JP2018036428A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the consumption of toner, while reducing a trouble due to an excessive frictional force according to a distribution of a contact pressure of a cleaning member on an image carrier in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 comprises: an image carrier 1; transfer means 22; a cleaning member 3a; and a control part 103 that executes a supply operation to form a predetermined toner image on the image carrier 1 in a non-image forming period and supply a toner of the predetermined toner image to a contact part Q of the image carrier 1 and cleaning member 3a. The control part 103 changes the amount of toner to be supplied to a plurality of areas of the contact part Q in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member 3a through the supply operation on the basis of pressure distribution information including information on a contact pressure of the cleaning member 3a on the image carrier 1 in the plurality of areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile apparatus using an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system, or a multifunction machine having these functions.

  In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method or the like, it is necessary to remove toner (transfer residual toner) remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image is transferred from the image carrier such as a photoconductor to the transfer target. is there. For this purpose, a cleaning member disposed in contact with the image carrier is used. As the cleaning member, a cleaning blade (hereinafter also simply referred to as “blade”) formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane rubber is widely used.

  The blade is usually disposed in contact with the image carrier so as to be in the counter direction with respect to the moving direction of the image carrier. Therefore, the frictional force between the image carrier and the blade may be excessive. When this frictional force is excessive, chipping of the blade edge may occur, or the blade edge may be twisted in the moving direction of the image carrier. Toner and external additives have the effect of maintaining the lubricity between the blade and the image carrier, but if the amount of toner or external additive present at the contact portion between the image carrier and the blade is reduced, the chip of the blade will be lost. And drowning easily. If the blade is chipped or wrinkled, the ability of the blade to scrape off the toner from the image carrier may be reduced, resulting in poor cleaning.

  Therefore, when a non-image is formed, a belt-like toner image (hereinafter also referred to as “toner belt”) is formed on the image carrier, and the toner in the toner belt is applied to a contact portion (blade nip) between the image carrier and the blade. A supplying method is known (Patent Document 1). By supplying the toner to the blade nip, the frictional force between the image carrier and the blade is reduced by the toner and the external additive, so that the blade can be prevented from being chipped or curled.

JP 2007-328175 A

  However, in the conventional method, the density (toner weight per unit area) of the toner band and the length (width) in the moving direction of the image carrier of the toner band are uniform in the longitudinal direction of the blade. The following issues were found.

  In other words, the chipping or curling of the blade depends on the contact pressure of the blade with the image carrier. When the contact pressure is relatively high, the frictional force between the blade and the image carrier increases, so that the progress of chipping of the blade is increased and the blade is liable to be bent. The contact pressure generally has variations due to the position in the longitudinal direction of the blade, that is, a pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade, for reasons such as the contact method of the blade and variations in parts. For this reason, the chipping of the blade progresses from the portion where the contact pressure is relatively high, the blade is liable to be bent, and the life of the unit including the blade may be shortened by replacing parts. .

  On the other hand, in the conventional method, a toner band having a uniform density and width is formed in the longitudinal direction of the blade. For this reason, there is a possibility that the toner amount in the toner band is insufficient in the portion where the contact pressure is relatively high, while the toner amount in the toner band is excessive in the portion where the contact pressure is relatively low. Will be consumed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce toner consumption while suppressing problems caused by excessive frictional force according to the distribution of the contact pressure of the cleaning member to the image carrier in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be realized.

  The above object is achieved by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention is disposed in contact with the image carrier, an image carrier that carries the toner image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image from the image carrier to the transfer body at the transfer unit, A cleaning member that removes toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the transfer, and a predetermined toner image is formed on the image carrier during non-image formation, and the toner of the predetermined toner image is transferred to the image carrier. And a control unit that executes a supply operation for supplying to the contact part between the cleaning member and the cleaning member, and the control unit is configured to control the cleaning member in a plurality of regions of the contact part in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of toner supplied to each of the plurality of regions is changed by the supply operation based on pressure distribution information including information relating to a contact pressure with respect to the image carrier. A.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce toner consumption while suppressing problems caused by excessive frictional force according to the distribution of the contact pressure of the cleaning member to the image carrier in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member. Can do.

1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a braid | blade. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a blade pressure and the amount of chip | tips of a blade. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between blade pressure and blade chipping amount for each toner amount in a toner band. It is a graph for demonstrating the generation | occurrence | production extent of the chip | tip of a braid | blade for every position of the longitudinal direction of a braid | blade. It is a schematic diagram of the seal | sticker in which the pressure distribution information of the blade was described. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic control mode of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of an operation for forming a toner band. It is a schematic diagram of a toner band. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic control aspect of the other example of an image forming apparatus. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the other example of an image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[Example 1]
1. Overall Configuration and Operation of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a laser printer that forms an image using an electrophotographic method and that can be attached and detached from a process cartridge 250.

  A photosensitive drum 1 which is a rotatable drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member) as an image bearing member for carrying a toner image is indicated by an arrow W1 direction (in the drawing) by a driving motor (not shown) as a driving means. It is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) clockwise. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 is a negatively charged organic photoreceptor. The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential having a predetermined polarity (negative polarity in this embodiment) by a charging roller 2 as a charging unit. The charging roller 2 is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. During the charging process, a predetermined charging bias is applied to the charging roller 2 from a charging bias power source (not shown).

