JP2013148623A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that applies a proper amount of lubricant onto the surface of an image carrier without consuming the lubricant more than necessary.SOLUTION: The image forming device includes a photoreceptor drum 41, lubricant, a lubricant application brush 51, a color detection part 60, and a control part 110. The photoreceptor drum 41 carries an electrostatic latent image based on image data. The lubricant contains lubricant 52 to be applied onto the surface of the photoreceptor drum 41. The lubricant application brush 51 rotates in contact with the photoreceptor drum 41 and the surface of the lubricant 52 to apply the lubricant 52 onto the photoreceptor drum 41. The color detection part 60 detects a color of the lubricant application brush 51. The control part 110 controls the lubricant application brush 51 on the basis of the color of the lubricant application brush 51 detected by the color detection part 60.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system, external additives, dust, and the like contained in the developer remain on the surface of the image carrier that has undergone processes such as charging, development, and transfer. In order to remove such residues, a cleaning blade is provided in a state of being pressed against the surface of the image carrier. Here, when a large frictional force is generated between the image carrier and the cleaning blade, the surface of the image carrier is worn. For this reason, by applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, the frictional force generated between the image carrier and the cleaning blade is reduced to protect the surface of the image carrier and Clean any residue remaining on the surface.

  Here, when the lubricant stored in the image forming apparatus is reduced, if the lubricant is replenished, maintenance of the image forming apparatus takes time. On the other hand, if the configuration is such that a sufficient amount of lubricant is accommodated in the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to increase the shape of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, while ensuring the amount of lubricant necessary to sufficiently protect the surface of the image carrier, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the lubricant by preventing excessive application of the lubricant to the surface of the image carrier. It is desirable to suppress.

  As a technique for applying an appropriate amount of lubricant to the surface of an image carrier, the following method has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). The solid lubricant 35 is brought into contact with the rotating brush 37 by the lubricant applying mechanism 38 provided in the image forming apparatus, and the lubricant is removed from the solid lubricant 35 scraped off and attached to the rotating brush 37 by the rotating brush 37. Apply to. Further, the rotational torque of the rotary brush is detected by the rotational torque detector 40. Here, the rotational speed of the rotating brush 37 is controlled to be constant from the rotational torque of the rotating brush 37 obtained from the rotational torque detecting means 40.

JP 2010-210799 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the error factors related to the lubricant application due to the state of wear of the surface of the image carrier, the state of the surface of the lubricant with which the rotating brush contacts, the temperature and humidity around the apparatus, and the like. Is not considered. Even if the rotational speed of the rotary brush can be controlled to be constant due to such error factors related to the lubricant application, it is difficult to apply an appropriate amount of lubricant to the surface of the image carrier.

  The present invention has been made based on the above problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of applying an appropriate amount of lubricant to the surface of an image carrier without consuming lubricant more than necessary. .

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

  (1) An image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image based on image data; a lubricant that includes a lubricant applied to the surface of the image carrier; and the image carrier and the surface of the lubricant. A lubricant application member for applying the lubricant to the image carrier, a color detection unit for detecting the color of the lubricant application member, and the lubricant application member detected by the color detection unit. And a controller that controls the lubricant application member based on color.

  (2) The control unit described in (1), wherein the pressing force of the lubricant application member against the image carrier is varied in accordance with a color change rate of the lubricant application member. Image forming apparatus.

  (3) The control unit may increase the pressing force of the lubricant application member against the image carrier when the color of the lubricant application member becomes thinner than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to 2).

  (4) The control unit may reduce the pressing force of the lubricant application member against the image carrier when the color of the lubricant application member becomes darker than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to 2) or (3).

  (5) The control unit varies the number of rotations of the lubricant application member that rotates while contacting the image carrier in accordance with the color change rate of the lubricant application member. The image forming apparatus according to (1).

  (6) The control unit increases the number of rotations of the lubricant application member relative to the image carrier when the color of the lubricant application member becomes thinner than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to 5).

  (7) The control unit may reduce the number of rotations of the lubricant application member relative to the image carrier when the color of the lubricant application member becomes darker than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to 5) or (6).

  (8) The image according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the color detection unit includes an optical detection unit that detects a color of the lubricant application member. Forming equipment.

  (9) The optical detection unit includes a light emitting member that irradiates light to the lubricant application member, and a light receiving member that receives reflected light of the light reflected by the lubricant application member. The image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the member detects a color of the reflected light.

  (10) The optical detection unit includes an imaging member that images the lubricant application member, and the imaging member identifies the color of the surface of the lubricant application member. Image forming apparatus.

  (11) In the above (8) to (10), the optical detection unit further includes a wavelength selective transmission member that selectively transmits the wavelength of light reflected by the lubricant application member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.

  (12) The image according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the optical detection unit further includes a lubricant adhesion reduction unit that reduces adhesion of the lubricant. Forming equipment.

  (13) The lubricant adhesion reducing portion is provided with a shielding member on a side facing the lubricant application member, and the shielding member is configured to be configured so that the lubricant application member and the optical member are operated when the optical detection unit operates. The image forming apparatus according to (12), wherein the image forming apparatus is retracted from the optical path to the target detection unit.

  (14) The lubricant adhesion decreasing portion is provided with a cleaning member on a side facing the lubricant application member, and the cleaning member cleans a light receiving surface of the optical detection portion. ) Or (13).

