JP2019061020A - Image formation apparatus and image formation program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide: an image formation apparatus that, when receiving a request for one adjustment from a user, can prevent occurrence of the other phenomenon even when the apparatus has not received a request for the other adjustment; and an image forming program.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus forms a predetermined test image in a predetermined setting (predetermined electrification voltage and transfer current) in which fogging or an afterimage occurs (S100), displays an image quality adjustment screen for adjusting fogging or an afterimage (S102), and receives an adjustment value of fogging or an afterimage (S104). The image forming apparatus then sets each of the electrification voltage and transfer current to the adjustment value (S106).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

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

  In Patent Document 1, a receiving unit for receiving an instruction for image quality adjustment from a user, and a changing unit for changing the image forming condition in the image forming unit from the first condition to the second condition when the instruction is received by the receiving unit. There has been proposed a control device including: output means for associating and outputting first information indicating the first condition and second information indicating the second condition.

  Further, according to Patent Document 2, when the photosensitive unit is replaced, the voltage applied to the charging roll, which is the reference before replacement, is set to the middle portion so that the charging voltage on the surface of the photosensitive drum becomes an appropriate value. The potential should be changed in stages so that (the fourth stage) becomes the development potential, and by detecting the density of the patch image in each number of stages, it should be determined as well as appropriate / not appropriate. There has been proposed an image forming apparatus in which a correction value is calculated by a product of the number of stages from the fourth stage and a voltage for one stage to obtain a new set application voltage.

JP, 2015-079186, A JP, 2006-078889, A

  When fogging or afterimage occurs, the user instructs to adjust the charging condition or the transfer condition, but for example, the charging performance of the charging member (that is, how much the image carrier with respect to the voltage applied to the charging member) In the case where fogging or afterimage is generated due to the badness of the electric potential of (1), not only one phenomenon but also the other phenomenon may occur. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming program capable of suppressing the occurrence of the other phenomenon even when the other adjustment is not received when one adjustment is received from the user. To aim.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the receiving unit for receiving each of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value from the user, and the one receiving the adjustment value of the charge adjustment value or the transfer adjustment value by the reception unit. And a control unit that performs control to form an image on a recording medium by changing the image forming conditions under predetermined charging conditions and transfer conditions for both charging conditions and transfer conditions.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in the invention according to claim 1, the control unit is a predetermined image in which a fog or an afterimage occurs before the reception unit receives the one adjustment value. A second image formation control for forming an image on a recording medium under the forming conditions is further performed.

  In the invention according to a third aspect, in the invention according to the second aspect, the control section performs the second image formation control in the case of at least one of replacement of the charging member and first activation.

  In the invention according to a fourth aspect, in the invention according to the second aspect or the third aspect, when the control unit instructs the execution of the second image formation control, the second image Perform formation control.

  In the invention according to a fifth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the predetermined image forming condition is a predetermined fog charging condition in which fog occurs or a predetermined image in which an afterimage occurs. It is an afterimage transfer condition.

  In the invention according to a sixth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit receives one of the adjustment value of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value by the reception unit. In the case where it is determined, control to notify the user that the instruction of the other adjustment value is unnecessary or control not to receive the other adjustment value is further performed.

  In the invention according to a seventh aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control section performs adjustment of one of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value, and the other adjustment. When the value is received by the receiving unit, the image forming condition is changed using the one adjustment value without using the other adjustment value.

  The invention according to claim 8 relates to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit raises the charge output to a predetermined value according to the charge adjustment value, and lowers the transfer output. Control to form an image on a recording medium.

  In the invention according to claim 9, in the invention according to claim 8, the control unit forms an image on the recording medium by increasing the increase width of the charge output and the decrease width of the transfer output as the charge adjustment value is larger. Control to

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit reduces the transfer output to a predetermined transfer output according to the transfer adjustment value, and increases the charge output. Control to form an image on a recording medium.