  The surface of the charged photosensitive drum 1 is exposed by an exposure device 21 as an exposure unit. In the present embodiment, the exposure apparatus 21 is a semiconductor laser scanner, and laser light modulated in accordance with an image signal sent from an external device (such as a personal computer) connected to the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be communicable. Is output. The exposure device 21 performs scanning exposure (image exposure) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 through the exposure window portion 9 of the process cartridge 250. Then, the absolute value of the potential of the exposed portion on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 becomes lower than the absolute value of the charging potential formed by the charging roller 2, so that an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. ) Is formed.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed (visualized) using toner as a developer by a developing device 5 as developing means, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. In this embodiment, a jumping development method and a reversal development method are employed as the development method. That is, a developing bias in which an alternating current component and a direct current component are superimposed is applied from a developing bias power source (not shown) to the developing roller 7 as a developing member. The toner negatively charged by frictional charging at the contact portion between the developer layer thickness regulating member 6 and the developing roller 7 adheres to the image portion (exposure portion) of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1.

  The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to a recording material (recording medium, transfer material, sheet) P such as paper, which is a transfer target, by a transfer roller 22 as a transfer unit. The transfer roller 22 is pressed in the direction of the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 1 by a pressing spring (not shown) to form a transfer portion N where the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 22 are in contact with each other. During the transfer process, the transfer roller 22 is transferred from a transfer bias power source (not shown) with a DC voltage having a polarity (positive in this embodiment) opposite to the toner charging polarity (normal charging polarity) during development. A bias is applied. The recording material P is stacked and stored in the storage cassette 60. The pickup roller 61 and the feeding roller 62 are rotationally driven at a predetermined control timing, whereby the recording material P is separated and fed one by one from the storage cassette 60 and conveyed to the registration roller 63. Then, the recording material P is supplied to the transfer unit N by the registration roller 63 in timing with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1.

  The recording material P onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 and conveyed to a fixing device 23 as a fixing unit. The fixing device 23 fixes (melts and fixes) the toner image transferred to the recording material P to the recording material P by heat or pressure. The recording material P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged (output) by a discharge roller 64 to a discharge tray 65 provided outside the apparatus main body 150 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the toner image is transferred to the recording material P is cleaned by a cleaning device 4 as a cleaning unit. The cleaning device 4 includes a cleaning unit 3 including a blade 3a as a cleaning member and a support member 3b formed of a sheet metal that supports the blade 3a. The cleaning device 4 removes the toner (transfer residual toner) that has not been completely transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the recording material P during the transfer process by the blade 3a from the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 1 and collects it in the collection container 10. To do. The blade 3 a has a predetermined thickness in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and a short direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (blade shape) having a predetermined length. ). The blade 3 a is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 at a predetermined angle so that the counter 3 is in the counter direction (the direction in which the free end faces the upstream side of the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1) with respect to the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1. ing. The blade 3 a comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 in a predetermined range including the edge of the short end (free end). In this embodiment, the length of the blade 3a in the longitudinal direction is 340 mm, which is longer than the image forming area on the photosensitive drum 1 (the image forming area is within the length range of the blade 3a in the longitudinal direction). Note that the image forming area is an area where a toner image can be formed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

  In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 2, the developing device 5 and the cleaning device 4 as process means acting on the photosensitive drum 1 are unit detachable with respect to the apparatus main body 150 as a process cartridge 250. Is configured.

  In this embodiment, the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled by the CPU 103 (FIG. 7) as a control unit provided in the apparatus main body 150. The CPU 103 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with a program stored in the main body storage unit 101 that includes a storage medium such as a ROM.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 100 executes a series of operations (job, print operation) for forming and outputting an image on a single or a plurality of recording materials P, which is started by one start instruction. In general, a job includes an image forming process, a pre-rotating process, a paper-to-paper process when images are formed on a plurality of recording materials P, and a post-rotating process. The image forming process is a period for forming an electrostatic latent image, forming a toner image, and transferring a toner image of an image that is actually formed and output on the recording material P. Say. More specifically, the timing at which the image is formed differs depending on the position where the electrostatic latent image is formed, the toner image is formed, and the toner image is transferred. The pre-rotation process is a period for performing a preparatory operation before the image forming process from when the start instruction is input until the actual image formation is started. The inter-sheet process is a period corresponding to the interval between the recording material P and the recording material P when image formation is continuously performed on a plurality of recording materials P (continuous image formation). The post-rotation process is a period during which an organizing operation (preparation operation) after the image forming process is performed. The non-image forming period is a period other than the image forming time, and is a preparatory operation at the time of turning on the power of the image forming apparatus 100 or returning from the sleep state. This is included during the previous multi-rotation process. A supply operation for supplying toner to a contact portion between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a, which will be described later, is executed during non-image formation.

2. Next, a method for manufacturing the blade 3a in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the blade 3a in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the blade 3a is disposed in the thickness direction on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 1 from the edge layer 3a (1) including the edge contacting the photosensitive drum 1 and the edge layer 3a (1). The base layer 3a (2) is a two-layer structure. Both the edge layer 3a (1) and the base layer 3a (2) are formed of a polyurethane resin produced using a polyisocyanate compound and a polyfunctional active hydrogen compound.

