JP2018066986A - Image forming apparatus and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that, when receiving designation of a rimless printing function although a fixing device or transfer device for rimless printing is not attached thereto, can decrease a failure and a reduction in image quality due to execution of rimless printing.SOLUTION: When an image forming apparatus receives designation of a rimless printing function although a fixing device or transfer device for rimless printing is not attached thereto, the image forming apparatus performs image density adjustment different from that when the fixing device and transfer device for rimless printing are attached thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  Patent Document 1 has an object to provide a print setting apparatus, a print setting program, a print setting method, and a printing apparatus that can prevent printing with inappropriate quality. Status change since the last execution of correction processing related to the printer, determine whether the setting value is a conforming setting value that conforms to the printer status change or a non-conforming setting value that does not conform. It is possible to execute at least one of a process for restricting the setting of values and a process for making it possible to identify non-conforming setting values and conforming setting values in the user interface, thereby preventing inappropriate quality printing from being performed. It is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 has an object to prevent the protective sheet from being caught when the power is turned on after removing the removal member, and an attachment flag indicating whether or not the image forming apparatus is in a factory shipment state is stored in the storage unit. The configuration is such that, based on the state of the attachment flag and the detection result of the medium detection sensor, it is determined whether or not the removal member is attached to the image forming apparatus, and a message prompting the removal member to be removed is notified on the display unit. Therefore, even if the power is accidentally turned on with the removal member attached, a message prompting the removal is notified, so that the removal member is caught by the warm-up operation, and the image forming apparatus is damaged. It is disclosed that it does not give.

  Patent Document 3 has an object to suppress contamination generated on the back surface of a recording medium to which a toner image has been transferred. An image holding body that holds a toner image and an endless peripheral surface that moves in a circular manner include the image holding body. And an electric field for transferring the toner image to a recording medium passing between the image holding member and a transfer member formed between the image holding member and a periphery of the transfer member. A cleaning member that is disposed in contact with the surface and removes toner adhering to the surface of the transfer member; and a cleaning bias applying unit that applies a cleaning bias voltage between the cleaning member and the transfer member; One of a plurality of printing modes including a borderless printing mode in which the toner image is transferred to the entire surface of the recording medium and a normal printing mode in which the toner image is transferred leaving a margin on the outer periphery of the recording medium. The cleaning bias voltage applied by the printing mode switching means and the cleaning bias applying means to be selected is set to a first bias voltage value in the normal printing mode, and the cleaning member in the borderless printing mode. And a bias voltage control unit that controls the potential difference between the transfer member and the transfer member to be a second bias voltage value that is larger than that at the time of application of the first bias voltage value. When image formation is performed continuously, a plurality of borderless images are formed until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and then the second image is applied between the cleaning member and the transfer member. The bias voltage value is switched to the first bias voltage value, and the transfer is performed with the first bias voltage value applied. It is disclosed that is configured to the peripheral surface of the wood to drive orbiting.

JP 2011-180697 A JP 2012-133203 A Japanese Patent No. 5958274

  The present invention reduces the degradation of image quality, failure, etc. caused by borderless printing when a borderless printing function designation is accepted even though no fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is attached. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing program that can be made to operate.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
In the first aspect of the invention, the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, and when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are attached. The image forming apparatus performs density adjustment of an image different from the case.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the density adjustment reduces the density toward an edge of the printing paper.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the density adjustment selectively reduces the density of the image among the peripheral portions of the four sides.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the density adjustment lowers the density of the edge portion of the leading end in the sheet conveyance direction.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the density adjustment lowers the density of the edge portion of the side portion in the sheet conveyance direction.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the density adjustment is not performed when the density of the peripheral image is less than or less than a predetermined density. is there.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and the borderless printing function is used, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, the borderless printing is performed. This is an image forming apparatus that restricts the number of times of use of a function or the use of a user.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when a borderless printing fixing device or a transfer device is not attached to the computer in the image forming apparatus and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the borderless printing fixing device is received. And an information processing program for adjusting the density of an image different from the case where the transfer device is attached.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable in the computer in the image forming apparatus and the borderless printing function is used, the fixing device or the transfer device is borderless. When not for printing, this is an information processing program for restricting the number of times of use of the borderless printing function or the use of the user.

  According to the image forming apparatus of claim 1, when the designation of the borderless printing function is received even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality by performing borderless printing is received. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the density adjustment can lower the density toward the edge of the printing paper.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the density adjustment can selectively reduce the image density among the peripheral portions of the four sides.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the density adjustment can reduce the density of the edge portion of the leading end in the sheet conveyance direction.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the density adjustment can lower the density of the edge portion of the side portion in the paper transport direction.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, the density adjustment can be performed so as not to perform the process of reducing the density when the density of the peripheral image is less than or less than the predetermined density.

  According to the image forming apparatus of claim 7, when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality by performing borderless printing is received. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the information processing program of claim 8, image quality by performing borderless printing when designation of a borderless printing function is accepted even though a fixing device or a transfer device for borderless printing is not attached. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the information processing program of claim 9, when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example using this Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram in an image formation processing module. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration near a position where secondary transfer is performed in an image forming processing module and a configuration for controlling a bias voltage applied between a secondary transfer member and a cleaning member. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which dirt is generated on the back surface of a recording medium due to a toner image formed by protruding from the recording medium in borderless printing. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a borderless printing log table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of the permitted number table according to user. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. This means that control is performed so as to be stored in the apparatus. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. Also, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / status at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the status / status up to that point. When there are a plurality of “predetermined values”, they may be different values, or two or more values (of course, including all values) may be the same. In addition, the description of “do B when A” is used to mean “determine whether or not A and do B when A”. However, the case where it is not necessary to determine whether or not A is excluded.
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is also included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a printing function, and generally has one or more functions of a printer, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral (a printer and a copier). Image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a scanner and a fax machine).
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming processing module 110 and a borderless control module 120. The image forming apparatus 100 can replace the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing. Only the fixing device for borderless printing may be replaceable, only the transfer device for borderless printing may be replaceable, or the fixing device for borderless printing and for borderless printing may be used. Both transfer devices may be interchangeable. Replacing the fixing device for borderless printing (setting, mounting) corresponds to replacing a fixing device that is not for borderless printing (general fixing device) with a fixing device for borderless printing, and vice versa. The replacement of the transfer device for borderless printing corresponds to the replacement of a transfer device (general transfer device) that is not for borderless printing with a transfer device for borderless printing, and vice versa.
The image forming apparatus 100 can perform borderless printing. When a fixing device and a transfer device for borderless printing are attached to the image forming apparatus 100, borderless printing can be performed with high image quality. Even when one or more of the fixing device for borderless printing and the transfer device for borderless printing are not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, borderless printing itself is possible. However, compared to the case where both are attached, the image quality may be deteriorated, or the image forming apparatus 100 may be damaged. Whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a fixing device for borderless printing and a transfer device for borderless printing is difficult to understand from the outside. An example of a difference between a fixing device for borderless printing or a transfer device for borderless printing from a general fixing device or transfer device is a cleaning mechanism.
The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the fixing device or the transfer device is for borderless printing when it is specified that the borderless printing function is used. I do. Of course, depending on the user's operation, borderless printing may be performed despite the warning.