  The invention according to claim 11 relates to the invention according to claim 10, wherein the control unit forms the image on the recording medium by increasing the reduction width of the transfer output and the increase width of the charging output as the transfer adjustment value is larger. Control to

  The image forming program according to claim 12 causes a computer to function as a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when one adjustment is received from the user, the image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of the other phenomenon even if the other adjustment is not received. Can provide

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the user recognize that the adjustment is necessary, and to urge the adjustment for eliminating the fog or the afterimage.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the user recognize that the adjustment is necessary at the timing at which the adjustment is necessary, and to urge the adjustment for eliminating the fog or the residual image.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform adjustment for eliminating fog or afterimage by the user's will.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is necessary for the user to more reliably generate the fog or the residual image and to make the adjustment as compared with the case where the image is formed under the image forming condition other than the fog charging condition or the residual image transfer condition. Can be recognized.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that only one of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value is required.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even if the adjustment values of both the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value are inputted, it is possible to adjust both the charge condition and the transfer condition using only one of them.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, both the charging condition and the transfer condition can be changed only by accepting the charge adjustment value for eliminating the fog.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to adjust the image quality more appropriately than setting the charge output increase width and the transfer output decrease width as the charge adjustment value is larger.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, both the charging condition and the transfer condition can be changed only by receiving the transfer adjustment value for eliminating the afterimage.

  According to the invention described in claim 11, as the transfer adjustment value is larger, the image quality can be adjusted more appropriately than by reducing the transfer output lowering width and the charging output increase width.

  According to the image forming program according to claim 12, when one adjustment is received from the user, an image forming program capable of suppressing the occurrence of the other phenomenon even if the other adjustment is not received. Can provide

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a control device of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example in which the charging output is set to the fogging side as an initial setting and the charging output is offset to make the charging output not to be fogged; (B) is set to the residual image side as an initial setting; It is a figure which shows the example which offsets the output and was made into the transfer output which does not have an afterimage. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows the modification of the flow of the processing performed with the image forming device concerning this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, yellow, magenta, cyan and black are represented by Y, M, C and black, respectively, and when it is necessary to distinguish each component and toner image (image) by color, A description will be given by attaching the color code (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to each color to the end. Further, in the following, when the component parts and the toner image are generically referred to without being distinguished for each color, the sign of the color at the end of the sign is omitted.

(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 1, various controls such as image processing for converting input image data into gradation data of four colors of Y, M, C and K are provided inside the apparatus main body 10A of the image forming apparatus 10. A control unit 12 is provided.

  Further, on the center side of the apparatus main body 10A, an image forming unit 16 as an example of an image forming portion for forming a toner image of each color is disposed at an interval in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Further, above the image forming units 16 of the respective colors in the vertical direction, there is provided a primary transfer unit 18 to which the toner images formed by the image forming units 16 of the respective colors are transferred in multiple.

  Further, on the side of the primary transfer unit 18 (left side in FIG. 1), the paper P as an example of the medium transported along the transport path 60 by the supply transport unit 30 described later is multiplexed in the primary transfer unit 18. A secondary transfer roll 22 for transferring the transferred toner image is provided.

  A fixing device 24 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the conveyance direction of the sheet P (hereinafter, referred to as “sheet conveyance direction”), for fixing the sheet P with the image forming surface interposed therebetween. Further, the fixing device 24 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet P to the sheet P by heat and pressure.

  The fixing device 24 according to the present embodiment includes a heating belt 24A and a pressure roll 24B. The fixing device 24 is a fixing device of a type that causes the heating belt 24A to generate heat using electromagnetic induction, so-called IH (Induction Heating) fixing device. The pressure roller 24B is driven (rotated) by a motor (not shown), and the heating belt 24A is driven to rotate as the pressure roller 24B rotates.

  Further, on the downstream side of the fixing device 24 in the sheet conveyance direction, a discharge roll 28 that discharges the sheet P on which the toner image is fixed to a discharge unit 26 provided on the top of the apparatus main body 10A of the image forming apparatus It is provided.

  On the other hand, on the lower side and the side of the image forming unit 16 in the vertical direction, a supply conveyance unit 30 for supplying and conveying the sheet P is provided. Further, the toner cartridge 14 which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main assembly 10A from the front of the apparatus main assembly 10A vertically above the primary transfer unit 18 and into which the toner replenished to the developing device 38 is charged The pieces (14K to 14Y) are arranged side by side in the device width direction. The toner cartridge 14 of each color is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the depth direction of the image forming apparatus 10, and is connected to the developer 38 of each color via a supply pipe (not shown).