  (15) The lubricant adhesion reducing portion is provided with a transparent isolation member on a side facing the lubricant application member, and the isolation member applies a voltage having the same polarity as the voltage charged by the lubricant. The image forming apparatus as described in any one of (12) to (14) above.

  (16) Any one of the above (1) to (15), further comprising a notification unit that notifies the replacement or replenishment timing of the lubricant based on a result of the control of the lubricant application member by the control unit. The image forming apparatus according to one.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an appropriate amount of lubricant can be applied to the surface of the image carrier by controlling the lubricant application member based on the color detected by the color detection unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lubricant from being applied excessively to the surface of the image carrier, so that the amount of lubricant necessary to sufficiently protect the surface of the image carrier is secured and the consumption of the lubricant is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to extend the life and size of the lubricant.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a lubricant application unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the lubricant application unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical detection unit provided in a lubricant application unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein (A) is an optical detection unit provided with a light emitting member and a light receiving member; ) Shows an optical detection unit further provided with a shielding member and a wavelength selective transmission member in addition to the light emitting member and the light receiving member. 6 is a graph illustrating a method of controlling the lubricant application unit by the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating control of a lubricant application unit by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a graph showing a comparison of results based on whether or not the lubricant application unit is controlled by the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control of a lubricant application unit by a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the size and ratio of each member in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual size and ratio.

(First embodiment)
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can apply an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a paper feeding unit 10, a paper transport unit 20, an image reading unit 30, an image forming unit 40, and a lubricant application unit 50 or 70. A color detection unit 60, an intermediate transfer unit 80, a secondary transfer unit 90, a fixing unit 100, and a control unit 110. Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described first, and then a control method for applying the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 by the lubricant application unit 50 or 70 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the effect of the control method. Will be described in detail.

  First, each configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The paper feed unit 10 feeds the paper S to a paper transport unit 20 described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet feeding unit 10 includes sheet feeding trays 11, 12, and 13. Hereinafter, the configuration of the sheet feeding unit 10 will be described. The paper feed trays 11, 12 and 13 each store a predetermined number of sheets S. The paper feed trays 11, 12 and 13 are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the paper feed trays 11, 12, and 13 can individually store different shapes and types of paper S.

  The paper transport unit 20 transports the paper S supplied from the paper feed unit 10 to an intermediate transfer unit 80 and a fixing unit 100 described later, and then transports the paper S to the outside. As shown in FIG. 1, the paper transport unit 20 includes a sending roller 21, a separating roller 22, a transport roller 23, a loop roller 24, a carry-out roller 25, and paper reversing rollers 26 to 29. Hereinafter, the configuration of the paper transport unit 20 will be described. The delivery roller 21 is disposed at one end of each of the paper feed trays 11, 12, and 13, and sends out the paper S stored in the paper feed tray 11, 12, or 13. Further, the separation roller 22 is disposed adjacent to each delivery roller 21 and separates the sheets S sent by each delivery roller 21 one by one. Moreover, the conveyance roller 23 is arrange | positioned adjacent to each separation roller 22, and conveys the paper S isolate | separated by each separation roller 22 to the loop roller 24 arrange | positioned by the conveyance path | route.

  In the paper transport unit 20, a plurality of loop rollers 24 are provided in the image forming apparatus 1, and transport the paper S transported from each transport roller 23 to a secondary transfer roller 91 of an intermediate transfer unit 80 described later. The developer image on the intermediate transfer belt 82 is transferred onto the paper S. The carry-out roller 25 carries out the paper S carried out from an intermediate transfer unit 80 described later to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, after the paper reversing rollers 26 to 29 reverse the front and back of the paper carried out from the intermediate transfer unit 80, the paper S is again transferred to the secondary transfer roller 91 of the intermediate transfer unit 80 via the carry-out roller 25. Transport. Therefore, the developer image is transferred to the back side of the sheet S by reversing the sheet S using the sheet reversing rollers 26 to 29.

  The image reading unit 30 reads an image of the document P placed on the image forming apparatus 1 and stores the image formed on the document P as image data. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 30 includes a light source 31, a reading element 32, an imaging element 33, and an image processing circuit 34. Hereinafter, the configuration of the image reading unit 30 will be described. The light emitted from the light source 31 is applied to the document P placed on the reading surface 35. On the original P, predetermined information and images are printed. Here, the light reflected by the document P is imaged on the image sensor 33 through a lens and a reflecting mirror as the reading element 32. The image sensor 33 generates an electrical signal according to the intensity of the reflected light from the original P imaged via the reading element 32. Further, the electrical signal generated by the image sensor 33 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal in an image processing circuit 34 connected to the image sensor 33. This digital signal is subjected to correction processing, filter processing, image compression processing, and the like, and then stored as image data in a memory provided in the image processing circuit 34.

  The image forming unit 40 includes a photosensitive drum 41 that carries an electrostatic latent image based on image data, and forms a developer image based on the image data. The image data corresponds to data transmitted from a host device such as a personal computer (not shown), or data read by the image reading unit 30 and stored in the memory. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 40 includes an image forming unit 40Y that forms a yellow (Y) image, an image forming unit 40M that forms a magenta (M) image, and cyan (C). An image forming unit 40C that forms a color image and an image forming unit 40K that forms a black (K) image are provided. In this way, the image forming unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with the symbols Y, M, C, and K representing the color of the image to be formed. Here, in the image forming unit 40, the image forming unit 40Y, the image forming unit 40M, the image forming unit 40C, and the image forming unit 40K have substantially the same configuration except for the color of the image to be formed. Therefore, the configuration of the image forming unit 40 will be described using the image forming unit 40K corresponding to the black (K) color as an example.