The image forming processing module 110 includes a control module 12, and is connected to the borderless printing control module 125, the borderless printing fixing device detection module 130, and the borderless printing transfer device detection module 135 of the borderless control module 120. Has been. The image forming processing module 110 performs image forming processing in the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, print processing is performed in accordance with a user operation and a print instruction from the user terminal 220 or the like. When the print instruction includes designation of borderless printing, the borderless control module 120 performs processing. The control module 12 controls the image forming processing module 110 to perform image forming processing.
Note that detailed processing (particularly borderless printing processing) of the image forming processing module 110 and the control module 12 will be described later with reference to examples of FIGS.

The borderless control module 120 includes a borderless printing control module 125, a borderless printing fixing device detection module 130, a borderless printing transfer device detection module 135, a warning module 140, a borderless image formation processing module 145, and a print restriction processing module. 150, a borderless printing software confirmation module 155, a borderless printing software introduction module 160, and a communication module 165. The borderless control module 120 performs processing when the print instruction includes designation of borderless printing.
The borderless printing control module 125 is connected to the image forming processing module 110, the warning module 140, the borderless image forming processing module 145, the print restriction processing module 150, and the borderless printing software confirmation module 155. The borderless printing control module 125 controls the modules in the borderless control module 120 in accordance with instructions from the image forming processing module 110.
The borderless printing fixing device detection module 130 is connected to the image forming processing module 110 and the warning module 140. The borderless printing fixing device detection module 130 detects whether or not there is a borderless printing fixing device in the image forming processing module 110. Further, a cleaner unit attached to the fixing device may be detected as a borderless printing fixing device.
The borderless printing transfer device detection module 135 is connected to the image forming processing module 110 and the warning module 140. The borderless printing transfer device detection module 135 detects whether or not there is a borderless printing transfer device in the image forming processing module 110. Moreover, you may make it detect the cleaner unit attached to the transfer apparatus as a transfer apparatus for borderless printing.
The borderless printing fixing device detection module 130 and the borderless printing transfer device detection module 135 are, for example, information (flag, attribute information) indicating that the borderless printing fixing device and the borderless printing transfer device are set. ) May be determined based on whether or not it is stored in a predetermined storage area. This storage area may be in a storage unit included in the fixing device or the transfer device, or may be in a storage unit in the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the sensor may detect whether or not the borderless printing fixing device and the borderless printing transfer device are set. Sensors include, for example, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical switches, etc., and when a borderless printing fixing device or borderless printing transfer device is set, the sensor is turned on (or off) and received. Judgment can be made. In particular, when the storage area is not provided, the detection may be performed by a sensor.

The warning module 140 is connected to the borderless printing control module 125, the borderless printing fixing device detection module 130, and the borderless printing transfer device detection module 135. When the borderless printing function is used, the warning module 140 issues a warning when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing. “When using the borderless printing function” corresponds to, for example, a case where a print instruction including designation of borderless printing is received from the user's operation, the user terminal 220, or the like, as described above. “When the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing” means, for example, that the borderless printing fixing device detection module 130 does not detect that the borderless printing fixing device is set, or This corresponds to the case where the borderless printing transfer device detection module 135 does not detect that the borderless printing transfer device is set. As a combination of “when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing”, “when the fixing device is not for borderless printing”, “when the transfer device is not for borderless printing”, “both the fixing device and the transfer device Is not for borderless printing. Note that when the image forming apparatus 100 itself can perform borderless printing with high image quality using only a borderless printing fixing device (not a borderless printing transfer device but a general transfer device), “the fixing device is bordered”. None when not for printing. If only high-quality borderless printing is possible with just a borderless printing transfer device (not a borderless printing fixing device, but a general fixing device), only "when the transfer device is not for borderless printing" is sufficient. . Alternatively, when only the borderless printing fixing device can be replaced (when the transfer device cannot be replaced), the image forming apparatus 100 need only “when the fixing device is not for borderless printing”. When the image forming apparatus 100 can replace only the transfer device for borderless printing (when the fixing device cannot be replaced), only “when the transfer device is not for borderless printing” is required.
Note that the warning may include an output as a 3D (Dimensions) video in addition to the display of the warning content on a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and further a warning sound (warning) to an audio output device such as a speaker. A combination of these may be used such as output (including sound), vibration, and the like.

The borderless image forming processing module 145 is connected to the borderless print control module 125. The borderless image formation processing module 145 is not equipped with a borderless printing fixing device or transfer device, and when receiving a borderless printing function designation, the borderless printing fixing device and transfer device are attached. The image forming process is different from that in the case of the image forming process. As described above, the determination of “the borderless printing fixing device or the transfer device is not attached” is based on the detection results by the borderless printing fixing device detection module 130 and the borderless printing transfer device detection module 135. Use it. “When borderless printing function designation is accepted”, for example, corresponds to the case where a print instruction including borderless printing designation is received from the user's operation, the user terminal 220, or the like, as described above. To do.
As the “different image forming process”, the density of the image in the peripheral portion that is the edge may be lowered. The peripheral portion is a four-side portion of the paper (a portion having a predetermined width from the edge), and is a portion where printing is not performed in general printing (printing with a border). By reducing the density of the image printed on the peripheral portion, the amount of toner that needs to be cleaned is reduced. For example, the concentration is set to 80% of the original. In addition, the density of the peripheral portion is not lowered uniformly, but the amount of the density lowered toward the edge may be increased. Further, instead of lowering the density of all the four side portions, the density may be selectively lowered at the four side portions such as only the edge portion at the front end portion in the paper conveyance direction or the side edge portion of the paper. Further, when the image of the four side portions is less than or less than a predetermined density, the process of reducing the density may not be performed.

