly or via an endless image carrier which is driven to rotate, thereby developing the image on the transfer material. In an image forming apparatus having a fixing unit for forming an image on a transfer material and fixing the image on the transfer material, a sheet supply unit for supplying the transfer material, a sheet supply detection unit for detecting a sheet supply, and a position of the transfer material. Transfer means for detecting the transfer material, and cleaning means for cleaning the surface on the photoreceptor or the surface on the endless image carrier, and stores the transfer residual developer collected by the cleaning means. Do A conveying delay detecting means for distinguishing and judging a transfer material feeding success, a transfer material conveying delay, and a transfer material feeding delay. Means for detecting transfer delay of the transfer material by the means, depending on the transfer state and the amount of developer remaining after transfer stored by the storage means, the transfer condition to the transfer material or the endless image carrier An image forming apparatus capable of changing cleaning conditions of the image forming apparatus.
[0027]
(2) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the endless image carrier has a columnar shape or a belt shape.
[0028]
(3) When the amount of untransferred developer stored by the storage means exceeds a predetermined reference, the image on the photoconductor is transferred to a transfer material that has been delayed and conveyed. The image forming apparatus according to the above (1).
[0029]
(4) When the amount of the developer remaining after transfer stored by the storage unit does not exceed a predetermined standard, the image on the photoconductor is not transferred to the transfer material that has been conveyed delayed. The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (3), wherein a surface on the photoconductor or a surface on the endless image carrier is cleaned by the cleaning unit.
[0030]
(5) The image according to (1), wherein the paper supply unit performs the supply operation of the transfer material at a desired timing, and then performs the supply operation a plurality of times when the transfer material is not supplied. Forming equipment.
[0031]
(6) The transfer delay detecting means is capable of transferring the transfer material to a detectable position of the transfer material detecting means at a desired timing, even though it is confirmed that the transfer material has been fed and the feeding has been successfully performed. The image forming apparatus according to the above (1), wherein if it is not in time, it is determined that the transfer of the transfer material is delayed.
[0032]
(7) The transfer delay detecting means determines that the transfer material is delayed when the transfer material is not fed even though the transfer material is retried a plurality of times. The image forming apparatus according to the above (1) or (6).
[0033]
(8) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the paper feed detecting unit and the transfer material detecting unit are optical units using reflected or transmitted light.
[0034]
(9) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the rotation of the endless image carrier, the transfer of the transfer material, and the paper feeding are performed by the same drive source.
[0035]
(10) A latent image is formed on a photoconductor in accordance with image information sent from the outside, and the latent image on the photoconductor is developed with a developer. An image forming apparatus that forms an image with a developing material on a transfer material by directly or directly transferring the transferred image to the transfer material via an endless image carrier that is driven to rotate. Paper feed detecting means for detecting, transfer material detecting means for detecting the position of the transfer material, transport delay detecting means for detecting a transport delay of the transfer material by the paper feed detecting means and the transfer material detecting means, and the photoconductor Cleaning means for cleaning the upper surface or the endless image carrier, storage means for storing the transfer residual developer collected by the cleaning means, and conveyance delay detection of the transfer material by the conveyance delay detection means Then, the security An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting a transfer condition in accordance with the amount of the developer transfer residual stored in means.
[0036]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on a plurality of examples.
[0037]
(Example 1)
First, FIG. 2 shows an example of the image forming apparatus used in the present invention.
[0038]
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a reversal developing system in which toner is adhered to an exposed portion of an image carrier to make the image visible, and a developer carrier carrying negatively charged toner is brought into contact with the image carrier to perform development. Is a one-component image forming apparatus.
[0039]
First, the image forming apparatus used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0040]
The main components are a photosensitive drum 100 as a photosensitive member, an optical unit 101, a charging roller 102, a primary transfer roller 103, an intermediate transfer member tension roller 104, an intermediate transfer member 104A as an endless image carrier, and an intermediate transfer member drive. Roller 105, cartridge 106, intermediate transfer member cleaning roller 107 as cleaning means, waste toner area 108 as storage means, secondary transfer roller 120, transport belt 121, registration roller 122, paper feed roller 123 as paper feeding means, manual feed Paper feed tray 124, lower discharge tray 125, fixing unit 126 as a fixing unit, upper discharge tray 128, density and timing sensor 130, rotary developing device reference position detection sensor 131 (hereinafter referred to as home position sensor), rotation Type developing device holder 150 and four developing units. Developing device 151A～d, the developing sleeve 152, a developing blade 154, the rotary developing device holder driving means 161, discharge roller 162, the paper feed tray 200, and a transfer material 201 or the like.
