JP2017026862A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a program that, when abnormality such as streaks are found on an image formed on a recording medium, can determine whether the abnormality is caused by removal means without providing a member dedicated to the determination.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 comprises: transfer means that transfers an image for diagnosis on a transfer source member to a transfer destination member; removal means that is provided on the downstream of a transfer position at which the transfer means transfers the image, and removes the image for diagnosis remaining on the transfer source member; and control means that operates the removal means without transferring the image for diagnosis on the transfer source member to the transfer destination member before controlling to transfer the image for diagnosis on the transfer source member to the transfer destination member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose image forming apparatuses configured to transfer an image (toner image) from a transfer source member such as an intermediate transfer member to a transfer destination member such as a recording medium.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an image carrier, a transfer unit that transfers an image on the image carrier onto a recording medium, and a heating unit that overheats heat for fixing the image transferred onto the recording medium. In addition, an image forming apparatus including a removing unit that removes developer (toner) remaining on the surface of the image holding member after transfer is disclosed. In this image forming apparatus, a cleaning failure detection sensor provided in the device is used to detect the removal failure of the remaining developer by the removing means.

JP 2003-263089 A JP 2000-338741 A JP 2014-215389 A

  In the present invention, when an abnormality such as a streak-like image is formed on an image formed on a recording medium, whether or not the abnormality is caused by removal means without providing a dedicated member. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a program capable of classifying images.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided on a downstream side of a transfer position for transferring a diagnostic image on a transfer source member to a transfer destination member, and a transfer position by the transfer unit. Removing means for removing the diagnostic image remaining on the transfer source member; and applying the removal means without transferring the diagnostic image on the transfer source member to the transfer destination member; Control means for performing control to transfer the diagnostic image on the original member to the transfer destination member.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the transfer source member is an intermediate transfer member, and the transfer destination member is a recording medium.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the transfer source member is an image carrier, the transfer destination member is an intermediate transfer member, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus further includes a second transfer unit that transfers the diagnostic image to the recording medium, and the control unit further controls to transfer the diagnostic image on the intermediate transfer member to the recording medium.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3, wherein the diagnostic image is an image developed using a developer, and the control means records the diagnostic image in the recording. After performing the control to transfer to the medium, the control to remove the developer remaining on the second transfer means is performed.

  Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising an accepting means for receiving information for switching between the normal mode and the diagnostic mode as the operation mode of the apparatus. And when the control means receives information for switching the operation mode to the diagnostic mode by the accepting means, after performing control to transfer the diagnostic image to the recording medium as control of the diagnostic mode, Control for switching the operation mode to the normal mode is performed.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the diagnostic image is an image formed by irradiation with light, The control means performs control to stop the irradiation of the light after the diagnostic image on the transfer source member passes the transfer position.

  On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, an image forming program according to a seventh aspect causes a computer to function as control means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. It is.

  According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, when an abnormality such as a streak-like image is formed on an image formed on a recording medium, the dedicated member is not provided. Whether or not the abnormality is caused by the removing means can be determined.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when an abnormality such as a streak-like image is formed on an image formed on a recording medium, the abnormality is intermediately transferred without providing a dedicated member. It can be determined whether or not the image is caused by a removing unit that removes the diagnostic image remaining on the member.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when an abnormality such as a streak-like image is formed on an image formed on a recording medium, the abnormality is retained without providing a dedicated member. It can be determined whether or not the image is caused by a removing unit that removes the diagnostic image remaining on the body.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to form an image in a state in which the developer remaining on the second transfer unit is reduced after the control for transferring the diagnostic image to the recording medium.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, after the operation in the diagnosis mode is performed, the operation mode can be automatically returned to the normal mode.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to suppress the power consumption as compared with the case of always irradiating light.

