JP2009122464A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device preventing developer from adhering to an object to be transferred when bringing an image holder into contact with the object to be transferred while continuously operating this image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: In this image forming device, a control part 60 starts driving a photosensitive member drum 12 in an image forming unit 11 at a position away from an intermediate transfer belt 20 while the intermediate transfer belt 20 moves, starts supply of voltage to a charging roll 13 when a first period of time elapses after starting driving the photosensitive member drum 12, starts supply of voltage to a developing device 15 when a second period of time elapses after starting supply of voltage to the charging roll 13, and starts moving an intermediate transfer belt 20 to be in contact with the image forming unit 11 when a third period of time elapses after starting supply of voltage to the developing device 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In image forming apparatuses such as color printers and color copiers, for example, a so-called “tandem method” in which an electrophotographic image forming unit is provided for each color is generally employed. When a monochrome image is formed by such an image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to operate other image forming units other than the black image forming unit. Promote consumption. For this reason, all color image forming units are placed in contact with the transfer target during color image formation, and other image formation units other than the black image formation unit are set apart from the transfer target during monochrome image formation. A configuration is used.

However, every time the setting for color image formation (full-color mode) and the setting for mono-color image formation represented by a monochrome image (mono-color mode) are switched, the operation of the image forming apparatus is temporarily stopped and stopped. If the setting is switched at, the time required for switching in the entire operation time increases, and the image productivity decreases. For this, a method is known in which the setting is switched while the operation of the image forming apparatus is continued.
For example, in Patent Document 1, switching from the full color mode to the mono color mode is performed during continuous operation, and when the mode is switched, the transfer pressure-bonding unit is turned off and then the transfer pressure-bonding unit is operated to form an image. A technique is described in which an intermediate transfer member is pressure-bonded to an image forming member of an image forming unit to be performed.

JP 2004-341399 A

In general, while the operation of the image forming apparatus is continued, for example, when switching from the mono-color mode to the full-color mode, if the developer adheres to the photosensitive member (image holding member) provided in the image forming unit, the photosensitive member The developer is transferred from the body to the transfer medium. As a result, there is a disadvantage that the developer attached to the transfer target soils the paper and deteriorates the image quality.
An object of the present invention is to prevent the developer from adhering to a transfer target when the image carrier is brought into contact with the transfer target while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image carrier that is rotationally driven, a charging member that charges the image carrier, and a developing member that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with each color developer. A plurality of image forming units that form an image of the developer on the image holding member, and the image holding member that moves while being in contact with the image holding member provided in at least one of the plurality of image forming units. A transfer object to which an image formed on the body is transferred, and one or more of the plurality of image forming units in contact with the transfer object from a position separated from the transfer object while the transfer object is moving A moving unit that moves the image forming unit to a position where the image forming unit moves, a control unit that controls voltage supply to the charging member and the developing member, and driving of the image carrier. The controller is configured to move the transferred object. The image holding unit of the image forming unit located at a position separated from the transfer target is started, and after the first time has elapsed from the start of driving of the image holding unit, Voltage supply to the charging member is started, and voltage supply to the developing member of the image forming unit is started after a second time has elapsed from the start of voltage supply to the charging member, and voltage supply to the developing member is started. The image forming apparatus is configured to start movement of the image forming unit to a position in contact with the transfer target after a lapse of a third time from the start of the image forming apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control unit determines that the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the developing member is greater than the absolute value of the potential at which the surface of the image carrier is charged by the voltage supplied to the charging member. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set small.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured so that the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the charging member at the start of voltage supply to the charging member is determined when the image forming unit forms an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set to be smaller than an absolute value of a voltage supplied to.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the controller forms a voltage to be supplied to the charging member after starting the movement of the image forming unit from a position separated from the transfer target to a position in contact with the transfer target. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the voltage is changed to a voltage supplied to the charging member at the time of image formation in the portion.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control unit applies a voltage to be supplied to the charging member before starting to move the image forming unit from a position separated from the transfer target to a position in contact with the transfer target. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the voltage is changed to a voltage supplied to the charging member at the time of image formation in the portion.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control unit starts moving the image forming unit from a position separated from the transfer target to a position in contact with the image forming unit, and further, after the fourth time has elapsed, the image forming unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image formation is started in the first section.
A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the control unit sets the fourth time to be equal to or longer than a time during which the image carrier rotates once.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image carrier that is rotationally driven, a charging member that charges the image carrier, and a developing member that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer of a predetermined color. An image forming unit that forms an image made of the developer on the image holding member, and the image forming member formed on the image holding member by moving while contacting the image holding member provided in the image forming unit. A state where the image of the developer is transferred and a state where the image holding body provided in the image forming unit is in contact with the transfer body in a state where the transfer body is moving Setting means for setting to any one of the separated state, switching between the contacted state and the separated state by the setting means, voltage supply to the charging member and the developing member, A control unit for controlling the driving of the image carrier. The control unit starts driving the image holding body of the image forming unit separated from the transfer body in a state in which the transfer body is moving, and starts driving the image holding body from the start of driving of the image holding body. After a lapse of time, voltage supply to the charging member of the image forming unit is started, and voltage supply to the developing member of the image forming unit is started after a second time has elapsed from the start of voltage supply to the charging member. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the image holding member is brought into contact with the transferred member after a third time has elapsed from the start of voltage supply to the developing member.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control unit determines that the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the developing member is greater than the absolute value of the potential at which the surface of the image carrier is charged by the voltage supplied to the charging member. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is set small.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the controller is configured so that the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the charging member at the start of voltage supply to the charging member is the time when the image forming unit forms an image. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the voltage is set to be smaller than an absolute value of a voltage supplied to.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, after the control unit starts the contact of the image holding body with the image receiving body of the image forming unit, the control unit is further provided with the image forming unit after a fourth time has elapsed. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein image formation is started.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the image forming units are arranged, and the control unit separates at least one of the plurality of the image forming units from the contacted state by the setting unit. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein switching between states is controlled.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the image carrier is brought into contact with the transfer medium while the operation of the image forming apparatus is continued, the developer adheres to the transfer medium as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Can be suppressed.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the image carrier is brought into contact with the transfer target while the operation of the image forming apparatus is continued, the development is performed in a potential state in which the developer is less likely to adhere as compared with the case where the present invention is not employed. The region on the surface of the image carrier that has passed through the member can be brought into contact with the transfer target.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the time required for the voltage supplied to the charging member to reach the target value is shortened, and the developer between the image carrier and the developing member is compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Can be stabilized more quickly.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the potential state in which the developer between the image holding member and the developing member is less likely to adhere is stabilized more quickly, and the image holding member is The operation of bringing into contact with the transfer object can be performed more quickly.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer that adheres to the image carrier when the voltage supplied to the charging member is changed to the voltage supplied at the time of image formation is compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Transfer to the holder can be suppressed.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to stabilize the charged potential of the image carrier and to secure time for cleaning the surface of the image carrier.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to secure time for cleaning the entire surface of the image carrier.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the image carrier is brought into contact with the transfer medium while the operation of the image forming apparatus is continued, the developer adheres to the transfer medium as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Can be suppressed.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the image carrier is brought into contact with the transfer medium while the operation of the image forming apparatus is continued, the development is performed in a potential state in which the developer is less likely to adhere as compared with the case where the present invention is not employed. The region on the surface of the image carrier that has passed through the member can be brought into contact with the transfer target.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the developer reaching the target value of the voltage supplied to the charging member is shortened, and the developer between the image carrier and the developing member is compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Can be stabilized more quickly.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to stabilize the charged potential of the image carrier and to secure time for cleaning the surface of the image carrier.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, only the image forming portion required in the image forming apparatus is brought into contact with and separated from the transfer medium, and at this time, the developer is less likely to adhere as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. An area on the surface of the image carrier that has passed through the developing member in a potential state can be brought into contact with the transfer target.