[0041]
Further, as a configuration (not shown), an optical sensor which is a paper feed detecting means and an optical means near the paper feed roller 123, an optical sensor which is a transfer material detecting means and an optical means near the registration roller 122, It also has a CPU which is a detecting means and a selecting means.
[0042]
Next, an outline of steps up to printing will be described.
[0043]
First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 100 is uniformly charged to a desired polarity (for example, −600 V) by the charging roller 102 disposed on the photosensitive drum 100.
[0044]
Next, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by exposing the photosensitive drum 100 with the laser L using the optical unit 101 based on the image data sent from the controller based on the image synchronization signal.
[0045]
As an example of a process for visualizing the electrostatic latent image, for example, a predetermined voltage is applied to the developing sleeve 152 by applying the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by the Y (yellow) image forming unit 151 a to the developing sleeve 152 ( For example, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 100 is developed with a developer such as toner to form a visualized toner image on the photosensitive drum 100.
[0046]
Thereafter, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 100 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member by the primary transfer roller 103, and the image is held for the time being.
[0047]
Similarly, for M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black), latent images corresponding to the respective image data are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by the developing units 151b to 151d for the respective colors. The toner image is formed by performing development with the toner 152 and the toner.
[0048]
The above operation is performed for each color, and the formed image is sequentially held on the intermediate transfer body.
[0049]
The transfer toner images of the respective colors on the intermediate transfer member are transferred at a predetermined timing, so that they become multiple toner images on the intermediate transfer member.
[0050]
On the other hand, after the development with the last image forming color is completed, the secondary transfer roller 120 and the intermediate transfer member cleaning roller 107 are brought into contact with the intermediate transfer member drive roller 105 via the intermediate transfer member at a predetermined timing.
[0051]
After being brought into contact with the intermediate transfer member, a high voltage (for example, +1000 V) having a polarity opposite to the toner image (for example, a positive polarity) at a predetermined timing is applied to each roller to the secondary transfer roller 120. Similarly, a positive voltage (for example, +1000 V and a rectangular wave voltage (for example, 1 KHZ, 2 KVpp)) is applied to the cleaning roller 107, and a voltage having the same polarity and the same potential as, for example, the primary transfer roller 103 is applied to the intermediate transfer member driving roller 105. Apply the voltage and wait for the transfer of the transfer material.
[0052]
Further, at a predetermined timing separately required to transfer the toner image, two types of transfer materials are selected from the paper feed tray 200 by the paper feed roller 123 or from the manual paper feed tray 124 by the paper feed roller 123. Remove the transfer material.
[0053]
The extracted transfer material is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 122, and waits for the completion of the formation of the final color image on the intermediate transfer body.
[0054]
The registration roller 122 starts re-transporting the transfer material at a desired timing after the image formation of the final color is completed.
[0055]
The conveyed transfer material is conveyed between the contacted secondary transfer roller 120 and the intermediate transfer member driven by the intermediate transfer member drive roller 105, and the multicolor multi-toner image on the intermediate transfer member is transferred to the intermediate transfer member. The image is transferred onto the transfer material by the potential difference between the bias applied to the driving roller 105 and the secondary transfer roller 120.
[0056]
Thereafter, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer body after the transfer is removed or recharged by the cleaning roller 107, and the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body returns to the photosensitive drum 100 by the recharge and is in contact with the photosensitive drum 100. Collected by blade.
[0057]
The residual toner collected by the blade is accumulated in the waste toner area 108 by driving (not shown). Further, the residual toner attached to the cleaning roller 107 is collected on the photosensitive drum 100 later by a predetermined process.
[0058]
After the transfer to the transfer material is completed, the cleaning roller 107 and the secondary transfer roller 120 are separated from the intermediate transfer member driving roller 105 to prepare for the next image formation.
[0059]
The cleaned photosensitive drum 100 is uniformly charged again with a desired polarity on the surface of the sightseeing drum 100 by the charging roller 102 to prepare for the next latent image forming and developing process.
[0060]
The same applies to the intermediate transfer member from which the residual toner has been cleaned.
[0061]
On the other hand, the transfer material onto which the toner image has been transferred is fixed from the conveyor belt 121 to the transfer material by the fixing unit 126. The transfer material on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the upper discharge tray 128 or the lower discharge tray 125.
[0062]
The manual paper feed tray 124 can be opened and closed as needed by the user, and the tray itself can be expanded and contracted according to the size of the transfer material.
[0063]
Similarly, the sub-stays of the lower discharge tray 125 can be extended and contracted. The upper paper discharge tray 128 can also extend and retract a stopper guide (not shown) according to the size of the transfer material.
[0064]
The density and timing sensor 130 is for controlling the density of each color toner image at the time of warm-up when turning on the power to the color image forming apparatus or at a predetermined timing.
