JP2010060735A - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove an attachment including a discharge product, when it is adhered, by an efficient cleaning operation. <P>SOLUTION: When a transfer resistance is measured, and it is a predetermined value or less (100, 102, and 108), a predetermined image is formed, a transfer part is controlled so as not to transfer the image (for example, voltage of a bias reverse to transfer is applied), and a toner image is supplied to a cleaning part (102-106). The toner image is removed together with the attachment including the discharge product by an elastic blade and a metallic scraper of the cleaning part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

As an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive member to an intermediate transfer belt or the like, the technique described in Patent Document 1 forms a toner image on an intermediate transfer member and transfers the formed toner image to a transfer material. In this mode, there is provided a mode in which the intermediate transfer member cleaning means is allowed to reach the intermediate transfer member and the deposits on the surface of the intermediate transfer member are removed together with the toner. Then, it has been proposed to execute the removal mode in accordance with the number of image forming operations, the temperature and humidity, the number of pixels of the image forming image, and the like.
JP 2006-209107 A

  An object of the present invention is to remove deposits by an efficient cleaning operation when deposits including discharge products are deposited.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes an image carrier that carries a toner image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image of the image carrier to a transfer material, and at least a metal plate-like member. A cleaning unit that cleans the image carrier by a removing unit, a detection unit that detects the amount of deposits including discharge products that adhere to the image carrier, and a value that is greater than or equal to a value predetermined by the detection unit Control means for prohibiting transfer by the transfer means during non-image formation and controlling the transfer means so as to clean the toner image of the image carrier by the cleaning means when the adhering matter is detected; It is characterized by providing.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the detection means applies a voltage between the image carrier and the transfer means, whereby the image carrier and the transfer means. It includes a resistance detection means for detecting a combined resistance therebetween, and detects the amount of the deposit from the resistance value detected by the resistance detection means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second aspect, the detection means counts the time elapsed since the last image forming operation was completed, and the value counted by the counting means. Storage means for integrating and storing the value, wherein the value stored in the storage means is not less than a predetermined value and the resistance value detected by the resistance detection means is not more than a predetermined value. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the adhering material having a predetermined value or more is detected.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the detection means further includes temperature / humidity detection means for detecting at least one of temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment, When at least one of temperature and humidity equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected by the detecting means, and the resistance value detected by the resistance detecting means is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the predetermined value or higher It is characterized in that the adhered matter is detected.

  The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the removing means further includes a plate member made of resin.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the resin elastic member is provided at a position where the toner image is removed prior to the metal plate-like member. Yes.

  The image forming program according to claim 7, wherein a detection step of detecting an amount of deposits including a discharge product adhering to an image carrier that carries a toner image, and a value that is not less than a predetermined value in the detection step By the removal means including at least a metal plate-like member, prohibiting transfer by a transfer means for transferring the toner image of the image carrier to a transfer material when non-image formation is detected. And a control step of controlling the transfer unit so as to clean the toner image of the image carrier by a cleaning unit that cleans the image carrier.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the deposit can be efficiently removed when the deposit including the discharge product adheres compared to the case where the present configuration is not adopted. .

  According to invention of Claim 2, there exists an effect that the quantity of the deposit | attachment containing a discharge product can be detected.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the deposits including the discharge product can be detected with higher accuracy than when the present configuration is not adopted.

  According to invention of Claim 4, compared with the case where this structure is not employ | adopted, there exists an effect that the deposit | attachment containing a discharge product can be detected with a sufficient precision.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, there is an effect that the toner image can be removed together with the deposit including the discharge product.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, there is an effect that the plate member for refining can be cleaned without being scratched.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that when the deposit including the discharge product adheres, the deposit can be efficiently removed as compared with the case where the present configuration is not adopted. .

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the image forming apparatus 10, an intermediate transfer belt 40 formed of an endless belt is supported by a plurality of rolls 42 with a predetermined tension. Further, on the intermediate transfer belt 40, along the belt running direction X, image recording units 44C, 44M, corresponding to each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), 44Y and 44K are arranged in this order. In the following description, unless otherwise distinguished, each image recording unit has the same configuration, and therefore, description corresponding to each color is omitted.