  As a method for forming the blade 3a formed of a polyurethane resin, the following method can be used. Polymer polyol, polyisocyanate, cross-linking agent, catalyst and the like are mixed at a time and cast into a mold for molding. At that time, the blade 3a made of polyurethane resin is directly formed on the support member 3b. Then, in order to accurately produce a contact portion with the photosensitive drum 1, the tip portion of the blade 3a formed of polyurethane resin is cut. The blade 3a can be fixed to the support member 3a by bonding or the like.

  Further, as a method of forming the edge layer 3a (1) and the base layer 3a (2), a method of continuous molding using a rotary molding drum having grooves formed on the outer periphery thereof (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-30385). ) Can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the entire thickness of the blade 3a is 2 mm. The thickness t of the edge layer 3a (1) at this time is preferably 100 to 300 μm. In this embodiment, the hardness (JISA) of the edge layer 3a (1) is 77 °, the rebound resilience is 10%, the hardness (JISA) of the base layer 3a (2) is 77 °, and the rebound resilience is 45%. It is.

  By using a material having a low rebound resilience for the edge layer 3a (1), the effect of removing deposits on the photosensitive drum 1 in repeated use is improved. Deposits adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by filming of an external additive contained in the toner, fusion by melting the toner, or the like. By using a material having a low rebound resilience for the edge layer 3 a (1), the edge of the blade 3 a is not easily deformed when it comes into contact with the deposit, thereby improving the deposit removal effect. On the other hand, by using a material having a high rebound resilience for the base layer 3a (2), the original elastic effect of the blade 3a can be exhibited. That is, even if the contact state changes such as an increase in frictional force on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 due to repeated use, the stable contact state can be maintained, and abnormal noise such as chatter and squeal of the blade 3a is generated. Can be reduced.

3. Next, the relationship between the contact pressure of the blade 3a against the photosensitive drum 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “blade pressure”) and the degree of occurrence of chipping of the edge of the blade 3a will be described. For the image forming apparatus 100 and its elements, the front side in FIG. 1 is referred to as “front side” and the back side in FIG. 1 is referred to as “back side”. The depth direction connecting the “front side” and the “back side” is assumed to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

  Note that the problem caused by excessive frictional force between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a at the contact portion (blade nip) Q between the blade 3a and the photosensitive drum 1 is not limited to the chipping of the blade 3a. It also includes drowning and abnormal noise. However, here, the description will be made with particular attention to the lack of the blade 3a that causes the occurrence of defective cleaning and leads to the replacement of the unit including the blade 3a. Since the degree of occurrence of defects other than the chipping of the blade 3a also correlates with the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a, it correlates with the degree of chipping of the blade 3a.

  In order to investigate the degree of chipping of the blade 3a, an endurance test for repeatedly outputting images was performed using a representative image forming apparatus 100 having the configuration of the present embodiment. This test was performed by installing the image forming apparatus 100 in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment of 30 ° C. and 80% in order to promote the chipping of the blade 3a. A so-called solid white image having a printing rate of 0% was used as an output image, and the condition was such that the toner hardly reached the blade nip Q. The number of output images was 100,000, and the edge of the blade 3a after outputting the number of images was observed using an optical microscope, and the degree of occurrence of chipping of the blade 3a was quantified. The blade pressure is measured at three points in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, at a position (“F”) of 50 mm from the end closer to the center to the center, and from the end on the back side to the center Measurements were taken at the 50 mm side (“R”) and the center (“C”). Further, in order to confirm the dependency of the chipping of the blade 3a on the blade pressure, the total pressure of the blade pressure is set to 2 by changing the load of a spring (not shown) that presses the blade 3a in the direction in contact with the photosensitive drum 1. The test was conducted at different levels. As the spring, spring A having a spring constant of 50 gf / cm and spring B having a spring constant of 75 gf / cm were used. Table 1 shows the blade pressure when each of the spring A and the spring B is used.

  The blade pressure was measured using a measuring jig. In this measuring jig, three cylindrical virtual drums corresponding to the photosensitive drum 1 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a at a predetermined interval. Each virtual drum is connected to a load cell for measuring the applied weight. Then, the blade 3a in the assembly of the process cartridge 250 supported by the support is pressed against the virtual drum, and the load applied by the blade 3a is detected by the load cell. Thereby, the contact pressure of the blade 3a with respect to each virtual drum, that is, the blade pressure in each of the three regions on the front side, the center, and the back side of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a can be measured. . In this embodiment, as the blade pressure, a linear pressure (gf / cm) in which the value of the load (gf) measured by the load cell is expressed by the pressure per unit length of the blade 3a is used. However, the load value measured by the load cell may be used as it is. The degree of chipping of the blade 3a was quantified as the chipping amount (μm), which is the total of the size of the chipping (length in the major axis direction).

  From Table 1, it can be seen that the variation in blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a tends to be larger when the spring B is used than when the spring A is used. This is because the spring pressure is increased and the blade 3a is bent, and this bending applies stress to the container holding the blade 3a, so that unevenness of the blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a is likely to occur. It is to become. Here, in order to examine the dependency of the chipping of the blade 3a on the blade pressure, a durability test was performed using the spring A and the spring B. However, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment uses the spring B. .