[0065]
As for the timing, a reference position on the intermediate transfer member (not shown) is read by a reflection or transmission optical unit, and is used as a unit for detecting a reference when performing image formation.
[0066]
In the present invention, the density and timing sensor 130 and the unit are described as one unit, but each unit may be a different unit.
[0067]
The above is the outline of the printing process in the color image forming apparatus used in the present invention.
[0068]
Next, FIG. 1 is a block diagram for detecting the transfer material conveyance status according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0069]
First, a sequence S1 as START in FIG. 1 indicates the start of image formation.
[0070]
At the start of image formation, a counter n for detecting the success or failure of the sheet feeding and a counter m for monitoring the conveyance delay are reset in S1.
[0071]
A sequence S9 immediately after the sequence S1 is a sequence for determining whether the current image formation is normal printing or re-image formation.
[0072]
This processing is mainly for omitting the paper feeding operation when returning to the re-image formation start sequence S1 through the sequences S21 and S22 shown in FIG. 3 described later.
[0073]
Next, when image formation is started, first, feeding of the transfer material in sequence S2 is started.
[0074]
In a sequence S3, whether or not the sheet feeding is successful is detected by monitoring a signal of a sheet feeding sensor (not shown) immediately after the sheet feeding roller.
[0075]
If the transfer material is not conveyed even if the sensor is monitored for the desired time, in the sequence S3, it is determined that the current paper supply is a paper supply error of the transfer material, and the sequence proceeds to the sequence S5 in order to perform the paper supply operation again. move on.
[0076]
At this time, in the sequence S5, it is determined whether or not the counter n for detecting the success or failure of the sheet feeding is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number X. If the counter n does not exceed the predetermined number X, n = The process proceeds to sequence S2 as n + 1.
[0077]
If the predetermined number X has been exceeded, it is determined that the paper feed has been delayed, and the user is notified of the paper feed delay in sequence S11.
[0078]
The paper feed delay process S11 has already been described in the conventional example, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0079]
Next, a description will be given of a case where the success of the sheet feeding is confirmed in the sequence S3 and the transition to the sequence S4.
[0080]
If the paper feed is detected in sequence S3, it is confirmed in sequence S4 whether the transfer material has reached a registration sensor (not shown) which is a sensor immediately after the registration roller.
[0081]
When the arrival of the transfer material is confirmed in sequence S4, the process proceeds to sequence S10, and when the arrival is not confirmed, the process proceeds to sequence S6.
[0082]
The registration roller 122 is for stopping or re-transporting the transfer material in order to accurately transfer the leading end of the image on the endless image carrier 104A to the leading end of the transfer material and transfer the same. The registration sensor (not shown) determines the first stop operation of the switch 122.
[0083]
In the sequence S6, it is detected whether or not the transfer material has reached the registration sensor by the predetermined time Y by monitoring whether or not the counter m for determining the conveyance delay has exceeded the predetermined time Y.
[0084]
If the counter m for determining the conveyance delay does not exceed the predetermined time Y in the sequence S6, the process returns to the sequence S4 with m = m + 1 and monitors the signal of the registration sensor.
[0085]
In the sequence S4, when the transfer material has been transported by the predetermined time Y, the transport of the temporary transfer material is stopped by the registration roller 122, and then synchronized with the leading end of the image formed on the endless image carrier 104A. Then, the transfer material is conveyed again, and the normal printing operation is performed in sequence S10.
[0086]
Since the normal printing operation has already been described, the description of the operation is omitted.
[0087]
Then, in the sequence S6, when the transfer material is not conveyed to the registration sensor and the counter m for the conveyance delay determination exceeds the predetermined time Y, the process proceeds to the sequence S12 as a conveyance delay.
[0088]
Next, FIG. 3 shows a detailed block diagram of the transport delay processing sequence.
[0089]
First, when the conveyance delay is detected in the sequence S12, the image forming apparatus forms the image on the data of the amount of the untransferred developer recovered in advance in the sequence S15 (data on the amount of the developer already recovered). Reading is performed from storage means in the apparatus.
[0090]
This data is obtained, for example, by the following two methods.
[0091]
(1) Method using an optical sensor
An optical sensor is provided in the waste toner area 108, and detects data of the transfer residual developer collection amount by a signal corresponding to the waste toner amount.
[0092]
(2) Method based on the number of prints
The total number of prints after replacing the cartridge 106 is stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus main body, and data is obtained by estimating the transfer residual developer collection amount from the total number of prints.
[0093]
Then, in a sequence S16, a comparison is made as to whether or not the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount is equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference Z.
[0094]
If the data on the transfer residual developer collection amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference Z, the process proceeds to sequence S17, where the transfer material that has been delayed and conveyed is continuously conveyed to the registration roller 122, and the cleaning of the endless image carrier 104A is started. .