It is a schematic block diagram (fracture side view) which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on each embodiment. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram (partial side view) for explaining a charged state of the secondary transfer apparatus according to each embodiment. It is a front view which shows an example of the 1st image for a diagnosis which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows an example of the 2nd image for a diagnosis which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an electric system of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the operation mode selection display screen which concerns on each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 1st diagnostic mode process program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of an image transfer state with respect to an intermediate transfer belt according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of an image transfer state with respect to an intermediate transfer belt according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the 2nd diagnostic mode process program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of an image transfer state with respect to a sheet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of an image transfer state with respect to a sheet according to the first embodiment. 12 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control timing of the image forming apparatus in the first diagnosis mode according to the second embodiment. 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control timing of the image forming apparatus in a second diagnosis mode according to the second embodiment. 10 is a timing chart for explaining a cleaning process of the secondary transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, yellow is indicated by Y, magenta color is indicated by M, cyan color is indicated by C, black is indicated by K, and each component and toner image (image) need to be distinguished for each color. The description will be made with the reference numerals (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to the colors at the end. In the following description, when the component parts and the toner image are collectively referred to without being distinguished for each color, the description of the color at the end of the code is omitted.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes four photoreceptors 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K that rotate in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 for each of Y, M, C, and K colors. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes chargers 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K that charge the surface of each photoconductor 12 by applying a charging bias.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 exposes the surface of the charged photoconductor 12 with exposure light modulated based on the corresponding color image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 12. 16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K are provided.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 12 with toner of a corresponding color by applying a developing bias to the developing rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K by a developing bias power source (not shown). Then, developing devices 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form toner images on the photoreceptor 12 are provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes primary transfer units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K that transfer the corresponding color toner images on the photoreceptor 12 to the intermediate transfer belt 22 at the transfer position T1. The intermediate transfer belt 22 is an example of an intermediate transfer member, and the primary transfer unit 24 is an example of a transfer unit.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes cleaning devices 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K on the downstream side along the surface of the photoconductor 12 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 12 at the transfer position T1 of the corresponding color toner image. Yes. The cleaning device 26 includes a cleaning blade 28 as an example of a removing unit. The cleaning blade 28 according to the present embodiment is a rectangular plate-like member, and one end thereof is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 12. Further, the cleaning blade 28 according to the present embodiment is in a crossing direction (depth direction in FIG. 1) that intersects the surface of the photoconductor 12 in the rotational direction of the photoconductor 12 (orthogonal in the present embodiment). Thus, the length is longer than the area on the photoconductor 12 where the toner image is formed.

  The intermediate transfer belt 22 is wound around rollers 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C and a backup roll 32 </ b> A of a secondary transfer device 32 described later. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a paper storage unit 34 that stores paper P as a recording medium, a secondary transfer device 32 that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 22 to the paper P at the transfer position T2, and paper. And a fixing device 36 for fixing the toner image transferred to P. The secondary transfer device 32 is an example of a transfer unit and a second transfer unit.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a cleaning device 38 on the downstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 22 at the transfer position T2 along the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 22 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The cleaning device 38 includes a cleaning blade 40 as an example of a removing unit. The cleaning blade 40 according to the present embodiment is a rectangular plate-like member, and one end thereof is in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 22. In addition, the cleaning blade 40 according to the present embodiment intersects in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt 22 along the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 22 (in the present embodiment, orthogonal) (cross direction in FIG. 1). On the other hand, the length is longer than the area on the intermediate transfer belt 22 where the toner image is formed.

  Next, an image forming process in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  When image data indicating an image to be formed is input, the image forming apparatus 10 applies a charging bias to each charger 14 and charges the surface of each photoconductor 12 to the negative electrode.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10 decomposes the image data into image data of each color of YMCK, and then outputs a modulation signal based on the image data of each color to the laser output unit 16 of the corresponding color. The laser output unit 16 outputs a laser beam L modulated according to the input modulation signal.

  Each of the modulated laser beams L is irradiated on the surface of the photoreceptor 12. The surface of the photoconductor 12 is in a state of being negatively charged by the charger 14, but when the surface of the photoconductor 12 is irradiated with the laser beam L, the charge of the portion irradiated with the laser beam L disappears and the photoconductor 12 is exposed. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to each color image data of YMCK is formed on the body 12.

  When the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 12 reaches the position where the developing roll 18 of the developing device 20 is disposed, a developing bias is applied to the developing roll 18 by a developing bias power source (not shown). Then, the toner of each color held on the peripheral surface of the developing roll 18 adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 12, and a toner image corresponding to the image data of the corresponding color is formed on the photoreceptor 12. .