[Embodiment 1]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by a so-called tandem system using an electrophotographic system, and an image forming process unit 10 that forms an image (toner image) made of toner on a recording material, and the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. A control unit 60 that controls the image data, for example, an image processing unit 61 that performs predetermined image processing on image data received from an image reading apparatus 4 such as a personal computer (PC) 3 or a scanner, and a hard disk (for example) in which a processing program is recorded. An external storage unit 62 realized by a hard disk drive) is provided.

The image forming process unit 10 is an image forming unit that forms yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images, which are arranged in parallel at regular intervals. As an example, four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K (also collectively referred to as “image forming unit 11”) are provided.
The image forming unit 11 is a photosensitive drum 12 as an example of an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed while rotating in the direction of arrow A, and a charging member that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 with a predetermined potential. As an example, a charging roll 13, a print head 14 that exposes a photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charging roll 13 based on image data, and a developing member that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12. As an example, a developing device 15 and a drum cleaner 16 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 are provided. Each of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is configured in substantially the same manner except for the toner stored in the developing device 15, and each of the image forming units 11 is yellow (Y) and magenta (M). , Cyan (C) and black (K) toner images are formed.

  Further, the image forming process unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 20 as an example of a transfer target to which each color toner image formed on each photoconductive drum 12 of each image forming unit 11 is transferred, and each image forming unit 11. Primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K (also collectively referred to as “primary transfer roll 21”) that sequentially transfer (primary transfer) each color toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 20, and superposed toner transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. A secondary transfer roll 26 that batch-transfers (secondary transfer) the image onto the paper P that is a recording material (recording paper) at the secondary transfer portion T, and a fixing device 40 that fixes the secondary transferred image onto the paper P. It has.

The intermediate transfer belt 20 includes a drive roll 24 that rotationally drives the intermediate transfer belt 20, a backup roll 25 provided at a position opposite to the secondary transfer roll 26, a tension roll 27 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a stretching roll. 28, stretched by primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, etc., and circulates in the direction of arrow B.
The fixing device 40 includes a fixing roll 41 having a heating source therein, and a pressure roll 42 disposed in pressure contact with the fixing roll 41. Then, the toner image is fixed to the paper P by passing the paper P holding the unfixed toner image between the fixing roll 41 and the pressure roll 42 and performing heating and pressurization.

In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming process unit 10 performs an image forming operation under the control of the control unit 60. That is, when forming a color image, print job data or the like input from the PC 3 or the image reading device 4 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 61 and sent to the print head 14 for each color. In the black (K) image forming unit 11K, for example, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 that is uniformly charged by the charging roll 13 at a predetermined potential is transferred from the image processing unit 61 by the print head 14 to the K color image data. And an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 12. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 15, and a black (K) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 12. Similarly, in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) color toner images are formed.
When forming a monocolor image, a black (K) toner image is formed only by the black (K) image forming unit 11K.

  Each color toner image formed by each image forming unit 11 is each primary transfer roll 21 to which a predetermined primary transfer bias voltage is applied from a transfer power supply (not shown) onto an intermediate transfer belt 20 that circulates and moves in the direction of arrow B. The toner images are sequentially electrostatically transferred to form a superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20. As the intermediate transfer belt 20 moves, the superimposed toner image is conveyed toward the secondary transfer portion T where the secondary transfer roll 26 and the backup roll 25 are arranged.

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of sheets P1 to P4 (also collectively referred to as “sheets P”) of different sizes and types are stored in the sheet storage trays 50A to 50D, respectively. For example, when the paper P1 is designated by the control unit 60, the paper P1 is taken out from the paper storage tray 50A by the pick-up roll 51, and conveyed by the conveyance roll 52 to the position of the registration roll 53 one by one through the conveyance path R1. Is done. The same applies when the sheets P2 to P4 are designated by the control unit 60.
Then, the paper P is fed out from the registration roll 53 in accordance with the timing at which each color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion T. As a result, the toner images of each color are collectively electrostatically transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper P by the action of the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 26 and the backup roll 25.
Note that the sheet P is also conveyed to the secondary transfer portion T from the duplex conveyance path R2 and the conveyance path R3 from the manual sheet storage tray 71.

Thereafter, the sheet P on which the superimposed toner image is electrostatically transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 20 and conveyed to the fixing device 40. The unfixed toner image on the paper P conveyed to the fixing device 40 is fixed on the paper P by being subjected to fixing processing by heating and pressing by the fixing device 40. The sheet P on which the image is formed is discharged from the sheet discharge unit of the image forming apparatus 1 by the post-fixing transport roll 54 and the unloading roll 55, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown). It is conveyed to.
On the other hand, the toner (transfer residual toner) adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 20 after the secondary transfer is removed by a belt cleaner 23 disposed in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 to prepare for the next image forming cycle.
In this manner, image formation in the image forming apparatus 1 is repeatedly executed for the designated number of sheets.