[0095]
When the transfer material reaches the registration roller 122, the transfer of the transfer material is stopped.
[0096]
The cleaning of the endless image carrier 104A in the sequence S17 is performed for at least one cycle of the endless image carrier 104A.
[0097]
When the sequence S17 ends, the process proceeds to the sequence S21.
[0098]
When the transfer material reaches the registration rollers 122 in the sequence S21, the process proceeds to the sequence S1, and the image that could not be transferred due to the above-described transport delay is created again in the sequence S9 and S4 in S10.
[0099]
Next, in the case where the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount exceeds the predetermined reference Z in the sequence S16, if it is attempted to clean all the images already formed on the endless image carrier 104A, in the worst case, Since there is a possibility that 100 times or more of the recovery amount of the untransferred residual developer needs to be recovered, it is expected that the margin of the recovery capability of the transfer residual developing material recovery mechanism will be reduced. .
[0100]
Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to sequence S22, in which the conveyance of the delayed transfer material is continued to the registration roller 122, and it is detected whether or not the transfer material has reached the registration roller 122 in sequence S19.
[0101]
In sequence S19, when it is detected that the transfer material has reached the registration roller 122, in sequence S20, the developer formed on the endless image carrier 104A at a desired timing without stopping the transfer material at the registration roller 122. Transfer the image.
[0102]
In this case, the transfer is performed after the delay portion because the rotation of the endless image carrier 104A is not stopped while the transfer material is being transported with a delay.
[0103]
Therefore, a desired image cannot be obtained by this transfer, but it is possible to prevent a large amount of transfer material from being collected by the collection mechanism.
[0104]
Then, the process proceeds to sequence S1, and for the desired image, printing is performed again in step S10 through sequences S9 and S4.
[0105]
Next, simple timings for the above-described sequences will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0106]
FIG. 4 is a timing chart of normal printing in the sequence S10 in FIG.
[0107]
FIG. 4 shows a continuous mode of full-color image formation as an example, and the projections in the figure show the operation state of the timing of each operation unit.
[0108]
X in FIG. 4 indicates a predetermined time X for judging a sheet feed delay in FIG.
[0109]
Y in FIG. 4 indicates a predetermined time Y for determining the transport delay in FIG.
[0110]
As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the normal continuous image formation mode, image formation is performed at a constant cycle. For example, (1) to (4) in FIG. Each operation operates in accordance with the timing of image formation as shown in FIG. 4, and in continuous printing, image formation is performed by repeating each operation.
[0111]
Next, FIG. 5 will be described.
[0112]
FIGS. 5A and 5B are timing charts showing the case where the transport delay in FIG. 3 occurs.
[0113]
First, FIG. 5A is a timing chart in the case where the data of the recovery amount of the transfer residual developer exceeds the predetermined reference Z.
[0114]
5A, the image forming apparatus starts rotation of the endless image carrier 104A in addition to the image forming means (not shown) in response to a print start command to start image formation.
[0115]
At this time, the portion for feeding the transfer material is the drive timing of the feed roller in FIG.
[0116]
In FIG. 5A, since the transfer material does not reach the paper feed sensor despite the start of the paper feed operation, the paper feed by the paper feed roller restarts the paper feed operation at the hatched portion c in FIG. Fulfillment is performed.
[0117]
Then, before the transfer material arrives at the paper feed sensor before it is determined that the transfer material is delayed, it is determined that the transfer material is delayed when the transfer material is transported to the registration rollers 122, and the transport delay process S12 is performed when the transfer material arrives. It is the case when performing.
[0118]
In FIG. 5A, the image is transferred to the transfer material after the delay to assist the cleaning of the endless image carrier 104A. For example, the secondary transfer is performed at the timing of a from the output of the registration sensor in FIG. The transfer roller is operated to perform transfer to the transfer material.
[0119]
Next, FIG. 5B is a timing chart in the case where the data of the recovery amount of the transfer residual developer is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference Z.
[0120]
To briefly explain FIG. 5B, the image forming apparatus starts rotation of the endless image carrier 104A in addition to the image forming means (not shown) in response to a print start command to start image formation.
[0121]
At this time, the portion for feeding the transfer material is the drive timing of the feed roller in FIG. 5B.
[0122]
In FIG. 5B, since the transfer material does not reach the paper feed sensor despite the start of the paper feed operation, the paper feed by the paper feed roller is restarted at the hatched portion c in FIG. Fulfillment is performed.
[0123]
Then, when the transfer material arrives at the paper feed sensor and is conveyed to the registration rollers 122 before it is determined that the transfer material is delayed, the conveyance delay process when the transfer material arrives after the conveyance delay is determined. Step S12 is performed.