  Further, as the rollers 30A to 30C and the backup roll 32A of the secondary transfer device 32 are rotated by a motor (not shown), the intermediate transfer belt 22 is rotated. At this time, when a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer unit 24, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoreceptor 12 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22. In this case, by controlling the rotation of the rollers 30A to 30C and the backup roll 32A so that the transfer start positions of the toner images of the respective colors to the intermediate transfer belt 22 are matched, the toner images of the respective colors are overlapped to form image data. A corresponding toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 22.

  The photoreceptor 12 that has transferred the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 22 is removed by the cleaning blade 28 to remove deposits such as residual toner on the surface, and the residual charge is removed by a static eliminator (not shown).

  On the other hand, the secondary transfer device 32 includes, for example, a backup roll 32A that supports the intermediate transfer belt 22, and a secondary transfer roll 32B that sandwiches the paper P and the intermediate transfer belt 22 together with the backup roll 32A. The backup roll 32 </ b> A and the secondary transfer roll 32 </ b> B rotate following the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 22 by sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 22.

  Further, the paper transport roller 42 is rotated by a motor (not shown), so that the paper P in the paper storage unit 34 is transported to a gap formed by the backup roll 32A and the secondary transfer roll 32B.

  When the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 22 is sandwiched between the backup roll 32A and the secondary transfer roll 32B, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the backup roll 32A, and the toner formed on the intermediate transfer belt 22 is formed. The image is transferred to the paper P. Then, the paper P is transported to the position where the fixing device 36 is disposed by the intermediate transport rollers 44A and 44B, and the toner image transferred onto the paper P is heated and melted by the fixing device 36 so that the toner image is fixed on the paper P. Is done.

  On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 22 that has transferred the toner image onto the paper P is removed by the cleaning blade 40 to remove deposits such as residual toner adhered to the surface.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the one end portions of the cleaning blades 28 and 40 are worn or chipped over time, paper dust or foreign matters adhere to the one end portions, and toner external additives are fixed. As a result, an abnormality such as a streak-like image formed in the conveyance direction of the paper P may occur in the image formed on the paper P. In this case, it is necessary to quickly identify which component causes the abnormality. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is equipped with a specific function for identifying which component causes the occurrence of the abnormality.

  In order to realize the specific function, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a diagnostic mode as an operation mode, in addition to a normal mode that is an operation mode in which normal image formation is performed by the image forming process described above. I have. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes two operation modes, the first diagnosis mode and the second diagnosis mode, as the diagnosis mode. Here, in the present embodiment, the first diagnosis mode is an operation mode for specifying whether or not the abnormality is caused by the cleaning blade 28, and the second diagnosis mode is that the abnormality is caused by the cleaning blade 40. This is an operation mode for specifying whether or not to perform.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs an operation of forming a first diagnostic image in the first diagnostic mode, and performs an operation of forming a second diagnostic image in the second diagnostic mode. Do.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the first diagnostic image formed on the photoconductor 12 passes through the corresponding transfer position T1 in the first diagnostic mode, the image is transferred to the primary transfer unit 24. By not applying a voltage, it is possible to set so that the first diagnostic image is not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the second diagnostic mode, normal image formation is performed when the second diagnostic image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22 passes the transfer position T2. It is also possible to set so that the second diagnostic image is not transferred to the paper P by generating an electric field in the opposite direction to the case. Here, the generation of the electric field in the reverse direction will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary transfer device 32 according to the present embodiment includes power supplies D1 and D2 and a switch SW1. The power source D1 according to the present embodiment has a positive electrode grounded, and the power source D2 has a negative electrode grounded. Further, the switch SW1 according to the present embodiment is connected between the state where the backup roll 32A and the negative electrode of the power source D1 are connected and the state where the backup roll 32A and the positive electrode of the power source D2 are connected. Switch state. On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 32B according to the present embodiment is grounded.

  In the normal mode, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment sets the state of the switch SW1 to the state where the backup roll 32A and the negative electrode of the power source D1 are connected at the timing of performing the secondary transfer. Thereby, the backup roll 32A is charged to the same polarity (negative electrode in the present embodiment) as the polarity of the second diagnostic image (negative electrode in the present embodiment). Accordingly, the second diagnostic image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 22 to the paper P.