  Each image recording unit 44 has a photosensitive drum 46 rotatably supported by an apparatus main body frame (not shown), and around each photosensitive drum 46, the drum rotation direction (clockwise in FIG. 1). The cleaner 48, the erase lamp (not shown), the charger 50, the laser scanning device 12, the developing device 52, and the primary transfer roll 54 are arranged in this order.

  That is, after the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 46 is removed by the cleaner 48, the charge on the photosensitive member is discharged by the erase lamp for discharging, and charged by the charger 50, and the photosensitive drum 46 by the laser scanning device 12. The surface of the substrate is irradiated with light to form a latent image. The latent image formed by the laser scanning device 12 forms a toner image by the developing device 52 and is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40 by the primary transfer roll 54. Note that sub-scanning is performed by each photosensitive drum 46, and main scanning is performed by the laser scanning device 12.

  On the other hand, a sheet to be image-recorded is stored in a sheet feeding unit (not shown) and fed out one by one by a pickup roll 56 provided on the sheet feeding side of the sheet feeding unit. The fed paper is conveyed by a predetermined number of roll pairs 58 along a path indicated by a broken line in the drawing, sent to the pressure contact position of the secondary transfer roll 60, and the intermediate transfer belt by the secondary transfer roll 60. The color image on 40 is batch-transferred (secondarily transferred) to the paper. The sheet on which the color image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 64 by a sheet conveying system 62, where the image is fixed (heated, pressurized, etc.) and then discharged to a tray (not shown).

  Further, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roll 60 in the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt 40, a cleaning unit 14 for cleaning deposits such as toner and toner external additives on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is provided.

  Here, detailed configurations of the cleaner 48 and the cleaning unit 14 in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the cleaning unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The cleaner 48 has the same configuration as the cleaning unit 14 and will be described as a representative of the cleaning unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning unit 14 includes an elastic blade 16 made of a resin plate-like member and a metal scraper 18 made of a metal plate-like member. The elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 are fixed to the housing 14A of the cleaning unit 14 via brackets 17 and 19, respectively, and remove residual toner images and the like attached to the intermediate transfer belt 40. The metal scraper 18 is disposed downstream of the elastic blade 16 in the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 40.

  Further, the elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 are each sized to cover the width of the intermediate transfer belt 40, and come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 40 at a predetermined angle and bite into the intermediate transfer belt 40. The amount is fixed so as to bite in a predetermined amount.

  For example, an elastic member made of a material such as urethane rubber can be applied to the elastic blade 16, but other elastic members may be used.

  As the metal scraper 18, a metal member made of a material such as stainless steel can be applied, but other metal members may be applied.

  Although only the metal scraper 18 can sufficiently remove the deposits, an elastic blade is provided from the viewpoint of the original cleaning property of the toner. The elastic blade 16 may be disposed downstream of the metal scraper 18 on the intermediate transfer belt. However, in this case, the amount of toner supplied to the elastic blade 16 is small, and a secondary problem that the elastic blade 16 is sprinkled. May occur.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is entirely controlled by the print controller 20, and image data to be imaged is input to the print controller 20.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image processing unit 22, an exposure unit 24, a transfer belt driving unit 26, a primary transfer unit 28, and a secondary transfer unit 30. Perform image formation.

  When image data is input to the print controller 20, the image data is output to the image processing unit 22, subjected to predetermined image processing, and then output to the exposure unit 24. As a result, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 46 based on the image data, and a developed toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 46.

  The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 46 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40 at the position of the primary transfer roll 54. At this time, the primary transfer unit 28 applies a bias voltage or the like to the primary transfer roll 54 so that the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40, whereby the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40.

  Further, the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40 is transferred to the sheet at the position of the secondary transfer roll 60. At this time, the secondary transfer section 30 applies a bias voltage or the like to the secondary transfer roll 60 so that the toner image is transferred onto the paper, and the toner image is transferred onto the paper.

  By the way, in the image carrier such as the photosensitive drum 46 and the intermediate transfer belt 40, the discharge products attached due to environmental conditions absorb moisture in the air and deliquesce, causing a decrease in resistance of the transfer portion. Adversely affects the transfer performance.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a transfer resistance measurement unit 32 that detects a combined resistance between the image carrier and the transfer unit is provided in order to detect the amount of deposits on the image carrier such as discharge products. Connected to the bus. The transfer resistance measuring unit 32 measures respective combined resistance values between the primary transfer roll 54 and the photosensitive drum 46 and between the roll 66 facing the secondary transfer roll 60. When the measured resistance value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the print controller 20 detects that an adhering substance such as a discharge product has adhered to a predetermined value or more. The resistance value may be measured by applying a voltage to detect a current or applying a current to detect a voltage.