  The image forming unit 40K includes a photosensitive drum 41K corresponding to the photosensitive unit, a charging unit 42K, an optical writing unit 43K, and a developing unit 44K. Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming unit 40K will be described. The photosensitive drum 41K carries on its surface an electrostatic latent image formed based on the image data. The charging unit 42K uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 41K. Further, the optical writing unit 43K irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 41K with light composed of an image information signal based on the image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41K. Here, the image data corresponds to image data of a document transmitted from a host device such as a personal computer, or image data of a document read by the image reading unit 30 and stored in a memory. Further, the developing unit 44K includes a developer supply roller, a developing roller, and a layer thickness regulating blade. Here, the developing unit 44K supplies the developer supplied from the developer supply roller and regulated to a predetermined layer thickness by the layer thickness regulating blade to the photosensitive drum 41K via the development roller. In this manner, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 41K is developed with the developer supplied from the developing unit 44K to form a developer image.

  The lubricant application units 50 and 70 apply the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the lubricant application unit 50 includes a lubricant application brush 51, a lubricant 52, a pressing spring 53, a pressing plate 54, a pressing force adjusting cam 55, a leveling blade 56, a cleaning blade 57, And a waste developer collecting member 58. Here, the lubricant application brush 51 corresponds to a lubricant application member. Hereinafter, the configuration of the lubricant application unit 50 and the configuration of the lubricant application unit 70 which is a modification of the lubricant application unit 50 will be described in this order.

  The lubricant application brush 51 of the lubricant application unit 50 corresponds to a lubricant application member, and rotates in contact with the surfaces of the photosensitive drum 41 and the lubricant 52 as shown in FIG. Apply to body drum 41. Such a lubricant application brush 51 is formed by flocking a bristle member which is a brush fiber made of acrylic carbon or the like with a predetermined pile density, pile diameter and pile length with respect to a cored bar. The lubricant application brush 51 may be formed by winding a sheet in which brush fibers are planted around a metal core. Note that the lubricant application member is not limited to the brush described above, and may be constituted by a roller to which the lubricant 52 can be applied, for example. Here, when the pressing spring 53 presses the solid lubricant 52, the lubricant 52 presses the lubricant application brush 51. In this state, when the lubricant application brush 51 rotates around the cored bar, the solid lubricant 52 is scraped off by the bristle member. Further, the lubricant 52 scraped off by the lubricant application brush 51 and powdered is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. The lubricant 52 reduces the frictional force generated between the photoconductor drum 41 and the cleaning blade 57 to protect the surface of the photoconductor drum 41 and cleans residues remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 41. To do. Such a lubricant 52 is made of, for example, zinc stearate (ZnSt), calcium stearate (CaSt), or the like, and is formed in a solid form.

  The pressing spring 53 of the lubricant application unit 50 presses the solid lubricant 52 against the photosensitive drum 41 as shown in FIG. Such a pressing spring 53 is made of a metal wire wound in a spiral shape. The pressing plate 54 of the lubricant application unit 50 is provided between the pressing spring 53 and the pressing force adjusting cam 55, and propagates the operation of the pressing force adjusting cam 55 to the pressing spring 53. Such a pressing plate 54 is made of, for example, aluminum and has a rectangular shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressing force adjusting cam 55 of the lubricant application unit 50 adjusts the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52 via the abutting pressing plate 54, so The pressing force of the lubricant application brush 51 is varied. Such a pressing force adjusting cam 55 is made of stainless steel, for example, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. Here, the outer peripheral surface of the pressing force adjusting cam 55 is eccentric from the central axis along the rotation direction. Therefore, when the pressing force adjusting cam 55 rotates, the position of the contact point between the pressing force adjusting cam 55 and the pressing plate 54 changes. As the position of the contact point between the pressing force adjusting cam 55 and the pressing plate 54 changes, the pressing spring 53 is expanded and contracted to adjust the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52, thereby lubricating the photosensitive drum 41. The pressing force of the agent application brush 51 is varied.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the leveling blade 56 of the lubricant application unit 50 abuts against the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 so as to form an acute angle along the axial direction, and contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. Application unevenness of the applied lubricant 52 is eliminated. Such leveling blade 56 is made of, for example, urethane rubber or the like, and is formed in a plate shape so as to be in contact with the entire length of the photosensitive drum 41 in the axial direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning blade 57 of the lubricant application unit 50 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 so as to form an acute angle along the axial direction, and remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. Clean the leftover residue. Similar to the leveling blade 56, the cleaning blade 57 is made of, for example, urethane rubber and is formed in a plate shape so as to be able to contact the entire length of the photosensitive drum 41 in the axial direction. The residue is an impurity such as an excess developer that has not been transferred on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 or an ion product generated by charging. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the waste developer collecting member 58 of the lubricant application unit 50 is provided below the cleaning blade 57, and the residue removed by the cleaning blade 57 is removed from a waste toner collecting container (not shown). Transport to etc.