Here, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an arrangement configuration capable of forming a color image, that is, an arrangement configuration in which all of the four image forming units 11 are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 is set as the image forming mode. “Full color mode” and an arrangement configuration capable of forming a monocolor image independently, that is, an arrangement configuration in which one of the four image forming units 11 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 alone. Either one is set.
In the “full color mode”, as shown in FIG. 2 (a diagram showing an arrangement configuration of the image forming process unit 10 in which the “full color mode” is set), all of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. , And the primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K provided so as to face each other are arranged at positions where they contact the intermediate transfer belt 20.
On the other hand, in the “mono color mode”, only the black (K) image forming unit 11K of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and the primary transfer roll 21K provided to face the black (K) image forming unit 11K. It is disposed at a position in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. Three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C other than the black (K) color image forming unit 11K, and three primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, and 21C provided to face these are formed from the intermediate transfer belt 20. Place at a distance.
With this setting, when the “mono color mode” is set, the operations of the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C that are not used for image formation are stopped. Therefore, the wear of the photosensitive drum 12 and the consumption of the developer in the developing device 15 are reduced.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement configuration of the image forming process unit 10 when the “mono color mode” is set. As shown in FIG. 3, the black (K) color image forming unit 11 </ b> K and the primary transfer roll 21 </ b> K provided to face the image forming unit 11 </ b> K do not move from the position in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, and “full color mode”. It is arranged at the same position as in the case of. On the other hand, the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C other than the black (K) color image forming unit 11K and the three primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, and 21C provided to face the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 20. Move to a separated position. As a result, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C and the primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, and 21C that are provided to face the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are set apart from the intermediate transfer belt 20.
In synchronism with this, the tension roll 28 moves upward and the tension roll 27 moves downward. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 20 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 12 of the image forming unit 11K, and the image forming unit 11K and the primary transfer roll 21K provided facing the image forming unit 11K are maintained in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. The

  Here, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, the primary transfer rolls 21Y, 21M, and 21C, the intermediate transfer belt 20 and the like are moved by a mechanism unit (not shown), and other components are formed as necessary. It functions as setting means for setting the photosensitive drums 12 of the units 11Y, 11M, and 11C to either one of the state in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 and the state in which they are separated from each other. In addition, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C function as a moving unit that moves the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C from a position separated from the intermediate transfer belt 20 to a contact position.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, “full color mode setting” and “mono color mode” in which “full color mode” is forcibly set as an image forming mode by user input from an operation input panel (not shown). "Mono color mode setting" in which the image is forcibly set, and either "Full color mode" or "Mono color mode" based on whether the input image data is related to color image or mono color image “Auto setting” is selected, in which is automatically set.

  In the “full color mode setting”, the “full color mode” is set regardless of the input image data. Therefore, when the input image data is related to a color image, a color image is formed. When the input image data is related to a monocolor image, a monocolor image is formed with the arrangement configuration shown in FIG. In the “mono color mode setting”, the “mono color mode” is set regardless of the input image data. Therefore, even if the input image data relates to a color image, the image is formed with the arrangement configuration shown in FIG. 3, so that it is formed as a monocolor image.

On the other hand, in “automatic setting”, either “full color mode” or “monocolor mode” is automatically set. In this case, the determination as to whether to set the “full color mode” or the “mono color mode” is data regarding whether the input image data related to the color image or the mono color image is performed in the image processing unit 61. Based on the analysis result, the control unit 60 performs according to a predetermined criterion.
For example, when “automatic setting” is selected by a user input from an operation input panel (not shown), the control unit 60 determines whether the input image data relates to a color image or a monocolor image. Is acquired from the image processing unit 61. Then, based on the image data information from the image processing unit 61, the control unit 60 sets either “full color mode” or “monocolor mode” according to a predetermined criterion.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, “full color mode” and “mono color mode setting” and “full color mode setting” are changed between “full color mode setting” and “mono color mode setting”. Switching between “mono color mode” and switching between “full color mode” and “mono color mode” when “automatic setting” is selected are performed while the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is continued. The Thereby, the time required for switching the image forming mode in the entire operation time in the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced, and the decrease in image productivity is suppressed.

  By the way, when the setting is changed from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is continued, the intermediate transfer belt 20 that circulates and moves the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C. Need to be in contact with Therefore, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 provided in each image forming unit 11 is easily damaged. Therefore, in order to smoothly contact the photosensitive drum 12 of each image forming unit 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 20 that circulates, the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 before contacting. The photosensitive drum 12, the developing device 15 and the like provided in are set in a pre-driven state.

However, in this case, if a potential state in which the toner easily adheres to the photosensitive drum 12 of any of the image forming units 11 occurs even in a partial region of the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, the intermediate transfer belt 20 is exposed. When contacted, the toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 12 stains the intermediate transfer belt 20 with the toner. As a result, the quality of the image formed on the paper P is lowered.
Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are used. Each of the potentials at the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing unit 15 provided in the toner is set in a state in which the toner is difficult to adhere, and after the state is stabilized, the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are attached to the intermediate transfer belt 20. It is in contact.

Hereinafter, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The operation control will be described.
First, the charging bias voltage supplied to the charging roll 13 of each image forming unit 11, the developing bias voltage supplied to the developing device 15, and the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15 provided in each image forming unit 11 are rotationally driven. The drive mechanism will be described. FIG. 4 shows a charging bias power source 63 that supplies a charging bias voltage to the charging roll 13 of each image forming unit 11, a developing bias power source 64 that supplies a developing bias voltage to the developing device 15, and the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15. It is a figure explaining the drive mechanism which rotationally drives. In FIG. 4, a power line for supplying power and a drive path for transmitting driving force are indicated by solid lines, and a signal line for transmitting control signals is indicated by broken lines.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each color charging bias power source provided in the charging bias power source 63 is connected to the charging roll 13 of each image forming unit 11. That is, the charging roller 13 of the image forming unit 11K has a K-color charging bias power source 631, the charging roller 13 of the image forming unit 11C has a C-color charging bias power source 632, and the charging roller 13 of the image forming unit 11M has an M-color charging bias. A Y-color charging bias power source 634 is connected to the power source 633 and the charging roll 13 of the image forming unit 11Y. The control unit 60 controls the voltage supply from each color charging bias power supply 63 to each charging roll 13 and the voltage value to be supplied.