Further, as the “different image forming process”, the cleaning frequency of the transfer device or the fixing device may be executed more than when the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are mounted. For example, in the case of borderless printing, the number of times of cleaning may be increased, and in order to increase the number of cleaning times, only the paper is transported without image formation after borderless printing (paper transfer device). The toner may be processed by a fixing device, and the residual toner that causes the stain may be adsorbed on the sheet). Of course, in the case where idling cannot be performed without forming an image, an image close to the ground color of the paper (a white image if white paper) may be formed, or a transparent clear image may be formed to perform the cleaning operation. Further, a paper having a size larger than the size of the paper without border printing may be used. This is because borderless printing is intended to print an image that protrudes from the paper. Further, this cleaning process may be performed for each sheet of borderless printing or may be performed for each print job.
Further, when borderless printing is continuously performed at the same size, control may be performed so that the increased cleaning process is not performed. However, the increased cleaning process is performed after the last printing. Further, when the next borderless printing is performed with a size smaller than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, control may be performed so that the increased cleaning process is not performed. However, the increased cleaning process is performed after the last printing. Conversely, when the next borderless printing is performed with a size larger than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, control may be performed to perform an increased cleaning process.

  The print restriction processing module 150 is connected to the borderless print control module 125. The print restriction processing module 150 restricts the use of the borderless printing function when a warning is issued by the warning module 140. This “restriction of use of borderless printing function” may be the number of uses or a restriction on the user. The restriction on the number of times of use is to control not to permit the use of the “marginless printing function” more than or more than a predetermined threshold. The restriction on the number of uses includes, for example, restriction on the number of printed sheets, restriction on the number of uses for each paper size, restriction on the number of uses for each monochrome / color. The user restriction is to perform control so as to permit “use of borderless printing function” only to a predetermined user. The restriction of the user includes, for example, identification by a user ID (IDentification), identification by a user role (role, specifically, a group leader, a designer, etc.). Moreover, it is good also as a restriction | limiting by the combination of the frequency | count of use, and a user. For example, the use frequency may be limited for each user ID.

The borderless printing software confirmation module 155 is connected to the borderless printing control module 125 and the borderless printing software introduction module 160. The borderless printing software confirmation module 155 confirms whether or not software (program) that can use borderless printing is installed when a fixing device and a transfer device for borderless printing are attached. As described above, whether or not the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are attached (or whether or not they are attached) depends on the fixing device detection module 130 for borderless printing, borderless printing. The detection result by the transfer device detection module 135 may be used. Whether or not software capable of borderless printing is installed is determined whether or not information (flag and attribute information) indicating that the software is installed is stored in a predetermined storage area. Alternatively, a software ID that can be used for borderless printing may be acquired from the software storage server 210 and may be determined based on whether or not the software ID is installed in the image forming processing module 110.
The borderless printing software introduction module 160 is connected to the borderless printing software confirmation module 155 and the communication module 165. The borderless printing software installation module 160 installs the software via the communication line when software that can use borderless printing is not installed according to the confirmation result by the borderless printing software confirmation module 155. . Specifically, the software is searched from the software storage server 210 using the model of the image forming apparatus 100 as a search key (in some cases, the ID of the fixing device for borderless printing and the device ID of the transfer device are also included in the search key). do it.
The communication module 165 is connected to the borderless printing software introduction module 160. The communication module 165 communicates with the software storage server 210. Specifically, according to the instruction of the borderless printing software installation module 160, a request for software that can use borderless printing is transmitted and the software is received.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example using the present embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 100A, the image forming apparatus 100B, the software storage server 210, and the user terminal 220 are connected to each other via a communication line 290. The communication line 290 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, and may be, for example, the Internet or an intranet as a communication infrastructure. The user terminal 220 is a personal computer (notebook PC), a portable terminal, or the like having a communication function, and issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 according to a user operation. Further, the function by the software storage server 210 may be realized as a cloud service.
When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print instruction from the user terminal 220 and includes designation of borderless printing, a fixing device or a transfer device for borderless printing is set in the image forming apparatus 100. Different processing depending on whether or not. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 downloads software that can use borderless printing from the software storage server 210.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram in the image forming processing module 110. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of the position where the secondary transfer is performed in the image forming processing module 110 shown in FIG. 3 and a configuration for controlling the bias voltage applied between the secondary transfer member and the cleaning member. It is.
In an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image by transferring powdery toner to a latent image due to a difference in electrostatic potential, the toner adheres to the endless surface of the latent image holding member on which the latent image is formed. Thus, a toner image is formed. Then, the formed toner image is directly transferred from the latent image holding member to the recording medium, or temporarily transferred from the latent image holding member to the intermediate transfer member, and then secondarily transferred to the recording medium. As a transfer member for transferring a toner image to a recording medium, a transfer roll or a plurality of transfer rolls provided so as to be in contact with a peripheral surface of a latent image holding member or an intermediate transfer body, and whose endless peripheral surface moves around In general, a transfer belt or the like stretched around the roll member is used. Such a transfer member sandwiches a recording medium fed into a transfer region that is a position facing the latent image holding member or the intermediate transfer member, and contacts the back surface of the recording medium to pass the recording medium. . Then, by applying a transfer bias voltage, an electric field is formed between the transfer member and the latent image holding member or the intermediate transfer member, and the toner image is transferred to the recording medium within the electric field.

In such an image forming apparatus, normal printing in which a toner image is transferred leaving a margin on the outer periphery of the recording medium is common, but an apparatus capable of so-called borderless printing in which a toner image is transferred to the entire surface of the recording medium. Has been developed. In borderless printing, a toner image is formed in a range larger than the size of the recording medium, and the toner image protruding from the entire surface of the recording medium and its periphery is transferred. Therefore, when borderless printing is executed, the toner protruding from the recording medium is transferred onto the peripheral surface of the transfer member in the transfer region.
Further, the so-called fog toner slightly adheres to the latent image holding member outside the region where the toner image is formed. In the apparatus that directly transfers the toner image from the latent image holding member to the recording medium, the fog toner is transferred onto the peripheral surface of the transfer member from an area that does not face the recording medium at the transfer position. Also, in a device that temporarily transfers a toner image from the latent image holding member to the intermediate transfer member and then secondary transfer from the intermediate transfer member to the recording medium, the fog toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer member at the primary transfer position, and the secondary transfer is performed. At the position, the fog toner is transferred onto the peripheral surface of the transfer member from a region not facing the recording medium.

When the toner circulates while being attached to the peripheral surface of the transfer member in this way, the toner adheres to the back side of the recording medium fed into the transfer region and stains the back side of the recording medium. For this reason, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-89657 proposes an image forming apparatus that is provided with a cleaning device for cleaning the peripheral surface of the transfer member and removes toner transferred to the peripheral surface of the transfer member.
In the transfer region where the latent image holding member or the intermediate transfer member and the transfer member face each other, the amount of toner transferred to the peripheral surface of the transfer member depends on whether normal printing is performed or borderless printing is performed. Fluctuates greatly. Further, it may be fluctuated depending on temperature, humidity and the like. If the toner cannot be sufficiently removed from the peripheral surface of the transfer member with respect to the amount of transfer toner that varies in this manner, the back surface of the recording medium will be soiled.

