JP2007101668A - Image forming apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image with color registration similar to that of a conventional machine without a rise in cost even when a conveyance path does not have a room. <P>SOLUTION: A counter T which counts a unit time is started (S102). Then it is decided whether both-surface printing is designated (S103) and when both-surface printing is designated, a time for which transfer paper whose both-surface printing is designated comes into contact with a photosensitive drum is measured (S104). The calculated value is added to a counter A (S105). It is decided whether integrated values of all counters A, B, C, and D exceed a predetermined time (S106). The predetermined time is set as a time such that an image is affected when the time for which a second surface comes into contact with the drum within a time of past 30 minutes plus 10 minutes during counting exceeds the predetermined time. When the predetermined time is exceeded, control to increase paper feed intervals and perform printing is carried out (S107) and Duty of both-surface printing performed within the unit time decreases to suppress a rise in temperature of a cartridge. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and method for stably conveying a recording material and obtaining an appropriate developed image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method for feeding recording paper when performing double-sided printing in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that can form images on both sides of a recording paper, a stack unit (stacking unit) such as an intermediate tray is used. Has been commercialized, a recording paper “double-sided switchback method” device that performs only the recording paper transport path. Specifically, after the fixing operation on the first side is completed, the paper is switched back and image formation is performed on the second side (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Since this method does not require a mechanism such as an intermediate tray, it is an effective method for reducing the size of the apparatus without causing a stacking failure on the intermediate tray or a paper jam.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-344842

  However, such a double-sided switchback system has the following drawbacks. That is, when image formation is performed by a method in which the image formation on the first surface and the image formation on the second surface are alternately performed while circulating the recording paper as in the double-sided switchback method, Since the time until the recording paper immediately returns to the photosensitive drum is extremely short, the temperature around the photosensitive member inevitably increases. When the temperature rises in this way, there is a problem that a toner melting phenomenon occurs.

  FIG. 11 is a view showing a cross section of the process cartridge of the laser printer. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum 1120 for forming an electrostatic latent image, a sleeve 1101 for applying toner to the photosensitive drum 1120, a toner container 1103 for storing toner to be supplied to the sleeve 1101, and a sleeve before use. 1101 is separated from the toner container 1103, and a seal member 1102 for sealing the toner in the toner container 1103 is provided. Further, contact portions 1111 and 1112 to which a high voltage such as charging and development is applied and mechanisms PA1 and PA2 for detecting the remaining amount of toner are provided.

  When the toner melts in such a configuration, the toner does not uniformly adhere to the sleeve 1101, which hinders development. As a result, there is a problem that image defects such as a decrease in image density and white spots are caused. In particular, in recent years, there has been a demand for further speeding up of printers. For this reason, the above-mentioned problems are caused by higher fixing temperatures, shorter recording paper reversal conveyance time, and further finer toner particles due to higher image quality. It is becoming serious.

  In order to cope with such a problem, in the invention of Patent Document 1, a thermistor is provided around the photosensitive drum, and when the detected temperature reaches a specified temperature or more, control for stopping the double-sided printing operation or opening the paper feeding interval is performed. Yes. However, it is preferable not to arrange the thermistor in view of downsizing and cost of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus and method that does not deteriorate image quality even when duplex printing is performed with an inexpensive configuration.

  In order to achieve such an object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a recording material carrying means for carrying a recording material, and a transfer means for forming an image on an electrostatic carrier and transferring the image to the recording material. An image forming apparatus comprising: a contact detection unit configured to detect that the recording material contacts the electrostatic carrier; and a predetermined one period divided into a plurality of continuous predetermined periods, The contact time integration means for storing the accumulated time obtained by integrating the time during which the recording material is in contact with the electrostatic carrier by the contact detection means in each predetermined period of time, and when the recording material is carried in, is continuous. The total accumulated time is obtained by summing the stored accumulated time in each predetermined period of a predetermined number of predetermined periods retroactive from the time of loading the recording material among a plurality of predetermined periods, and the obtained total accumulated time Whether a predetermined time has been exceeded And determining the accumulated time determining means, based on the total accumulated time obtained, characterized in that a control means for controlling the carry distance of the recording material to be conveyed by the recording material carrying means.