  Each color forming bias power source provided in the developing bias power source 64 is connected to the developing device 15 of each image forming unit 11. That is, the developing device 15 of the image forming unit 11K has a K color developing bias power source 641, the developing device 15 of the image forming unit 11C has a C color developing bias power source 642, and the developing device 15 of the image forming unit 11M has an M color developing bias. A Y color developing bias power source 644 is connected to the power source 643 and the developing device 15 of the image forming unit 11Y. The controller 60 controls the voltage supply from each color developing bias power supply 64 to the developing device 15 and the voltage value to be supplied.

The photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15 provided in each of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are used as a driving mechanism for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15 of each image forming unit 11. The image forming unit drive motor 91 is driven, and clutches 92, 93, 94, and 95 that switch on / off the transmission of driving force from the image forming unit drive motor 91 to each image forming unit 11 are provided. The controller 60 controls on / off switching of the clutches 92, 93, 94, 95.
It should be noted that the clutch for switching on / off the transmission of the driving force to the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C may be constituted by a common one. In this case, the driving force transmission path is branched after the common clutch.

  Subsequently, when switching from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, each color charging bias power source provided in the charging bias power source 63 performed by the control unit 60 is transferred to each charging roll 13. Control relating to the voltage supply timing and the supplied voltage value, control relating to the voltage supply timing and the supplied voltage value from each color developing bias power source provided in the developing bias power source 64 to each developing device 15, and the clutches 92, 93, 94 The on / off switching control will be described.

  Here, first, the surface potential (VH: photosensitive member charging potential) of the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charging roll 13 and the potential (VL: region where the charged photosensitive drum 12 is exposed by the print head 14). The relationship between the exposure portion potential) and the developing bias voltage (VD: developing voltage) applied to the developing device 15 will be described. FIG. 5 shows the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) and the exposure portion potential (VL), which are potential states set on the photosensitive drum 12 when image formation is performed, and the development supplied to the developing device 15 at that time. It is the figure which showed the relationship with a bias voltage (VD). Note that the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment employs a reversal development method in which charging of the photosensitive drum 12 by the charging roll 13 is performed with a negative charge and development in the developing unit 15 is performed with a negatively charged toner. Used. Therefore, the region of the exposed portion potential (VL) in FIG. 5 is an image portion, and the region of the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) is a white background (background).

The development contrast potential (V2), which is the difference between the exposure portion potential (VL) and the development bias voltage (VD) shown in FIG. 5, sets the image density and gradation of the image portion when image formation is performed. Is a factor. For this reason, when switching from the mono color mode to the full color mode, the print head 14 is not exposed, so the exposure portion potential (VL) does not become a problem.
On the other hand, the white background portion contrast potential (V1), which is the difference between the development bias voltage (VD) and the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) shown in FIG. 5, is a factor that determines the amount of toner or carrier deposited on the white background portion. For example, when the white background portion contrast potential (V1) becomes larger than a predetermined value (allowable upper limit value V1_high), reversely charged toner (that is, positively charged toner) and a carrier adhere to the white background portion. Further, when the white background portion contrast potential (V1) becomes smaller than a predetermined value (allowable lower limit value V1_low), normally charged toner (that is, negatively charged toner) cannot be removed from the white background portion. Toner adheres to the white background. As described above, when the photosensitive drum 12 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 with the toner and the carrier adhered to the white background portion, the toner and carrier on the photosensitive drum 12 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 20. Further, a part of the toner or carrier on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred to the secondary transfer roll 26 that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 at the secondary transfer portion T. As a result, the backside of the paper P due to the toner, a transfer voltage leak due to the carrier, or the like may occur.

Therefore, when switching from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, before the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 20, toner or It is necessary to set the white background portion contrast potential (V1) to which the carrier hardly adheres. Since the white background portion contrast potential (V1) is the difference between the developing bias voltage (VD) and the photosensitive member charging potential (VH), it is supplied to each charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source provided in the charging bias power source 63. The voltage value and the voltage value supplied to each developing device 15 from each color developing bias power source provided in the developing bias power source 64 are controlled.
That is, when controlling the voltage value supplied to each charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source and the voltage value supplied to each developing device 15 from each color developing bias power source, the developing bias voltage (VD) and the photosensitive member charging potential ( It is necessary to perform control so that the difference | VD−VH | from VH) maintains the allowable lower limit value V1_low <| VD−VH | <allowable upper limit value V1_high. Hereinafter, the white background contrast potential (V1) that satisfies the allowable lower limit value V1_low <| VD−VH | <allowable upper limit value V1_high is referred to as “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)”.

By the way, the voltage value supplied to each charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source and the voltage value supplied to each developing device 15 from each color developing bias power source are the power sources constituting each color charging bias power source and each color developing bias power source. Depending on the characteristics of the circuit, a predetermined time is required from the start of voltage supply until the voltage value is stabilized, and each time is different. For example, even if each color charging bias power source is used, the K color charging bias power source 631, the C color charging bias power source 632, the M color charging bias power source 633, and the Y color charging bias power source 634 are different in time required for the voltage value to become stable. The same applies to each color developing bias power source.
Therefore, a time difference is generated between the color charging bias power source that supplies voltage to the charging roll 13 and the color developing bias power source that supplies voltage to the developing device 15 in the same image forming unit 11 until the voltage value becomes stable. .
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating, as an example, a time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power source in each image forming unit 11 and a time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power source. is there. As shown in FIG. 6, in each color charging bias power source and each color developing bias power source, the charging bias voltage and the developing bias voltage rise immediately after the supply of voltage is started based on an instruction from the control unit 60. However, overshoot occurs at the time of the rise, and the time until the overshoot falls within a predetermined charging bias voltage and development bias voltage (VD) is different. Therefore, a time difference ΔT occurs between the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized in each color charging bias power source and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized in each color developing bias power source.

In this way, time T1 is required until the voltage value supplied from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll 13 is stabilized. Also, it takes time T2 for the voltage value supplied from each color developing bias power source to each developing device 15 to become stable. A time difference ΔT exists between time T1 and time T2.
Therefore, when controlling the voltage supply timing from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll 13 and the voltage supply timing from each color developing bias power source to each developing device 15, a stable “allowable white background” on the photosensitive drum 12 is used. In order to form the “part contrast potential (V1_mid)”, both the voltage value supplied to each charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied to each developing device 15 after the instruction signal from the control unit 60 is transmitted are stable. It is necessary to consider the time to do.

