JP3370085B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image driven by rotation.
Forming a toner image on the carrier, and rotating the toner image
The primary transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer member pressed against the image carrier, and the toner
-The image that the image was pressed against the intermediate transfer
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs secondary transfer to a recording medium.
You. [0002] Analog copying machines, digital copying machines,
Electronic equipment used in the printer or facsimile
Conventional image forming apparatuses using a copying method generally have
Transfer the toner image formed on the carrier directly to the recording medium,
It is configured to fix this. In contrast, the statue
The toner image on the carrier is temporarily transferred to the intermediate transfer member once, and
Transfer the toner image on the recording medium
A type of image forming apparatus has been proposed (for example,
6-41679, JP-A-59-17572
Etc.). [0003] In such an image forming apparatus,
In this case, various materials are used as recording media.
And the thickness is various.
Can be However, in this type of conventional image forming apparatus,
Secondary transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer body to the recording medium
The pressing force between the intermediate transfer body and the pressing rotator
When the recording medium is particularly thick,
Passes this recording medium between the intermediate transfer body and the pressure rotating body.
Cannot be used, or the intermediate transfer
As a result, the pressure applied to the recording medium becomes
The secondary transfer of the image and the fixability of the toner image deteriorate,
The quality of the final image on the medium may be degraded. An object of the present invention is to provide an image using an intermediate transfer member.
When the thickness of the recording medium is
Image format that can form high-quality final images on recording media
It is an object of the present invention to provide a synthesizing apparatus. [0005] The present invention achieves the above object.
To form a toner image on a rotating image carrier
The toner image is rotated while being pressed against an image carrier.
The toner image is primarily transferred to a transfer member, and the toner image is
The image to be secondarily transferred to the recording medium pressed against the intermediate transfer member
In the image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer body is used for primary transfer.
While being pressed against the image carrier, it is separated from the pressure rotating body.
And presses it against the pressure rotating body via the recording medium during the secondary transfer.
And can be moved away from the image carrier.
Supported, depending on the thickness of the recording medium,
By controlling the moving amount, the intermediate transfer body and the pressurized rotating body are recorded.
It is characterized by changing the pressure that presses through the medium
An image forming apparatus is proposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;
Will be described in detail. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
This device is a photosensitive drum which is an example of the configuration of an image carrier.
A ram 101 and an intermediate transfer body 102 formed in a drum shape
And a pressure rotating body configured as the pressure roller 103
Have. In this example, the photosensitive drum 101 is at the lowermost position.
And an intermediate transfer body 102 above the intermediate transfer body 102,
The pressure roller 103 is located above. Intermediate transfer member 1
02 is the position shown by the broken line or the retreat position shown by the solid line.
Operates to the position shown by the dashed line, and the photosensitive drum 101
Alternatively, it can be pressed against the pressure roller 103.
The contact / separation operation will be described later. The photosensitive drum 101 exemplified here has a specific ratio.
Drum-shaped organic photoreceptor with excellent pressure resistance and heat resistance
The pressure roller 103 is made of, for example, aluminum.
This is a rigid roller made of
It may be covered with a shrinkable resin. Drums like this
Instead of a pressurized rotating body, image carrier, or intermediate transfer body
Alternatively, a belt-shaped member may be used. As will be described in detail later, a photosensitive drum
A toner image is formed on the image 101, and this toner image is
A is indicated on the intermediate transfer body 102 occupying the position indicated by the symbol A.
It is transcribed in the part which did. This transfer is the primary transfer.
The portion A will be referred to as a primary transfer portion. Also
The toner image primarily transferred on the intermediate transfer body 102 will be described later.
Intermediate transfer member occupying the position shown by the dashed line
Recording medium fed between 102 and pressure roller 103
In the portion indicated by the symbol B on the transfer paper 120 as an example of
Transcribed. This is the secondary transfer, and this part B
Is referred to as a secondary transfer unit. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming a monochromatic image exclusively.
Although it can be applied to an image forming apparatus, the image shown in FIG.
The forming device is configured to be able to form multi-color images.
The operation is described below and shown in FIG.
Clarify the details of the configuration. FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the basic operation.
First, print the operation unit not shown in FIG.
When a key is pressed by the operator, the main
The motor starts rotating ((1) and (2) in FIG. 2). May
The CPU recognizes that the motor
And a charging char provided around the photosensitive drum 101
Ja (scorotron charger) 104 starts to operate
((3) in FIG. 2). Also, as shown in (25) of FIG.
An elevating motor for raising and lowering the intermediate transfer body 102 (shown in FIG.
Does not work), which has until then been indicated by the solid line in FIG.
The intermediate transfer member 102 at the retracted position shown in FIG.
The intermediate transfer member 102 is lowered to the position shown in FIG.
It is pressed against 101 as shown in FIG. The pressure contact at this time is shown in FIG.
Although it is shown as "pressure welding", the tie shown in FIG.
Standing up in a straight line with a slope in the Mining Chart
The reason is that the intermediate transfer body 102 is
At some point before they are completely separated from each other
It indicates that it requires time. They also separate
When the photoreceptor is falling down with a straight line
From the state where the drum 101 and the intermediate transfer body 102 are in pressure contact with each other
It means that it takes some time to completely leave
ing. The photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 102
When pressed against each other as described above, the photosensitive drum 101
A photoreceptor motor provided between the main motor and the main motor.
The latch is turned on and the rotation of the main motor is
01, and the photosensitive drum 101 is indicated by an arrow in FIG.
Start rotating clockwise as indicated by. This clutch
In FIG. 2, (4) is shown as “photoconductor MC”.
is there. Similarly, the intermediate transfer member 102 and the main motor
Intermediate transfer member motor clutch (intermediate MC)
Between the pressure roller 103 and the main motor.
Also has another pressure roller motor clutch (pressure MC) interposed
And these clutches are shown in FIGS. 2 (5) and (6).
As shown in the figure, the photoconductor motor clutch (photoconductor MC)
At the same time, the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller are turned on.
103 open rotation in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG.
Start. At this time, the linear velocities of these peripheral surfaces are the same.
You. The photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 1
After the start of rotation of 02, the linear velocities of both peripheral surfaces were matched.
For this reason, the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer body 102
The intermediate transfer member motor clutch (intermediate MC)
Cutting the intermediate transfer body 102 into the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101
You may make it accompany me together. As described above, the photosensitive drum 101 is
It rotates clockwise. At this time, the charger 104
Has already started operation, so the photosensitive drum 101
Is generated by the corona discharge of the charger 104.
It is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity. The photosensitive drum 101 charged as described above
The surface of the laser is controlled by the laser optical system 105 based on the image signal.