  On the other hand, in the second diagnostic mode, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment sets the state of the switch SW1 to a state in which the backup roll 32A and the positive electrode of the power source D2 are connected. As a result, the backup roll 32A is charged to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the second diagnostic image (in this embodiment, the positive electrode). Accordingly, the second diagnostic image remains on the intermediate transfer belt 22 without being transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 22 to the paper P. Hereinafter, the voltage applied to the backup roll 32A in this case is referred to as reverse secondary transfer bias.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, image data indicating a first diagnostic image used in the first diagnostic mode (hereinafter referred to as “first diagnostic image data”) will be described later. 76 (see FIG. 5). The image forming apparatus 10 also stores image data indicating a second diagnostic image used in the second diagnostic mode (hereinafter referred to as “second diagnostic image data”) in advance in the storage unit 76 described later. Yes.

  Next, the first diagnostic image S1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the first diagnostic image S1 of each color of Y, M, C, and K indicated by the first diagnostic image data according to the present embodiment is rectangular and has a uniform density within the rectangle. It is a solid image. Further, the length in the width direction (lateral direction in FIG. 3) of the paper P in the first diagnostic image S1 is the same as the length in the width direction of the image forming area of the paper P.

  Next, the second diagnostic image S2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the second diagnostic image S <b> 2 according to the present embodiment is an image formed by superimposing the first diagnostic images S <b> 1 of each color of Y, M, C, and K at the same position. It is.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the main configuration of the electrical system of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment stores a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 70 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10, various programs, various parameters, and the like. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 is provided. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 74 that is used as a work area when the CPU 70 executes various programs, and a nonvolatile storage unit 76 such as a flash memory.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a communication line I / F (Interface) unit 78 that transmits and receives communication data to and from an external device. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation display unit 80 that accepts an instruction from the user to the image forming apparatus 10 and displays various types of information regarding the operation status of the image forming apparatus 10 to the user. The operation display unit 80 includes, for example, a display button that realizes reception of an operation instruction by executing a program, a display provided with a touch panel on a display surface on which various information is displayed, and hardware keys such as a numeric keypad and a start button. including. The operation display unit 80 is an example of a reception unit.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 82. The image forming unit 82 includes various components that perform various processes related to image formation in the above-described image forming process, such as the photoconductor 12, the developing device 20, the primary transfer device 24, and the secondary transfer device 32. .

  The CPU 70, the ROM 72, the RAM 74, the storage unit 76, the communication line I / F unit 78, the operation display unit 80, and the image forming unit 82 are connected to each other via a bus 84 such as an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. It is connected.

  With the configuration described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment allows the CPU 70 to access the ROM 72, the RAM 74, and the storage unit 76 and to communicate with an external device via the communication line I / F unit 78. Send and receive data each. In the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 70 acquires various instruction information via the operation display unit 80 and displays various information on the operation display unit 80. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image with the image forming unit 82 under the control of the CPU 70.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment when each operation mode of the first diagnosis mode and the second diagnosis mode is set will be described.

  That is, an operator such as a user or a maintenance staff visually confirms the abnormalities such as the above-described streak-like image on the paper P on which an image is formed in the normal mode by the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, information for instructing switching of the operation mode is input via the operation display unit 80. The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment displays an operation mode selection display screen on the display of the operation display unit 80 when the operator inputs information for switching.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation mode selection display screen according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, on the operation mode selection display screen according to the present embodiment, information for prompting selection of the operation mode and display buttons for designating each of the first diagnosis mode and the second diagnosis mode are displayed. The

  When the operator switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the first diagnosis mode, the operator designates a display button for the first diagnosis mode with a fingertip, a touch pen, or the like. In addition, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is switched to the second diagnosis mode, the operator designates a display button for the second diagnosis mode with a fingertip, a touch pen, or the like.

  When the display button for the first diagnosis mode is designated by the operator, the CPU 70 executes a first diagnosis mode processing program described later. When the display button for the second diagnosis mode is designated by the operator, the CPU 70 executes a second diagnosis mode processing program to be described later.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment at the time of executing the first diagnosis mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the first diagnosis mode processing program. The first diagnostic mode processing program is installed in the ROM 72 in advance.

  In step 100 of FIG. 7, the CPU 70 controls the image forming unit 82 in the same manner as the image forming process in the normal mode to form the first diagnostic image S1 of each color on the corresponding photoconductor 12.