The image forming processing module 110 suppresses dirt generated on the back surface of the recording medium to which the toner image is transferred. Therefore, a case where a fixing device for borderless printing and a transfer device are set will be described.
The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an image forming apparatus that forms a color image using toners of four colors. Images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are displayed. It includes electrophotographic image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K that output, and an intermediate transfer belt 20 that faces these units. The intermediate transfer belt 20 functions as an image holding member, is stretched so as to face each of the image forming units 10, and has a circumferential surface driven to rotate. On the downstream side of the position where the image forming unit 10 faces in the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 20, a secondary transfer member 24 for performing secondary transfer is disposed so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 20. . The secondary transfer member 24 functions as a transfer member, and the secondary transfer member 24 is moved from the sheet storage unit 8 to the secondary transfer position 30 where the secondary transfer member 24 faces the intermediate transfer belt 20 through the conveyance path 9 and is formed into a sheet shape. The recording medium P is fed, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred to the recording medium. On the downstream side of the secondary transfer position 30 in the recording medium conveyance path, a recording medium conveyance device 25 to which the toner image has been transferred and a fixing device 7 that heats and pressurizes the toner image and fixes the toner image on the recording medium are provided. ing. Further, a paper discharge holding unit (not shown) that holds the recording medium with the toner image fixed thereon is provided on the downstream side.

  On the other hand, a cleaning device 29 for the intermediate transfer belt that collects toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 20 after the secondary transfer is provided downstream of the secondary transfer position 30 in the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 20. ing. Further, in order to collect the toner transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the secondary transfer member 24 at the secondary transfer position 30 at a position facing the endless peripheral surface of the secondary transfer member 24, the secondary transfer member 24 is recovered. A first cleaning member 31 and a second cleaning member 32 for members are provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of printing modes including a normal printing mode M1 that forms a toner image with a margin on the outer periphery of the recording medium and a borderless printing mode M2 that forms a toner image on the entire surface of the recording medium. These print modes are switched by the control module 12 based on data input from an external device or data input by an operator from an operation panel or the like.

  The image forming unit 10 includes, in order from the upstream side in the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 20, an image forming unit 10Y that forms a yellow toner image, an image forming unit 10M that forms a magenta toner image, and a cyan toner image. An image forming unit 10C for forming and an image forming unit 10K for forming a black toner image are arranged. Each image forming unit 10 has a photoconductor drum 1 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and charging that charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 around each photoconductor drum 1. The apparatus 2, the developing device 4 for selectively transferring the toner to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, and forming the toner image, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. A primary transfer roll 5 and a photoconductor cleaning device 6 that removes toner remaining on the photoconductor drum after transfer. Each of the photosensitive drums 1 is provided with an exposure device 3 that generates image light based on an image signal, and the photosensitive drum 1 is irradiated with image light upstream of a position facing the developing device 4 to statically. An electric latent image is written.

  The photoconductor drum 1 is formed by laminating an organic photoconductor layer on the peripheral surface of a metal cylindrical member, and the metal portion is electrically grounded. Further, a bias voltage may be applied.

The charging device 2 includes an electrode wire that is stretched with a space from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 that is a member to be charged, and a voltage is applied between the electrode wire and the photosensitive drum 1. The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is charged by generating corona discharge.
In the present embodiment, the device for charging by corona discharge is used as described above, but a contact or non-contact charging device such as a solid discharger, a roll shape or a blade shape can also be used.

  The exposure device 3 generates a flashing laser beam based on an image signal, and scans this in the main scanning direction (axial direction) of the photosensitive drum 1 rotated by a polygon mirror. As a result, electrostatic latent images corresponding to the images of the respective colors are formed on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums 1.

The developing device 4 uses a two-component developer containing toner and a magnetic carrier. The developing device 4 includes a developing roll 4a at a position facing the photosensitive drum 1, and two developing rollers 4a are arranged on the circumferential surface of the rotating developing roll 4a. A layer of component developer is formed. The toner is transferred from the peripheral surface of the developing roll 4a onto the photosensitive drum 1 to visualize the electrostatic latent image. In addition, the toner consumed as a result of image formation is replenished according to the amount consumed.
In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging device 2, and the toner charged to the negative polarity is transferred to a portion where the charged potential is attenuated by exposure.

  The primary transfer roll 5 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 20 at a position facing the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K for each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. Then, a bias voltage for primary transfer is applied between the primary transfer rolls 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K and the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The toner image on the photosensitive drum is electrostatically transferred to the belt 20.

  The photoreceptor cleaning device 6 removes toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 1 after transfer by a cleaning blade disposed in contact with the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 1.

  The intermediate transfer belt 20 is formed by endlessly forming a film-like member in which a plurality of layers are overlapped. The intermediate transfer belt 20 functions as an image holding member, and includes a drive roll 21 that is rotationally driven, an adjustment roll 22 that adjusts the deviation of the intermediate transfer belt 20 in the width direction, a secondary transfer member 24, and the like. It is stretched around an opposing roll 23 supported at the opposing position, and moves around in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG.

  The secondary transfer member 24 disposed at a position facing the counter roll 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 includes a secondary transfer roll 26, an auxiliary roll 27, and a secondary transfer belt 28 stretched between them. It is what has. The secondary transfer belt 28 is sandwiched between the opposing roll 23 and the secondary transfer roll 26 in a state of being overlapped with the intermediate transfer belt 20, and moves around as the intermediate transfer belt 20 is driven around. It has become. In addition, when a recording medium is sent between the intermediate transfer belt 20 and the secondary transfer belt 28, the recording medium is sandwiched and conveyed.

The secondary transfer roll 26 is obtained by forming an outer peripheral layer 26b of a rubber material to which conductive particles are added on the outer peripheral surface of a metal core material 26a. Moreover, the said opposing roll 23 forms the outer peripheral layer 23b on the outer peripheral surface of the metal core material 23a, and the outer peripheral layer 23b may be any of a single layer or a plurality of layers.
As shown in FIG. 4, a bias voltage for secondary transfer is applied between the secondary transfer roll 26 and the opposing roll 23 from the power supply device 11 for transfer bias, and the transfer is applied to the secondary transfer position 30. Is formed.

  The fixing device 7 heats and pressurizes the recording medium on which the toner image is transferred at the secondary transfer position 30 to fix the toner image on the recording medium. And a pressure roll 7b pressed against the heating roll 7a. A recording medium on which a toner image is transferred is sent to these contact portions, and is heated and pressed between a heated roll 7a and a pressure roll 7b that are rotationally driven, and the toner image is fixed on the recording medium. It has become. In order to collect the toner transferred to the heating roll 7a and the heating roll 7b, the heating roll 7a is provided with a cleaning member 41a, and the heating roll 7b is provided with a cleaning member 41b. The cleaning members 41a and 41b perform cleaning in the transfer device. The cleaning members 41a and 41b may be rolls or blades.