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the blade pressure obtained by the durability test and the amount of chipping of the blade 3a. From this figure, it can be seen that there is a proportional relationship between the blade pressure and the chipping amount of the blade 3a. This is because the higher the blade pressure, the greater the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a, and the greater the amount of deformation of the edge of the blade 3a, the greater the stress on the blade 3a. .

  Next, the relationship between the amount of toner to be supplied and the amount of chipping of the blade 3a when performing a supply operation for supplying toner to the blade nip Q in order to reduce the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a will be described. To do.

  As described above, in order to reduce the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a in the blade nip Q, a method of supplying toner to the blade nip Q is known. Specifically, a belt-like toner image (toner belt) long in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 during non-image formation. Then, the toner in the toner band is supplied to the blade nip Q without being transferred to the recording material P. As a result, the toner in the toner band and its external additive are interposed between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a and act as a sliding material, thereby reducing the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 3a. The stress applied to 3a can be relieved.

  In order to examine the degree of chipping of the blade 3a when the toner band is formed, the representative image forming apparatus 100 having the configuration of this embodiment is used to repeatedly output an image and form the toner band at a predetermined frequency. A durability test was conducted. Here, a toner band having a length in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a of 340 mm (a length over the entire length range of the blade 3a) is formed once every 100 image outputs, and the toner in the toner band Was fed to the blade nip Q. The width of the toner band (the length in the rotation direction of the photosensitive ram 1) was set at two levels of 10 mm and 20 mm. Further, when the toner band passes through the transfer portion N, the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 22 is turned off. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the toner in the toner band from being transferred to the transfer roller 22 and to increase the amount of toner reaching the blade nip Q. The settings of the spring A and the spring B, the number of image outputs, the output image, the test environment, and the like are the same as in the durability test that obtained the results of FIG. The blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3 a when using the spring A and the spring B in the representative image forming apparatus 100 was the same as that shown in Table 1.

  FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the blade pressure for each width of the toner band and the chipping amount of the blade 3a, which was obtained by the durability test for forming the toner band. From the figure, it can be seen that as the width of the toner band is larger, the chipping amount of the blade 3a is reduced.

  FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a and the chipping amount of the blade 3a when the spring B is used (configuration of this embodiment) based on the result of FIG. Plotted for each. In this embodiment, in order to enable the blade 3a to be used for a sufficiently long period of time, it is desirable that the amount of chipping of the blade 3a in the durability test is 8 μm or less.

  FIG. 5 shows that it is desirable to form a toner band having a width of 20 mm at a frequency of once every 100 image outputs in order to enable the blade 3a to be used for a sufficiently long period of time. This is because the amount of chipping of the blade 3a at the front side and the center in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a having a relatively high blade pressure is set to 8 μm or less. However, for example, on the back side in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, the blade pressure is relatively low, so it is understood that it is not necessary to form a toner band having a width of 20 mm once for every 100 image outputs.

4). Control of Toner Band As described above, the occurrence of chipping of the blade 3a varies depending on the blade pressure (FIG. 3). Further, depending on the blade pressure for each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, the toner amount of the toner band that needs to be supplied in order to reduce chipping of the blade 3a in each region is different (FIG. 4, FIG. FIG. 5).

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of toner supplied to each of the plurality of regions by the supply operation based on “pressure distribution information” including information on the blade pressure in the plurality of regions of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. To change. In this embodiment, the amount of toner supplied to each of the plurality of regions is changed by the supply operation by changing the size of a predetermined toner image (toner band) that reaches each of the plurality of regions in the supply operation. . In particular, in this embodiment, the length (width) of the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1 of the toner image is changed as the size of the predetermined toner image. Thereby, wasteful consumption of toner can be suppressed, and the life of the blade 3a can be extended. This will be described in more detail below.

  The blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a can be measured when the process cartridge 250 is assembled at the factory. Therefore, it is suitable to mark the pressure distribution information on the process cartridge 250, which is information related to the blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a during the assembly process. In the present embodiment, in the assembly process of the process cartridge 250, the blade pressure is measured in each of the front, center, and back regions obtained by equally dividing the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a into three. Then, the seal 11 (FIG. 1) on which the pressure distribution information including information on the blade pressure in each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the measured blade 3a is described is attached to the process cartridge 250. In particular, in the present embodiment, as the pressure distribution information, the blade nip Q region (front side, center, back side) in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a is associated with a code indicating the value (range) of the blade pressure. Information is written on the seal 11. The seal 11 in which the pressure distribution information is described is attached to the process cartridge 250 before the process cartridge 250 is shipped (for example, following measurement of the blade pressure in the assembly process). Here, the seal 11 is an example of a description part in which the pressure distribution information of the process cartridge 250 is described. The description part is an example of an information holding unit that holds the pressure distribution information of the process cartridge 250.