  In the next step 102, the CPU 70 operates the cleaning blade 28 without transferring the first diagnostic image S <b> 1 formed on each photoconductor 12 to the intermediate transfer belt 22. Specifically, the CPU 70 rotates the photoconductor 12 in a state where the application of the voltage to each primary transfer device 24 is stopped, and transfers the first diagnostic image S1 formed on the photoconductor 12 to the transfer position. The contact position between T1 and the surface of the photoreceptor 12 and the cleaning blade 28 is sequentially passed. As a result, the first diagnostic image S <b> 1 remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 12 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22 is removed by the cleaning blade 28.

  In the next step 104, the CPU 70 controls the image forming unit 82 in the same manner as the image forming process in the normal mode, and transfers the area where the first diagnostic image S <b> 1 is formed on the surface of each photoconductor 12. An operation of transferring the image onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 is performed at the position T1.

  Here, the transfer state of the first diagnostic image S1 on the intermediate transfer belt 22 that has undergone the above processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows the transfer state when no cleaning failure is caused by each cleaning blade 28, and FIG. 9 shows an example where the cleaning failure occurs only in the central portion of the cleaning blade 28M in the intersecting direction. An example of the transfer state is shown. 8 and 9, a rectangular broken line region RP indicates a region corresponding to one sheet P.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when no cleaning failure is caused by each cleaning blade 28, there is no residue in the transfer target region R <b> 1 of each first diagnostic image S <b> 1 on the intermediate transfer belt 22. Is not transcribed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when a cleaning failure is caused by the cleaning blade 28M, the region R1M among the four regions R1 on the intermediate transfer belt 22 is placed on the photoreceptor 12M due to the cleaning failure. The remaining streak image G1M is transferred.

  In the next step 106, the CPU 70 controls the image forming unit 82 in the same manner as the image forming process in the normal mode to perform the operation of transferring the image in the region RP onto the paper P, and then fixing by the fixing device 36. Process. Further, the CPU 70 discharges the paper P and ends the first diagnosis mode processing program.

  The operator determines whether or not the abnormality is caused by the cleaning blade 28 by visually checking whether or not the streak image G1 is formed on the paper P discharged by the first diagnosis mode process. . In addition, when the streak image G1 is formed on the paper P, the operator visually confirms the color or position of the streak image G1, and the abnormality is caused by the cleaning blade 28 corresponding to any color. Identify what is.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment when the second diagnostic mode is executed will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the second diagnosis mode processing program. The second diagnostic mode processing program is installed in the ROM 72 in advance.

  In step 150 of FIG. 10, the CPU 70 controls the image forming unit 82 in the same manner as the image forming process in the normal mode, and intermediate transfer the second diagnostic image S2 in which the first diagnostic images S1 of the respective colors are superimposed. Transfer to the belt 22.

  In the next step 152, the CPU 70 operates the cleaning blade 40 without transferring the second diagnostic image S <b> 2 transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 onto the paper P. Specifically, the CPU 70 sets the state of the switch SW1 to a state where the backup roll 32A and the positive electrode of the power source D2 are connected. Then, the CPU 70 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 22 to sequentially pass the second diagnostic image S2 on the intermediate transfer belt 22 through the transfer position T2 and the contact position between the intermediate transfer belt 22 and the cleaning blade 40. As a result, the second diagnostic image S <b> 2 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 22 without being transferred onto the paper P is removed by the cleaning blade 40.

  In the next step 154, the CPU 70 controls the image forming unit 82 in the same manner as the image forming process in the normal mode, and transfers the image of the region corresponding to the second diagnostic image S2 transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22. After the operation of transferring to the paper P at the position T2, the fixing process by the fixing device 36 is performed. Further, the CPU 70 discharges the paper P and ends the second diagnostic mode processing program.

  The formation state of the second diagnostic image S2 on the paper P discharged by the second diagnostic mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 11 shows the above-described formation state when no cleaning failure is caused by the cleaning blade 40, and FIG. 12 shows an example when the cleaning failure occurs only in the central portion of the cleaning blade 40 in the intersecting direction. An example of the formation state is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when no cleaning failure is caused by the cleaning blade 40, no image is transferred because there is no residue in the formation target region R <b> 2 of the second diagnostic image S <b> 2 on the paper P.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when a cleaning failure by the cleaning blade 40 occurs, a streak image G2 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 22 due to the cleaning failure is formed on the paper P.