  The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 29 removes toner remaining after being transferred to the recording medium at the secondary transfer position 30 from the peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20. A cleaning blade in contact with the With this cleaning blade, the toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 is removed so as to be scraped off.

The first cleaning member 31 and the second cleaning member 32 are arranged in contact with the peripheral surface of the secondary transfer belt 28. Each of the cleaning members 31 and 32 has brush hairs radially attached around a rotating shaft made of metal, and the brush hairs are formed of a resin material mixed with particles for imparting conductivity. A voltage is applied to the bristle from the rotating shaft, and an electric field is formed between the bristle and the secondary transfer roll 26. That is, the first cleaning bias power supply 33 is connected between the first cleaning member 31 that contacts the upstream side in the circumferential movement direction of the secondary transfer belt 28 and the secondary transfer roll 26 that is electrically grounded. A bias voltage for cleaning is applied to apply a positive potential to the first cleaning member 31. Further, cleaning is performed between the second cleaning member 32 and the secondary transfer roll 26 that are in contact with each other on the downstream side so that the potential of the second cleaning member 32 is on the negative polarity side from the second cleaning bias power source 35. A bias voltage is applied. Therefore, the negatively charged toner is removed from the peripheral surface of the secondary transfer belt 28 by the first cleaning member 31 to which the bias voltage is applied so as to be on the positive side, and the negative voltage is applied. The second cleaning member 32 is used to remove mainly charged toner.
Note that reference numerals 36 and 37 shown in FIG. 4 contact the brush bristles of the first cleaning member 31 and the second cleaning member 32 to wipe off the toner adsorbed from the peripheral surface of the secondary transfer belt 28. This shows a member to be removed.

  The first cleaning member 31 functions as a cleaning member, and a first cleaning bias power source 33 that applies a cleaning bias voltage to the first cleaning member 31 functions as a cleaning bias applying unit. It has become a thing. The voltage applied to the first cleaning member from the first cleaning bias power supply 33 is controlled by the control module 12.

  The control module 12 includes a mode switching module 13 for switching to a printing mode selected from among a plurality of printing modes of the image forming apparatus 100, and a cleaning module to be applied to the first cleaning member 31. A cleaning bias control module 14 for controlling the bias voltage is provided. The control module 12 has a function of controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on a recording medium.

  The mode switching module 13 functions as a printing mode switching means, and based on information input from an external device or information input by an operator using an operation panel or the like, the normal printing mode M1 or borderless printing is performed. One print mode is selected from a plurality of print modes such as mode M2, and the control is switched so that an image is formed according to each mode.

  The cleaning bias control module 14 functions as a bias voltage control unit, and the first cleaning bias power supply 33 is switched from the first cleaning bias power supply 33 to the first cleaning member 31 based on the print mode switched by the mode switching module 13. Controls the voltage value applied. That is, the first cleaning bias power supply is applied so that the first bias voltage value V1 is applied when the normal printing mode M1 is switched and the second bias voltage value V2 is applied when the normal printing mode M1 is switched. 33 voltage regulators 34 are operated.

The first bias voltage value V1 and the second bias voltage value V2 are preset and stored in the storage module 15, and are applied when the borderless printing mode M2 is executed. The value V2 is set so that the potential difference between the secondary transfer roll 26 and the first cleaning member 31 is larger than the first bias voltage value V1 applied when the normal printing mode M1 is executed. ing.
In the present embodiment, the first bias voltage value V1 and the second bias voltage value V2 are predetermined constant values. In addition to the print mode to be executed, environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity and The bias voltage value may be controlled based on other conditions. However, when the environmental conditions are the same, the second bias voltage value V2 in the borderless printing mode M2 is controlled so that the potential difference is larger than the first bias voltage value V1 in the normal printing mode M1. .

The image forming apparatus 100 operates as follows.
An electrostatic latent image is formed on each of the four photosensitive drums 1, and toner is transferred from the developing device 4 to form a toner image. These toner images are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 at a position facing the primary transfer roll 5, and are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 to form a color toner image. This toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer position 30 by the circular movement of the intermediate transfer belt 20 and transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the recording medium P.
When such an image forming operation is executed in the normal print mode M1, the toner image is formed in an area smaller than the size of the recording medium, and is transferred so as to leave a margin on the outer periphery of the recording medium at the secondary transfer position 30. Is done. A small amount of so-called fog toner adheres to a portion outside the range where the toner image is held on the intermediate transfer belt 20, for example, a non-image area between the area where the image is held and the area where the next image is held. In many cases, the toner adhering to the region not facing the recording medium at the secondary transfer position 30 is transferred onto the secondary transfer belt 28 at the secondary transfer position 30. The secondary transfer belt 28 circulates and passes through a position facing the first cleaning member 31 to which the first bias voltage value V1 is applied and a position facing the second cleaning member 32, and a part thereof These are removed by the cleaning members 31 and 32. Further, a part of the toner is not removed by the cleaning members 31 and 32 and remains on the secondary transfer belt 28. However, the amount of toner adhering to the non-image area is small, and the back surface of the recording medium is immediately stained. Absent.

  On the other hand, when image formation is performed in the borderless printing mode M2, when the toner image is formed in a range larger than the size of the recording medium and transferred to the recording medium at the secondary transfer position 30, the outside of the recording medium is removed. The toner that protrudes outward from the periphery is transferred to the secondary transfer belt 28. At this time, the amount of toner adhering to the secondary transfer belt 28 is significantly larger than the fog toner in the normal printing mode. Further, from the non-image area, the fog toner adheres to the secondary transfer belt 28 as in the normal printing mode M1. Then, the secondary transfer belt 28 moves around and passes through a position facing the first cleaning member 31 and the second cleaning member 32, and a part thereof is removed by these cleaning members 31 and 32. At this time, the first cleaning member 31 is applied with the second bias voltage value V2 in which the potential difference between the first transfer member 26 and the secondary transfer roll 26 is larger than when the first bias voltage value V1 is applied. Since the cleaning member 31 is on the positive polarity side, a large amount of negatively charged toner adhering to the secondary transfer belt 28 is mainly removed by the first cleaning member 31. The cleaning members 31 and 32 perform cleaning in the fixing device. The cleaning members 31 and 32 may be brushes, rolls, or blades.