In addition, in the charging bias power source 63 and the developing bias power source 64, when the target value of the voltage supplied from each color charging bias power source is set to a high voltage value, the overshoot generated in the charging bias voltage becomes large. Similarly, when the target value of the voltage supplied from each color developing bias power supply is set to a high voltage value, the overshoot generated in the developing bias voltage becomes large. For this reason, the higher the target values of the charging bias voltage and the developing bias voltage, the longer the time required to reach the target values. As a result, the time difference ΔT between the time T1 until the voltage value stabilizes at each color charging bias power supply and the time T2 until the voltage value stabilizes at each color developing bias power supply increases.
Therefore, when controlling the voltage value supplied to each charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source and the voltage value supplied to each developing device 15 from each color developing bias power source, a stable “allowable white background” on the photosensitive drum 12 is obtained. In order to form the “part contrast potential (V1_mid)” in a short time, first, the target value of the voltage supplied from each color charging bias power supply is set to a low voltage value, and then set stepwise during image formation. It is preferable to control so as to increase to the photosensitive member charging potential (VH).
In the present specification, expressions relating to the level of voltage such as “low voltage value” and “higher voltage value” mean the magnitude of the absolute value of the voltage value. For example, “low voltage value” means that the absolute value of the voltage value is small, and “increasing voltage value” means that the absolute value of the voltage value is increased.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the time difference between the voltage supply start timing from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 and the voltage supply timing from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15. As shown in FIG. 7, the charging roll 13 and the developing device 15 are arranged at different positions with respect to the photosensitive drum 12. Therefore, a predetermined time is required until the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 reaches the position R facing the developing unit 15 as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates. Therefore, the voltage supply start timing from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is the time until the photosensitive drum 12 moves from the position Q to the position R than the voltage supply timing from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15. It is necessary to start supplying as soon as possible. Thereby, the area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charging roll 13 starting at the position Q and the area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 developed by the developing roll 15a of the developing device 15 starting at the position R coincide with each other. Will be.

By the way, an image forming unit drive motor 91 (see FIG. 4) for driving the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15 provided in each image forming unit 11 is configured to form each image through the clutches 92, 93, 94, 95. The driving force is transmitted to the unit 11. At this time, in the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C in which the transmission of the driving force from the image forming unit driving motor 91 is resumed when the setting is changed from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode”, the control unit Under the control of 60, the clutches 92, 93, 94 are switched from off to on. In this case, the clutch 95 is already turned on.
However, after the clutches 92, 93, 94 are switched from OFF to ON, in order for the transmission of the driving force from the image forming unit driving motor 91 to be stabilized by the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, a predetermined amount is required. It takes time. Therefore, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the clutches 92, 93, 94 are turned on, the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 12 is in a steady (stable) state.

Therefore, before the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 12 reaches a steady state, the voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started, and a design value that requires rotation of the photosensitive drum 12 from position Q to position R is started. When the supply of voltage from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is started with a time difference, the region on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charging roll 13 starting at position Q and the developing device starting at position R The area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 developed by the 15 developing rolls 15a does not match. This is because a deviation occurs from a design value on the assumption that the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 12 is in a steady state.
Therefore, when controlling the voltage supply timing from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll 13 and the voltage supply timing from each color developing bias power source to each developing device 15, the clutches 92, 93, 94 are turned on. It is necessary to consider starting voltage supply after a time until the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 12 reaches a steady (stable) state.

  In view of the above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment changes the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the control unit 60 first switches on the clutches 92, 93, and 94 that transmit the driving force from the image forming unit drive motor 91 to the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time (first time) at which the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 12 is in a steady (stable) state, voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started. Further, after the elapse of a predetermined time (second time) required for the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 to reach the position R facing the developing device 15, each color developing bias power supply The voltage supply to the developing device 15 is started.

Then, as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates, it is required until the position R on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the developing unit 15 reaches the position S (see FIG. 7) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. A predetermined time that is longer than a time obtained by adding the longer time of the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power supply and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power supply at a predetermined time. After the elapse of (third time), the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.
As a result, the rotational speed at the start of the rotation of the photosensitive drum 12 is unstable. Further, the time T1 until the voltage value becomes stable at each color charging bias power source and the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power source. The area where the photosensitive drum 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 in spite of a time difference ΔT with respect to the time T2 until This is a region that has passed through R in a “permissible white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” state. Therefore, when the setting is changed to the “full color mode”, the surface area of the photosensitive drum 12 to which toner or carrier hardly adheres comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.

In this case, the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source is set lower than the voltage value for forming the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) set at the time of image formation. At that time, the voltage value supplied from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is set so as to set “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)”.
Therefore, the time difference ΔT between the time T1 until the voltage value stabilizes at each color charging bias power supply and the time T2 until the voltage value stabilizes at each color developing bias power supply becomes small. Accordingly, the longer one of the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power source and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power source constituting a part of the third time described above. The time is shortened. Thereby, the time from when the clutch is turned on until the photosensitive drum 12 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20 is shortened.

Subsequently, after the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source is gradually increased. The voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 is set to a voltage value that forms a photosensitive member charging potential (VH) that is set during image formation. Similarly, the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 from each color developing bias power source is gradually increased while maintaining the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)”, and the developing bias voltage (set during image formation) ( VD).
Here, also in the process of increasing the voltage value at the charging roll 13 for forming the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) set at the time of image formation and the developing bias voltage (VD) at the developing unit 15 from each color charging bias power source. The voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 are gradually increased while being synchronized with each other. Therefore, the target value of the voltage supplied from each color charging bias power source or each color developing bias power source is set low in each step of gradually increasing this voltage. As a result, in each step of gradually increasing the voltage, development is performed with the region charged with the voltage value newly set by the charging roll 13 and the voltage value newly set by the developing roll 15a of the developing unit 15. The deviation due to the overshoot of each color charging bias power source and each color developing bias power source can be kept small. For this reason, the area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 where the potential deviation from the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” occurs is small.

Then, after the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 12 is set to the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) at the time of image formation by the charging roll 13 and set to the developing bias voltage (VD) at the time of image formation in the developing unit 15. The interval (fourth time) for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by the drum cleaner 16 is set. As a result, rotation unevenness caused by noise or the like generated in the image forming unit drive motor 91, time T1 until the voltage value becomes stable at each color charging bias power source, and time T2 until the voltage value becomes stable at each color developing bias power source. In the case where a region on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 in which the potential deviation from the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” occurs due to a time difference ΔT that is larger than expected during this period, toner or The carrier is cleaned by the drum cleaner 16. Further, since the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is charged so as to be at the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) during the interval, the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) is stabilized.
In this case, the intervals at which the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is cleaned by the drum cleaner 16 are set after the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) and the developing bias voltage (VD) at the time of image formation are set, and then the photosensitive drum 12. Is preferably set to a time for at least one rotation.