  The operator determines whether or not the abnormality is caused by the cleaning blade 40 by visually checking whether or not the streak image G2 is formed on the paper P discharged by the second diagnosis mode process. .

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment normally automatically performs normal operation without human intervention such as operation by the operator after the end of the first diagnosis mode process and the end of the second diagnosis mode process. Transition to mode.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 5), and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment in the first diagnostic mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the conveyance timing of the paper P and the control timing of the laser output unit 16 and the primary transfer unit 24 when the first diagnostic mode is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the first diagnostic image S1 formed on the photoconductor 12 is first transferred to the transfer position, as in the first embodiment. The application of voltage to the primary transfer unit 24 is stopped until it passes through T1. The image forming apparatus 10 stops the output of the laser beam L by the laser output unit 16 after the first diagnostic image S1 first passes the transfer position T1, and the primary transfer bias to the primary transfer unit 24 is stopped. Start application.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 performs an operation of forming an image on n sheets (n is an integer of 2 or more) of paper P, as in the image forming process in the normal mode. Note that n may be set in advance in the image forming apparatus 10 or may be designated by the operator via the operation display unit 80.

  Further, the first diagnostic image S1 according to the present embodiment has a rear end in the transport direction of the paper P that is continuously transported with respect to the transport direction of the paper P (hereinafter simply referred to as “transport direction”). The image is longer than the distance between the portion and the tip portion. Further, the first diagnostic image S1 is an image shorter than the circumferential length in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 12 with respect to the transport direction.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the cleaning failure by the cleaning blade 28 occurs, the streak image G1 is formed on at least one of the n sheets of paper P. The operator visually determines whether or not the streak image G1 is formed on at least one of the n sheets of paper P, thereby determining whether or not the abnormality is caused by defective cleaning by the cleaning blade 28. . Further, when the streak image G1 is formed on the paper P, the operator visually confirms the color of the streak image G1, and the abnormality is caused by the cleaning failure by the cleaning blade 28 corresponding to any color. Identify what you want to do.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment in the second diagnostic mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the conveyance timing of the paper P and the control timing of the laser output unit 16 and the secondary transfer device 32 when the second diagnostic mode is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the second diagnostic image S2 transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 is first transferred as in the first embodiment. The reverse secondary transfer bias is applied to the backup roll 32A until it passes through the position T2. Then, after the second diagnostic image S2 first passes through the transfer position T2, the image forming apparatus 10 normally stops the output of the laser beam L by the laser output unit 16, and normally applies the voltage to the backup roll 32A. Return to (secondary transfer bias).

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 performs an operation of forming an image on n sheets of paper P in the same manner as the image forming process in the normal mode.

  Further, the second diagnostic image S2 according to the present embodiment is an image longer than the paper P in the transport direction. The second diagnostic image S2 is an image shorter than the circumferential length of the intermediate transfer belt 22 in the rotation direction with respect to the conveyance direction.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a cleaning failure by the cleaning blade 40 occurs, the streak image G2 is formed on at least one of the n sheets of paper P. The operator visually determines whether or not the streak image G2 is formed on at least one of the n sheets of paper P, thereby determining whether or not the abnormality is caused by a cleaning failure by the cleaning blade 40. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transfer timing of the first diagnostic image S1 and the second diagnostic image S2 and the conveyance timing of the paper P are compared with the first embodiment. Such complicated timing control may not be performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the abnormality is caused by a cleaning failure by the cleaning blades 28 and 40, as compared with the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the second diagnostic mode according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 performs the cleaning process of the secondary transfer device 32 after the conveyance of the n sheets of paper P is completed.

  The cleaning process of the secondary transfer device 32 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the control timing of the secondary transfer device 32. Further, the vertical axis in FIG. 15 indicates the voltage applied to the backup roll 32A, and the horizontal axis in FIG. 15 indicates a period starting from the time when the cleaning process is started.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment rotates the intermediate transfer belt 22 and rotates the intermediate transfer belt 22 to make a secondary transfer bias with respect to the backup roll 32 </ b> A every time it makes a round. The reverse secondary transfer bias is switched and applied. As a result, toner and other residues adhering to the backup roll 32 </ b> A adhere to the intermediate transfer belt 22 and are removed by the cleaning blade 40.