When the borderless printing mode M2 is executed, the toner that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the recording medium that passes through the secondary transfer position 30 and adheres to the secondary transfer belt 28 is recorded unless it is removed by one cleaning operation. There is a risk that the toner adheres to the back surface of the medium and causes toner contamination.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the back surface of the recording medium is smeared with the toner image formed by protruding from the recording medium in borderless printing.
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the borderless printing mode M2 is executed, the toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 20 at the secondary transfer position 30 where the recording medium P is sandwiched and the toner image is transferred. T1 is larger than the dimension of the recording medium P and protrudes forward from the leading edge of the recording medium P on the leading end side. When this portion passes through the secondary transfer position 30, it is transferred onto the secondary transfer belt 28 as shown in FIG. As the secondary transfer belt 28 rotates, the toner passes through the position facing the first cleaning member 31 and the second cleaning member 32, but toner that cannot be removed by these cleaning members 31 and 32 remains. In this case, the remaining toner T2 reaches the secondary transfer position 30 again. If the peripheral length of the secondary transfer belt 28 is shorter than the length in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P, when the remaining toner T2 reaches the secondary transfer position 30 as shown in FIG. The rear portion in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P is still at the secondary transfer position 30 and the residual toner T2 adheres to the back surface of the recording medium P.

  Therefore, in the case of the borderless printing mode M2, the toner T2 that protrudes from the leading edge of the recording medium P and adheres to the secondary transfer belt 28 is located at the same position as the first cleaning member 31 and the second cleaning member 32. It is necessary to remove the toner stain on the back surface of the recording medium P to an acceptable level only by passing the recording medium P.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the present embodiment (particularly, the borderless control module 120).
In step S602, the borderless printing control module 125 determines whether or not borderless printing is designated. If borderless printing is designated, the process proceeds to step S604. Otherwise, the procedure proceeds to step S614.
In step S604, the borderless printing fixing device detection module 130 detects that the borderless printing fixing device is attached.
In step S606, the borderless printing transfer device detection module 135 detects that the borderless printing transfer device is attached.

In step S608, the warning module 140 determines whether both the borderless printing fixing device and the borderless printing transfer device are attached, and if both are attached, the process proceeds to step S616, otherwise In this case, the process proceeds to step S610.
In step S610, the warning module 140 performs warning processing.
In step S612, borderless printing restriction processing is performed. Detailed processing in step S612 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S614, the image forming processing module 110 performs normal processing. For example, a bordered printing process is performed.
In step S616, the image forming processing module 110 performs the borderless printing normal process described above.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment. In particular, a processing example of step S610 in the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 6 is shown.
In the example of FIG. 7A, the screen 700 displays “The transfer device currently installed is not for borderless printing. Please replace.” And select the Yes button 710 and the No button 720. Display as possible. If the user selects the Yes button 710, the process A772 is performed, and if the No button 720 is selected, the display shown in the example of FIG. 7B is performed.
As process A772, an error display is not performed if there is no problem in replacement. Alternatively, a message indicating that use is possible is displayed and the borderless printing function is enabled. In the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 6, after the determination of “Y” in step S608, the process of step S616 is performed.

In the example of FIG. 7B, the screen 700 displays “There is a risk of failure or degradation in image quality, but will you use the function as it is?”, And the Yes button 730 and the No button 740 are selectable. To do. If the user selects the Yes button 730, the process B774 is performed, and if the No button 740 is selected, the process C776 is performed.
As the process B774, “the borderless printing function is limitedly released. As a limitation, for example, only the current job or only the user may be permitted to perform borderless printing. When the printing process by the user's operation is completed, the process is again made unavailable. " In the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 6, the process of step S612 is performed.
As a process C776, a process of “returning to the home screen or displaying a warning screen again” is performed.
If either one of the fixing device for borderless printing or the transfer device for borderless printing is set (if the other is not set), it is released in a limited manner (permitted printing is permitted). If both are not set, borderless printing may be prohibited.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
In step S802, the total number of borderless prints is calculated. As described above, the total number of sheets may be calculated for each user, each paper size, and the like. For example, the calculation may be performed using the borderless print log table 900. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the borderless print log table 900. The borderless printing log table 900 includes a date / time column 910, a borderless printed number column 920, a paper size column 930, a black / white / color column 940, and a user column 950, and is a fixing device for borderless printing or borderless printing. A history (log) of borderless printing in a state where no transfer device is set is stored. The date / time column 910 stores the date and time when borderless printing was performed. The marginless printing number column 920 stores the number of marginless printing. The paper size column 930 stores the paper size for borderless printing. The monochrome / color column 940 stores information indicating whether the borderless printing is monochrome printing or color printing. The user column 950 stores the user (user ID) who performed the borderless printing.

In step S804, the number of prints designated for borderless printing is extracted.
In step S806, it is determined whether or not the permitted number of marginless printing has been exceeded. If so, the process proceeds to step S808. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S810. In the image forming apparatus 100, a preset number of sheets (the number of sheets that can be printed without borders in a state where a fixing device for borderless printing or a transfer device for borderless printing is not set) is set as a threshold value.

In step S808, non-permission processing is performed. For example, a display indicating that borderless printing cannot be performed is performed.
In step S810, it is determined whether or not the permitted number of marginless printing for each user is exceeded. If so, the process proceeds to step S808. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S812. For example, the permitted number of sheets may be determined using the permitted number-of-users table 1000 for each user. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the per-user permitted number table 1000. The per-user permitted number table 1000 has a user column 1010 and a marginless print permitted number column 1020. The user column 1010 stores users. The marginless printing permitted number column 1020 stores the permitted number of marginless printing for the user. In this example, the permitted number of sheets is set for each user, but the permitted number of sheets may be set according to each paper size or the like.
In step S812, borderless printing image formation processing is performed. Detailed processing in step S812 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
In step S1102, image generation processing of a borderless printing image is performed. Detailed processing in step S1102 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S1104, borderless printing processing is performed. Detailed processing in step S1104 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.
In step S1202, a peripheral portion specifying process is performed. For example, a predetermined region (a portion having a predetermined width from the edge) is specified.
In step S1204, density change processing is performed. For example, instead of reducing the density of the peripheral portion uniformly, the amount of decreasing the density toward the edge may be increased.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.
In step S1302, it is determined whether the transfer device is not attached. If not, the process proceeds to step S1304. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1306.
In step S1304, the transfer device cleaning count is set.
In step S1306, it is determined whether or not the fixing device is attached. If not, the process proceeds to step S1308. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1310.
In step S1308, the number of cleanings of the fixing device is set.
In step S1310, borderless printing processing is performed.

  A hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 14 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and illustrates a hardware configuration example including a data reading unit 1417 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1418 such as a printer.

  The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1401 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiments, that is, the control module 12, the borderless printing control module 125, the borderless printing fixing device detection module 130, and the borderless printing transfer device. Execution sequences of modules such as the detection module 135, the warning module 140, the borderless image formation processing module 145, the print restriction processing module 150, the borderless printing software confirmation module 155, the borderless printing software introduction module 160, and the communication module 165. It is a control part which performs processing according to a computer program which described.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1402 stores programs used by the CPU 1401, calculation parameters, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 1403 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 1401, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1404 including a CPU bus or the like.