  Further, the image forming method of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: a recording material carrying means for carrying a recording material; and a transfer means for forming an image on an electrostatic carrier and transferring the image to the recording material. The image forming method is to divide a predetermined cycle into a plurality of continuous predetermined periods by a contact detection unit that detects that the recording material contacts the electrostatic carrier, and a plurality of continuous predetermined A contact time integration step for storing an integration time obtained by integrating the time for which the recording material is in contact with the electrostatic carrier in each predetermined period, and when the recording material is loaded, a plurality of continuous predetermined times are stored. The total accumulated time is obtained by summing the stored accumulated time in each predetermined period of a predetermined number of predetermined periods retroactive from the point in time when the recording material is carried in, and the recording material is calculated based on the obtained total accumulated time. It is carried in by carrying-in means The control step for controlling the recording material carry-in interval and the interval at which the recording material is carried in from the recording material carry-in means when it is determined that the obtained total accumulated time exceeds a predetermined time. And a control step for controlling to widen by a predetermined interval.

  According to the present invention, when a recording material is carried in, the accumulated time stored in each predetermined period of a predetermined number of predetermined periods retroactive from the time when the recording material is carried out among a plurality of consecutive predetermined periods is totaled. And calculating a total integrated time, determining whether or not the calculated total integrated time exceeds a predetermined time, and a predetermined predetermined predetermined total integrated time. When it is determined that the time has passed, the control means for controlling the recording material to be carried in from the recording material carrying-in means is widened by a predetermined interval. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and method that does not deteriorate image quality even at times.

The image forming apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a photosensitive drum 101 that is an electrostatic carrier, a semiconductor laser 102 as a light source, a rotating polygon mirror 103 that is rotated by a scanner motor 104, and a laser beam 105 that is emitted from the semiconductor laser 102 and scans the photosensitive drum 101. Has been. The charging roller 106 is uniformly charged on the photosensitive drum 101, and the developing unit 107 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 with toner. The transfer roller 108 transfers the toner image developed by the developing device 107 onto a predetermined recording sheet, and the fixing roller 109 fuses the toner transferred onto the recording sheet with heat.

  The cassette paper feed roller 110 has a function of identifying the size of the recording paper by rotating once, and feeds the paper from the cassette and sends it out to the conveyance path. The transport rollers 111 and 112 transport the paper fed from the cassette. The pre-feed sensor 113 detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet fed from the cassette, and the pre-transfer roller 114 feeds the conveyed sheet to the photosensitive drum 101. The top sensor 115 synchronizes image writing (recording / printing) on the photosensitive drum 101 and paper conveyance for the fed paper, and measures the length of the fed paper in the conveyance direction. The fixing sensor 116 detects the presence or absence of paper after fixing, the paper discharge roller 117 discharges the paper after fixing to the outside of the apparatus, and the full load sensor 120 detects paper in the discharge unit and full load detection.

  The duplex transport unit R is detachable and can be mounted in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. The transport motor 121 is for rotating the transport roller 117 of the main body forward and backward when the duplex transport unit is mounted, and the duplex transport roller 122 always rotates in one direction to transport the recording paper into the duplex transport unit. The re-feed roller group 123 re-feeds the recording paper that has been reversed in the printer body, and the re-feed sensor 124 detects the leading and trailing edges of the recording paper in the re-feed conveyance path.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the duplex unit R is not connected, the paper discharge roller 117 is driven by the main motor via the gear α. When the protrusion T pushes the gear α by the mounting, the driving of the conveying roller 117 is forcibly switched from the main motor 118 to the conveying motor 121.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. The engine controller 202 controls the operation of each unit of the printer engine in accordance with an instruction from the printer controller 201 and notifies the printer controller 201 of internal printer information. Further, serial communication is performed between the engine controller 202 and the printer controller 201 by a communication signal called a command (CMD) -status (STS) (not shown). The display control unit 203 transmits the switch operation performed by the operator to the printer controller via an operation panel (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus, and the printer controller 201 notifies the operator such as a jam or a paper position through the display control unit. Information in the device can be notified.