Exposure and scanning by the modulated laser beam 106.
The first color on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, in this example,
Indicates that an electrostatic latent image (yellow latent image) for a yellow image is formed.
It is. In this regard, FIG.
"Formation". The surface of the charged photosensitive drum 101 is
A laser optical system 105 that performs image exposure with the light 106 is shown in FIG.
Semiconductor laser, polygon mirror, fθ lens
The laser modulation circuit is a semiconductor
Controls laser emission. On the other hand, around the photosensitive drum 101,
As shown in FIG. 1, a developing device 110 is provided, and is exemplified here.
Developing device 110 includes yellow, magenta, cyan,
Developer 1 containing black and black toner respectively
10Y, magenta developing device 110M, cyan developing device 110
C and a black developing device 110B.
Are arranged along the moving direction of the photosensitive drum 101.
You. These developing devices are selectively operated and used. Figure
The developing device 110 shown in FIG. 1 is a dry type developing device.
However, instead of this, a wet developing device using a developing solution is used.
Can also be used. As toner used in each developing device,
With a particle size of 5μm or less to improve reproducibility
It is preferable to use a particle size distribution prepared by a polymerization method.
It is desirable that the width is narrow. The photosensitive drum which is driven to rotate as described above
The yellow latent image formed at 101 is
When passing through the imager 110Y, the yellow toner
The image is visualized as a toner image. At this time,
110M, 110C, and 110B perform the developing operation.
Absent. The operation at this time is shown in FIG.
It is shown as The photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 102
With the rotation, a yellow toner image is formed as described above.
The photoconductor drum portion that has been transferred is the intermediate transfer body 102 and the photoconductor drum.
And reaches the primary transfer portion A pressed against each other.
The yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 101
The image is primarily transferred onto the photo object 102. Photosensitive while being driven to rotate
The photosensitive member is exposed on the intermediate transfer body 102 pressed against the body drum 101.
The toner image on the body drum 101 is primarily transferred.
You. The photosensitive drum 10 that has passed through the primary transfer section A
The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101
Is removed by a cleaning device 111 arranged around the
To clean the surface and remove
The electricity is removed by the electrical device. Yellow toner image
Regarding the primary transfer, “primary transfer” and (21) in FIG.
And "Y primary transfer" and the subsequent photosensitive drum 1
For cleaning of the photoconductor 01, see “Photoconductor cleaning” in FIG.
Sweeping ". During such an operation, the intermediate transfer member 102 rotates
Yellow toner that has been primarily transferred to this surface
The image is used to clean the secondary transfer portion B and the intermediate transfer body 102.
Pass through the cleaning device 112 for
2 (28) of the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
This is shown as "secondary pressure welding" which means pressure welding, and FIG.
4) means a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member 102.
As can be seen from the "intermediate cleaning"
The roller 103 is not in contact with the intermediate transfer member 102,
The cleaning device 112 does not operate,
Roller 112a is separated from the intermediate transfer body 102
Therefore, the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is disturbed.
There is no danger. As described above, the cleaning device 111
Is cleaned and the charge is removed by the charge removal device.
The surface of the body drum 101 is again
Therefore, the surface is uniformly charged ((3) in FIG. 2), and
Magenta by laser 106 from laser optics 105
A magenta latent image for an image is formed (see FIG. 2 (15)).
"M latent image formation"). The magenta latent image continues
Magenta developing device selected in place of raw developing device 110Y
110M makes the image visible as a magenta toner image.
(“M development” in FIG. 2 (16)). This magenta tona
The image is also transferred to the primary transfer portion A as the photosensitive drum 101 rotates.
, The yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102
The primary transfer is performed again (see “M primary transfer” in FIG. 2 (21)).
Photo)). After the primary transfer, the toner remains on the photosensitive drum 101.
Toner is also cleaned by the cleaning device 111.
((22) in FIG. 2), the surface of the drum 101 has a charge eliminating action.
Receive. In exactly the same way, on the photosensitive drum 101
Indicates the cyan latent image for the cyan image and the
A latent image is sequentially formed (see “C latent image type” in FIG. 2 (17)).
"" And "(B latent image formation)" in (19)).
The cyan developing device 110C and the black developing device 110B
Are visualized sequentially as toner images of each color.
(“C development” in FIG. 2 (18), “B current” in (20))
Image)), these toner images are
Is primarily transferred in order from the top of the toner image transferred to
2 (21) “C primary transfer” and “B primary transfer”). This
A full-color toner is formed on the intermediate transfer member 102 as shown in FIG.
An image is formed. The photosensitive drum 101, the intermediate transfer member 102 and
And the arrangement state of each element such as the pressure roller 103
At the same time, the formation of the electrostatic latent image and the start of the developing operation
Need to change the timing from that shown in Figure 2
Is natural. When the primary transfer is completed, the lifting motor
By the operation ((25) in FIG. 2), the intermediate transfer body 102 is
After separating from the optical drum 101 ((27) in FIG. 2),
Move to the side of the pressure roller 103 as shown by the dashed line.
It comes into pressure contact with the lever 103 (see FIG. 4). this
Regarding pressure welding, in FIG.
Shown. When the intermediate transfer member 102 is
The timing to release the primary transfer section pressure contact
Primary transfer of the toner image on the drum 101 to the intermediate transfer member 102
Performed in the non-image area on the intermediate transfer body 102 after the transfer,
Prevent the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 from being disturbed
Is preferred. Full color formed on the intermediate transfer member 102
The leading end of the toner image is
Before reaching the secondary transfer section B, but before this,
Between the in-motor and the paper feed roller 114 of the paper feed unit 113
The inserted paper feed motor clutch (paper feed MC) is on
((8) in FIG. 2) when the paper feed roller 114 is in FIG.
Rotate in the measuring direction. As a result, the paper
The transferred transfer paper 120 is fed to the left in FIG.
The pair of registration rollers 115 that stop rotating
Transported to The registration roller 115 also has a registration model.
To main motor via data clutch (resist MC)
Connected and main motor started rotating as described above
Immediately thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Switch (resist MC) is turned on,
Roller 115 rotates, then this clutch is disengaged,
When the leading end of the transfer paper 120 reaches the registration roller 115
At this time, the registration roller 115 is stopped. Subsequently, the full color on the intermediate transfer body 102
At the timing when the toner image of the printer and the transfer paper 120 can be aligned.
When the resist motor clutch (resist MC) is on
And the registration roller 115 starts rotating (see FIG. 2).
(7)), the transfer paper 120 is transported to the secondary transfer portion B. On the other hand, the leading end of the transfer paper 120 is
And the intermediate transfer member 102 is moved as described above.