  As described above, the blade pressure can be measured in a state where the photosensitive drum 1 is not incorporated in the process cartridge 250 (the blade 3a is incorporated). As described above, the blade pressure may vary depending on the position in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. This variation may occur due to variations in the blade 3a itself, such as the material and dimensions of the blade 3a, or variations in manufacturing such as the mounting position and mounting conditions of the blade 3a. For the same reason as described above, the blade pressure may vary for each process cartridge 250 (blade 3a) or each manufacturing lot of the process cartridge 250 (blade 3a). Therefore, the measurement of the blade pressure can be performed for each unit that may cause a variation in blade pressure that affects the degree of chipping of the blade 3a. For example, for each individual process cartridge 250 (blade 3a), for each manufacturing lot of the process cartridge 250 (blade 3a). When measuring for each production lot, the blade pressure can be measured using representative components of the process cartridge 250. When using representative component parts, the blade pressure measured by one set of component parts may be used, or the average value of blade pressures measured by a plurality of sets of component parts may be used. In this embodiment, the blade pressure is measured for each process cartridge 250 (blade 3a). In this embodiment, the blade nip Q is divided into three in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, and the blade pressure measured at a predetermined location in each region is used as the blade pressure in each region. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of divisions may be increased or decreased as compared to the present embodiment. A larger number of divisions can increase the accuracy of extending the life of the blade 3a while suppressing wasteful toner consumption. However, if the number of divisions is too large, the operation becomes complicated and the control becomes complicated. There is a possibility to bring. Typically, the number of divisions is preferably about 3 to 10. The blade pressure in each region may be an average value, a representative value (maximum value, etc.), a total sum, or the like of the blade pressure measured at a plurality of locations in each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the seal 11 attached to the process cartridge 250. “A”, “B”, and “C” in the “Address (address)” column of the seal 11 are the front side F, the center C, and the back side R of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, respectively. Corresponds to each area. Further, “1”, “2”, and “3” in the “Value (value)” column written on the seal 11 correspond to the following blade pressure ranges, respectively. That is, “1” corresponds to a blade pressure in the range of 20 gf / cm or more and less than 25 gf / cm. “2” corresponds to a blade pressure in a range of 25 gf / cm or more and less than 30 gf / cm. “3” corresponds to a blade pressure in the range of 30 gf / cm or more and less than 35 gf / cm.

  When an operator such as a user or a service person replaces the process cartridge 250 with respect to the apparatus main body 150, it is described on the seal 11 attached to the process cartridge 250 that is newly attached to the apparatus main body 150 by the operator. Read pressure distribution information. Further, the operator inputs the read pressure distribution information to the apparatus main body 150. For example, when the process cartridge 250 reaches the end of its service life at the user, the service representative receives a report and goes to the user to replace the process cartridge 250. At that time, the service person reads the pressure distribution information written on the seal 11 and inputs it to the apparatus main body 150. Then, on the apparatus main body 150 side, processing for controlling the size (width in this embodiment) of the toner band that reaches each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a in accordance with the input pressure distribution information. Is done.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic control mode of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. As described above, the apparatus main body 150 is provided with the CPU 103 as a control unit and the main body storage unit 101 connected to the CPU 103. Further, the CPU 101 is connected to an exposure control unit 102 that is a control circuit of the exposure apparatus 21 and an environment sensor 104 as an environment detection unit that detects at least one of temperature and humidity inside or outside the apparatus main body 150. ing. In this embodiment, the environment sensor 104 detects the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed (the environment outside the apparatus main body 150), and transmits the information to the CPU 103. The CPU 103 is connected to a drive control unit 105 that is a control circuit such as a drive motor of the photosensitive drum 1 and a high-voltage power source 106 such as a charging power source and a transfer power source. The CPU 103 is connected to an operation display unit 107 such as a touch panel having functions of an input unit for inputting information to the CPU 103 and a display unit for displaying information under the control of the CPU 103.

  Pressure distribution information described on the seal 11 attached to the process cartridge 150 is input from the operation display unit 107. The CPU 103 stores the input pressure distribution information in the main body storage unit 101.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 103 executes a supply operation for forming a toner band on the photosensitive drum 1 and supplying the toner to the blade nip Q when a non-image is formed every 100 output images as a predetermined timing. Let In other words, in this embodiment, the CPU 103 functions as a counting unit, and accumulates the number of image outputs every time an image is output, and stores it in the main body storage unit 101. The CPU 103 recognizes that the execution timing of the supply operation has arrived when the accumulated number of output images reaches the threshold value of 100. In the present embodiment, the CPU 103 causes the supply operation to be executed in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment where the blade 3a is likely to be chipped. Then, the CPU 103 controls the width of the toner band that reaches each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3 a based on the pressure distribution information input from the operation display unit 107 and stored in the main body storage unit 101. . Note that the CPU 103 turns off the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 22 when the toner band passes through the transfer portion N. At this time, a voltage having the same polarity as the normal charging polarity of the toner may be applied to the transfer roller 22.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of control for executing the supply operation in the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the supply operation is executed during the inter-sheet process of the job. Each time an image is output, the CPU 103 reads the number of image outputs accumulated and stored in the main body storage unit 101 (S101), and determines whether the number of image outputs has reached 100 (S102). ). If it is determined in S102 that the number has reached 100, the CPU 103 reads the temperature / humidity information of the environment detected by the environment sensor 104 (S103), and whether the environment is a high temperature (25 ° C. or higher) / high humidity environment (60% or higher). It is determined whether or not (S104). When it is determined in S104 that the environment is a high temperature and high humidity environment, the CPU 103 reads the pressure distribution information stored in the main body storage unit 101 (S105). Then, the CPU 103 sets the toner band to reach each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a based on the information indicating the relationship between the blade pressure and the width of the toner band as shown in Table 2 set in advance. The width is determined (S106). In the present embodiment, information indicating the relationship as shown in Table 2 is stored in the main body storage unit 101 in advance.