Here, FIG. 8 shows the voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll 13 and the color developing bias power source controlled by the control unit 60 when the setting is changed from “mono color mode” to “full color mode”. 6 is a timing chart showing the timing of voltage supply to each developing device 15 and on / off switching of clutches 92, 93, 94, 95.
As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 60 first switches on the clutches 92, 93, and 94 that transmit the driving force from the image forming unit drive motor 91 to the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C. As a result, the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15 arranged in each image forming unit 11 start rotating. Then, after the first time when the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 12 becomes a steady (stable) state, voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started. At this time, the charging bias voltage value supplied from the charging bias power source of each color to the charging roll 13 is a first charging bias voltage value lower than the voltage value for forming the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) set at the time of image formation. Is set.

Next, the second time required for the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 to reach the position R facing the developing device 15 at the time when the voltage supply to the charging roll 13 is started. After the elapse of time, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is started. At this time, the developing bias voltage value supplied from each color developing bias power source to the developing roll 15a of the developing device 15 is lower than the voltage value for forming the developing bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation. Set to voltage value.
The first developing bias voltage value here is between the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 12 set by the first charging bias voltage value and “allowable white background” where toner or carrier hardly adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. Part contrast potential (V1_mid) "is set.
Then, as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates, it is required until the position R on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the developing unit 15 reaches the position S (see FIG. 7) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. A third time that is longer than the time obtained by adding the longer time of the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power supply and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power supply at a predetermined time. After the elapse of time, the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.

  After the photosensitive drum 12 provided in each image forming unit 11 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source is gradually increased and set at the time of image formation. Is set to a voltage value that forms a photosensitive member charging potential (VH). In synchronism with this, the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 from each color developing bias power supply gradually increases while maintaining the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” where the toner and the carrier hardly adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The development bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation is increased. The time difference between the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 at that time is set to a time difference corresponding to the second time.

The charging roller 13 sets the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 12 to the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) at the time of image formation, and the developing unit 15 sets the developing bias voltage (VD) at the time of image formation to A cleaning interval (fourth time) for cleaning the surface of the body drum 12 by the drum cleaner 16 is set. Here, the cleaning interval is preferably set to at least the time required for one rotation of the photosensitive drum 12.
Then, after the cleaning interval elapses, image formation in each image forming unit 11 is started.

Next, when switching from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 11Y (Y color image forming unit), the image forming unit 11M (M color image forming unit) The operation control for each of the image forming units 11C (C color image forming units) will be described.
FIG. 9 shows voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll 13 in each of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to each developing device 15, and clutches 92, 93, and 94. , 95 is a timing chart showing the on / off switching timing. In each of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, voltage supply to each charging roll 13 and each developing device 15 and on / off switching of the clutches 92, 93, 94, and 95 are performed at the same timing as the timing chart shown in FIG. Is done.
That is, when switching from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C simultaneously perform the transition to the “full color mode”. Contacted with the intermediate transfer belt 20. Therefore, in the Y-color image forming unit 11Y, the M-color image forming unit 11M, and the C-color image forming unit 11C, the charging of each color is performed after the timing at which the clutches 92, 93, and 94 are turned on and after the first time has elapsed after the clutch is turned on. The timing for starting the voltage supply from the bias power source to the charging roll 13 and the timing for starting the voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 after the elapse of the second time are simultaneously performed. Further, after the elapse of the third time thereafter, the photosensitive drum 12 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.

However, after the photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied to the developing unit 15 are expressed as “allowable white background contrast. In the step of gradually increasing while maintaining the “potential (V1_mid)”, there may be a region on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 in which the potential deviation occurs from the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)”.
That is, the voltage value supplied from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 are gradually increased in synchronization with each other. For this reason, in all of the stages where the voltage is gradually increased, there may be a case where the time lag until the voltage stabilizes due to the overshoot of each color charging bias power source and each color developing bias power source cannot be eliminated. Therefore, in the step of gradually increasing the voltage, a region on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 that is deviated from the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” may occur.

In this case, toner or carrier is slightly adhered to the photosensitive drum 12 due to the potential deviation from the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)”. Then, toner and carrier are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20.
Therefore, the toner and carrier adhering to the photosensitive drums 12 of the Y color image forming unit 11Y, the M color image forming unit 11M, and the C color image forming unit 11C are transferred to almost the same region on the intermediate transfer belt 20. In addition, there is a time difference between the timing of performing the step of gradually increasing the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 in each of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C. This time difference is set to be substantially the same as the time difference when the intermediate transfer belt 20 passes through the Y color image forming unit 11Y, the M color image forming unit 11M, and the C color image forming unit 11C.
As a result, the toner and carrier adhering to the photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are transferred to substantially the same region on the intermediate transfer belt 20. Therefore, the area on the intermediate transfer belt 20 where the toner and the carrier are attached is narrowed, and the area where the back stain on the paper P is generated is reduced.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C. Then, after the first time when the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 12 after the clutch is turned on is in a steady (stable) state, voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started. The second time required for the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 to reach the position R facing the developing device 15 at the time when the voltage supply to the charging roll 13 is started. After the lapse of time, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is started. Then, as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates, it is required until the position R on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the developing unit 15 reaches the position S (see FIG. 7) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. A third time that is longer than the time obtained by adding the longer time of the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power supply and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power supply at a predetermined time. After the elapse of time, the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.
As a result, the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 20 in a state where “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” is set in which toner or carrier hardly adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the occurrence of contamination of the back side of the paper P due to the toner and leakage of the transfer voltage due to the carrier is suppressed.

  When changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the timing for switching on the clutches 92, 93, 94 is the same as the previous “mono color mode”. May be after the completion of image formation, but before completion of previous image formation in “mono color mode”, the setting change to “full color mode” is started during image formation in “mono color mode”. May be.