  A configuration of a lubricant application unit 70, which is a modification of the lubricant application unit 50, will be described with reference to FIG. In the lubricant application unit 70, the color detection unit 60 is disposed above the lubricant application brush 51 and the lubricant 52. Further, the lubricant application unit 70 is disposed above the photoconductive drum 41, unlike the lubricant application unit 50 disposed below the photoconductive drum 41. Further, the lubricant application unit 70 includes a window 71 in front of the color detection unit 60. The specification of each component of the lubricant application unit 70 is the same as the specification of each component of the lubricant application unit 50.

  In the lubricant application unit 70, the color detection unit 60 is provided above the lubricant application brush 51 and the lubricant 52, so that the lubricant 52 can be prevented from adhering to the light receiving surface of the color detection unit 60. That is, the lubricant 52 scraped off by the lubricant application brush 51 and scattered in the air falls downward due to gravity, and thus can be prevented from adhering to the light receiving surface of the color detection unit 60. Further, since the lubricant application unit 70 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 41, the lubricant 52 and the residue resulting from the photosensitive drum 41 adhere to the light receiving surface of the color detection unit 60. Can be prevented. That is, the lubricant 52 and the residue scattered in the air by the leveling blade 56 or the cleaning blade 57 in contact with the photosensitive drum 41 fall downward due to gravity, and thus adhere to the light receiving surface of the color detection unit 60. Can be prevented.

  The color detection unit 60 detects the color of the lubricant application member. That is, the color detection unit 60 corresponds to an optical detection unit, and detects the color of the lubricant application brush 51 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A. Here, the color detection unit 60 detects the color of the surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the lubricant application brush 51, for example. Moreover, the color detection part 60 can also detect the color inside the lubricant application brush 51, for example. Specifically, since the lubricant application brush 51 rotates while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 41, a plurality of hairs formed on the lubricant application brush 51 bend. Therefore, the color detection unit 60 can detect the side surface of the bent hair. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the color detection unit 60 will be described as a configuration that detects the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51.

  Such a color detection unit 60 includes a light emitting member 61 that irradiates the lubricant application brush 51 with the light L1 and a light receiving member 62 that receives the reflected light L2 of the light L1 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51. ing. The reflected light L2 includes diffusely reflected light. For the light emitting member 61, for example, a light emitting diode is used. Here, when a light emitting diode is used as the light emitting member 61, a light condensing lens may be used in combination to irradiate the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 with the light L <b> 1 condensed by the condensing lens. The light receiving member 62 is a Si photodiode having sensitivity to a wavelength corresponding to the color of the lubricant 52. In addition, the light receiving member 62 may be configured to split a wavelength corresponding to the color of the lubricant 52 from the reflected light L2 using a diffraction grating, a prism, or the like, and receive the split light by a Si photodiode. The color detection unit 60 described above can detect the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 with such a simple configuration.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the color detection unit 60 includes a complementary color filter 63 corresponding to a wavelength selective transmission member that selectively transmits the wavelength of the reflected light L2 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51. It is good. The complementary color filter 63 is provided on the light receiving surface of the light receiving member 62. With such a configuration, only light having a wavelength based on the lubricant 52 is selectively transmitted from the reflected light L 2 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51, and the selected light is received by the light receiving member 62. can do.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the color detection unit 60 may have a configuration in which a lubricant adhesion reducing unit 64 that reduces the adhesion of the lubricant 52 is provided. Specifically, the lubricant adhesion reducing portion 64 corresponds to a shielding member such as a shutter. The shutter retracts from the optical path between the lubricant application brush 51 and the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62 when the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62 operate. Therefore, when the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62 are not operating, the scattered lubricant 52 can be prevented from adhering to the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62. Further, the lubricant adhesion reducing portion 64 corresponds to a cleaning member such as a wiper. This wiper can remove the lubricant 52 adhering to the light receiving surfaces of the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62. Further, the lubricant adhesion reducing portion 64 corresponds to an isolation member such as a window plate. The window plate can be made difficult to adhere the lubricant 52 to the window plate by applying a voltage having the same polarity as the voltage at which the lubricant 52 is charged.

  Here, the color detection unit 60 emits the light L1 to the lubricant application brush 51 described above with reference to FIG. 4 and the reflected light L2 of the light L1 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51. The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the light receiving member 62 that receives light is provided. Specifically, the color detection unit 60 may be provided with a CCD camera corresponding to an imaging member that images the lubricant application brush 51, for example. The color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 photographed by the CCD camera is identified. The color detection unit 60 described above can detect the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 with such a simple configuration.

  The intermediate transfer unit 80 temporarily transfers the developer image formed by the image forming unit 40 to the intermediate transfer belt 82. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 80 includes a primary transfer roller 81, an intermediate transfer belt 82, and a rotation roller 83. Hereinafter, the configuration of the intermediate transfer unit 80 will be described. The primary transfer roller 81 is disposed to face the photoconductive drum 41 with the intermediate transfer belt 82 interposed therebetween. Note that primary transfer rollers 81Y, 71M, 71C, and 71K are provided to correspond to the photosensitive drums 41 provided in the image forming units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, respectively. The intermediate transfer belt 82 temporarily transfers a developer image and is formed in an endless shape. Here, the developer images of the respective colors formed by the image forming units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K are sequentially transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 82. Accordingly, on the intermediate transfer belt 82, a color image in which developer images of respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are superimposed is transferred. A plurality of rotation rollers 83 are provided at both ends of the intermediate transfer belt 82 and rotate the intermediate transfer belt 82 with a certain tension applied to the intermediate transfer belt 82.