  As shown in Table 2, in this example, when the blade pressure (“Value” written on the seal 11) is “1”, no toner band is formed (the width of the toner band is 0 mm). When the blade pressure is “2”, the width of the toner band is 10 mm. When the blade pressure is “3”, the width of the toner band is 20 mm. In this embodiment, regardless of the value of the blade pressure, the toner band density (toner weight per unit area) is constant at a predetermined density (predetermined halftone or solid density (maximum density level)). Has been.

  Then, the CPU 103 controls the exposure control unit 102, the high voltage power source 106, and the drive control unit 105 to form a toner band on the photosensitive drum 1, and supplies the toner to the blade nip Q (S107). As shown in FIG. 9, in the toner band, the portions supplied to the respective regions of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a have the widths determined in S106. FIG. 9 schematically shows a toner band when the pressure distribution information described on the seal 11 is the example shown in FIG. Thereafter, the CPU 103 resets the number of image outputs stored in the main body storage unit 101 to 0 (S108).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 103 changes the size of the toner band to reach each region according to the blade pressure of each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, thereby changing each region. The amount of toner in the toner band supplied to is changed. At this time, the CPU 103 determines the toner amount in the region where the blade pressure is the second contact pressure smaller than the toner amount in the region where the blade pressure is the first contact pressure. Reduce. That is, in this embodiment, the blade pressure is in the second contact pressure smaller than the first contact pressure than the size of the toner image that reaches the region in which the blade pressure is the first contact pressure. Reduce the size of the toner image to be reached. In this embodiment, the width of the toner band (the length in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1) is changed as the size of the toner band, but the present invention is not limited to this. Since the toner in the toner band moves (spreads) to some extent in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a when scraped by the blade 3a, the length of the toner band in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a may be changed. Further, both the width of the toner band and the length in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a may be changed. Further, the toner band may be divided into a plurality of parts in at least one of the width direction or the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, and the total sum of the lengths of the toner bands in the divided direction may be changed.

  The pressure distribution information stored in the main body storage unit 101 is reset every time the process cartridge 250 is replaced. If the pressure distribution information is not stored in the main body storage unit 101 for some reason, the CPU 103 determines that the blade pressure is “3” in all the blade nips Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, for example. Can be controlled.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, by adjusting the width of the toner band in accordance with the blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, the chipping amount of the blade 3a is suppressed substantially uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. In addition, toner consumption can be reduced.

[Example 2]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In Example 1, the amount of toner in the toner band supplied to each region was changed by changing the size of the toner band that reached each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the toner band supplied to each region is changed by changing the density of the toner band (toner weight per unit area) that reaches each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. Change the toner amount.

  In this embodiment, in S106 of FIG. 8, the CPU 103 determines the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a based on information indicating the relationship between the blade pressure and the density of the toner band as shown in Table 3 set in advance. The density of the toner band that reaches each of these areas is determined. In this embodiment, information indicating the relationship as shown in Table 3 is stored in the main body storage unit 101 in advance.

As shown in Table 3, in this example, when the blade pressure (“Value” written on the seal 11) is “1”, no toner band is formed (the density of the toner band is 0 mg / cm ² ). When the blade pressure is “2”, the density of the toner band is set to a predetermined X (> 0) mg / cm ² (for example, 0.3 mg / cm ² ). When the blade pressure is “3”, the density of the toner band is set to a predetermined Y (> X) mg / cm ² (for example, 0.5 mg / cm ² ). The density of the toner band can be controlled by controlling the exposure amount by the exposure device 3. Here, the density of the toner band is represented by the amount of applied toner, but it may be information on a density level that specifies the exposure amount of the exposure device 3.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 103 changes the density of the toner band that reaches each area according to the blade pressure of each area of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. The amount of toner in the toner band supplied to is changed. At this time, the CPU 103 makes the density of the area where the blade pressure is the second contact pressure smaller than the density of the area where the blade pressure is the first contact pressure smaller. .

  As described above, according to this embodiment, by adjusting the density of the toner band according to the blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction, the chipping amount of the blade 3a can be suppressed substantially uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. At the same time, it is possible to reduce toner consumption.

[Example 3]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In Examples 1 and 2, the supply operation was performed at a predetermined execution frequency, and the width and density of the toner band that reached each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a were adjusted in each supply operation. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the amount of toner supplied to each region is changed by changing the frequency of forming the toner band that reaches each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a.

  That is, the toner and its external additive intervening in the blade nip Q decrease as the traveling distance (number of rotations) of the photosensitive drum 1 increases, and the blade 3a is likely to be chipped. Therefore, when the blade pressure is relatively high and the blade 3a is relatively easily chipped, it is desirable to supply toner to the blade nip Q more frequently. On the other hand, when the blade pressure is relatively low and chipping of the blade 3a is relatively difficult to occur, the toner consumption can be reduced by relatively reducing the frequency of supplying the toner to the blade nip Q. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 103 counts the number of image outputs for determining the formation timing for each toner band that reaches each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, and stores it in the main body storage unit 101. . Further, the CPU 103 compares the number of image outputs integrated for each area with a threshold value set according to the blade pressure of each area, and determines whether or not the timing for forming the toner band has come. . When a toner band is formed, the number of image outputs accumulated for that area is reset to zero.