  The host bus 1404 is connected to an external bus 1406 such as a peripheral component interconnect / interface (PCI) bus via a bridge 1405.

  A keyboard 1408 and a pointing device 1409 such as a mouse are devices operated by an operator. The display 1410 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various types of information as text or image information. Further, a touch screen or the like having both functions of the pointing device 1409 and the display 1410 may be used.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1411 includes a hard disk (may be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 1401 and information. The hard disk stores a borderless print log table 900, a per-user permitted number table 1000, and the like. Further, various other data, various computer programs, and the like are stored.

  The drive 1412 reads out data or a program recorded in a removable recording medium 1413 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out as an interface 1407 and an external bus 1406. , The bridge 1405, and the RAM 1403 connected via the host bus 1404. A removable recording medium 1413 can also be used as a data recording area.

  The connection port 1414 is a port for connecting the external connection device 1415 and has a connection unit such as USB and IEEE1394. The connection port 1414 is connected to the CPU 1401 and the like via the interface 1407, the external bus 1406, the bridge 1405, the host bus 1404, and the like. A communication unit 1416 is connected to a communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1417 is a scanner, for example, and executes document reading processing. The data output unit 1418 is, for example, a printer, and executes document data output processing.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14 is one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14, and the modules described in the present embodiment are executed. Any configuration is possible. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected via a communication line In addition, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 14 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of forming a color image using four colors of toner has been shown. However, an image forming apparatus for monochrome printing may be used, and toner of three colors or five or more colors may be used. An image forming apparatus that forms a used color image may be used.
Further, although an example using a plurality of photosensitive drums has been shown, an image may be formed on a single photosensitive drum.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
Then, the whole or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or a wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part or all of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

Further, it may be combined with the following image forming apparatus.
(A) an image carrier for holding a toner image;
An endless peripheral surface that circulates is disposed so as to face the image carrier, and an electric field for transferring the toner image to a recording medium passing between the image carrier and the image carrier is between the image carrier and the image carrier. A transfer member formed on
A cleaning member disposed so as to be in contact with the peripheral surface of the transfer member, and for removing toner adhering to the surface of the transfer member;
Cleaning bias applying means for applying a cleaning bias voltage between the cleaning member and the transfer member;
The toner image is selected from a plurality of printing modes including a borderless printing mode in which the toner image is transferred to the entire surface of the recording medium and a normal printing mode in which the toner image is transferred leaving a margin on the outer periphery of the recording medium. Print mode switching means for switching;
The cleaning bias voltage applied by the cleaning bias applying unit is a first bias voltage value in the normal printing mode, and a potential difference between the cleaning member and the transfer member in the borderless printing mode. Bias voltage control means for controlling the second bias voltage value to be larger than that at the time of application of the first bias voltage value;
When image formation in the borderless printing mode is continuously performed, a plurality of borderless images are formed until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and then applied between the cleaning member and the transfer member. The second bias voltage value is switched to the first bias voltage value, and the circumferential surface of the transfer member is driven to rotate around in a state where the first bias voltage value is applied. An image forming apparatus.

  (B) When image formation in the borderless printing mode is continuously executed, the second bias voltage value is switched to the first bias voltage value, and the first bias voltage value is applied. In this state, after the circumferential surface of the transfer member is driven to circulate, it is set to switch to the second bias voltage value and resume image formation in the borderless printing mode (a) The image forming apparatus described in the item.

It has the following effects.
In the image forming apparatus of item (a), the back surface of the recording medium on which the toner image has been transferred is made of toner even when image formation is continuously performed in the borderless printing mode, as compared with an apparatus that does not have this configuration. It can suppress getting dirty.

  In the image forming apparatus in (b), the back surface of the recording medium on which the toner image is transferred is made of toner even when image formation is continuously performed in the borderless printing mode, as compared with an apparatus that does not have this configuration. It can suppress getting dirty.

The above-described embodiment may be grasped as follows.
The problems to be solved by the above-described embodiment may be as follows.
In order to perform borderless printing with high image quality in the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to replace it with a dedicated transfer device or fixing device different from the conventional product. Specifically, a different cleaning mechanism should be used. Even if the transfer device and the fixing device for borderless printing are not attached to the image forming apparatus, borderless printing itself is possible. However, it may cause a decrease in image quality, a failure of the image forming apparatus, and the like.
In view of this, an object of the present embodiment is to provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing program that notify a user when a transfer device and a fixing device suitable for borderless printing are not attached.

[A1] When the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and the borderless printing function is used, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, warning means for giving a warning is provided. And
An image forming apparatus that restricts the number of times of use of a borderless printing function or the use of a user when the warning is given.

[A2] When a borderless printing fixing device or a transfer device is not attached and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, it is different from the case where the borderless printing fixing device and the transfer device are attached. An image forming apparatus having image forming processing means for performing image forming processing.

[A3] The image forming apparatus according to [A2], in which the different image forming process is to reduce a density of an image in a peripheral portion that is an edge.

[A4] The different image forming process is to execute cleaning of the transfer device or the fixing device more frequently than when the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are mounted. The image forming apparatus described.

[A5] When the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are attached, the device further includes confirmation means for confirming whether software capable of using borderless printing is installed [A1] To [A4].

[A6] The image forming apparatus according to [A5], further including an introducing unit that introduces the software through a communication line when software capable of using the borderless printing is not installed.

[A7] A computer in the image forming apparatus is
When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and the borderless printing function is used, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, it functions as a warning means for giving a warning,
An information processing program for restricting the number of times of use of the borderless printing function or the use of the user when the warning is given.

[A8] A computer in the image forming apparatus is
When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is not attached and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the image forming process is different from the case where the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are attached. Information processing program that functions as image forming processing means for

And the above-mentioned invention has the following effects.
According to the image forming apparatus of [A1], it is possible to notify the user when a transfer device and a fixing device suitable for borderless printing are not attached. The use of borderless printing can be restricted according to the number of uses or the user.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [A2], it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality, failure, and the like due to borderless printing.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [A3], the cleaning load can be reduced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [A4], it is possible to reduce cleaning leakage due to borderless printing.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [A5], it is possible to prevent software that can use borderless printing from being installed even though a fixing device and a transfer device for borderless printing are attached. become.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [A6], when a fixing device and a transfer device for borderless printing are attached, software that can use borderless printing can be introduced.

  According to the information processing program [A7], it is possible to notify the user when a transfer device and a fixing device suitable for borderless printing are not attached. The use of borderless printing can be restricted according to the number of uses or the user.

  According to the information processing program [A8], it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality, failure, and the like due to borderless printing.