(Image formation unit)
The image forming units 16 of the respective colors are all configured in the same manner as shown in FIG. The image forming unit 16 includes a rotating cylindrical image carrier 34 and a charger 36 for charging the surface of the image carrier 34.

  The image forming unit 16 further includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) head 32 for irradiating exposure light onto the surface of the charged image carrier 34. Further, the image forming unit 16 develops the electrostatic latent image formed by the irradiation of the exposure light by the LED head 32 with a developer (in the present embodiment, a toner charged to the negative electrode) and visualizes it as a toner image It has 38. The image forming unit 16 also includes a cleaning blade (not shown) that cleans the surface of the image carrier 34.

  In the developing device 38, a developing roller 39 is disposed to face the image carrier 34. The developing device 38 uses an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 34 using the developing roller 39 with a developer. Develop and visualize as a toner image.

  The charger 36, the LED head 32, the developing roll 39, and the cleaning blade face the surface of the image carrier 34, and are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction of the image carrier 34. It is done.

(Transfer unit (primary transfer unit, secondary transfer roll))
The primary transfer unit 18 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 42, and a drive roll 46 around which the intermediate transfer belt 42 is wound and rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 42 in the arrow A direction. ing. Further, the primary transfer unit 18 is wound around the intermediate transfer belt 42, is provided with a tension applying roll 48 for applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 42, and is disposed vertically above the tension applying roll 48 and is driven by the intermediate transfer belt 42 And a rotating auxiliary roll 50. The primary transfer unit 18 also includes primary transfer rolls 52 disposed on the opposite side of the image carrier 34 of each color with the intermediate transfer belt 42 interposed therebetween.

  With the above configuration, the toner images of the respective colors of Y, M, C and K sequentially formed on the image carrier 34 of the image forming unit 16 of each color are placed on the intermediate transfer belt 42 by the primary transfer roll 52 of each color. Multiple transcription.

  Further, a cleaning blade 56 for cleaning the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 42 in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 42 is disposed on the opposite side of the drive roll 46 with the intermediate transfer belt 42 interposed therebetween.

  Further, on the opposite side of the auxiliary roll 50 with the intermediate transfer belt 42 interposed therebetween, a secondary transfer roll 22 for transferring the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 42 to the sheet P to be conveyed is provided. Then, the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded, the auxiliary roll 50 forms the counter electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and the secondary transfer voltage is applied to the auxiliary roll 50, whereby the sheet P is formed. The toner image is transferred to the

(Supply transport unit)
The feeding and conveying unit 30 includes a plurality of sheet storage units 62 which are disposed below the image forming unit 16 in the vertical direction in the apparatus main body 10A and in which a plurality of sheets P are stored. Each sheet storage portion 62 stores sheets of different types (size, sheet type, etc.).

  Furthermore, the feeding and conveying unit 30 further includes a sheet feeding roll 64 for feeding the sheet P stored in the sheet storage unit 62 to the conveying path 60, and a separating roll 66 for separating the sheets P fed by the sheet feeding roll 64 one by one. A transport roll 67 transports the sheet separated one by one, and a position alignment roll 68 that aligns the transport timing of the sheet P. The respective rolls are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction.

  Further, the alignment roll 68 is connected to a motor as a drive unit for rotationally driving the alignment roll 68 via a clutch mechanism (not shown). In the image forming apparatus 10, the clutch mechanism is not connected until the sheet P reaches the installation position of the alignment roll 68, and the leading end of the sheet P in the sheet conveyance direction abuts against the alignment roll 68. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 10 corrects the inclination of the sheet P with respect to the sheet conveyance direction and performs the position alignment. Then, after the alignment, the alignment roll 68 is rotated by bringing the clutch mechanism into the connected state, and the sheet P is conveyed.

  With the above configuration, the sheet P supplied from the sheet storage unit 62 is determined at a timing determined by the rotating alignment roll 68 to the contact portion (secondary transfer position) between the intermediate transfer belt 42 and the secondary transfer roll 22. Be sent out.

  Then, the sheet P conveyed to the fixing device 24 is heated by the heating belt 24A and pressurized by the heating belt 24A and the pressure roll 24B, and a toner image is formed on one side (image forming surface) of the sheet P. It is fixed.