Is pressed against the pressure roller 103 so that the transfer paper 120
Between the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103 pressed against
And is conveyed to the left in FIG.
You. The leading end of the transfer paper 120 is pressed with the intermediate transfer body 102
Synchronous with the timing of reaching the secondary transfer section B between
Then, the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
The toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102
The problem of shifting to the line 103 can be prevented. As described above, when the transfer paper 120 is in the secondary transfer portion B
Pass through the intermediate transfer body 102
The toner image is secondarily transferred onto the transfer paper 120 ((2) in FIG. 2).
3)). Thus, the toner on the intermediate transfer body 102
The image is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 102 by the pressure roller 103.
The secondary transfer is performed on the transfer paper 120 in contact therewith. Tona
-Image remains on intermediate transfer body 102 after secondary transfer of image
The toner is removed by the cleaning device 112.
((24) in FIG. 2), the cleaning device 112
This will be described later in detail. Next, the transfer paper 120 is driven in the direction of the arrow.
Transport belt 122 and a pair of rotating discharge rollers 1
The sheet is conveyed by the printer 17 and is discharged to the paper discharge unit 119. This
Transport belt 122 and the paper discharge roller 117
Paper ejection motor clutch (paper ejection MC)
The clutch is turned off immediately after the main motor starts rotating.
And the transport belt 122 and the discharge roller
The roller 117 is driven to rotate, and the transfer paper 120 is moved as described above.
Is transported to the paper discharge unit 119 ((9) in FIG. 2). When the secondary transfer is completed, the elevating motor operates.
(25 in FIG. 2), the intermediate transfer body 102 descends,
Moves away from the pressure roller 103 and releases the pressure contact of the secondary transfer section B
((28) in FIG. 2). Thus, the intermediate transfer member
102 moves to the retreat position shown by the solid line in FIG. Here, the "intermediate change" shown in FIG.
"Transfer" means that the intermediate transfer member 102 is moved from its retracted position to the photosensitive drum.
The pressing roller 1 is moved to a position where the pressing roller 1
The above-mentioned timing of moving to the position where it presses against 03 is shown.
However, at this time, in this timing chart, time
It is shifted to the minus side (lower side in Fig. 2) with respect to the axis
Moves the intermediate transfer member 102 toward the photosensitive drum 101 side.
Indicates that it is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101,
On the lath side (upper side in FIG. 2) is the intermediate transfer member
102 moves to the pressure roller 103 side,
It shows that it is pressed against. In this embodiment, the intermediate transfer member 102 is a photosensitive member.
Moves to and away from the drum 101 or the pressure roller 103
When performing, the cleaning device 11 for the intermediate transfer body 102
2, a heater 121 and a temperature sensor 123, which will be described later,
As shown by a broken line and a dashed line in FIG.
Works with 2. The outlet of the paper discharge section 119 is not shown.
No paper exit sensor is provided for the transfer paper 120
Of the transfer paper 120 has been detected.
Then, cleaning of the intermediate transfer body 102 is completed.
And the main motor, charging charger, resist MC,
Paper MC, photoconductor MC, and intermediate MC are cut. The transfer of the transfer paper by the registration rollers 115
A registration detection sensor 116 is provided at a position on the near side in the direction.
And is conveyed from the paper supply unit 113 as described above.
The leading end of the transfer paper 120 is detected by the sensor 116
After a predetermined time (t seconds), the feed motor clutch
(Sheet feed MC) is turned off ((10) in FIG. 2 and
(8)). In this case, the leading end of the registration roller 1
Slightly curving the transfer paper 120 in contact with 15
In this state, rotate the registration roller 115 to
When the transfer paper 120 starts to be fed to the secondary transfer section B, the transfer paper 120
Without causing skew on the intermediate transfer member 1
02 with good timing according to the tip of the toner image on
Can be Turn off the paper feed motor clutch (paper feed MC).
The timing at which the transfer paper 120
Of course should be set appropriately according to the transport speed. The rotation of the paper feed roller 114 causes the paper to be fed.
The transfer paper 120 of the paper unit 113 is supplied.
Formed on the photoreceptor drum 101 by vibration during the operation of
If there is a possibility that the electrostatic latent image
Do not feed the transfer paper 120 when forming the latent image.
It is good to have a simple operation sequence. The secondary transfer section shown in FIG.
The timing chart of the pressure welding
Standing up in a straight line with
2 are initially separated from the pressure roller 103,
It takes a certain amount of time to complete the contact,
The reason that it falls with a straight line with a slope at the time of release is
When the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
Meaning that it takes some time to leave completely
I have. It should be noted that the intermediate transfer member 10
2 starts the secondary transfer of the toner image to the transfer paper 120
At the timing, the pressure roller 103 and the intermediate transfer body 102
And complete contact with the secondary transfer section
What you have to do, the photoconductor drum 101, the middle
The transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103 are
That it must be rotating at a high peripheral linear velocity
is there. From such a viewpoint, in this example, (6) in FIG.
As shown in (23) and (28), the start time of the secondary transfer is
Pressing MC is cut by imming, and pressure roller 103 is free.
And the pressure roller 103 is rotated intermediately.
It is driven and rotated by the rotation of the rotation of the object 102,
The peripheral linear velocities of both are matched. The above has been described with reference to the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
To obtain a full-color final image on the transfer paper 120
The outline of the operation is as follows.
A method for primary transferring the image to the intermediate transfer body 102,
Secondary transfer of toner image on intermediate transfer body 102 to transfer paper 120
And fixing the secondary transferred toner image.
And reveal. First, the secondary transfer method will be described.
In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
Surface of 102 shows releasability to molten toner
Material, for example, silicone rubber,
In the vicinity of the intermediate transfer member 102, the rotation
When viewed from the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 101,
In the area upstream of the next transfer section B,
Pumps, nickel-chrome alloy wires or ribbons
The data 121 are arranged to face each other. FIG. 5 shows an example of the intermediate transfer member 102.
Drum base of rigid material such as aluminum
102a, a rubber hardness of 3 with a thickness of 500 to 5000 μm
0-80 degree elastic layer 102b, carbon black dispersed
30-300μm thick conductive material made of polyimide
Layer 102c, insulating layer 102d having a thickness of 10 to 300 μm
Sheets were bonded with the elastic layer 102b inside.
It is preferable to use one. Further, the intermediate transfer member 102
Surface of the toner image is larger than the size of the toner constituting the toner image.
If it is convex, there is a possibility that transfer omission may occur.
is there. Therefore, for example, the toner has a substantially minimum particle size.
When the thickness is 5 μm, the unevenness of the surface of the intermediate transfer member is 5 μm or less.
It is desirable. The heater 121 described above corresponds to (29) in FIG.