  Here, the control unit 60 that performs operation control on the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. . FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control unit 60 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, when the control unit 60 executes the operation control related to the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, the control unit 60 performs work for the CPU 601 and the CPU 601 that execute digital arithmetic processing according to a predetermined processing program. A RAM 602 used as a memory, a ROM 603 storing a processing program executed by the CPU 601, a rewritable SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) that can retain data even when power supply is interrupted, A non-volatile memory 604 such as a flash memory, a charging bias power source 63, a developing bias power source 64, and an interface unit 605 for controlling input / output of signals with a driving system such as the image forming unit driving motor 91 are provided.

  The control unit 60 performs, for example, an image formation program that realizes operation control on the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The data is read from the external storage unit 62 that is an external storage device provided in the apparatus 1 to the ROM 603 that is the main storage device. Then, based on the program read into the ROM 603, the CPU 601 performs processing related to operation control. As this program, for example, a program stored in a reserved area such as a hard disk or a DVD-ROM as the external storage unit 62 is loaded into the ROM 603 and provided. As another providing form, there is a form provided in a state stored in the ROM 603 in advance. Further, when a rewritable ROM 603 such as an EEPROM is provided, there is a form in which only the program is provided and installed in the ROM 603 after the control unit 60 is assembled. Further, there is a form in which a program is transmitted to the control unit 60 via a network such as the Internet and installed in the ROM 603 of the control unit 60.

In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 12 of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are multiple transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. It was adopted. However, the present invention is configured such that each color toner image formed on each photosensitive drum 12 of each image forming unit 11 is directly transferred onto a sheet P as an example of a transfer target conveyed to a conveying member. The present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus.
Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, “mono color mode” in which image formation is performed in the black (K) image forming unit 11K as a case where a single color (mono color) image is formed. However, a configuration in which an image of one color other than black (K) is formed may be employed. For example, even when the magenta (M) color image forming unit 11M is arranged at the position of the black (K) color image forming unit 11K, the “mono color mode” in which the image forming unit 11M performs image formation is set. Good.
Further, in addition to the “full color mode”, a “multicolor mode” for setting any one or two of the three image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C to an arrangement configuration capable of image formation may be set. . In that case, the above-described operation control may be performed in, for example, one or two image forming units 11 selected in the “multi-color mode”.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming units 11Y and 11M are used when the setting is changed from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is continued. , 11C, after the first time when the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 12 after the clutch is turned on is in a steady (stable) state, the supply of voltage from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started. The second time required for the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 to reach the position R facing the developing device 15 at the time when the voltage supply to the charging roll 13 is started. After the lapse of time, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is started. Then, as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates, it is required until the position R on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the developing unit 15 reaches the position S (see FIG. 7) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. A third time that is longer than the time obtained by adding the longer time of the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power supply and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power supply at a predetermined time. After the elapse of time, the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.
As a result, the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 20 in a state where “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” is set in which toner or carrier hardly adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the occurrence of contamination of the back side of the paper P due to the toner and leakage of the transfer voltage due to the carrier is suppressed.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, after the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) and the developing bias that are set at the time of image formation are set. The configuration for setting the voltage (VD) has been described. In this embodiment, after setting the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) and the developing bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation, the photosensitive drums 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are set in the middle. A configuration for contacting the transfer belt 20 will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

FIG. 11 shows the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in which the setting unit 60 changes the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode”, and is controlled by the control unit 60 from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll 13. 6 is a timing chart showing timings of voltage supply, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to each developing device 15, and on / off switching of clutches 92, 93, 94, 95.
As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 60 of the present embodiment first turns on the clutches 92, 93, and 94 that transmit the driving force from the image forming unit drive motor 91 to the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C. Switch. As a result, the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing device 15 arranged in each image forming unit 11 start rotating. Then, after the first time when the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 12 becomes a steady (stable) state, voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started. At this time, the charging bias voltage value supplied from the charging bias power source of each color to the charging roll 13 is a first charging bias voltage value lower than the voltage value for forming the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) set at the time of image formation. Is set.

Next, the second time required for the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 to reach the position R facing the developing device 15 at the time when the voltage supply to the charging roll 13 is started. After the elapse of time, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is started. At this time, the developing bias voltage value supplied from each color developing bias power source to the developing roll 15a of the developing device 15 is lower than the voltage value for forming the developing bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation. Set to voltage value.
The first developing bias voltage value here is between the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 12 set by the first charging bias voltage value and “allowable white background” where toner or carrier hardly adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. Part contrast potential (V1_mid) "is set.

  Thereafter, the voltage value supplied from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is gradually increased from the first charging bias voltage value to a voltage value for forming the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) set at the time of image formation. Is set. In synchronism with this, the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 from each color developing bias power supply maintains the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” in which the toner and the carrier hardly adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, while The development bias voltage value is gradually increased from the development bias voltage value of 1, and is set to the development bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation. The time difference between the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 at that time is set to a time difference corresponding to the second time.

The charging roller 13 sets the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 12 to the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) at the time of image formation, and the developing unit 15 sets the developing bias voltage (VD) at the time of image formation to With the rotation of the body drum 12, a predetermined time required until the position R on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the developing unit 15 reaches the position S (see FIG. 7) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, The passage of a third time that is longer than the time obtained by adding the longer time of the time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power source and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power source. Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 12 provided in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.
Further, after the photosensitive drum 12 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, a cleaning interval is set for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by the drum cleaner 16. Here, the cleaning interval is preferably set to at least the time required for one rotation of the photosensitive drum 12.
Then, after the cleaning interval elapses, image formation in each image forming unit 11 is started.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are clutch-on. After a lapse of a first time when the rotational speed of the subsequent photosensitive drum 12 becomes a steady (stable) state, voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll 13 is started. The second time required for the position Q on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charging roll 13 to reach the position R facing the developing device 15 at the time when the voltage supply to the charging roll 13 is started. After the lapse of time, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to the developing device 15 is started. After that, the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 from each color charging bias power source is gradually increased from the first charging bias voltage value to form a photosensitive member charging potential (VH) set at the time of image formation. Set to a value. In synchronization therewith, the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 from each color developing bias power supply is gradually increased from the first developing bias voltage value and set to the developing bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation. Is done.