  Further, on the downstream side of the fixing device 24 in the conveyance direction of the sheet P, the supply and conveyance unit 30 corrects and flattens the deformation (e.g., wrinkles or bending) of the sheet P fixed by the fixing device 24. A decurler 25 is provided.

  Further, the feeding / conveying unit 30 forms the toner image on the other side without discharging the sheet P on which the toner image is fixed on one side by the fixing device 24 to the discharge unit 26 by the discharge roll 28 as it is. The double-sided conveyance device 70 used for

  The duplex conveying device 70 conveys the sheet P along the duplex conveying path 72 and the duplex conveying path 72 in which the sheet P is transported by reversing the front and back of the sheet P from the discharge roll 28 toward the alignment roll 68 A roll 74 and a transport roll 76 are provided.

  The image forming apparatus 10 may be provided with a sheet detection sensor on at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the fixing device 24 along the conveyance path 60. As the paper detection sensor, for example, a reflection type sensor including a set of light emitting elements and light receiving elements may be used. In this case, the sheet detection sensor emits light from the light emitting element to the detection position on the transport path 60 corresponding to the installation position. Further, the sheet detection sensor outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as a “detection signal”) having a signal level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving element. The light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the sheet P while the sheet P is being conveyed at the detection position. Therefore, the sheet detection sensor outputs detection signals of different signal levels in the period in which the sheet P is conveyed and the period in which the sheet P is not conveyed. As the sheet detection sensor, in addition to the reflection type sensor, for example, another sensor such as a transmission type sensor may be applied.

(Image formation process)
First, gradation data of each color is sequentially output from the control device 12 to the LED head 32 of each color. The exposure light emitted from the LED head 32 in accordance with the gradation data is applied to the surface of the image carrier 34 charged by the charger 36. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the image carrier 34. The electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 34 is developed by the developing device 38 of each color and visualized as a toner image of each color of Y, M, C, K.

  Further, the primary transfer roll 52 of the primary transfer unit 18 transfers the toner images of the respective colors formed on the image carrier 34 on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 42 in multiple.

  The toner images of the respective colors transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 42 in multiple colors are transferred from the sheet storage unit 62 to the sheet P conveyed along the conveyance path 60 by the feed roll 64, the separation roll 66, and the alignment roll 68. The secondary transfer is performed at the secondary transfer position by the secondary transfer roll 22.

  Further, the sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 24. Then, the toner image is fixed to the sheet P by the fixing device 24. The sheet P on which the toner image is fixed is corrected for the deformation of the sheet P by the decurler 25 and discharged to the discharge unit 26 by the discharge roller 28.

  On the other hand, when forming an image on both sides of the sheet P, the sheet P on which the toner image is fixed on one side (surface) by the fixing device 24 is not discharged as it is to the discharge unit 26 by the discharge roll 28. The transport direction of the sheet P is switched by the discharge roller 28 being reversely rotated. Then, the sheet P is transported by the transport rolls 74 and 76 along the duplex transport path 72.

  The sheet P conveyed along the double-sided conveyance path 72 is turned upside down and conveyed to the alignment roll 68 again. Then, after the toner image is transferred and fixed to the other surface (rear surface) of the sheet P, the sheet P is discharged to the discharge unit 26 by the discharge roll 28.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the main configuration of the control device 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the control device 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and a ROM in which various programs, various parameters, and the like are stored in advance. (Read Only Memory) 102 is provided. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a random access memory (RAM) 104 used as a work area or the like when the CPU 100 executes various programs, and a non-volatile storage unit 106 such as a flash memory.

  The control device 12 as a control unit of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a communication line I / F (Interface) unit 108 that transmits and receives communication data with an external device. Further, the control device 12 includes an operation display unit 110 as a reception unit for displaying various information related to the operation status of the image forming apparatus 10 to the user while receiving an instruction from the user to the image forming apparatus 10. . The operation display unit 110 is, for example, a display button for realizing acceptance of an operation instruction by execution of a program, a display provided with a touch panel on a display surface on which various information is displayed, and hardware keys such as a ten key and a start button. including.

  The control device 12 also includes an image formation control unit 112 that controls each operation in the image formation process. In the image formation control unit 112, each of the drive system control unit 118, the charge control unit 120, the development control unit 122, the exposure control unit 124, the transfer control unit 126, and the fixing control unit 128 based on the input image data. When collectively referred to, "each control unit" is synchronously controlled to execute image formation.