Moreover, you may grasp | ascertain the above-mentioned embodiment as follows.
The problems to be solved by the above-described embodiment may be as follows.
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an information processing program that perform a cleaning process according to the size of a sheet as a cleaning process different from that when a print with a border is accepted when a borderless print is accepted. It is an object.

[B1] An image forming apparatus that performs a cleaning process according to a paper size different from that when a borderless print is received when a borderless print is received.

[B2] When the borderless printing is continuously performed with the same size, the cleaning process does not increase the number of cleaning processes during printing, but increases the number of cleanings after the last printing. The image forming apparatus described.

[B3] When the next borderless printing is performed at a size smaller than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, the cleaning processing does not increase the number of cleaning processing, and the number of cleanings is increased after the last printing. Increase the image forming apparatus according to [B1].

[B4] The image forming apparatus according to [B1], in which the cleaning process increases the number of cleaning processes when the next borderless printing is performed with a size larger than the paper size of the previous borderless printing.

[B5] When the borderless printing fixing device or transfer device is not attached and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, it is different from the case where the borderless printing fixing device and the transfer device are attached. An image forming apparatus that adjusts the density of an image.

[B6] The image forming apparatus according to [B5], in which the density adjustment reduces the density toward an edge of the printing paper.

[B7] The image forming apparatus according to [B5], in which the density adjustment selectively reduces an image density in a peripheral portion of four sides.

[B8] The image forming apparatus according to [B5], in which the density adjustment lowers a density of an edge portion of a leading end in a sheet conveyance direction.

[B9] The image forming apparatus according to [B5], in which the density adjustment reduces a density of an edge portion of a side portion in a sheet conveyance direction.

[B10] The density adjustment is not performed when the density of the peripheral image is less than or less than a predetermined density. The image forming apparatus according to [B5].

[B11] When the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the case is different from the case where the fixing device and the transfer device for borderless printing are attached. An image forming apparatus that performs a cleaning process according to the paper size.

[B12] When the borderless printing is continuously performed with the same size, the cleaning process does not increase the number of cleaning processes during printing, but increases the number of cleanings after the last printing. [B11] The image forming apparatus described.

[B13] When the next borderless printing is performed with a size smaller than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, the cleaning processing does not increase the number of cleaning processing, and the number of cleanings is increased after the last printing. The image forming apparatus according to [B11].

[B14] The image forming apparatus according to [B11], in which the cleaning process increases the number of cleaning processes when the next borderless printing is performed with a size larger than the paper size of the previous borderless printing.

[B15] When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and the borderless printing function is used, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, the number of times the borderless printing function is used Or an image forming apparatus that restricts the use of the user.

[B16] In the computer in the image forming apparatus,
An information processing program that, when accepting borderless printing, causes a cleaning process to be performed according to a different paper size from when accepting bordered printing.

[B17] In the computer in the image forming apparatus,
When the borderless printing fixing device or transfer device is not installed and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the image density is different from that when the borderless printing fixing device and transfer device are installed. An information processing program that makes adjustments.

[B18] In the computer in the image forming apparatus,
When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is not installed and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the paper size is different from that when the fixing device and transfer device for borderless printing are installed. An information processing program that performs appropriate cleaning processes.

[B19] In the computer in the image forming apparatus,
When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and uses the borderless printing function, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, the number of times of use of the borderless printing function or the user's An information processing program that restricts usage.

And the above-mentioned invention has the following effects.
According to the image forming apparatus of [B1], when borderless printing is received, cleaning processing corresponding to the size of the paper can be performed as cleaning processing different from when bordered printing is received.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B2], when borderless printing is continuously performed with the same size, the number of cleanings can be increased after the last printing.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B3], when the next borderless printing is performed with a size smaller than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, the number of cleanings can be increased after the last printing.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B4], when the next borderless printing is performed with a size larger than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, the number of cleaning processes can be increased.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B5], when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality obtained by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B6], the density adjustment can lower the density toward the edge of the printing paper.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B7], the density adjustment can selectively reduce the image density among the peripheral portions of the four sides.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B8], the density adjustment can reduce the density of the edge portion of the leading end in the sheet conveyance direction.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B9], the density adjustment can lower the density of the edge portion of the side portion in the paper transport direction.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B10], the density adjustment can be performed such that the density lowering process is not performed when the density of the peripheral image is less than or less than a predetermined density.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B11], when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality obtained by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B12], when the borderless printing is continuously performed with the same size, the cleaning process can increase the number of cleanings after the last printing.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B13], in the case where the next borderless printing is performed with a size smaller than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, the cleaning process may increase the number of cleanings after the last printing. it can.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B14], when the next borderless printing is performed with a size larger than the paper size of the previous borderless printing, the number of cleaning processes can be increased.

  According to the image forming apparatus of [B15], when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality obtained by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the information processing program [B16], when a borderless printing is accepted, a cleaning process corresponding to the paper size can be performed as a cleaning process different from that when a bordered printing is accepted.

  According to the information processing program [B17], when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality obtained by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the information processing program [B18], when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality obtained by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

  According to the information processing program [B19], when the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted even though the fixing device or the transfer device for borderless printing is not attached, the image quality obtained by performing borderless printing. Reduction, failure, etc. can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image forming apparatus 110 ... Image formation processing module 120 ... Borderless control module 125 ... Borderless printing control module 130 ... Borderless printing fixing device detection module 135 ... Borderless printing transfer device detection module 140 ... Warning module 145 ... Borderless image forming processing module 150 ... Print restriction processing module 155 ... Borderless printing software confirmation module 160 ... Borderless printing software introduction module 165 ... Communication module 210 ... Software storage server 220 ... User terminal 290 ... Communication line

Claims (9)

When the borderless printing fixing device or transfer device is not installed and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the image density is different from that when the borderless printing fixing device and transfer device are installed. An image forming apparatus that performs adjustment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density adjustment reduces the density toward an edge of the printing paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density adjustment selectively reduces the density of an image among peripheral portions of four sides. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density adjustment reduces a density of an edge portion of a leading end portion in a sheet conveyance direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density adjustment lowers a density of an edge portion of a side portion in a sheet conveyance direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density adjustment is not performed when the density of the peripheral image is less than or less than a predetermined density. When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and uses the borderless printing function, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, the number of times of use of the borderless printing function or the user's An image forming device that limits usage. In the computer in the image forming apparatus,
When the borderless printing fixing device or transfer device is not installed and the designation of the borderless printing function is accepted, the image density is different from that when the borderless printing fixing device and transfer device are installed. An information processing program that makes adjustments. In the computer in the image forming apparatus,
When the fixing device or transfer device for borderless printing is replaceable and uses the borderless printing function, when the fixing device or the transfer device is not for borderless printing, the number of times of use of the borderless printing function or the user's An information processing program that restricts usage.

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