  In addition, the print controller 20 forms a toner image on the image carrier during initialization processing such as when the power is turned on, or during image quality adjustment performed other than image formation, so that the transfer unit (primary transfer unit 28 or There is a cleaning mode in which the toner image is supplied to the cleaner 48 and the cleaning unit 14 for cleaning without being transferred by the secondary transfer unit 30). For example, by applying a bias voltage opposite to that when the primary transfer unit 28 or the secondary transfer unit 30 transfers the toner image to the image carrier, the toner image is not transferred to the image carrier. It can be supplied to the cleaner 48 and the cleaning unit 14. By supplying the toner image to the cleaner 48 and the cleaning unit 14, the elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 remove deposits such as discharge products together with the toner image, thereby maintaining the transfer performance.

  That is, the print controller 20 executes the cleaning mode and removes the discharge products together with the toner image when detecting deposits such as discharge products exceeding a predetermined value.

  Next, processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing relating to the cleaning mode performed by the print controller 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing of FIG. 4 may be executed at the time of initialization processing performed when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on, or may be executed at the time of image quality adjustment performed other than image formation.

  First, in step 100, the transfer resistance is measured, and the process proceeds to step 102. That is, the print controller 20 detects the combined resistance between the image carrier and the transfer unit by the transfer resistance measurement unit 32. Specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, the respective combined resistance values between the primary transfer roll 54 and the photosensitive drum 46 and between the roll 66 facing the secondary transfer roll 60 are measured.

  In step 102, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured primary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the routine proceeds to step 108.

  In step 104, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the primary transfer unit 28 is controlled so as not to perform primary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 108. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the photosensitive drum 46, the primary transfer unit 28 prevents the toner image from being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40. By applying a bias voltage to the transfer roll 54, the toner image is supplied to the cleaner 48 while being held on the photosensitive drum 46, and the toner is attached together with deposits such as discharge products by the elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 of the cleaner 48. The image is removed.

  In step 108, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured secondary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the series of processing ends.

  In step 110, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, the secondary transfer unit 30 is controlled so as not to perform the secondary transfer, and the series of processing ends. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the intermediate transfer belt 40, the secondary transfer roll 60 prevents the secondary transfer unit 30 from transferring the toner image onto the sheet. By applying a bias voltage to the intermediate transfer belt 40, the toner image is supplied to the cleaning unit 14 while being held on the intermediate transfer belt 40. Is removed.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, it is determined that the cleaning mode is executed when deposits such as discharge products exceeding a predetermined value are detected, and the image carrier is removed by the cleaning mode. Since cleaning is performed, deposits such as discharge products that have adhered to the image carrier are efficiently removed without executing an unnecessary cleaning mode.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and only differences will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the transfer resistance is measured by the transfer resistance measuring unit 32 to detect the amount of deposits such as discharge products and execute the cleaning mode. In order to perform accurately, in the second embodiment, the accumulated time that has elapsed since the end of the image forming operation is detected, and the accumulated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the transfer resistance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. In this case, the cleaning mode is performed.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the time measurement unit 34 that measures the time from the end of image formation and the time measured by the time measurement unit 34 are integrated with respect to the first embodiment. An accumulation storage unit 36 is further provided. After the image formation, the time measurement unit 34 measures the time until the next image formation, and when the next image formation is started, the measured time is accumulated. To remember. At this time, if the time has already been stored, the measured time is added to the stored time and stored.

  Subsequently, a flow of processing performed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the print controller 20 of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing in FIG. 6 will be described as being started when the power is turned on.

  First, in step 150, a predetermined initialization process is performed by the print controller 20, and the process proceeds to step 152.

  In step 152, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not there is an image formation instruction. The process waits until the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 154.

  In step 154, image data transmitted from the image formation request source is received, and the process proceeds to step 156.

  In step 156, an image forming operation is performed, and the process proceeds to step 158. That is, the image represented by the image data is formed on the paper.

  In step 158, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the image formation is completed, and the process waits until the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 160.

  In step 160, the time measurement unit 34 starts measuring the time elapsed after the end of image formation, and the process proceeds to step 162.