[0124]
In FIG. 5B, the endless image carrier 104A is cleaned, and the transfer material transported with a delay is stopped by the registration rollers 122.
[0125]
Since the transfer of the image is performed at the timing of the next re-image formation, the transfer material is stopped for a while after the registration sensor output, and the driving of the secondary transfer roller is also performed later (see FIG. 5B). Are not shown).
[0126]
As shown in FIG. 5B, the cleaning starts at the timing of b from the image formation. This is the same as the cleaning timing in all of FIGS.
[0127]
Next, FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples of the continuous mode of monocolor image formation.
[0128]
FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B show monochromatic image formation, and therefore the timings of the predetermined times X and Y are different from those in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. However, other timings are the same as those in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 (a), and FIG. 5 (b).
[0129]
The protrusions in the figure indicate the operation states of the timings of the respective operation units.
[0130]
X in FIG. 6 indicates a predetermined time X for judging a sheet feed delay in FIG.
[0131]
Y in FIG. 6 indicates a predetermined time Y for determining the transport delay in FIG.
[0132]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the normal image forming continuous mode, an image is formed at a constant period. For example, (1) in FIG. 6 is a developer image forming time, and each operation is performed in FIG. The image formation is performed in accordance with the timing of image formation as shown in the figure. In continuous printing, each operation is repeated to form an image.
[0133]
Next, FIG. 7 will be described.
[0134]
FIGS. 7A and 7B are timing diagrams when a conveyance delay occurs during the formation of a monocolor image. FIG. 7A shows that the data of the recovery amount of the transfer residual developer exceeds a predetermined reference Z. FIG. 7B is a timing chart in a case where the data of the recovery amount of the transfer residual developer is equal to or less than a predetermined reference Z.
[0135]
In FIG. 7A, the transfer of the image after the delay is performed on the transfer material to assist cleaning of the endless image carrier 104A. Therefore, the secondary transfer roller is operated at a predetermined timing from the output of the registration sensor, and the transfer material is operated. Transfer to
In FIG. 7B, the endless image carrier 104A is cleaned, and the transfer material transported with a delay is stopped by the registration rollers 122.
[0136]
Since the transfer of the image is performed at the timing of the next re-image formation, the transfer material is stopped for a while after the registration sensor output, and the driving of the secondary transfer roller is also performed later.
[0137]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in both the full-color image formation and the mono-color image formation, the transfer delay of the transfer material is not performed by the jam processing but by the transport delay processing. By performing printing, an image can be formed without burdening the user.
[0138]
In addition, the image quality can always be kept in the best condition.
[0139]
(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0140]
Note that the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0141]
First, FIG. 8 shows a detailed block diagram of the transport delay processing in this embodiment.
[0142]
When the image forming apparatus detects the conveyance delay as shown in FIG. 1, first, in the sequence S15, the data of the recovery amount of the untransferred developer recovered in advance is read from the storage means in the image forming apparatus.
[0143]
A comparison is made as to whether or not the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount is equal to or less than a predetermined reference Z.
[0144]
When the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference Z, the sequence is the same as the sequence S17, S21, etc. of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
[0145]
Then, in the sequence S16 in FIG. 8, if the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount exceeds the predetermined reference Z, all the images created on the endless image carrier 104A are cleaned. There is a possibility that 100 times or more of the amount of the untransferred residual developer needs to be collected, and it is expected that the margin of the collecting capability of the transfer residual developing material collecting mechanism will be reduced.
[0146]
Therefore, as shown in sequence S32, the secondary transfer is interrupted, the transfer material that has been delayed and conveyed is continuously conveyed to the registration roller 122, and it is detected in sequence S19 whether the transfer material has reached the registration roller 122.
[0147]
After detecting that the transfer material has reached the registration roller 122 in sequence S19, the transfer material is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 122, and the development material image formed on the endless image carrier 104A at a desired timing in sequence S33. Is restarted, and printing is performed in S10 through the sequences S1, S9, and S4.
[0148]
In this transfer, the endless image carrier 104A idles while the transfer material is being conveyed with a delay, and the registration roller 122 is re-rotated at a desired timing in accordance with the idle rotation to restart the transfer. Can usually obtain a desired image in an image forming range.
[0149]
Next, FIG. 9 shows timings according to the second embodiment when forming a full-color image and when forming a mono-color image.
[0150]
FIG. 9 is a timing chart of a processing sequence in the present embodiment when a transport delay is detected. FIG. 9A is a diagram at the time of full-color image formation, and FIG. 9B is a diagram at the time of mono-color image formation. It is.
[0151]
First, the case of forming a full-color image will be described with reference to FIG.
[0152]
In the first embodiment, a description that is the same as the description performed using FIG. 5 will be omitted.