  The sheet conveyance control unit 204 executes sheet conveyance / stop timing control or ON / OFF timing control of each roller based on an instruction from the engine controller 201, and the high-voltage control unit 205 performs timing of each high-voltage output for charging, development, and transfer. And output value control. The optical system control unit 206 performs ON / OFF of the scanner motor and laser light amount adjustment, the sensor input unit 207 transmits paper presence / absence information of each sensor to the engine controller 202, and the jam detection unit 209 performs various jams based on the sensor information. Is being detected. The fixing device temperature control unit 208 keeps the temperature of the fixing unit at a predetermined temperature by ON / OFF control. A jam detection unit 209 detects a jam from a paper conveyance state during an image forming operation or automatic paper discharge.

  The duplex unit controller 211 is mounted on a detachable duplex unit, and sequentially exchanges commands (CMD) and statuses (STS) with the communication control unit 210. The command (CMD) and status (STS) are, for example, a refeed start command for instructing refeeding to the duplex unit, or a basic status request command for requesting information in the duplexer. Normally, the engine controller 202 detects the connection of the duplex unit by performing the above-described command (CMD) and status (STS) communication operations.

  Paper conveyance at the time of duplex printing in the laser printer configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view after the fixing roller of FIG. After the image is fixed on one side of the transfer paper by the fixing roller 109, the first side printed transfer paper is conveyed in the first direction indicated by the solid line arrow, and after the transfer paper trailing edge has passed through the paper discharge roller 119. Inverted in the second direction indicated by the broken line arrow, conveyed into the double-sided conveyance unit, and conveyed again to the image forming unit for printing the second surface.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a control flow of the present embodiment. When the power is turned on, the counters A, B, C, and D are reset (S101). Counters A, B, C, and D are counters that accumulate the time during which the transfer paper for second-side printing contacts the photosensitive drum during double-sided printing performed per unit time. The counter T that counts the unit time is started (S102). Here, the unit time is set as 10 minutes. Therefore, one period is 40 minutes. Next, it is determined whether or not double-sided printing is designated (S103). If double-sided printing is not designated, the process proceeds to S106. When double-sided printing is designated, the time for which the transfer paper designated for double-sided printing contacts the photosensitive drum is measured (S104).

  This time can be calculated from the time passing through the pre-feed sensor 113 and the top sensor 115, or the paper size and the conveyance speed. Next, this calculated value is added to the counter A (S105). It is determined whether the integrated values of all the counters A, B, C, and D exceed a predetermined time (S106). The predetermined time here is set as the time that affects the image when the time when the second surface contacts the drum within the past 30 minutes + the time of 10 minutes during counting exceeds the predetermined time. Here, it was set as 8 minutes. If it has exceeded 8 minutes, control is performed to open a paper feed interval (S107), and if it has not exceeded 8 minutes, print control is performed at the normal paper feed interval (S108). By doing so, the duty of double-sided printing performed within a unit time is reduced, and an increase in the temperature of the cartridge can be suppressed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the counter T has counted 10 minutes (S109). If 10 minutes has not elapsed, the process returns to S103. If it exceeds 10 minutes, the counter B is cleared (S110), and the counter T is reset (S111). Thereafter, the same control is performed on the counter B from steps S112 to S120, the counter C from steps S121 to S129, and the counter D from steps S130 to S138.

  These controls will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a case where the unit time is 10 minutes and the number of counters is four. In the counter A, the time during which the second surface passes the drum in the first 10 minutes is integrated, and here it is 2 minutes. In the counter B, the time during which the second surface has passed the drum in the next 10 minutes is integrated, and here it is 3 minutes. In the counter C, the time during which the second surface has passed the drum in the next 10 minutes is accumulated, and here it is 4 minutes.