It turns on at the timing shown, and the above-mentioned
Full-color toner comprising four color toners formed as described above
Before the image reaches the secondary transfer portion B, the toner image
A heat ray is irradiated from the heater 121. At this time, full color
The black toner in the toner image directly absorbs heat rays
The chromatic toner that has melted and is transparent to heat rays is supplied to the heater 121.
Indirect by heat from the intermediate transfer body 102
Is heated and melted to form a full-color toner image.
The melter is melted so as to have almost the same viscosity. The full-color toner image thus fused
However, as the intermediate transfer body 102 rotates, the transfer paper 120
When reaching the existing secondary transfer portion B, the intermediate transfer member
The surface of 102 is a toner that has been melted and fluidized as described above.
Release properties from the intermediate transfer body 102
The fused toner image is effectively transferred to the transfer paper 120. This
The molten toner transferred to the transfer paper 120 as shown in FIG.
Penetrates into the toner image at the same time as the secondary transfer of the toner image.
The transferred toner image can be fixed on the transfer paper 120.
Accordingly, the transfer paper 120 after the completion of the secondary transfer is transferred to the fixing device.
The paper can be discharged as it is without passing it, simplifying the configuration of the device.
Can be simplified. The heater 121 is used for the secondary transfer of the toner image.
The toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is
Required for transfer and fixing of the transferred toner image
It supplies energy, and the toner
If the temperature is too low, the toner contacts the transfer paper 120 and
The temperature of the contact interface drops when the toner
Improper transfer occurs without being transparent. Conversely, the toner
If it is too much, the transfer paper is likely to be deformed in various forms. An example
For example, for a toner having a glass transition temperature of 60 ° C.
Sets the temperature of the transfer paper 120 to about 60 to 120 ° C.
It is desirable that the transfer paper
Transfers a toner image onto transfer paper without substantially deforming 120
Can be As described above, in this embodiment, the intermediate transfer member 102
It is configured to melt the upper toner image and perform secondary transfer
At this time, the heater 121 is connected to the toner on the intermediate transfer body.
This constitutes an example of a heating unit for melting the toner of the image. this
The fused toner image is pressed by the pressure roller 103.
Secondary transfer to the transfer paper 120 pressed against the intermediate transfer body 102
It is a picture. A heater is also provided inside the pressure roller 103.
The roller 103 is a heat roller, and the roller 10
Is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature of the toner.
During the secondary transfer of the toner image, the transfer paper 120 is heated to form toner.
It can be configured to provide the required amount of heat,
A configuration in which a heater is provided inside the intermediate transfer body 102 is also available.
Can be adopted. Thus, the toner on the intermediate transfer body 102
Constructing a heating unit for melting an image toner in various modes
be able to. As described above, in this example, the intermediate transfer member 10
2 is heated by the heater 121
Then, when this is melted and secondarily transferred onto the transfer paper 120,
Both were configured to fix this, but instead
Next, the toner on the intermediate transfer body 102 is heated by the heater 121.
When melting, the heating temperature is higher than in the above configuration.
When the toner image is secondarily transferred to the transfer paper 120,
This may not be fixed on the transfer paper. This place
In this case, the transfer paper that has passed through the secondary transfer portion B is not shown.
The toner image on the transfer paper.
Fix by heat. Alternatively, the toner on the intermediate transfer member 102 is completely
Do not melt, but instead bias the pressure roller 103
A voltage is applied to electrostatically transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102.
To the transfer paper 120 to transfer the toner image onto the transfer paper.
Secondary transfer may be performed. In this case, the secondary transfer unit is also used.
B, the toner image on the transfer paper is heated by a fixing device.
It needs to be established. Further, the melting of the toner and the pressing
Intermediate bias by applying the bias voltage to the
Secondary transfer of the toner image on the photoconductor 102 to the transfer paper 120
You may do so. It should be noted that any of the secondary transfer methods is adopted.
Also, the intermediate transfer body 102 after the secondary transfer is
Cleaning by the cleaning device 112
In the example, the cleaning device 112 has a surface energy
Having a low heat roller 112a,
When cleaning the residual toner, the heat roller 1
12a is pressed against the peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 102,
The toner is melted and transferred to the roller 112a side.
To clean the intermediate transfer member 102.
You. The heat roller 112a is made of, for example, aluminum.
Teflon (registered trademark) on the surface of the roller
Made of a material coated with a highly releasable material
The toner adhering to the heat roller 112a is
2a scraped by rubber blade 112b pressed against
The scraped toner is removed by the cleaning device 11.
Is stored in the second casing 112c. The toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 is melted.
When the secondary transfer is performed on the transfer paper 120 without using the
02 as the cleaning device 112 for the intermediate transfer
An elastic blade or a magnetic brush pressed against the body 102,
Or, a device having a cleaning member such as a bias roller.
Can also be used. Next, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 101 is
For the primary transfer to the intermediate transfer member 102, the intermediate transfer member 10
2 on the intermediate transfer member 102 using the adhesiveness of the surface of
-Adhesive method for primary transfer of image and transfer to intermediate transfer body 102
Bias voltage to remove the toner on the photosensitive drum 101
Primary transfer by electrostatically attracting to the surface of the intermediate transfer member 102
And the one color formed on the photosensitive drum 101
Either of the above described toner images on the intermediate transfer body 102
After the primary transfer according to the formula, the toner images of the subsequent colors are intermediately transferred.
When the primary transfer is performed on the photoconductor 102,
Is heated by the heater 121
And melt it.
Primary transfer of the toner image 101 on the intermediate transfer member 102
It is conceivable that the melt adhesion method and the transfer method
It is. The primary transfer is performed using any of the above-described methods.
May be performed, but as described above, the surface of the intermediate transfer body 102
With a viscoelastic material such as silicone rubber
When configured, the surface becomes tacky to toner at room temperature.
As shown in FIG.
Adhesive transfer of the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102
Can be. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 101 is
When the primary transfer is electrically performed on the intermediate transfer body 102, for example,
For example, the conductive layer 102c of the intermediate transfer body 102 shown in FIG.
The drum base 102a is insulated from the drum base 102a.
At the time of next transfer, a bias voltage is applied to this conductive layer 102c.
What should I do? The surface of the intermediate transfer member 102 is
When the intermediate transfer member 102 is primary-transferred,
And the photosensitive drum 101 are in close contact with each other, and the photosensitive drum
Sufficient contact area and uniform pressure can be obtained with 101
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the formation of an uneven gap between the two.
Resolution, while preventing toner scattering, without uneven density
Intermediate transfer member 102 with a toner image having excellent degree and dot reproducibility.