[0153]
First, in FIG. 8, when the conveyance delay is detected at the predetermined times X and Y, the feeding roller and the registration roller 122 continue the conveyance until the transfer material reaches the registration sensor.
[0154]
After the transfer material reaches the registration roller 122, the registration roller 122 and the paper feed roller are delayed by f until a desired timing.
[0155]
The timing at the end of f is synchronized with the leading edge of the image on the endless image carrier 104A for transferring to the transfer material, and by restarting the transfer to the transfer material at the above timing, the desired timing on the transfer material is achieved. Image is obtained.
[0156]
When the image formation is in the continuous mode, after a series of transfer sequences is completed, that is, at the time of printing after a conveyance delay occurs, the paper is fed in advance before the image formation and the transfer material is transferred. Check the transport status.
[0157]
Then, when it is determined that the transport state is normal, the image formation is restarted.
[0158]
Next, the case of forming a monocolor image will be described with reference to FIG.
[0159]
FIG. 9B shows the time of forming a monocolor image, and thus the timings of the predetermined times X and Y are different from those in FIG. 9A, but the other timings are the same as those in FIG. 9A.
[0160]
That is, after the transfer material reaches the registration roller 122, the registration roller 122 and the paper feed roller are delayed by f until a desired timing synchronized with the leading end of the image on the endless image carrier 104A, and the transfer to the transfer material is restarted. Thereby, a desired image can be obtained on the transfer material.
[0161]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in either the full-color image formation or the mono-color image formation, the transfer delay of the transfer material is not performed by the jam processing but by the transport delay processing to re-execute the normal printing. , Image formation can be performed without burdening the user.
[0162]
Further, when the transfer residual developer is already recovered in a large amount and a conveyance delay is detected, the transfer to the transfer material and the transfer to the transfer material without cleaning the endless image carrier 104A are performed, thereby greatly increasing the cleaning load. It is possible to achieve significant reduction.
[0163]
(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0164]
Note that the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0165]
First, FIG. 10 shows a detailed block diagram of the transport delay processing sequence S12 in this embodiment.
[0166]
When the image forming apparatus detects the conveyance delay in the same manner as in the first embodiment, first, in a sequence S15, the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount detected in advance is read from the storage unit in the image forming apparatus.
[0167]
Then, a comparison is made as to whether or not the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount is equal to or less than a predetermined reference Z.
[0168]
When the data of the transfer residual developer collection amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference Z, it is the same as the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
[0169]
In the sequence S16 in FIG. 10, if the data of the recovery amount of the untransferred developer exceeds the predetermined reference Z, all the images created on the endless image carrier 104A are cleaned. There is a possibility that 100 times or more of the remaining developing material must be collected, and it is expected that the margin of the collecting capability of the transfer residual developing material collecting mechanism will be reduced.
[0170]
Therefore, as shown in a sequence S42, the transfer material that is being delayed and conveyed is continuously conveyed to the registration roller 122, and it is detected whether or not the transfer material has reached the registration roller 122 in a sequence S19.
[0171]
After detecting that the transfer material has reached the registration roller 122, the transfer material is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 122, and the transfer of the developing material image formed on the endless image carrier 104A is performed at a desired timing in sequence S43. .
[0172]
That is, since the image forming apparatus detects the conveyance delay state in advance, the endless image carrier 104A is decelerated or temporarily stopped before the image leading end comes to the secondary transfer position, and the position where normal transfer is possible. Wait until the transfer material is transported.
[0173]
Then, in the sequence 43, the registration roller 122 is rotated again, and the image of the endless image carrier 104A that has already been formed is transferred to the transfer material.
[0174]
Accordingly, in this transfer, even if the transfer material is delayed, the endless image carrier 104A is decelerated or temporarily stopped in accordance therewith, so that the registration roller 122 is re-rotated at a timing corresponding to the transfer material to perform the transfer. The process can be resumed, and a desired image in the normal image forming range can be obtained on the transfer material.
[0175]
Next, FIG. 11 shows the timing according to the third embodiment when forming a full-color image and when forming a mono-color image.
[0176]
FIGS. 11A and 11B are timing charts of a processing sequence in this embodiment when a transport delay is detected. FIG. 11A is a diagram at the time of full-color image formation, and FIG. 11B is a diagram at the time of mono-color image formation. It is.
[0177]
First, the case of forming a full-color image will be described with reference to FIG.
[0178]
A description of the same portion as that described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 5 will be omitted.
[0179]
First, when a conveyance delay is detected at the predetermined times X and Y in FIG. 10, the feeding roller and the registration roller 122 continue the conveyance until the transfer material reaches the registration sensor.
[0180]
After the transfer material reaches the registration roller 122, the temporary registration roller 122 and the paper feed roller are stopped until the desired timing until h.