  In the first 20 minutes, since the accumulated time for the second surface to pass the drum is 5 minutes, the control is performed at the normal paper feed interval. When it exceeds 20 minutes, the counter C starts counting, and when the value of the counter C reaches 3 minutes, the integrated value of the counters A to D becomes 8 minutes. Is done. Thereafter, double-sided printing with a paper feed interval is performed, the value of the counter C becomes 4 minutes, and the operation of the counter C is terminated. The counting operation is performed by the counter D for the next 10 minutes. However, since the integrated value of the counters A to D is 9 minutes, the control with the paper feeding interval opened is continued normally. 10 minutes have passed with the value of the counter D being zero, and the operation with the counter A is performed again. Since the accumulated time of the counters A to D at this point is 7 minutes, the sheet feeding interval is returned to normal and controlled.

  As control for widening the paper feed interval, for example, when the normal paper feed interval is α mm, it is set to 2α mm, which is twice that. Alternatively, control such as setting an interval (α mm + length of one sheet) of adding the length of one sheet is performed.

  In this way, the contact time with the photosensitive drum in four consecutive unit times having a predetermined time interval is integrated, and the sheet is fed when the integrated time when the second surface contacts the photosensitive drum exceeds the predetermined time. The interval is set longer than usual to prevent the temperature of the cartridge from rising, and control is performed to maintain print quality. In the present embodiment, control is performed to increase the paper feed interval, but it is also possible to issue a warning on the display unit or perform processing to prohibit double-sided printing.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, based on the process speed, control is performed to correct the time during which the second surface contacts the photosensitive drum during duplex printing. In general, the process speed is not constant. For example, recent printers are provided with a print mode in which the process speed is set to half speed and the resolution is doubled in order to form a high-quality image.

  When the process speed is reduced in this way, the time until the transfer sheet on the first side printed after passing through the fixing device is conveyed again to the photosensitive drum becomes longer than the conventional process speed. Therefore, the temperature of the transfer paper when contacting the photosensitive drum also decreases. Therefore, in such a case, the paper feed interval is controlled by correcting the time when the second surface contacts the photosensitive drum during duplex printing.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the time when the second surface for 10 minutes contacts the photosensitive drum when the transfer paper of the same paper size is printed. (1), (5), and (6) designate a normal process speed, and (2), (3), (4), and (7) designate a half process speed. Since the paper size is the same, the time is doubled. If the time for the second surface to contact the photosensitive drum at the normal process speed is Ta, the times (2), (3), (4), and (7) are 2Ta. At this half process speed, correction is performed without adding the time as it is. For example, a time obtained by multiplying the normal process speed by 0.8.

  As described above, by performing the control according to the present embodiment, it is possible to optimally cope with the case where the process speed is changed.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment, since the predetermined time is fixed, for example, when the environmental temperature outside the image forming apparatus is low, an increase in the cartridge temperature is suppressed, and the second surface until the print quality is affected is the photosensitive drum. In some cases, the temperature has not risen enough to open the paper feed interval even after the contact accumulated time (= paper feed interval control time) has been exceeded. Even in such a case, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the throughput is lowered due to the control that opens the paper feed interval. Thus, in the present embodiment, control is performed by changing the paper feed interval control time based on the environmental temperature.

  A printer in recent years is generally provided with a thermistor for measuring an environmental temperature, and plays an important role for an image forming apparatus, such as determination of process conditions based on the environmental temperature and cooling control of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the thermistor for detecting the ambient temperature is configured as an ambient temperature detector 213, and the information is input to the engine controller.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a correction amount for a predetermined time until the paper feed interval is opened with respect to the detected environmental temperature. Here, when the environmental temperature is 20 ° C. or less, the correction amount is 1.2 times, and when the environmental temperature is 20 ° C. to 30 ° C. 1.1 times and 1.0 times for temperatures above 30 ° C. In this case, it is also possible to provide a table for determining a predetermined time for each environmental temperature and determine the predetermined time according to the detected environmental temperature. For example, when the reference temperature is set to 20 ° C., the paper feed interval control time at this time is set as Tref time, and every time the temperature rises by 1 ° C., Tref is multiplied by a coefficient to correct the time until the paper feed interval is opened. A table (a table for storing coefficients) is provided.