  The drive system control unit 118 controls a drive system such as a motor for transporting the sheet, the charge control unit 120 controls the drive of the charger 36, and the development control unit 122 controls the drive of the developing unit 38. Reference numeral 124 controls the drive of the LED head 32. Further, the transfer control unit 126 controls the driving of the primary transfer unit 18 and the secondary transfer roll 22, and the fixing control unit 128 controls the driving of the fixing device 24.

  In addition, the control device 12 includes an image information processing unit 114 that performs image processing such as density conversion as necessary on the received image information.

  The CPU 100, the ROM 102, the RAM 104, the storage unit 106, the communication line I / F unit 108, the operation display unit 110, the image formation control unit 112, and the image information processing unit 114 include an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. , Etc. are connected to one another via a bus 116.

  With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment accesses the ROM 102, the RAM 104, and the storage unit 106 by the CPU 100, and communication data with an external device via the communication line I / F unit 108. Send and receive the Further, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the CPU 100 to acquire various instruction information via the operation display unit 110 and display various information on the operation display unit 110.

  In the present embodiment, when image quality deterioration such as fogging or afterimage occurs on an image formed on a sheet, the operation display unit 110 is operated to adjust the charging output and the transfer output, thereby to improve the image quality. Degradation is improved. In particular, when the charging member is changed, the characteristics differ depending on the type of the charging member, and therefore, the image quality adjustment is required by changing the charging control. If it is necessary to adjust the image quality by changing the charging member, etc., it is necessary to input in advance the charging characteristics as the setting values for the image forming apparatus 10, but it is not possible to identify which charging member is actually used. It is impossible to change settings. In addition, since transfer conditions also change due to differences in charging characteristics, it is also necessary to change transfer control.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the charging control (transfer control) is changed based on the information from the user's actual use, regardless of which charging member (different charging member, same or not), and related transfer The control (charge control) is also changed at the same time.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the "fogging" side or the "post-image" side is set as an initial setting. Then, the user operates the operation display unit 110 to change the charging output (for example, charging voltage or charging current) or the transfer output (for example, transfer voltage or transfer current) by the offset. Based on the offset amount at this time, the charging member is identified, the charging control specification of the identified charging member is changed, and the transfer control is also changed to the corresponding specification.

  For example, when the charging adjustment value is input to the operation display unit 110, the image forming control unit 112 increases the charging output to a predetermined charging output according to the charging adjustment value, and lowers the transfer output to form an image on a sheet. . That is, the image formation control unit 112 performs control to form an image on a sheet by increasing the increase width of the charge output and the decrease width of the transfer output as the charge adjustment value input to the operation display unit 110 is larger. When the transfer adjustment value is input to the operation display unit 110, the image formation control unit 112 reduces the transfer output to a predetermined transfer output according to the transfer adjustment value, and increases the charging output to form an image on a sheet. . That is, the image formation control unit 112 performs control to form an image on a sheet by increasing the decrease width of the transfer output and the increase width of the charge output as the transfer adjustment value input to the operation display unit 110 is larger.

  More specifically, an image causing fogging is formed to make the user recognize the fogging. Thus, the user operates the operation display unit 110 to instruct to increase the charging output so as to eliminate the fog. The image forming apparatus 10 recognizes from the control amount (offset amount) of the charging output that, for example, a charging member having poor charging performance is used. If a charging member having poor charging performance is used, the charge removal history due to transfer can not be canceled by charging, and there is a high concern that an afterimage may occur. Therefore, even if the user does not recognize an afterimage (even if an instruction to cancel the afterimage is not issued), control that the image forming apparatus 10 lowers the transfer output (overdischarge is suppressed in the direction in which the discharge history hardly occurs) Control at the same time).

  Alternatively, an image in which an afterimage occurs may be formed to allow the user to recognize the afterimage. As a result, the user operates the operation display unit 110 to give an instruction to reduce the transfer output so as to eliminate the afterimage. The image forming apparatus 10 recognizes from the control amount (offset amount) of the transfer output that, for example, a charging member having poor charging performance is used. Then, even if the user does not recognize the fog (even if an instruction to eliminate the fog is not issued), the control of the image forming apparatus 10 to increase the charging output is also performed at the same time.