  The secondary transfer unit 90 transfers the developer image temporarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 82 of the intermediate transfer unit 80 onto the paper S conveyed by the paper conveyance unit 20. Such a secondary transfer part 90 has a secondary transfer roller 91 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the secondary transfer unit 90 will be described. The secondary transfer roller 91 is arranged opposite to the single rotation roller 83 so as to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 82 onto which the developer image has been temporarily transferred and the conveyed paper S while being energized. It is installed. Here, the developer image on the intermediate transfer belt 82 is electrically transferred to the paper S by applying a predetermined voltage (V) to the secondary transfer roller 91.

  The fixing unit 100 fixes the developer image transferred to the paper S by the intermediate transfer unit 80 on the paper S. Such a fixing unit 100 has a heating roller 101 and a pressure roller 102 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the fixing unit 100 will be described. The heating roller 101 and the pressure roller 102 are disposed so as to be sandwiched in a state where the sheet S conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 20 is urged. Here, a heater for heating (not shown) is provided inside the heating roller 101. The heating roller 101 and the pressure roller 102 fix the developer image on the paper S by applying pressure while dissolving the developer image adhering to the surface of the paper S only by electrostatic force.

  The control unit 110 controls the paper feeding unit 10, the paper transport unit 20, the image reading unit 30, the image forming unit 40, the lubricant application unit 50 or 70, the intermediate transfer unit 80, and the fixing unit 100 based on predetermined conditions. By controlling, an image is formed on the paper S. In particular, the control unit 110 controls the lubricant application unit 50 or 70 based on the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 detected by the lubricant application unit 50 or 70. Such a control unit 110 is provided, for example, inside the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. Here, the control part 110 has CPU, ROM, and RAM. Hereinafter, the configuration of the control unit 110 will be described. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a control program related to image formation stored in the ROM. A ROM (Read Only Memory) stores a control program related to image formation. A RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores a calculation result or the like generated when a control program related to image control by the CPU is executed.

  Next, a control method for applying the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 by the lubricant application unit 50 or 70 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The lubricant application units 50 and 70 apply an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 based on the control of the control unit 110. For this purpose, the control unit 110 controls the pressing force adjustment cam 55 based on the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 detected by the color detection unit 60. Specifically, in order to apply an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41, the amount of the lubricant 52 that is scraped off the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 needs to be appropriate. Here, the color of the lubricant application brush 51 is, for example, black. On the other hand, the color of the lubricant 52 is, for example, white. Therefore, the amount of the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 may be determined by detecting the ratio of the white lubricant 52 with the black lubricant application brush 51 as a baseline. From the experimental results so far, it can be seen that when the ratio of the white lubricant 52 is in the range of 70% to 90%, for example, an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 can be applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. ing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the ratio of the white lubricant 52 is in the range of 70% to 90%, for example, the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 to the photosensitive drum 41 is 85% to 75%. It can be said that the amount of the lubricant 52 applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 is appropriate.

  That is, when the ratio of the color of the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 in the lubricant application parts 50 and 70 is less than 70%, for example, the pressing force adjusting cam 55 is controlled. Then, the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52 is increased so that the lubricant 52 is pressed more against the lubricant application brush 51. Note that the more the lubricant 52 is pressed against the lubricant application brush 51 with a greater force, the more lubricant 52 is applied to the photosensitive drum 41 via the lubricant application brush 51. On the other hand, when the ratio of the color of the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 exceeds 90%, for example, the lubricant is reduced by reducing the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52. The application brush 51 is prevented from being pressed against the photosensitive drum 41 as compared to the current state.

  Here, in the lubricant application units 50 and 70, the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 is detected by the color detection unit 60 at a detection voltage corresponding to the color ratio occupied by the lubricant 52. It is converted and output to the control unit 110. Specifically, as the ratio of the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 increases, the ratio of white to the color detected by the color detection unit 60 increases and is output to the control unit 110. The detected voltage value increases. Here, the detected voltage value based on the color of the lubricant 52 is derived in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the control unit 110 as reference data.

  The lubricant application units 50 and 70 are configured to detect the color of the lubricant 52 using the color of the lubricant application brush 51 as a base line. It is possible to identify and detect colors. Therefore, even if the color of the hair-like member of the lubricant application brush 51 is blue and the color of the lubricant 52 is red, for example, the color of the lubricant 52 may be identified and detected. Even if the detected proportion of the color of the lubricant 52 is not in the range of, for example, 70% to 90%, an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 depending on the printing conditions of the image forming apparatus 1. In some cases, it may be possible to apply this material, and it is common to derive it beforehand through experiments. Specifically, the detected proportion of the color of the lubricant 52 includes the diameter of the tip of the hair-like member of the lubricant application brush 51, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51, and the lubricant application brush with respect to the photosensitive drum 41. Depends on the pressing force of 51 and the like. Therefore, it should be derived in advance by experiments whether an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 can be applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 within which range the detected color ratio of the lubricant 52 is within. Is common.

  A method of applying an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 by the lubricant applying units 50 and 70 described above will be described more specifically with reference mainly to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or the image reading unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 reads an image of the document P, an appropriate amount of lubricant is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Control to apply 52 is started. The photosensitive drum 41 is rotated at a constant rotational speed by a photosensitive drum drive motor (not shown) by the photosensitive drum drive motor control unit 111 of the control unit 110 shown in FIG. First, the pressing force adjusting cam drive motor control unit 112 of the control unit 110 shown in FIG. 2 controls the rotation angle of the pressing force adjusting cam 55 by rotating a pressing force adjusting cam drive motor (not shown) by a certain angle. . By the control, the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52 is adjusted, and the force with which the lubricant applying brush 51 presses against the photosensitive drum 41 is set to 1.8 N (step S1).