  Although each embodiment has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in each embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which the modifications or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In addition, each of the above embodiments does not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in each embodiment are indispensable for solving means of the invention. Not necessarily. Each embodiment described above includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions are extracted by combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the respective embodiments, the configuration from which these several constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention as long as the effect is obtained.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the cleaning blade is applied as the removing means for removing the diagnostic image remaining on the transfer source member has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a brush or the like that acts as a cleaner by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the diagnostic image may be applied as the removing means.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where a rectangle is applied as the shape of the first diagnostic image and the second diagnostic image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the shape, a shape other than a rectangle such as an ellipse may be applied as long as the cleaning failure by the cleaning blade can be detected.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where an image using four color toners is applied as the second diagnostic image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image using three or less colors of toner may be applied as the second diagnostic image. As a result, the toner consumption is reduced as compared with the above embodiments.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where no voltage is applied to the primary transfer device in the first diagnosis mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first diagnostic mode, as in the second diagnostic mode, a voltage that generates an electric field in a direction opposite to the electric field in the normal mode may be applied to the primary transfer unit.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the reverse secondary transfer bias is applied to the backup roll in the second diagnostic mode has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the second diagnostic mode, a voltage may not be applied to the backup roll as in the first diagnostic mode.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the first diagnosis mode processing program and the second diagnosis mode processing program are installed in the ROM 72 in advance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first diagnosis mode processing program and the second diagnosis mode processing program are provided by being stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), or provided via a network. Also good.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the first diagnosis mode process and the second diagnosis mode process are realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program has been described. It is not limited to this. For example, the first diagnosis mode process and the second diagnosis mode process may be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

  In addition, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 described in the above embodiments (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 5) is merely an example, and unnecessary portions may be deleted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say, a new part may be added.

  The flow of processing of the first diagnostic mode processing program described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 7) and the flow of processing of the second diagnostic mode processing program (see FIG. 10) are also examples. Needless to say, unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, and the processing order may be changed within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the configuration of the operation mode selection display screen shown in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6) is also an example, and some information may be deleted without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, new information can be added and the display position can be changed.

10 Image forming devices 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Photoconductors 16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K Laser output unit 22 Intermediate transfer belts 24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K Primary transfer device 26 Cleaning device 28 Cleaning blade 32 Secondary transfer device 32A Backup Roll 32B Secondary transfer roll 38 Cleaning device 40 Cleaning blade 70 CPU
72 ROM
80 Operation display part P Paper T1 Transfer position T2 Transfer position

Claims (7)

Transfer means for transferring the diagnostic image on the transfer source member to the transfer destination member;
A removal means provided on the downstream side of the transfer position by the transfer means, for removing the diagnostic image remaining on the transfer source member;
Control means for controlling the transfer of the diagnostic image on the transfer source member to the transfer destination member after the removal means is operated without transferring the diagnosis image on the transfer source member to the transfer destination member When,
An image forming apparatus. The transfer source member is an intermediate transfer member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer destination member is a recording medium. The transfer source member is an image carrier,
The transfer destination member is an intermediate transfer member,
A second transfer means for transferring the diagnostic image transferred to the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further performs control to transfer a diagnostic image on the intermediate transfer member to the recording medium. The diagnostic image is an image developed using a developer,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs control to remove the developer remaining on the second transfer unit after performing control to transfer the diagnostic image to the recording medium. As an operation mode of the device, further comprising a receiving means for receiving information for switching between the normal mode and the diagnostic mode,
When the information for switching the operation mode to the diagnostic mode is received by the receiving unit, the control unit performs control to transfer the diagnostic image to the recording medium as control of the diagnostic mode, and then performs the operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control for switching a mode to the normal mode is performed. The diagnostic image is an image formed by being irradiated with light,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to stop the irradiation of the light after the diagnostic image on the transfer source member passes the transfer position. .   The program for functioning a computer as a control means of the image forming apparatus of any one of Claims 1-6.

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