  Note that “fogging” is a phenomenon in which toner flies to a background portion (for example, a non-image portion or a non-exposure portion) and the background portion is stained with toner. It is also called dirt on the ground. The fog occurs when the difference between the surface potential (charging potential) of the photosensitive member in the background portion and the development potential becomes too small. In addition, when a charging member having poor charging performance is used, the expected photoreceptor surface potential can not be obtained even when a predetermined voltage is applied to the charging member, and fogging occurs.

  Also, “afterimage” is a phenomenon in which the history of the previous image is visible. The transfer voltage plays a role of so-called charge removal to lower the surface potential of the photosensitive member, but for example, when the transfer voltage is too strong, the potential of the background portion decreases while the potential of the image portion decreases too much ( It is in a state where it has been discharged excessively). When the next charging is performed in this state, the charging can be performed almost uniformly if the charging member with good charging performance is used, but if the charging member has the poor charging performance, the potential of the image area which is too low due to charge removal rises I'm sorry. When the next image is exposed and developed from here, the history of the previous image remains visible on the next image.

  Subsequently, specific processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The process in FIG. 4 starts when the adjustment of the image quality deterioration of the fogging or the afterimage is instructed by the operation of the operation display unit 110 or when the charging member is replaced. For example, a switch for detecting the charging member is provided to detect the replacement of the charging member, and the detection is performed based on the state of the switch.

  In step S100, the image formation control unit 112 controls each control unit to form a predetermined test image with predetermined settings (predetermined charging voltage and transfer current) that cause fog or afterimage. It transfers to step S102. As a result, as a second image formation control, a test image with fog or afterimage is formed on the sheet.

  In step S102, the CPU 100 causes the operation display unit 110 to display an image quality adjustment screen for adjusting fog or afterimage, and proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the CPU 100 determines whether an adjustment value of fog or afterimage has been received. In the determination, it is determined whether the user operates the operation display unit 110 and the adjustment value of the fogging or the afterimage is input. It waits until the determination is affirmed and proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the image formation control unit 112 controls the charge control unit 120 and the transfer control unit 126 to set the charging voltage and the transfer current to the adjustment value, and the process proceeds to step S108. That is, when the adjustment value is the adjustment value related to the charging voltage, the charging member is recognized based on the offset value of the adjustment value with respect to the predetermined setting, and the corresponding charging voltage is set, and the transfer current is also changed. To set. Thereby, even if the type of the charging member is not known, the setting is changed to the setting corresponding to the specification of the charging member.

  In step S108, the image formation control unit 112 re-forms a test image with the set charging voltage and transfer current, and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 100 determines whether readjustment is necessary. This determination is made by detecting whether the user operates the operation display unit 110 to issue an instruction to end the image quality adjustment, or to issue an instruction to perform image quality adjustment again. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 102 to repeat the above-described processing, and when the determination is positive, the series of processing is terminated.

  Next, a modification of the process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The process in FIG. 5 starts when adjustment of the image quality deterioration of fog or afterimage is instructed by the operation of the operation display unit 110 or when the charging member is replaced. For example, a switch for detecting the charging member is provided to detect the replacement of the charging member, and the detection is performed based on the state of the switch. The same processes as those in FIG. 4 will be described with the same reference numerals.

  In step S100, the image formation control unit 112 controls each control unit to form a predetermined test image with predetermined settings (predetermined charging voltage and transfer current) that cause fog or afterimage. It transfers to step S102. As a result, as a second image formation control, a test image with fog or afterimage is formed on the sheet.

  In step S102, the CPU 100 causes the operation display unit 110 to display an image quality adjustment screen for adjusting fog or afterimage, and proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the CPU 100 determines whether an adjustment value of fog or afterimage has been received. In the determination, it is determined whether the user operates the operation display unit 110 and the adjustment value of the fogging or the afterimage is input. It waits until the determination is affirmed and proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105A, the CPU 100 displays on the operation display unit 110 that setting of other adjustment values is unnecessary, and the process proceeds to step S105B. Note that step S105A may be omitted and the process may proceed to step S105B. When one of the fog and afterimage adjustment values is received, the display of the screen for accepting the other adjustment value is prohibited and not displayed, instead of displaying that the setting of the other adjustment value is unnecessary. You may do so.