  Subsequently, when the process proceeds from step S <b> 1 to step S <b> 2, the color detection unit 60 detects the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51. The detected voltage value corresponding to the detected color is transmitted to the detected voltage determining unit 113 of the control unit 110 shown in FIG. 2 (step S2). Subsequently, when the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3, if the determination result of “upper limit voltage value (4V)> detection voltage value” in the detection voltage determination unit 113 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S4. Proceed to step S5. The upper limit voltage value (4V) shown in FIG. 5 is an example (step S3). Subsequently, when the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4, if the determination result of “detection voltage value> lower limit voltage value (7V)” in the detection voltage determination unit 113 is Yes, the control is terminated. The process proceeds to step S6. The lower limit voltage value (7 V) shown in FIG. 5 is an example (step S4).

  Subsequently, when the process proceeds from step S3 to step S5, the rotation angle of the pressing force adjusting cam 55 is changed by the pressing force adjusting cam drive motor control unit 112 of the control unit 110. Specifically, the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52 is adjusted, and the force with which the lubricant applying brush 51 presses against the photosensitive drum 41 is increased from 1.8N to 2.7N. Further, the lubricant application brush 51 presses against the photosensitive drum 41 until the detection voltage value that is continuously transmitted to the detection voltage determination unit 113 of the control unit 110 reaches the upper limit release value (6.3 V). The force is maintained at 2.7N. Thereafter, the force applied by the lubricant application brush 51 to the photosensitive drum 41 is returned from 2.7N to 1.8N. The upper limit release value (6.3 V) shown in FIG. 5 is an example (step S5).

  Subsequently, when the process proceeds from step S4 to step S6, the rotation angle of the pressing force adjusting cam 55 is changed by the pressing force adjusting cam drive motor control unit 112 of the control unit 110. Specifically, the pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52 is adjusted, and the force with which the lubricant applying brush 51 presses against the photosensitive drum 41 is lowered from 1.8N to 0.9N. Further, the lubricant application brush 51 presses against the photosensitive drum 41 until the detection voltage value that is continuously transmitted to the detection voltage determination unit 113 of the control unit 110 reaches the lower limit release value (4.7 V). The force is maintained at 0.9N. Thereafter, the force applied by the lubricant application brush 51 to the photosensitive drum 41 is returned from 0.9N to 1.8N. Note that the lower limit release value (4.7 V) shown in FIG. 5 is an example (step S6).

  Further, the effect of the control method of applying the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 by the lubricant application unit 50 or 70 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  If an appropriate amount of lubricant 52 can be applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 by the lubricant application units 50 and 70, the detection voltage value detected by the color detection unit 60 falls within a certain range. That is, the detection voltage value detected by the color detection unit 60 falls within the range of the upper limit voltage value 4V to the lower limit voltage value 7V. Here, the graph shown by the solid line in FIG. 7 shows the fluctuation of the detected voltage value when the above-described control is performed, and even if the environment around the image forming apparatus 1 changes in the process of increasing the number of printed sheets. This shows that an appropriate amount of lubricant 52 can always be applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. On the other hand, the graph shown by the broken line in FIG. 7 shows the fluctuation of the detected voltage value when the above-described control is not performed, and an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 can be applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. Indicates that it is not.

  Specifically, in FIG. 7, NN, HH, and LL indicate the environment around the image forming apparatus 1. That is, NN is an ideal environmental state where the temperature is 20 ° C. and the relative humidity is 50%, HH is a high temperature and high humidity environment where the temperature around the image forming apparatus 1 is 30 ° C. and the relative humidity is 80%, and LL is an image. This shows that the temperature around the forming apparatus 1 is 10 ° C. and the relative humidity is 20%, which is a low temperature and low humidity environment. In the case of high-temperature and high-humidity HH, the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 to the lubricant application brush 51 is lower than in the case of NN, but the lubricant from the lubricant application brush 51 to the photosensitive drum 41 is reduced. The transfer efficiency of 52 increases. On the other hand, in the case of low temperature and low humidity of LL, the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 to the lubricant application brush 51 is higher than in the case of NN, but the lubrication from the lubricant application brush 51 to the photosensitive drum 41 is performed. The transfer efficiency of the agent 52 decreases.

  Here, based on the result of control of the lubricant application unit 50 or 70 by the control unit 110, a notification unit (not shown) for notifying the replacement or replenishment timing of the lubricant 52 may be provided. Specifically, if the frequency of control for shifting from step S3 to S5 described above with reference to FIG. 6 is increased, the lubricant 52 is insufficient. With such a configuration, the lubricant 52 applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 becomes insufficient, and the frictional force generated between the photosensitive drum 41 and the cleaning blade 57 increases excessively. It is possible to prevent the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 from being damaged. Further, the frictional force generated between the photosensitive drum 41 and the cleaning blade 57 is excessively increased, and the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 41 is fluctuated, so that it is possible to prevent the print quality from being deteriorated.

  As described above, the first embodiment described has the following effects.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, by controlling the lubricant application member based on the color detected by the color detection unit 60, an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. Can be applied. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lubricant 52 from being excessively applied to the surface of the photoconductive drum 41, so that the lubrication is performed after ensuring the amount of the lubricant 52 necessary to sufficiently protect the surface of the photoconductive drum 41. It is possible to suppress the consumption of the agent 52, and thus to extend the life and size of the lubricant 52.

  Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the frictional force generated between the photosensitive drum 41 and the cleaning blade 57 is reduced to appropriately protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. Can do. Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, since the lubricant 52 is not consumed unnecessarily, replenishment by replacement of the lubricant 52 and the like is unnecessary, and the maintenance of the apparatus can be facilitated. it can. Furthermore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, since the lubricant 52 accommodated in the image forming apparatus 1 is not unnecessarily consumed, the shape of the lubricant 52 is reduced in size. The enlargement of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  When the ratio of the color of the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 in the lubricant application parts 50 and 70 is less than 70%, for example, the pressing force adjusting cam 55 is controlled to lubricate. The pressing force of the pressing spring 53 against the agent 52 is raised so that the lubricant 52 is pressed more against the photosensitive drum 41. On the other hand, when the ratio of the color of the lubricant 52 scraped to the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 exceeds 90%, for example, the pressing force adjusting cam 55 is controlled, and the pressing spring 53 against the lubricant 52 is controlled. The pressing force is lowered so that the lubricant 52 is not pressed against the photosensitive drum 41 as compared with the current situation. The lubricant application parts 50 and 70 can detect, for example, the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 with high accuracy by such a simple configuration.

  Specifically, the color detection unit 60 includes a light emitting member 61 that irradiates the lubricant application brush 51 with the light L1, and a light receiving member 62 that receives the reflected light L2 of the light L1 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51. It is good also as a structure which provided. Here, the light receiving member 62 may have a configuration in which a wavelength corresponding to the color of the lubricant 52 is dispersed from the reflected light L2 by a diffraction grating, a prism, or the like, and the dispersed light is received by a Si photodiode. With such a simple configuration, the color detection unit 60 can detect, for example, the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 with high accuracy.

  Similarly, the color detection unit 60 includes a CCD camera corresponding to an imaging member that images the lubricant application brush 51, and identifies, for example, the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 photographed using the CCD camera. Also good. With such a simple configuration, the color detection unit 60 can detect, for example, the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 with high accuracy.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the color detection unit 60 may include a complementary color filter 63 corresponding to a wavelength selective transmission member that selectively transmits the wavelength of the reflected light L2 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51. Good. With such a configuration, only light having a wavelength based on the lubricant 52 is selectively transmitted from the reflected light L 2 reflected by the lubricant application brush 51, and the selected light is received by the light receiving member 62. can do.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the color detection unit 60 may have a configuration in which a lubricant adhesion reducing unit 64 such as a shutter that reduces adhesion of the lubricant 52 is provided. The shutter retracts from the optical path between the lubricant application brush 51 and the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62 when the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62 operate. Therefore, when the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62 are not operating, the scattered lubricant can be prevented from adhering to the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62. The color detection unit 60 may be provided with a lubricant adhesion reducing unit 64 such as a wiper that reduces adhesion of the lubricant 52. The wiper can remove the lubricant adhering to the light receiving surfaces of the light emitting member 61 and the light receiving member 62. Further, the color detection unit 60 may be provided with a lubricant adhesion reducing unit 64 such as a window plate that reduces the adhesion of the lubricant 52. The window plate can be made difficult to adhere the lubricant 52 to the window plate by applying a voltage having the same polarity as the voltage at which the lubricant 52 is charged.

  A notification unit (not shown) for notifying the replacement or replenishment timing of the lubricant 52 may be provided based on the control result of the lubricant application units 50 and 70 by the control unit 110. Specifically, if the frequency of control for shifting from step S3 to S5 described above with reference to FIG. 6 is increased, the lubricant 52 is insufficient. With such a configuration, the lubricant 52 applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 becomes insufficient, and the frictional force generated between the photosensitive drum 41 and the cleaning blade 57 increases excessively. It is possible to prevent the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 from being damaged. Further, the frictional force generated between the photosensitive drum 41 and the cleaning blade 57 is excessively increased, and the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 41 is fluctuated, so that it is possible to prevent the print quality from being deteriorated.

(Second Embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, in order to apply an appropriate amount of the lubricant 52 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41, the lubricant application is performed based on the detection voltage value output from the color detection unit 60. Control to vary the rotation speed of the brush 51 is performed. Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, a configuration different from that of the above-described first embodiment will be described mainly with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or an image of the original P is read by the image reading unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1, an appropriate amount of lubricant is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Control to apply 52 is started. Here, among steps S11 to S16 shown in FIG. 8, steps S11 to S14 are the same as steps S1 to S4 shown in FIG. Therefore, steps S15 and S16 will be described.

  When the process proceeds from step S13 to step S15, the number of revolutions of the lubricant application brush 51 is increased to a certain value by the lubricant application brush drive motor control unit 114 of the control unit 110 shown in FIG. Further, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 is kept increased until the detection voltage value that is continuously transmitted to the detection voltage determination unit 113 of the control unit 110 reaches the upper limit release value (6.3 V). maintain. Thereafter, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 is returned to the initial value (step S15). Subsequently, when the process proceeds from step S14 to step S16, the number of revolutions of the lubricant application brush 51 is decreased to a certain value by the lubricant application brush drive motor control unit 114 of the control unit 110 shown in FIG. Further, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 is kept lowered until the detection voltage value continuously transmitted to the detection voltage determination unit 113 of the control unit 110 reaches the lower limit release value (4.7 V). maintain. Thereafter, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 is returned to the initial value (step S16).