And thus on transfer paper. Incidentally, in the above description, the photosensitive drum
Primary transfer of each toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102
And a toner image on which the toner image is superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 102.
A full-color toner image was formed, but full
A color toner image can be transferred in an overlapping manner. in this case
Pressurizes the transfer paper 120 fed from the paper supply unit 113
It is wound around the peripheral surface of the roller 103 and is then clamped (shown in FIG.
And the first color from the photosensitive drum 101
After the primary transfer of the toner image of
Transfer paper with toner image wrapped around pressure roller 103
The secondary transfer is directly performed on the sheet 120. This secondary transfer is also intermediate
The toner of the toner image on the transfer body 102 is heated by the heater 121.
And transfer it to the transfer paper 120,
The toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is transferred to the transfer paper 120
Copy. Subsequently, for the second and subsequent color toner images,
Each time this is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 102, the transfer paper
120, and the toner images of each color are finally transferred to transfer paper 1.
20 to form a full-color toner image. So
After that, the transfer paper 120 is peeled off from the pressure roller 103.
This is discharged to the paper discharge unit 119. A toner image is superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 102
The primary transfer is performed, and the secondary transfer is collectively performed on the transfer paper 120.
When the transfer paper 120 is
In this case, the transfer paper 120 is pre-heated
The toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 on the transfer paper 120
May be secondarily transferred. In this case, transfer
The operation timing of the transport system of the paper 120 is as shown in FIG.
Is different from As described above, the toner images are sequentially superimposed on the transfer paper.
Transfer or full transfer on the intermediate transfer body 102 onto transfer paper
Select whether to transfer color toner images at once, and
The image forming operation can be performed by appropriately combining the primary transfer methods described above.
The combination is as follows. Adhesion of the first color, adhesion of the second and subsequent colors, color superimposition on the intermediate transfer body First color electrostatic, electrostatic of the second and subsequent colors, color superimposition on the intermediate transfer body First color adhesion, electrostatic of the second and subsequent colors, color on the intermediate transfer body Overlay First color adhesive / electrostatic, Second color and later adhesive / electrostatic, Intermediate transfer body color overlay First color adhesive, Second color and later melt adhesive, Intermediate transfer body color overlay First color adhesive, Second color and later adhesive, Transfer paper color Overlay First color electrostatic, Second and subsequent colors electrostatic, Color overlay on transfer paper As described above with reference to FIGS.
Next, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is transferred to the transfer paper 120.
At the time of the next transfer, the full-color toner
-Feed the transfer paper 120 in time with the leading edge of the image
However, due to the deterioration of the paper feed roller 114, etc.
When a paper feeding failure occurs, the transfer paper 120
May not be transported. Such transfer paper transfer
Rubble or jam
Switch (paper feed MC) turns on and the rotation of the paper feed roller 114
After a certain time from the start, the above-mentioned registration detection sensor
If the transfer paper 116 does not detect the leading edge of the transfer paper,
The CPU determines that there is a supply failure, that is, a jam has occurred.
I do. In (10) of FIG. 2, the transfer paper 120 is jammed.
Of the registration detection sensor 116 when transported without
Operating status, and the paper jam detection timing
Is indicated as “Jam 1”. Such a "jam
The operation when "1" is detected will be described later. On the other hand, the transfer paper 120 is
In the case where the paper is normally transported without jamming in the vicinity of 5
In this case, the transfer paper 120 is finally discharged to the paper discharge section 119.
However, as shown in FIG.
Is provided with a paper ejection detection sensor 118.
To detect the jam of the transfer paper 120.
Has been established. That is, the above-described registration detection sensor 1
16 is turned on after detecting the leading end of the transfer paper 120,
After a lapse of a fixed time, the paper discharge detection sensor 118 did not turn on.
In this case, the CPU operates between the registration roller section and the paper discharge section.
It is determined that a jam of the transfer paper 120 has occurred. Of FIG.
(11) is a paper discharge when such a jam does not occur.
Indicates the detection status.
The judgment timing is shown as “jam 2”. This
The operation when "Jam 2" is detected will be described later.
explain in detail. As can be seen from the above detailed description,
Transfer body 102, photosensitive drum 101, and intermediate transfer body 1
02 and the pressure roller 103 can be separated from each other.
Supported, for example, except during image forming operations
When the intermediate transfer body 102 is
And the intermediate transfer member 102 from the pressure roller 103.
Can be separated from the photosensitive drum 101,
Load applied to the surface of the transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
And achieve a longer service life.
The load on the drive shaft of the element can be reduced. Further, as in this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 101
Toner images of different colors are sequentially formed on the top, and this is intermediately transferred
The primary transfer is sequentially performed on the body 102 and the toner image is
During the secondary transfer to the transfer paper 120, the
The intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103 are separated from each other, and
At the time of the next transfer, the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer body 102
Can be kept apart from each other,
The toner image on 102 is a pressure roller 103 or a photosensitive drum.
The problem of shifting to 101 can be prevented. At this time, it is clear from the place described in detail above.
As is clear, the photosensitive drum 101 and the pressure roller 103
Are rotatable but supported in a fixed position,
The intermediate transfer member 102 is rotatable, and is a photosensitive drum.
Move so as to come in contact with and separate from 101 and pressure roller 103
Supported at least during the primary transfer.
02 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101 and at least
At the time of copying, the intermediate transfer body 102 is
Roller 103, so that
Transfer body 102, photosensitive drum 101, and intermediate transfer body 1
02 and the pressure roller 103 by an extremely simple mechanism.
Each of them can be moved toward and away from each other. Each element 10
1,102,103
Only the intermediate transfer member 102 is moved. Conventionally, a photosensitive drum, an intermediate transfer member, and a pressure
Transfer at least two of the three elements of the roller
Movably supported, configured to move each one apart
The general idea was that the contact / separation mechanism
It must be very complicated, and the cost of the image forming
The problem was that the
And it is easy to solve such problems
It is. Further, as described above, the intermediate transfer member 102 is
It should be separated from the optical drum 101 and the pressure roller 103
The toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102
Table of intermediate transfer body 102 after secondary transfer to transfer paper 120
The cleaning device 112 for cleaning the surface includes the intermediate transfer body 1.
02 together with the heater shown in FIG.
Since the heater 121 and the temperature sensor 123 move together,
Can be further simplified. For example, as shown in FIGS.
The rotating shaft 202 of the transfer body 102 and the cleaning device 11
2, the longitudinal ends of the temperature sensor 123 and the heater 121
Parts are respectively supported by a pair of common support plates 1, and each support
The left and right ends in the drawing of the plate 1 are
Slidably fitted to the first and second support plates 1 and 3
A rack 4 is provided integrally at the end, and this rack 4 is
Meshing with the pinion 5 rotatably supported by the forming device body
Let it go. The intermediate transfer body 102 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101
The intermediate transfer member 1 is moved toward and away from the roller 103.