[0181]
However, h is much shorter than f in the second embodiment.
[0182]
The timing of the end of h is synchronized with the leading edge of the image on the endless image carrier 104A for the secondary transfer to the transfer material, and the transfer to the transfer material is restarted at this timing.
[0183]
Since the image forming apparatus detects the conveyance delay state in advance, the endless image carrier 104A is decelerated or temporarily stopped before the leading end of the image comes to the secondary transfer position, so that normal transfer can be performed. Wait for the transfer material to be transported to the position.
[0184]
Thereafter, in a sequence 43, the registration roller 122 is rotated again, and the image of the endless image carrier 104A that has already been formed is transferred to the transfer material.
[0185]
When image formation is in the continuous mode, after a series of transfer sequences is completed, that is, at the time of printing after a conveyance delay has occurred, paper is fed in advance before image formation and the transfer material is transferred. Check the transport status.
[0186]
Then, when it is determined that the transport state is normal, the image formation is restarted.
[0187]
Next, a case of forming a monocolor image will be described with reference to FIG.
[0188]
FIG. 11B shows the case of forming a monocolor image, and thus the timings of the predetermined times X and Y are different from those of FIG. 11A, but the other timings are the same as those of FIG. 11A.
[0189]
That is, even if the transfer material is delayed, the endless image carrier 104A is decelerated or temporarily stopped in accordance therewith, so that the registration roller 122 can be re-rotated at a timing corresponding to the transfer material to resume the transfer, and A desired image in an image forming range is usually obtained on the material.
[0190]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in both the full-color image formation and the mono-color image formation, the transfer delay of the transfer material is not the jam processing, but the normal printing is performed again by the transport delay processing. As a result, an image can be formed without burdening the user.
[0191]
Further, when the transfer residual developer is already recovered in a large amount and a conveyance delay is detected, the transfer to the transfer material and the transfer to the transfer material without cleaning the endless image carrier 104A are performed, thereby greatly increasing the cleaning load. It is possible to achieve significant reduction.
[0192]
Further, the endless image carrier 104A is decelerated or temporarily stopped, and the timing can be synchronized with the transfer of the transfer material, so that printing can be performed quickly.
[0193]
(Example 4)
Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0194]
Note that the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0195]
Since the operation is the same as that of the second and third embodiments, description of the operation is omitted.
[0196]
The present embodiment is characterized in that the reference of the collection amount for performing the transfer material transfer delay processing is switched between the full color mode and the mono color mode in accordance with the collection amount of the transfer residual developer.
[0197]
FIG. 12 shows an example of each mode.
[0198]
In the full-color mode, a larger amount of developer is used than in the mono-color mode. Therefore, the collection amount standard is set low so that the cleaning load is not increased as much as possible.
[0199]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in both the full-color image formation and the mono-color image formation, the transfer delay of the transfer material is not the jam processing, but the normal printing is performed again by the transport delay processing. As a result, an image can be formed without burdening the user.
[0200]
Further, by switching the comparison of the recovery amount of the transfer residual developer between the mono-color mode and the full-color mode, the transport delay processing can be performed more effectively.
[0201]
It goes without saying that, other than the combination of the embodiments described above, similar effects can be obtained for those to which the present invention can be applied.
[0202]
Further, it goes without saying that the same effects can be obtained for those to which the present invention can be applied, other than the condition setting used in the fourth embodiment.
[0203]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a transfer delay of the transfer material occurs, the image forming operation is not stopped as an error process (jam process) of the image forming apparatus, and the transfer material collecting mechanism is preferably used. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing an appropriate operation without imposing a burden.
[0204]
That is, as shown in the first embodiment, in the configuration in which the rotation drive of the endless image carrier and the paper feed and transport drive of the transfer material are controlled by the same drive source by an electromagnetic clutch or the like, When the conveyance delay is detected, according to the collection amount of the transfer residual developer collected by cleaning the endless image carrier, for example, when the collection amount is larger than a predetermined reference, the transfer material that has been delayed and conveyed is When the transfer after the delay and the delayed image formation are performed again, or when the collection amount is smaller than a predetermined reference, the transfer to the transfer material is not performed, and the transfer material is stopped immediately before the transfer, and once The problem can be solved by forming an image again after the cleaning of the endless image carrier and transferring the image to a transfer material.
[0205]
Further, as shown in Embodiment 2, when the collection amount is larger than a predetermined reference, the transfer to the transfer material after the delay is not performed, the transfer material is stopped immediately before the transfer, and the endless image carrier is temporarily stopped. The problem can also be solved by performing idle transfer on the transfer material by idling.