Then, after the voltage value for forming the photosensitive member charging potential (VH) and the developing bias voltage (VD) set at the time of image formation are set, the photosensitive drum 12 faces the developing unit 15 as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates. The time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power source for a predetermined time required for the position R on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 to reach the position S (see FIG. 7) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20. The image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C are provided after the elapse of a third time that is longer than the time obtained by adding the longer time of the voltage developing bias power sources and the time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized. The photosensitive drum 12 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20.
As a result, the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 20 in a state where “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” is set in which toner or carrier hardly adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the occurrence of contamination of the back side of the paper P due to the toner and leakage of the transfer voltage due to the carrier is suppressed.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the voltage value supplied to the charging roll 13 and the voltage value supplied to the developing device 15 are gradually increased while maintaining the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)”. In this case, even if a region on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 where the potential deviation has occurred from the “allowable white background contrast potential (V1_mid)” is generated, it is before being brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 20, and thus adhered to the photosensitive drum 12. Transfer of toner and carrier to the intermediate transfer belt 20 is suppressed.

  Also in the present embodiment, when changing the setting from the “mono color mode” to the “full color mode” while continuing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the timing for switching on the clutches 92, 93, 94 is the previous time. This may be after the completion of image formation in “Mono Color Mode”, but before the completion of image formation in the previous “Mono Color Mode”, change the setting to “Full Color Mode” in “Mono Color Mode”. You may start during the image formation.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement configuration of an image forming process unit in which a “full color mode” is set. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement configuration of an image forming process unit when “mono color mode” is set. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a charging bias power source that supplies a charging bias voltage to a charging roll of each image forming unit, a developing bias power source that supplies a developing bias voltage to a developing device, and a driving mechanism that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum and the developing device. . The photosensitive member charging potential (VH) and the exposure portion potential (VL) which are potential states set in the photosensitive drum when image formation is performed, and the developing bias voltage (VD) supplied to the developing device at that time FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a time T1 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color charging bias power source in each image forming unit and a time T2 until the voltage value is stabilized at each color developing bias power source. It is a figure explaining the time difference between the voltage supply start timing from each color charging bias power source to the charging roll and the voltage supply timing from each color developing bias power source to the developing device. Voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to each developing device controlled by the control unit when changing the setting from “mono color mode” to “full color mode”, and 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of clutch on / off switching. 6 is a timing chart showing timings of voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to each developing device, and clutch on / off switching in each image forming unit. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a control part. Voltage supply from each color charging bias power source to each charging roll, voltage supply from each color developing bias power source to each developing device controlled by the control unit when changing the setting from “mono color mode” to “full color mode”, and 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of clutch on / off switching.

Explanation of symbols

11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K) ... image forming unit, 12 ... photosensitive drum, 13 ... charging roll, 15 ... developer, 10 ... image forming process section, 20 ... intermediate transfer belt, 21 (21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K) ... primary transfer roll, 60 ... control unit, 63 ... charging bias power source, 64 ... developing bias power source, 91 ... image forming unit drive motor, 92, 93, 94, 95 ... clutch

Claims (12)

An image carrier that is driven to rotate; a charging member that charges the image carrier; and a developing member that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with each color developer. A plurality of image forming units for forming an image made of an agent;
A transfer body to which an image formed on the image holding body is transferred while being in contact with the image holding body provided in at least one of the plurality of image forming units;
Moving means for moving one or more of the plurality of image forming units from a position separated from the transferred body to a position in contact with the transferred body in a moving state;
A control unit that controls the moving operation of the moving unit with respect to the image forming unit, voltage supply to the charging member and the developing member, and driving of the image holding member;
The control unit starts driving of the image holding body of the image forming unit located at a position separated from the transferred body while the transferred body is moving, and starts driving of the image holding body. The voltage supply to the charging member of the image forming unit is started after a lapse of a first time from the start, and the voltage to the developing member of the image forming unit is started after the lapse of a second time from the start of the voltage supply to the charging member. An image forming apparatus comprising: starting supply, and starting movement of the image forming unit to a position in contact with the transfer target after a lapse of a third time from the start of voltage supply to the developing member.   The control unit sets an absolute value of a voltage supplied to the developing member to be smaller than an absolute value of a potential at which the surface of the image carrier is charged by the voltage supplied to the charging member. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.   The control unit determines that the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the charging member at the start of voltage supply to the charging member is greater than the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the charging member during image formation in the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set to be smaller.   The control unit starts the movement of the image forming unit from a position separated from the transfer target to a position where the image forming unit contacts the charging member, and then supplies a voltage to be supplied to the charging member when the image forming unit forms the image. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the voltage is changed to a voltage supplied to the member.   The control unit applies the voltage to be supplied to the charging member before starting the movement from a position separated from the transfer target to the image forming unit to a position in contact with the image forming unit during image formation in the image forming unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the voltage is changed to a voltage supplied to the member.   The control unit starts the image formation in the image forming unit after a fourth time has elapsed after starting the movement of the image forming unit from a position separated from the transfer target to a position in contact with the transfer target. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit sets the fourth time to be equal to or longer than a time for one rotation of the image carrier. An image carrier that is driven to rotate; a charging member that charges the image carrier; and a developing member that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer of a predetermined color. An image forming unit for forming an image made of the developer;
A transfer object to which an image formed of the developer formed on the image holding member is transferred by moving while contacting the image holding member provided in the image forming unit;
Setting means for setting the image carrier provided in the image forming unit in a state where the transfer body is moving to either one of a state in contact with the transfer body and a separated state;
A controller that controls switching between the contacted state and the separated state in the setting unit, voltage supply to the charging member and the developing member, and driving of the image carrier,
The control unit starts driving the image holding body of the image forming unit separated from the transfer body in a state where the transfer body is moving, and first starts driving the image holding body. The voltage supply to the charging member of the image forming unit is started after the elapse of time, and the voltage supply to the developing member of the image forming unit is started after the second time has elapsed from the start of the voltage supply to the charging member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image holding member is brought into contact with the transferred member after a third time has elapsed from the start of voltage supply to the developing member.   The control unit sets an absolute value of a voltage supplied to the developing member to be smaller than an absolute value of a potential at which the surface of the image carrier is charged by the voltage supplied to the charging member. Item 9. The image forming apparatus according to Item 8.   The control unit determines that the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the charging member at the start of voltage supply to the charging member is greater than the absolute value of the voltage supplied to the charging member during image formation in the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is set to be smaller.   The control unit starts image formation in the image forming unit after a fourth time has elapsed after starting the contact of the image holding member of the image forming unit with the transfer target. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.   A plurality of the image forming units are arranged, and the control unit controls switching between the contacted state and the separated state in the setting unit with respect to at least one of the plurality of the image forming units. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:

Images