02 is moved up and down as shown in FIGS.
Activate the lifting motor ((25) in Fig. 2)
The nonion 5 is driven to rotate so that both support plates 1 are moved up and down.
To operate. Thus, the intermediate transfer body 102 is
The leaning device 112, the temperature sensor 123, and the
3 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate transfer member 102 is
1 or the pressure roller 103.
The intermediate transfer body 102 is moved to the retracted position shown by the solid line in FIG.
Can be made. As described above, an extremely simple contact / separation mechanism is used.
The intermediate transfer member 102 and the photosensitive drum 101
The transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
You can do it. By the way, in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
In other words, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is transferred to the transfer paper 120.
Intermediate transfer by heater 121 for the purpose of secondary transfer to
Apply thermal energy to the toner image on the object 102
However, such a fusion secondary transfer method is adopted.
When not used, the secondary transfer to the transfer paper 120 is performed as described above.
The transferred toner image is fixed on the transfer paper by the heat of the fixing device.
I need to wear it. In this way, either method is adopted
However, since there is a heat source inside the image forming
If the photosensitive drum 10 is left
The charging characteristics of the photosensitive drum 101
May be fused to the toner. In order to prevent such a problem, the present embodiment
The photoreceptor is shown in FIG. 1 and described above.
A drum 101 is formed by an intermediate transfer body 102 and a pressure roller 103.
Located below and above the photosensitive drum 101
The toner image on the photoreceptor drum 101 is
It is configured to perform primary transfer. With this configuration, the heater 121 serving as a heat source
And the intermediate device heated by the fixing device and the heater 121
All of the transfer members 102 are positioned above the photosensitive drum 101.
And the heat radiated from them escapes upward.
The photosensitive drum 101 is affected by heat.
Can be prevented. Thus, the photosensitive drum
The extremely simple configuration of setting the position of 101
To protect the photosensitive drum 101 from heat,
It is possible to prevent the bottom and the fusion of the toner. The toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 is
For example, it is melted by heating means including a heater 121,
An image form in which the molten toner image is secondarily transferred to the transfer paper 120
1. An intermediate transfer body 1 as shown in FIG.
02 and the photosensitive drum 101 are supported so that they can be separated from each other.
And at least at the time of primary transfer, the intermediate transfer body 102 and the photosensitive body
When the drums 101 are configured to be pressed against each other,
As shown in FIG. 2 (27), the intermediate transfer member 102 and the photosensitive member
When the drum 101 is in pressure contact, as shown in FIG.
So that the heater 121 is not operated.
Control the temperature of the photosensitive drum 101
Can be effectively suppressed. That is, the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer
When the body 102 is in pressure contact, the heater 121 is turned on.
When the intermediate transfer body 102 is irradiated in the state,
102 is heated and this heat presses against the intermediate transfer body 102
Is transmitted directly to the photosensitive drum 101
The temperature of the optical drum 101 rises, and the above-described problem is likely to occur.
It becomes. On the other hand, as described above, the intermediate transfer member 102
The heater 121 is turned off when the photosensitive drum 101 and the photosensitive drum 101 are pressed against each other.
By doing so, the temperature of the intermediate transfer member 102 can be prevented from rising.
That the temperature of the photosensitive drum 101 rises to an excessively high temperature.
However, there is no deterioration in the characteristics and
Thus, the fusion of the toner can be effectively prevented. In the example shown in FIG. 2, (21), (2)
7) and (29), on the photosensitive drum 101
The primary transfer of the toner image of
After the transfer member 102 is separated from the photosensitive drum 101,
When the heater 121 is turned on, the toner on the intermediate transfer body 102
The heat transfer to the image is started, and the intermediate transfer member 10 is started.
After the transfer of the second toner image onto the transfer paper 120,
Control the heater 121 so as to turn off the heater 121,
The overheating of the photosensitive drum 101 is prevented. Further, the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102
Is melted by a heating means including, for example, a heater 121.
Then, the above-described configuration for secondary transfer to the transfer paper 120 is used.
The temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer member 102 by the temperature detecting means.
And the surface temperature of the intermediate transfer body 102 is lower than a predetermined value.
That the temperature was detected by the temperature detector
The image forming operation is interrupted,
Deterioration of characteristics due to overheating of the drum 101 and the photosensitive drum
The problem that toner fuses to the
And the photosensitive drum 101 can be protected. The above-described temperature sensor 123 detects such a temperature.
This constitutes an example of the degree detecting means. Such temperature
The sensor 123 is, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, an infrared sensor.
And an intermediate transfer member as shown in FIG.
So that the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 is not disturbed.
2 are arranged opposite to each other in a non-contact state. Or,
This temperature sensor forms a toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102.
Contact the surface of the intermediate transfer
You may make it contact the inside of the transfer body 102. In general, the direction of the axis of the intermediate
The amount of heat dissipated at both ends rather than at the center
And the surface temperature of the intermediate transfer body 102 increases in the axial direction.
Supply to both ends of the intermediate transfer member 102
Increase the amount of heat supply energy from its central part
The sensor 123 controls the entire temperature of the intermediate transfer body 102.
So that it can be detected correctly,
Physical surface temperature and temperature sensor 123 detects temperature
By correcting the difference between the temperature at the place and the intermediate transfer body 10
It is desirable to be able to detect the second temperature. As shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate transfer member 102
The signal of the temperature sensor 123 for detecting the surface temperature is supplied to a comparator
6, the output signal of the comparator 6
Is input to the CPU 7. The reference value of the comparator 6 is, for example,
If the characteristics of the photosensitive drum 101 are deteriorated,
There is no problem that toner fuses to the body drum 101
The reference value and the temperature sensor 12
3 are compared. The output of the comparator 6 causes the CPU 7 to
It is determined that the surface temperature of the transfer body 102 has exceeded a predetermined temperature.
When the image forming operation is stopped, the image forming operation is
The operation is interrupted. That is, the heater 121 is turned off,
The optical drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 102 are in pressure contact with each other.
Sometimes, these are separated, and the intermediate transfer body 102 is pressed
When the roller 103 is in pressure contact, the pressure contact is also released.
Then, the intermediate transfer member 102 is brought to the retracted position. Also this
When transfer paper 120 is present in secondary transfer section B
Is the transfer paper 120 discharged to the paper discharge unit 119?
Then, the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103 are separated from each other.
After that, the transfer belt 122 and the paper discharge roller
Roller 117 and the like, and stop the registration roller 115 and supply.