  Further, the paper feed interval control time may be corrected by multiplying by a coefficient, or may be corrected by adding or subtracting the time to the normal paper feed interval control time in accordance with a change in environmental temperature.

  By correcting the predetermined time according to the environmental temperature in this way, the time until the paper feed interval is opened can be made variable according to the environmental temperature, and the second surface until the cartridge temperature affects the print quality is photosensitive. The accumulated time of contact with the drum can be set optimally.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, control is performed to correct the time when the second surface during double-sided printing contacts the photosensitive drum based on the fixing temperature. In recent years, image formation has been performed on various types of paper. For example, in the case of media with poor fixability such as thick paper and rough paper, fixing performance in the high mode (mode in which the fixing temperature is higher than normal) is performed, so that the same fixability as normal paper can be obtained. In addition, when a film is used in the fixing device as in high-speed on-demand fixing, due to the heat capacity, a high fixing temperature is set for a while from the start of printing, and the fixing temperature is controlled to be lowered as printing is continuously performed. Has been done. Therefore, when the fixing temperature is higher than normal, the temperature of the sheet on which the fixing of the first surface has been completed is higher than normal, so that the temperature of the cartridge increases rapidly.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a correction amount for the time when the second surface contacts the photosensitive drum during duplex printing based on the fixing temperature. The fixing temperature during normal printing operation is set to 170 ° C. to 180 ° C., and the correction amount at 180 ° C. to 190 ° C. is 1.1, and the correction amount at 190 ° C. to 200 ° C. is 1.15, based on this time. Yes. That is, the higher the fixing temperature, the longer the drum contact time is calculated.

  By performing correction based on the fixing temperature in this way, it is possible to take into consideration the degree of influence of the temperature actually received by the cartridge, and optimal control becomes possible.

(Fifth embodiment)
In this embodiment, based on the medium (paper type), control is performed to correct the time during which the second surface contacts the photosensitive drum during double-sided printing. In recent years, image formation has been performed on various types of paper such as postcards, envelopes, label paper, and OHT. In particular, a multi-heater configuration is used to handle narrow paper, and for narrow paper, a heater with a narrow width is used so that the temperature at the end of the fixing device (non-sheet passing portion) does not rise too much. Has been done. In consideration of the heat capacity, a narrow-width sheet is less affected by the temperature of the cartridge than a normal-width sheet such as A4.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a correction amount for the time when the second surface contacts the photosensitive drum during double-sided printing based on the paper size. Based on a paper size of A4 size width or larger, the correction amount from B5 to A4 width size is 0.95, and the correction amount of B5 width size or less is 0.9. That is, the smaller the paper width, the shorter the drum contact time is calculated.

  The same effect can be obtained by providing an appropriate correction amount not only for the paper size but also for the paper type (for example, OHT, rough paper, thin paper, label paper).

1 is a schematic view showing an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic view showing an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic view showing an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining 1st Embodiment concerning this invention. It is 1st Embodiment concerning this invention is demonstrated. It is 2nd Embodiment concerning this invention is demonstrated. It is 3rd Embodiment concerning this invention is demonstrated. It is 3rd Embodiment concerning this invention is demonstrated. It is 4th Embodiment concerning this invention. It is a sectional view of a process cartridge of an image forming apparatus for explaining a conventional example. It is a figure which shows the correction amount of the time when the 2nd surface at the time of double-sided printing based on paper size contacted the photosensitive drum.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Photosensitive drum 102 Semiconductor laser 103 Rotating polygon mirror 104 Scanner motor 105 Laser beam 106 Charging roller 107 Developing device 108 Transfer roller 109 Fixing rollers 111 and 112 Conveying roller 113 Pre-feed sensor 114 Pre-transfer roller 115 Top sensor 201 Printer controller 202 Engine controller 203 Display control unit 204 Paper conveyance control unit 206 Optical system control unit 209 Jam detection unit control unit