  The CPU 103 sets the toner band to reach each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a based on the information indicating the relationship between the blade pressure and the frequency of forming the toner band as shown in Table 4 set in advance. Determine the formation timing. In the present embodiment, information indicating the relationship shown in Table 4 is stored in the main body storage unit 101 in advance.

As shown in Table 4, in this embodiment, when the blade pressure (“Value” written on the seal 11) is “1”, the toner band is not formed. When the blade pressure is “2”, a toner band is formed for every 200 image outputs. When the blade pressure is “3”, a toner band is formed for every 100 image output sheets. In this embodiment, regardless of the value of the blade pressure, the width of the toner band is 20 mm and the density is constant at a predetermined density Ymg / cm ² .

  As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 103 changes the frequency of forming the toner band to reach each region according to the blade pressure in each region of the blade nip Q in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. The amount of toner supplied to each area is changed. At this time, the CPU 103 makes the frequency of the region where the blade pressure is the second contact pressure smaller than the first contact pressure lower than the frequency of the region where the blade pressure is the first contact pressure. .

  As described above, according to this embodiment, by adjusting the toner band formation frequency according to the blade pressure distribution in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a, the chipping amount of the blade 3a is substantially uniform in the longitudinal direction of the blade 3a. It is possible to suppress toner consumption.

[Example 4]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In Examples 1 to 3, the pressure distribution information is described in the seal 11 attached to the process cartridge 250. In contrast, in this embodiment, the pressure distribution information is stored in the IC tag 109 (FIG. 10) attached to the process cartridge 250. Here, the IC tag 109 is an example of a storage medium in which the pressure distribution information of the process cartridge 250 is stored. The storage medium is an example of an information holding unit that holds pressure distribution information of the process cartridge 250.

  When the pressure distribution information is held in the seal 11 as in the first to third embodiments, the operator performs a manual input when replacing the process cartridge 250, and thus the input may be mistaken. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure distribution information is input to the IC tag 109 and stored during the assembly process of the process cartridge 250 or the like.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic control mode of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The IC tag 109 is a memory tag having a nonvolatile memory, and is attached to the process cartridge 250. On the other hand, the apparatus main body 150 is provided with an IC tag reading unit 108 that reads information stored in the IC tag 109 and inputs the information to the CPU 103. When the process cartridge 250 is attached to the apparatus main body 150, the IC tag 109 is connected to the IC tag reading unit 108. Thereby, the pressure distribution information stored in the IC tag 109 is input to the CPU 103 by the IC tag reading unit 108. The CPU 103 can control the operation of forming a toner band in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments based on the information input by the IC tag reading unit 108. The pressure distribution information read from the IC tag 109 may be temporarily stored in the main body storage unit 101 and used.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of Embodiments 1 to 3 can be obtained, and mistakes in inputting pressure distribution information can be prevented, and the operation of forming a toner band can be appropriately controlled. To make it easy to do.

[Others]
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated according to the specific Example, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Example.

  The method for changing the amount of toner supplied to each region of the blade nip in the longitudinal direction of the blade described in the first to third embodiments can be used in any combination. That is, by changing two or more of the toner band size, density, and formation frequency, the amount of toner supplied to each region can be changed.

  In the first to third embodiments, the pressure distribution information is described on the seal attached to the process cartridge (that is, a description portion provided on the process cartridge itself), but the present invention is not limited to this. The provider of the process cartridge can present the pressure distribution information to the operator by any means for each process cartridge (blade) or each production lot. For example, it can be presented on an article distributed along with the process cartridge, such as packing of a process cartridge or instructions, or can be presented on a process cartridge on a network or a home page of a provider of an image forming apparatus.

  In the first to third embodiments, the operator inputs the pressure distribution information. However, if the operator inputs information that can identify the pressure distribution information in the process cartridge, for example, the individual identification number of the process cartridge Or a lot number. For example, there may be a case where a control unit provided in the apparatus main body is connected to a network by a network connection unit. In this case, for example, the pressure distribution information may be associated with the individual identification number or lot number of the process cartridge and stored in an external storage unit at the service base of the process cartridge or the provider of the image forming apparatus. The external storage unit and the control unit provided in the apparatus main body are connected to the network via the network connection unit. The operator inputs the individual identification number and lot number of the process cartridge to be mounted on the apparatus main body from the operation unit provided on the apparatus main body to the control unit. The individual identification number or lot number of the process cartridge can be presented on the process cartridge itself or on an article distributed along with the process cartridge, such as a process cartridge packing or a manual. The control unit can obtain pressure distribution information corresponding to the input individual identification number and lot number of the process cartridge from the external storage unit.

  In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that the pressure distribution information is stored in the storage medium provided in the process cartridge. When the storage medium is provided in the process cartridge as described above, information indicating the relationships shown in Tables 2 to 4 described in the first to third embodiments can be stored and held in the storage medium of the process cartridge. As a result, even when the design of the process cartridge is changed, the same control as in the above-described embodiment can be performed without requiring a change on the apparatus main body side. In this case as well, these pieces of information read from the storage medium of the process cartridge may be temporarily stored in the main body storage unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation display unit having functions of the input unit and the display unit is provided in the apparatus main body. However, these units are, for example, devices (such as personal computers) connected to be communicable with the apparatus main body. You may use what was provided in.