The operation of the paper roller 114 is also interrupted. However, the photosensitive drums 10 separated from each other
1. Regarding the rotation of the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
If this is the case, let this continue and cool them as soon as possible.
It is preferable to let them be removed. As described above, the intermediate state of the temperature sensor 123
The temperature of the transfer body 102 is constantly detected, and the intermediate transfer body 102 is detected.
Surface temperature of the photosensitive drum 101, and thus the temperature of the photosensitive drum 101 rises
Is detected by the temperature sensor 123,
By interrupting the image forming operation, the photosensitive drum 1
01 due to overheating of the toner and fusing of toner.
It can be reliably prevented. The surface temperature of the intermediate transfer member 102 decreases,
The overheating of the optical drum 101 can be avoided.
Is detected by the temperature sensor 123, the CPU 7
With these commands, the image forming operation is restarted. Here, a fan is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus.
A heat pipe on the intermediate transfer body 102
The intermediate transfer body 102 is cooled
Equipment, and the surface temperature is set to a predetermined value as described above.
When it is detected that the temperature exceeds the value,
Therefore, the intermediate transfer body 102 is actively cooled.
Then, the photosensitive drum 101 is more reliably protected from heat.
And restart the image forming operation early
It becomes possible. By the way, in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
Therefore, as described above, the transfer paper is transportable, that is,
When a jam occurs, FIG. 2 shows “Jam 1” and “Jam 1”.
The jam is detected as shown by
It is configured as follows. Such transfer paper jam is detected
Is displayed on the display section of the main body of the image forming apparatus.
In the past, the image was detected at the same time as the detection of this jam.
The entire operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped, and the image forming operation is performed.
Had been discontinued. Jam paper is removed by the operator
The conditions for removal are confirmed and the image is formed.
Is configured to wait for a print start signal when
It was being done. However, simultaneously with the occurrence of a jam as described above,
The operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped, and the photosensitive drum 101 is stopped.
When the rotation of the intermediate transfer member 102 is stopped, the photosensitive drum
The medium 101 is an intermediate inverter whose part is heated to a high temperature.
It stops while facing the object 102.
A large amount of heat is transferred from the intermediary transfer member 102 to the photosensitive drum.
101 is heated in a state where it is locally frayed. This
If this happens, the charging characteristics of the photosensitive drum 101 deteriorate.
In addition, the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 may be destroyed.
There is also it. Therefore, in this example, the jam of the transfer paper 120 is
When it is detected, the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer body 10
What is the state of pressure contact or separation between
Even in the situation, the intermediate transfer body 102 is retracted as shown in FIG.
The photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 1
02, and the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
And the intermediate transfer with the photosensitive drum 101.
A predetermined time after the jam is detected without stopping the rotation of the body 102
Only the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 102 are rotated.
It is configured to continue. And the predetermined time has passed
Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 102 are stopped.
In this state, the jam is displayed on the display, and the jam
Inform the operator of the fact. Thus, the photosensitive drum 1
01 while the intermediate transfer body 102 is being rotated for a predetermined time.
Then they are cooled. The photosensitive drum 101 is rotated as described above.
If this is done, only a part of it will
The photoconductor drum 101 does not remain facing
Overheating can be prevented, and intermediate transfer with the photosensitive drum 101
These are effectively cooled by rotating the body 102.
Can be dismissed. Activate the cooling device described above
To further stack the intermediate transfer body 102 and the photosensitive drum 101.
Extreme cooling is also possible. Also, the intermediate transfer member 102
Is rotating, the transfer paper 120 that caused the jam
Heating can also be prevented, and excessive heat is applied to the transfer paper.
Can be prevented. The photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer member 10
During the above rotation of 2, these are separated from each other,
Even if a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer body 102,
There is also a problem that this moves backward to the photosensitive drum 101.
Do not live. When a jam is detected, the heater 121, etc.
Off and stop the image forming operation
No change. In this example, as shown in FIG.
Transfer paper at the timing of "Jam 1" and "Jam 2"
120 jams are detected, so these jams
The operation at the time of detection is described below. First, the detection of the jam 1 is sent to the secondary transfer portion B.
Check whether the supplied transfer paper 120 has jammed.
This jam 1 is detected.
And set the jam detection flag (see (12) in FIG. 2).
Operation), recognize jams, and stop image-forming operations.
Step. That is, the paper feed MC is turned off and the paper feed roller 11
4 is stopped, the heater 121 is turned off, and the intermediate transfer body 102 is turned off.
Heating operation of the upper toner is interrupted and pressurized MC is turned off
Then, the rotation of the pressure roller 103 is stopped. Also intermediate rotation
Activating the cleaning device 112 for the object 102
No cleaning operation is performed on the intermediate transfer body 102
The registration MC is not turned on, and the registration rollers 115 are not turned on.
Does not rotate. When this jam is detected, the photoconductor
And the pressure roller 103
Although they are separated from each other, the detection of jam 1
This separated state is maintained, and the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure row
La 103 does not come into pressure contact. During normal operation, first, the intermediate transfer member 102
The pressure roller 103 that is not in contact with the transfer paper 120
It is controlled so as to be pressed against the intermediate transfer body 102 in accordance with the conveyance.
((27) in FIG. 2), but the supply of the transfer paper 120 should be performed.
When a defect (jam 1) occurs, the intermediate transfer member 102
Is transferred directly to the surface of the pressure roller 103 from the
In order to prevent this from happening, press contact between the two is prohibited.
Thus, between the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
When the transfer paper 120 does not exist in the
Is controlled so as not to press against the intermediate transfer member 102. The image forming operation is stopped as described above.
However, the photosensitive drum 101 and the intermediate transfer body 102
Even if 1 is detected, the motor continues to rotate for a predetermined time and stops.
The jam is displayed when the operation is stopped, and the operation is waited for by the operator.
One. Transfer paper jammed by operator is removed
When the CPU determines that fact, the image forming apparatus is started up.
And press the print key by the operator.
The image forming operation is continued. Thus, the photosensitive drum
101 can continue to operate without overheating
Because On the other hand, the aforementioned “jam 2” is detected.
And operations related to the secondary transfer, ie, resist MC,
Pressing of the heater and secondary transfer unit and pressurizing MC are all stopped.
Release the chair, set the jam detection flag, and recognize the jam
I do. However, also in this case, the photosensitive drums 1 separated from each other
01 and the rotation of the intermediate transfer member 102 continue, and the photosensitive drum 1
Allow 01 to cool. At this time, the secondary transfer was stopped halfway.
Therefore, the rear end portion of the toner image remains on the intermediate transfer body 102.
ing. Therefore, as described above, the rotation of the intermediate transfer body 102
And the cleaning device 112 is operated.