[0206]
Further, as shown in the third embodiment, the problem can also be solved by decelerating or stopping the rotation speed of the endless image carrier according to the delayed transport time of the transfer material and waiting for the transport of the transfer material. I can do it.
[0207]
Further, as shown in Example 4, by setting the above-described conditions to be performed according to the recovery amount of the transfer residual developer in the case of forming a full-color image and the case of forming a mono-color image, the transport delay processing can be more effectively performed. Can work.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic fragmentary diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a transport delay process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating timings during normal color printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating timing of a transport delay process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating timings during mono normal printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating timing of a transport delay process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a transport delay process according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a timing of a transport delay process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a transport delay process according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a timing of a transport delay process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an example of a transfer residual developer collection amount setting condition according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic fragmentary view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Photosensitive drum
5 Image carrier
10 Development Rotary
31 Paper feed roller
32 cash register roller
100 photosensitive drum
101 Optical unit
102 Charging roller
103 Primary transfer roller
104 Intermediate transfer member tension roller
104A Intermediate transfer member which is an endless image carrier
105 Intermediate transfer member drive roller
107 Intermediate transfer member cleaning roller
108 Waste toner area
120 Secondary transfer roller
121 conveyor belt
123 Paper feed roller
124 Manual feed tray
125 output tray
126 Fusing unit
128 Upper output tray
130 Concentration and Timing Sensor
131 Rotary developer reference position detection sensor
150 Rotary developer holder
151a-d developing unit
152 developing roller
154 Development blade
161 Rotary developing device holder driving means
162 paper discharge roller
200 paper tray
201 transfer material

Claims (10)

A latent image is formed on the photoconductor by laser beam scanning or LED emission corresponding to image information sent from the outside, and the latent image on the photoconductor is developed with a developer using a developing device, By transferring the image developed on the photoreceptor directly to a transfer material selected from a plurality of types of transfer materials or via an endless image carrier that is driven to rotate, the image formed by the developer on the transfer material And an image forming apparatus having a fixing unit for fixing an image on a transfer material.
A sheet supply unit that supplies a transfer material, a sheet supply detection unit that detects sheet supply, and a transfer material detection unit that detects a position of the transfer material,
Cleaning means for cleaning the surface on the photoconductor, or the surface on the endless image carrier,
Having storage means for storing the transfer residual developer collected by the cleaning means,
It is characterized by having a transport delay detecting means capable of distinguishing and judging transfer material feeding success, transfer material transport delay, and transfer material feed delay, respectively,
When the transfer delay of the transfer material is detected by the transfer delay detection unit, the transfer condition to the transfer material or the endless transfer condition is determined according to the transfer state and the amount of the developer remaining after transfer stored by the storage unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that cleaning conditions of a shaped image carrier can be changed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endless image carrier has a cylindrical shape or a belt shape. When the amount of the developer remaining after transfer stored by the storage unit exceeds a predetermined reference, the image on the photoconductor is transferred to a transfer material that has been delayed and conveyed. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. If the amount of the developer remaining after transfer stored by the storage unit does not exceed a predetermined reference, the cleaning unit does not transfer the image on the photoconductor to the transfer material that has been delayed and conveyed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a surface on the photoconductor or a surface on the endless image carrier is cleaned by the cleaning. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper supply unit performs a supply operation of the transfer material at a desired timing, and then performs the supply operation a plurality of times when the transfer material is not supplied. The transfer delay detecting means does not deliver the transfer material to the detectable position of the transfer material detecting means in a desired timing even though it is confirmed that the transfer material is fed and the feeding is successful. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the transfer of the transfer material is delayed. 2. The transfer delay detecting unit determines that the transfer material is delayed when the transfer material is not fed even though the retry of feeding the transfer material is repeated a plurality of times. An image forming apparatus according to claim 6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feed detecting unit and the transfer material detecting unit are optical units using reflected or transmitted light. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the endless image carrier, the transfer of the transfer material, and the paper feeding are performed by the same driving source. A latent image is formed on a photoreceptor in accordance with image information sent from the outside, and the latent image on the photoreceptor is developed with a developer. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image with a developing material on a transfer material by transferring the image to a transfer material, via an endless image carrier that is driven to rotate, or directly,
Paper feed detecting means for detecting the paper feed of the transfer material,
Transfer material detecting means for detecting the position of the transfer material,
Transport delay detecting means for detecting a transport delay of the transfer material by the paper feed detecting means and the transfer material detecting means,
Cleaning means for cleaning the surface on the photoconductor, or on the endless image carrier,
Storage means for storing the transfer residual developer collected by the cleaning means,
Selecting means for selecting a transfer condition in accordance with the amount of untransferred developer stored in the storage means when the transfer delay of the transfer material is detected by the transfer delay detection means. Image forming device.

Images