  In step 162, the print controller 20 determines whether or not there is a next image formation instruction. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 164. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 166.

  In step 164, the time measured by the time measurement unit 34 is accumulated with respect to the time stored in the accumulation storage unit 36, and the process returns to step 152 to repeat the above processing.

  In step 166, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 152 and the above-described processing is repeated. If the determination is positive, the series of processing ends. .

  Next, processing relating to the cleaning mode performed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow related to the cleaning mode performed by the image forming apparatus print controller 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing in FIG. 7 may be executed at the time of initialization processing performed when the image forming apparatus is turned on, or may be executed at the time of image quality adjustment performed other than image formation. Further, the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  First, in step 98, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the accumulated time stored in the accumulated storage unit 36 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 100 and denied. In case of a failure, the series of processing is terminated.

  In step 100, the transfer resistance is measured, and the process proceeds to step 102. That is, the print controller 20 detects the combined resistance between the image carrier and the transfer unit by the transfer resistance measurement unit 32. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the respective combined resistance values between the primary transfer roll 54 and the photosensitive drum 46 and between the roll 66 facing the secondary transfer roll 60 are measured. To do.

  In step 102, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured primary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the routine proceeds to step 108.

  In step 104, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the primary transfer unit 28 is controlled so as not to perform primary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 107. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the photosensitive drum 46, the primary transfer unit 28 prevents the toner image from being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40. By applying a bias voltage to the transfer roll 54, the toner image is supplied to the cleaner 48 while being held on the photosensitive drum 46, and the toner is attached together with deposits such as discharge products by the elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 of the cleaner 48. The image is removed.

  In step 107, the integration time stored in the integration storage unit 36 is reset, and the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured secondary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the series of processing ends.

  In step 110, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, the secondary transfer unit 30 is controlled so as not to perform the secondary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 114. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the intermediate transfer belt 40, the secondary transfer roll 60 prevents the secondary transfer unit 30 from transferring the toner image onto the sheet. By applying a bias voltage to the intermediate transfer belt 40, the toner image is supplied to the cleaning unit 14 while being held on the intermediate transfer belt 40. Is removed.

  In step 114, the integration time stored in the integration storage unit 36 is reset, and the series of processing ends.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the cleaning mode is executed when the accumulated time of the elapsed time after image formation is detected for a predetermined time or more and the transfer resistance is detected for a predetermined value or more. Judging and cleaning the image carrier in the cleaning mode, deposits such as discharge products attached to the image carrier are efficiently removed without executing an unnecessary cleaning mode.
(Third embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and only differences will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the transfer resistance is measured by the transfer resistance measuring unit 32 to detect the amount of deposits such as discharge products and execute the cleaning mode. In order to perform accurately, in the third embodiment, the temperature and humidity in the image forming apparatus are detected, and the detected temperature and humidity are each equal to or higher than a predetermined value and the transfer resistance is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. In this case, the cleaning mode is performed.

  That is, the present embodiment further includes a temperature / humidity detection unit 38 for detecting the temperature and humidity in the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG.

  Next, processing relating to the cleaning mode performed in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow related to the cleaning mode performed by the image forming apparatus print controller 20 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The process in FIG. 9 will be described as being executed when image quality adjustment is performed in addition to image formation. Further, the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  First, in step 99, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature / humidity detection unit 38 are equal to or greater than predetermined values. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 100. If the result is negative, the series of processing ends.

  In step 100, the transfer resistance is measured, and the process proceeds to step 102. That is, the print controller 20 detects the combined resistance between the image carrier and the transfer unit by the transfer resistance measurement unit 32. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the respective combined resistance values between the primary transfer roll 54 and the photosensitive drum 46 and between the roll 66 facing the secondary transfer roll 60 are measured. To do.

  In step 102, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured primary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the routine proceeds to step 108.

  In step 104, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the primary transfer unit 28 is controlled so as not to perform primary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 107. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the photosensitive drum 46, the primary transfer unit 28 prevents the toner image from being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40. By applying a bias voltage to the transfer roll 54, the toner image is supplied to the cleaner 48 while being held on the photosensitive drum 46, and the toner is attached together with deposits such as discharge products by the elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 of the cleaner 48. The image is removed.

  In step 107, the integration time stored in the integration storage unit 36 is reset, and the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured secondary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the series of processing ends.