  In the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus is a process cartridge detachable type. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cleaning member and the photosensitive member may be individually replaceable. In general, a process cartridge is a cartridge in which a photosensitive member and at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit that act on the photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. It is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the contact pressure of the cleaning member with respect to the photosensitive member differs due to manufacturing variation or the like has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is applied even when the abutment pressure is intentionally changed for any reason such as a change in setting due to a difference in device type, or a change in setting by a user depending on the usage environment or usage status of the device. it can.

  Further, the present invention works particularly preferably when the cleaning member is a blade-shaped member, but the cleaning member is not limited to the blade-shaped member. For example, when using a cleaning member that affects the degree of occurrence of defects such as a block-like (pad-like) difference in contact pressure with respect to the photoreceptor, dangling, abnormal noise, etc., the application of the present invention. Therefore, the same effect as above can be expected.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not the supply operation is executed according to the environment in which the image forming apparatus is installed. However, the supply operation may be executed regardless of the environment.

  In the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus is a single-color image forming apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus capable of forming a full-color image. For example, FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a tandem type color image forming apparatus employing an intermediate transfer method. In FIG. 11, elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, Y, M, C, and K are appended to the end of the reference numerals of elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations provided for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

  An image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 11 includes four image forming units S each including a photosensitive drum 1 as a first image carrier, and an intermediate transfer belt 301 as a second image carrier. . The intermediate transfer belt 301 is an example of an intermediate transfer member that conveys the toner image primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 for secondary transfer to the recording material P. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 of each image forming unit S is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 301 by the action of each primary transfer roller 22 in each primary transfer unit N1. Thereafter, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 301 is secondarily transferred to the recording material P by a secondary transfer roller 302 as a secondary transfer unit in the secondary transfer portion N2. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 301 after the secondary transfer process is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 301 and collected by a belt cleaning device 303 as an intermediate transfer member cleaning unit. The belt cleaning device 303 has a blade 304 as a cleaning member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 301 so as to be in a counter direction with respect to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 301.

  In such an image forming apparatus 100, the present invention can be applied to the blade 3 a that cleans each photosensitive drum 1. Further, the present invention can be applied to the blade 304 for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 301. In this case, the toner band formed on at least one of the plurality of photosensitive drums 1 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 301 and passed through the secondary transfer portion N2, so that the contact portion between the blade 304 and the intermediate transfer belt 301 is transferred. The toner in the toner band can be supplied. When the toner band passes through the secondary transfer portion N2, the voltage applied to the secondary transfer roller 302 is set to OFF, or a voltage having the same polarity as the normal charging polarity of the toner, or the secondary transfer roller 302 is set to the middle. It can be separated from the transfer belt 301. In such an image forming apparatus 100, for example, a unit (intermediate transfer belt unit) including the intermediate transfer belt 301 and the belt cleaning device 303 may be detachable from the apparatus main body 150. Therefore, the pressure distribution information can be held on a sticker attached to the unit or a storage medium provided in the unit. Of course, other methods for presenting the above-described pressure distribution information can also be employed.

1 Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
4 Cleaning device 3a Cleaning blade (cleaning member)
11 Seal (description)
22 Transfer roller (transfer means)
103 CPU (control unit)
109 IC tag (storage medium)

Claims (10)

An image carrier for carrying a toner image;
Transfer means for transferring a toner image from the image carrier to a transfer target in a transfer unit;
A cleaning member disposed in contact with the image carrier and removing toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the transfer;
A control unit that performs a supply operation of forming a predetermined toner image on the image carrier during non-image formation and supplying the toner of the predetermined toner image to a contact portion between the image carrier and the cleaning member;
Have
The control unit performs the supply operation based on pressure distribution information including information on contact pressure of the cleaning member with respect to the image carrier in a plurality of regions of the contact portion in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of toner supplied to each of the regions is changed.   The control unit is configured such that the contact pressure is a second contact pressure smaller than the first contact pressure than the toner amount in the region where the contact pressure is the first contact pressure. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toner amount in the area is reduced.   3. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the toner amount by changing a size of the predetermined toner image that reaches the contact portion in the supply operation. 4. apparatus.   The said control part changes the said toner amount by changing the density | concentration of the said predetermined toner image reached to the said contact part in the said supply operation | movement. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The control unit changes the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion in the supply operation by changing a frequency of forming the predetermined toner image in the supply operation with respect to the number of image output sheets. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The unit including the image carrier and the cleaning member is detachable from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and the unit includes an information holding unit that holds the pressure distribution information. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The control unit includes an input unit that inputs information, the information holding unit is a description unit that describes the pressure distribution information, and the control unit is described in the description unit that is input by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the toner amount is changed based on the pressure distribution information.   The information holding unit is a storage medium storing the pressure distribution information, and the control unit changes the toner amount based on the pressure distribution information read from the storage medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image carrier is a photoconductor.   10. The cleaning member according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is a blade-like member disposed in contact with the image carrier so as to be in a counter direction with respect to a moving direction of the image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images