  In step S105B, the CPU 100 determines whether or not both the fog and afterimage adjustment values have been received. In this determination, the user operates the operation display unit 110, and after receiving one of the adjustment values of fog and afterimage, it is determined whether or not the other adjustment value is input. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S106. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S106, the image formation control unit 112 controls the charge control unit 120 and the transfer control unit 126 to set the charging voltage and the transfer current to the adjustment value, and the process proceeds to step S108. That is, when the adjustment value is the adjustment value related to the charging voltage, the charging member is recognized based on the offset value of the adjustment value with respect to the predetermined setting, and the corresponding charging voltage is set, and the transfer current is also changed. To set. Thereby, even if the type of the charging member is not known, the setting is changed to the setting corresponding to the specification of the charging member.

  In step S108, the image formation control unit 112 re-forms a test image with the set charging voltage and transfer current, and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 100 determines whether readjustment is necessary. This determination is made by detecting whether the user operates the operation display unit 110 to issue an instruction to end the image quality adjustment, or to issue an instruction to perform image quality adjustment again. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 102 to repeat the above-described processing, and when the determination is positive, the series of processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S112, the CPU 100 displays on the operation display unit 110 that the setting of the other adjustment value (for example, the adjustment value operated later) is unnecessary, and the process proceeds to step S114. Note that step S112 may be omitted and the process may proceed to step S114. When one adjustment value is received, display of a screen for receiving the other adjustment value may be prohibited and not displayed.

  In step S114, the image formation control unit 112 controls the charge control unit 120 and the transfer control unit 126 to set the charging voltage and the transfer current with respect to the adjustment value received first, and the process proceeds to step S110. That is, when the adjustment value initially received is the adjustment value related to the charging voltage, the charging member is recognized based on the offset value of the adjustment value for the predetermined setting, and the corresponding charging voltage is set, and The transfer current is also changed and set. Thereby, even if the type of the charging member is not known, the setting is changed to the setting corresponding to the specification of the charging member.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the test image is formed in a setting where fog or an afterimage occurs when forming the test image in step S100 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A test image may be formed. Further, in the case of at least one of the first activation of the image forming apparatus 10 and the replacement of the charging member, the test image may be formed in the setting in which the fog or the residual image is generated as in the above embodiment.

  Further, the processing (FIGS. 4 and 5) performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment may be processing performed by software, or may be processing performed by hardware, or both of them are combined. It is good also as processing. Further, the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 may be stored in a storage medium as a program and distributed.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention other than the above.

10 image forming apparatus 100 CPU
110 operation display unit 112 image formation control unit

Claims (12)

A reception unit that receives each of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value from the user;
When one of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value is received by the receiving unit, both of the charging condition and the transfer condition are changed to the image forming condition set to the predetermined charging condition and the transfer condition, respectively. A control unit that performs control to form an image on a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus equipped with   The control unit further performs a second image forming control for forming an image on a recording medium under a predetermined image forming condition in which a fog or an afterimage occurs before the reception unit receives the one adjustment value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs the second image formation control in at least one of replacement of a charging member and first activation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs the second image formation control when an instruction to execute the second image formation control is issued.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the predetermined image forming condition is a predetermined fog charging condition in which fog occurs or a predetermined residual image transfer condition in which an afterimage occurs.   The control unit performs control to notify a user that an instruction of the other adjustment value is unnecessary when the adjustment unit of one of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value is received by the reception unit, or the other control unit The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further performing control not to receive the adjustment value of.   The control unit is configured to use the one adjustment value without using the other adjustment value when the other adjustment value is received by the reception unit following the one adjustment value of the charge adjustment value and the transfer adjustment value. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image forming condition is changed using a value.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs control to increase the charge output to a predetermined value according to the charge adjustment value and reduce the transfer output to form an image on a recording medium. Forming device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs control to form an image on a recording medium by increasing the increase width of the charge output and the decrease width of the transfer output as the charge adjustment value is larger.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs control to reduce the transfer output to a predetermined transfer output according to the transfer adjustment value and increase the charging output to form an image on a recording medium. Forming device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs control to form an image on a recording medium by increasing the decrease width of the transfer output and the increase width of the charge output as the transfer adjustment value is larger.   An image forming program for causing a computer to function as a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.