  In step 110, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, the secondary transfer unit 30 is controlled so as not to perform the secondary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 114. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the intermediate transfer belt 40, the secondary transfer roll 60 prevents the secondary transfer unit 30 from transferring the toner image onto the sheet. By applying a bias voltage to the intermediate transfer belt 40, the toner image is supplied to the cleaning unit 14 while being held on the intermediate transfer belt 40. Is removed.

  In step 114, the integration time stored in the integration storage unit 36 is reset, and the series of processing ends.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is determined that the cleaning mode is executed when the temperature and humidity in the image forming apparatus are detected to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value and the transfer resistance is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, respectively. Then, since the image carrier is cleaned in the cleaning mode, deposits such as discharge products attached to the image carrier are efficiently removed without executing an unnecessary cleaning mode.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the second embodiment and the third embodiment, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral and only the difference will be described.

  The present embodiment is a combination of the second embodiment and the third embodiment. That is, with respect to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a time measurement unit 34 that measures the time after the end of image formation, and an integration storage unit that accumulates and stores the time measured by the time measurement unit 34 36 and a temperature / humidity detector 38 for detecting the temperature and humidity in the image forming apparatus, and the processing (FIG. 6) performed by the image forming apparatus described in the second embodiment is executed. As a result, the integrated value of the elapsed time after image formation is stored in the integrated storage unit 36 as needed.

  Next, processing relating to the cleaning mode performed in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow related to the cleaning mode performed by the image forming apparatus print controller 20 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The process in FIG. 11 will be described as being executed when image quality adjustment is performed in addition to image formation. The same processes as those in the second embodiment and the third embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  First, in step 98, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the accumulated time stored in the accumulated storage unit 36 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 100 and denied. If YES, go to step 99.

  Next, in step 99, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature / humidity detector 38 are equal to or greater than predetermined values. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 100. If the result is negative, the series of processing ends.

  In step 100, the transfer resistance is measured, and the process proceeds to step 102. That is, the print controller 20 detects the combined resistance between the image carrier and the transfer unit by the transfer resistance measurement unit 32. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the respective combined resistance values between the primary transfer roll 54 and the photosensitive drum 46 and between the roll 66 facing the secondary transfer roll 60 are measured. To do.

  In step 102, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured primary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the routine proceeds to step 108.

  In step 104, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the primary transfer unit 28 is controlled so as not to perform primary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 107. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the photosensitive drum 46, the primary transfer unit 28 prevents the toner image from being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40. By applying a bias voltage to the transfer roll 54, the toner image is supplied to the cleaner 48 while being held on the photosensitive drum 46, and the toner is attached together with deposits such as discharge products by the elastic blade 16 and the metal scraper 18 of the cleaner 48. The image is removed.

  In step 107, the integration time stored in the integration storage unit 36 is reset, and the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, it is determined by the print controller 20 whether or not the measured secondary transfer resistance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110 to execute the cleaning mode. If the result is negative, the series of processing ends.

  In step 110, a predetermined image (for example, a solid image having a predetermined density) is formed, and the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, the secondary transfer unit 30 is controlled so as not to perform secondary transfer, and the process proceeds to step 114. That is, when an adhering substance such as a discharge product exceeding a predetermined value is detected on the intermediate transfer belt 40, the secondary transfer roll 60 prevents the secondary transfer unit 30 from transferring the toner image onto the sheet. By applying a bias voltage to the intermediate transfer belt 40, the toner image is supplied to the cleaning unit 14 while being held on the intermediate transfer belt 40. Is removed.

  In step 114, the integration time stored in the integration storage unit 36 is reset, and the series of processing ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the accumulated time of the elapsed time after the image formation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time and the transfer resistance is detected to be equal to or larger than the predetermined value, or in the image forming apparatus When the temperature and humidity of each of these are detected to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the transfer resistance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the cleaning mode is to be executed, and the image carrier is cleaned in the cleaning mode. Adherents such as discharge products adhering to the image carrier are efficiently removed without executing the necessary cleaning mode.