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus comprising recording material carrying means for carrying a recording material, and transfer means for forming an image on an electrostatic carrier and transferring the image to the recording material,
Contact detection means for detecting that the recording material contacts the electrostatic carrier;
A predetermined one period is divided into a plurality of continuous predetermined periods, and the recording material is brought into contact with the electrostatic carrier by the contact detection means in each predetermined period of the plurality of continuous predetermined periods. Contact time integration means for storing an integration time obtained by integrating
When the recording material is carried in, the stored accumulated time in each predetermined period of a predetermined number of the predetermined period retroactive from the time when the recording material is carried out among the plurality of consecutive predetermined periods is summed up. An integrated time determination means for determining the total integrated time and determining whether the determined total integrated time exceeds a predetermined time,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control a loading interval of the recording material loaded by the recording material loading unit based on the obtained total accumulated time.   When it is determined that the calculated total accumulated time exceeds the predetermined time, the control means sets an interval at which the recording material is carried from the recording material carry-in means to a predetermined interval. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to be widened.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact time integration unit corrects and stores the integration time based on a conveyance speed of the recording material in the transfer unit. A measuring means for measuring the ambient temperature;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact time integration unit corrects and stores the integration time based on an ambient temperature measured by the measurement unit. A fixing unit for fixing the transferred image by applying heat at a predetermined temperature to the recording material to which the image has been transferred by the transfer unit;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact time integration unit corrects and stores the integration time based on the predetermined temperature in the fixing unit. A recording material type storage means for storing the type of the recording material;
The contact time integration means reads out the type of the recording material transferred from the recording material type storage means and corrects and stores the accumulated time based on the read type of recording material. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. An image forming method for forming an image in an image forming apparatus comprising: a recording material carrying means for carrying a recording material; and a transfer means for forming an image on an electrostatic carrier and transferring the image to the recording material. ,
A contact detection unit that detects that the recording material contacts the electrostatic carrier is configured to divide a predetermined cycle into a plurality of consecutive predetermined periods, and each predetermined period in the plurality of consecutive predetermined periods. A contact time integration step for storing an accumulated time obtained by integrating the time during which the recording material is in contact with the electrostatic carrier during the period;
When the recording material is carried in, the stored accumulated time in each predetermined period of a predetermined number of the predetermined period retroactive from the time when the recording material is carried out among the plurality of consecutive predetermined periods is summed up. A control step for obtaining a total integrated time, and controlling a carry-in interval of the recording material carried in by the recording material carrying-in means based on the obtained total accumulated time;
When it is determined that the determined total accumulated time exceeds the predetermined time, the interval at which the recording material is carried from the recording material carrying means is controlled to be widened by a predetermined interval. An image forming method comprising: a control step. The control step includes
An integration time determination step for determining whether or not the determined total integration time exceeds a predetermined time.
When it is determined that the determined total accumulated time exceeds the predetermined time, the interval at which the recording material is carried from the recording material carrying means is controlled to be widened by a predetermined interval. The image forming method according to claim 7, further comprising: an interval control step.   9. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the contact time integration step corrects and stores the integration time based on a conveyance speed of the recording material in the transfer unit. And further comprising a measuring step for measuring the ambient temperature,
The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the contact time integration step corrects and stores the integration time based on an ambient temperature measured by the measurement step. A fixing step of fixing the transferred image by applying heat at a predetermined temperature to the recording material to which the image has been transferred by the transfer means;
11. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the contact time integration step corrects and stores the integration time based on the predetermined temperature in the fixing step. A recording material type storing step for storing the recording material type;
In the contact time integration step, the type of the recording material stored in the transferred recording material type storage step is read, and the integration time is corrected and stored based on the read type of the recording material. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the image forming method is performed.

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