  In such a control, when the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 is lowered, the contact area per unit time decreases, the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 from the lubricant 52 to the lubricant application brush 51, and the lubrication. This is based on the fact that the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 from the agent application brush 51 to the photosensitive drum 41 decreases. Similarly, when the number of rotations of the lubricant application brush 51 is increased, the contact area per unit time increases, the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 from the lubricant 52 to the lubricant application brush 51, and the lubricant application brush. This is based on the fact that the transfer efficiency of the lubricant 52 from 51 to the photosensitive drum 41 increases.

  As described above, the second embodiment described has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, when the surface color of the lubricant application brush 51 becomes thinner than a predetermined value, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 with respect to the photosensitive drum 41. Increase. On the other hand, when, for example, the color of the surface of the lubricant application brush 51 becomes darker than a predetermined value, the rotational speed of the lubricant application brush 51 relative to the photosensitive drum 41 is decreased. That is, based on the detection voltage value output from the color detection unit 60, the amount of the lubricant 52 applied to the photosensitive drum 41 is accurately controlled by performing simple control for changing the rotation speed of the lubricant application brush 51. Can be controlled.

  The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the control unit 110 has been described as being provided inside the image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, the control unit 110 may be configured as a control program that is executed using a PC (Personal Computer) or a network PC connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a communication cable.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the image forming apparatus 1 has been described as a printer. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function peripheral (MFP). Further, the image forming apparatus 1 forms image images corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors, and image forming units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and Although described as a configuration with 40K, it is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, for example, image forming units 40Y, 40M, and 40C that form images corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) colors excluding black (K) are provided. It is good also as a structure provided.

1 image forming apparatus,
10 Paper feeder,
20 Paper transport section,
30 Image reading unit,
40, 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K image forming unit,
41, 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K photosensitive drum (image carrier),
42, 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K charging unit,
43, 43Y, 43M, 43C, 43K optical writing unit,
44, 44Y, 44M, 44C, 44K Development section,
50 Lubricant application part,
51 Lubricant application brush (lubricant application member),
52 lubricant,
53 Pressing spring,
54 pressure plate,
55 Pressure adjusting cam,
56 Leveling blade,
57 Cleaning blade,
58 Waste developer recovery member,
60 color detector,
61 light emitting member,
62 light receiving member,
63 complementary color filter (wavelength selective transmission member),
64 Lubricant adhesion reduction part,
70 Lubricant application part,
71 windows,
80 Intermediate transfer section,
90 Secondary transfer section,
100 fixing section,
110 control unit,
111 photoconductor drum drive motor controller,
112 pressing force adjustment cam drive motor control unit,
113 detection voltage determination unit,
114 Lubricant application brush drive motor controller.

Claims (16)

An image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image based on image data;
A lubricant containing a lubricant applied to the surface of the image carrier;
A lubricant application member that rotates in contact with the surface of the image carrier and the lubricant, and applies the lubricant to the image carrier;
A color detection unit for detecting the color of the lubricant application member;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the lubricant application member based on the color of the lubricant application member detected by the color detection unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit varies a pressing force of the lubricant application member against the image carrier according to a color change rate of the lubricant application member.   3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein when the color of the lubricant application member becomes lighter than a predetermined value, the controller increases a pressing force of the lubricant application member against the image carrier. Image forming apparatus.   4. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein when the color of the lubricant application member becomes darker than a predetermined value, the control unit reduces the pressing force of the lubricant application member against the image carrier. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller varies the number of rotations of the lubricant application member that rotates while contacting the image carrier in accordance with a color change rate of the lubricant application member. The image forming apparatus described.   6. The control unit according to claim 5, wherein when the color of the lubricant application member becomes lighter than a predetermined value, the controller increases the number of rotations of the lubricant application member relative to the image carrier. Image forming apparatus.   7. The control unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when the color of the lubricant application member becomes darker than a predetermined value, the controller reduces the number of rotations of the lubricant application member relative to the image carrier. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color detection unit includes an optical detection unit that detects a color of the lubricant application member. The optical detection unit includes a light emitting member that irradiates light to the lubricant application member, and a light receiving member that receives reflected light of the light reflected by the lubricant application member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the light receiving member detects a color of the reflected light. The optical detection unit includes an imaging member that images the lubricant application member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the imaging member identifies a color of a surface of the lubricant application member.   The said optical detection part is further provided with the wavelength selection transmission member which selectively permeate | transmits the wavelength of the light reflected by the said lubricant application | coating member, It is any one of Claims 8-10 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the optical detection unit further includes a lubricant adhesion reducing unit that reduces adhesion of the lubricant. The lubricant adhesion reducing portion is provided with a shielding member on the side facing the lubricant application member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the shielding member retracts from an optical path between the lubricant application member and the optical detection unit when the optical detection unit operates. The lubricant adhesion reducing portion is provided with a cleaning member on the side facing the lubricant application member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning member cleans a light receiving surface of the optical detection unit. The lubricant adhesion reducing portion is provided with a transparent isolation member on the side facing the lubricant application member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the isolation member applies a voltage having the same polarity as a voltage charged in the lubricant.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the replacement or replenishment timing of the lubricant based on a result of control of the lubricant application member by the control unit. Forming equipment.

Images