  In the second to third embodiments, the accumulated time stored in the accumulated storage unit 36 is reset when the cleaning mode of either the photosensitive drum 46 or the intermediate transfer belt 40 is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accumulated time stored in the accumulated storage unit 36 may be reset when the cleaning mode for both the photosensitive drum 46 and the intermediate transfer belt 40 is performed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, after determining whether the photosensitive drum 46 is shifted to the cleaning mode, it is determined whether the intermediate transfer drum 40 is shifted to the cleaning mode. However, the intermediate transfer drum 40 is cleaned. After determining whether or not to shift to the mode, it may be determined whether or not the photosensitive drum 46 shifts to the cleaning mode.

  In each of the above embodiments, the transfer bias is controlled when the toner image is supplied to the cleaning unit 14 and the cleaner 48 without transferring when the mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. For example, each transfer roll (primary transfer roll 54 or secondary transfer roll 60) is configured to be separable from the transfer body (intermediate transfer belt 40 or paper), and the mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. In this case, the transfer roller may be controlled to be separated from the transfer body.

  In each of the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 46 and transfers the image to the intermediate transfer belt 40 and then transfers the image to the paper has been described as an example. Instead, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the intermediate transfer belt 40 is not provided, the image forming unit 44 is disposed around the photosensitive drum 47, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 47 by the image forming unit 45 is transferred. An image forming apparatus that directly transfers to a sheet may be applied, or an image forming apparatus that includes an intermediate transfer member such as an intermediate transfer drum may be applied instead of the intermediate transfer belt 40.

  In each of the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus that includes the four image forming units 44 and forms a color image has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a single image forming unit is used. An image forming apparatus that includes 44 and forms a black and white image may be applied.

  Further, the processing (FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11) in each of the above embodiments has been described as processing performed by hardware (print controller 20), but may be software processing performed by a computer. In this case, a program for performing each process may be stored and distributed in various storage media such as a flexible disk, a CD, and a DVD.

  Moreover, in said 3rd Embodiment and 4th Embodiment, although temperature and humidity were detected together, it is not restricted to this, Only one is detected and the judgment which transfers to cleaning mode is performed. You may do it.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cleaning unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing relating to a cleaning mode performed by the print controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by a print controller of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing relating to a cleaning mode performed by an image forming apparatus print controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing related to a cleaning mode performed by an image forming apparatus print controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing relating to a cleaning mode performed by an image forming apparatus print controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of another image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 14 Cleaning part 16 Elastic blade 18 Metal scraper 28 Primary transfer part 30 Secondary transfer part 32 Transfer resistance measurement part 34 Time measurement part 36 Accumulation memory part 38 Temperature / humidity detection part 40 Intermediate transfer belt 46 Photosensitive drum 54 Primary transfer roll 60 Secondary transfer roll

Claims (7)

An image carrier for carrying a toner image;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image of the image carrier to a transfer material;
A cleaning means for cleaning the image carrier by a removing means including at least a metal plate member;
Detection means for detecting the amount of deposits including discharge products that adhere to the image carrier;
When the deposit is detected by the detection unit in a predetermined value or more, transfer by the transfer unit is prohibited during non-image formation, and the toner image on the image carrier is cleaned by the cleaning unit. Control means for controlling the transfer means,
An image forming apparatus.   The detection means includes a resistance detection means for detecting a combined resistance between the image carrier and the transfer means by applying a voltage between the image carrier and the transfer means, and the resistance detection means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the deposit is detected from the detected resistance value.   The detection means further includes a counting means for counting a time elapsed since the last image forming operation was completed, and a storage means for accumulating and storing the values counted by the counting means. Claim that when the stored value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the resistance value detected by the resistance detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the deposit is detected to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2.   The detecting means further includes a temperature / humidity detecting means for detecting at least one of temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment, and at least one of temperature and humidity equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected by the temperature / humidity detecting means, and 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the resistance value detected by the resistance detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the deposit having a predetermined value or more is detected.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removing unit further includes a plate member made of resin.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the resin elastic member is provided at a position where a toner image is removed prior to the metal plate-like member. A detection step of detecting the amount of deposits including discharge products that adhere to an image carrier carrying a toner image;
When the adhering material of a predetermined value or more is detected in the detection step, transfer by a transfer unit that transfers the toner image of the image carrier to a transfer material during non-image formation is prohibited, and at least metal A control step of controlling the transfer means so as to clean the toner image of the image carrier by a cleaning means for cleaning the image carrier by a removing means including a plate-shaped member made of metal;
An image forming program for causing a computer to execute processing including:

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