The cleaning of the intermediate transfer member 102 is performed. Photoconductor drum
After stopping the rotation of 101 and the intermediate transfer member 102,
Notify the operator of the occurrence of the jam, and
Wait for the work. The fact that the jammed transfer paper has been removed is indicated by C.
When the PU determines, the image forming apparatus is started up and the operator
Wait for the next operation. At this time, the state of the image forming apparatus main body is
This is the initial state. However, the set value of the first image forming state,
For example, input data such as the number of copies, magnification,
Remains in the moly, so the operator continues to print
If you press the key, the remaining number of copies before jam occurs
Output. By the way, the image formation shown in FIGS.
In the apparatus, it is supplied to a secondary transfer section B where the secondary transfer is performed.
Whether the supplied transfer paper 120 has caused transport trouble
Detection, that is, the detection of jam 1, completes the primary transfer.
The intermediate transfer member 102 and the photosensitive drum 101 are separated from each other.
The intermediate transfer member 102 and the pressure roller 10
3 before pressing, that is, before the secondary transfer is performed.
It is configured to be. In other words, jam 1
When the detection is performed, it already appears on the intermediate transfer body 102.
The entire power image, in this example, a full-color toner image is formed
All the toner images on the photosensitive drum 101 are intermediate transfer members.
The primary transfer to 102 has been completed. In such a case, the detection timing of the jam 1
When the fine particle toner is used
Cleaning device 1 for cleaning the photosensitive drum 101
11 can be effectively reduced. At this time
Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B and FIG.
Thus, all the toner images are formed on the photosensitive drum 101.
When the toner image is completely transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 102,
After copying, it is checked whether jam 1 has occurred.
It is. If jam 1 is not detected here,
Normal sequence is performed (FIG. 7 (d)),
1 is detected, the image forming operation is stopped as described above.
(FIG. 7 (e)). However, in this example, the photosensitive drum
For the intermediate transfer body 101 and the intermediate transfer body 102,
After rotation, they are stopped. Next, the roll jammed by the operator.
The CPU indicates that the copy paper has been removed and the transfer paper has been removed.
When the determination is made (FIG. 7F), the image forming apparatus is started up.
And waits for the next operation by the operator.
A full-color toner image is formed on the photoconductor 102.
You. Here, for example, the operator operates the intermediate transfer member.
Where the toner image formed on the
In this case, the operator operates the operation unit on the intermediate transfer member 102.
Intermediary transfer member cleaning switch for cleaning the
Switch (not shown). This enables intermediate transfer
As the body 102 starts rotating counterclockwise in FIG.
The toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 is turned on.
Melt and activate cleaning device 112
To remove the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102,
Cleaning is performed ((g) and (h) in FIG. 7). This and
The photosensitive drum 101 and the pressure roller 103
It is separated from the body 102. As described above, the toner on the photosensitive drum 101
-Since the image is not cleaned, the cleaning device 11
1 can be reduced, and its life can be extended.
Further, the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 is melted,
This is removed by the cleaning device 112,
Rather than removing body toner, cleaning device 11
2 can reduce the burden and shorten the life of the cleaning device 112.
Can also be prevented. Conventionally, when a jam occurs, the photosensitive drum
Remove the jammed paper because the toner image has been formed
After cleaning, the toner image on the photoconductor drum is cleaned.
Cleaning by the printing device to perform the image forming operation.
Cleaning device for the photoreceptor drum
Heavy load on the device and its life may be shortened
However, according to the above configuration, when the jam 1 is detected,
Indicates that all the toner images on the photosensitive drum 101 have already undergone intermediate rotation.
Since the primary transfer has been completed on the photo body 102,
No failures occur. On the other hand, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is
As described above, the removal by the cleaning device 112 is performed.
Unnecessary paper generated in offices (Misco
Paper, etc.) to the secondary transfer section B and add this paper.
Pressure is applied to the intermediate transfer member 102 by the pressure roller 103
And the intermediate transfer body 10 melted by the heater 121
2. Simultaneous secondary transfer fixing of toner image on paper
((I) and (j) in FIG. 7). At this time, intermediate rotation
Secondary transfer of toner image on photoreceptor 102 to paper electrostatically
You may. Intermediate transfer member after transfer of toner image to paper
102 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112. Thus, the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102
Is secondary-transferred to unnecessary paper and discharged to the paper discharge section 119.
The cleaning device for the intermediate transfer member 102.
Can further reduce the burden on the device 112 and achieve a longer life.
Wear. Moreover, the toner image is transferred to the originally discarded paper.
Therefore, effective use of waste can be achieved. Office
Insert unnecessary paper (miscopy paper)
A separate paper feed section is provided to keep the paper feed section
Feeds unnecessary paper from the printer and secondary-transfers the toner image onto it.
It can also be configured so that: [0111] Further, the unused paper is fed from the paper feeding unit 113 shown in FIG.
New transfer paper 120 for the same as above
To the secondary transfer section B, where the intermediate transfer member 102
The upper toner image is transferred, and the transfer paper 120 is transferred to the discharge unit 11.
9 and this transfer paper will be used as a finished copy paper.
Can be used as is, preventing wasteful consumption of toner
((K), (l) in FIG. 7). As described above, the transfer paper having a defective supply is
After removal, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 102
The newly supplied transfer paper (unnecessary paper or new
Cleaning device 1 by secondary transfer onto paper).
12 can be effectively reduced. After the jam paper is removed, the intermediate transfer member is removed as described above.
Conditions for cleaning 102 and forming an image
Waits for the print start signal.
You. In addition, the cleaning of the intermediate transfer body 102 is simultaneously performed.
Then, if necessary, the photosensitive drum 101 is also cleaned.
Although cleaning may be performed by the device 111,
Also, the toner before the primary transfer is placed on the photosensitive drum 101.
Since no image is formed, the cleaning device 111
The burden can be prevented from becoming excessive. The operator forms the image on the intermediate transfer member 102
Transferred toner image to new transfer paper (unnecessary paper or
Transfer to new paper) and output
Turn on the image output switch (not shown) on the operation unit of the main unit.
Operation to feed new transfer paper from the paper feed section.
The toner image on the transfer paper at the same time as the secondary transfer.
You just need to be able to do it. At this time, the intermediate transfer body 10
2 at the timing when the transfer paper matches the toner image on
Since it is necessary to feed the transfer paper,
Install a detector (not shown) to detect the home position.
This detects the home position,
Front end of toner image on transfer body 102 and front end of new transfer paper
This transfer paper can be fed at the timing
Desired. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the jam 1
Before stopping the image forming operation when it occurs, or removing jammed paper
At an appropriate time, such as afterward, the aforementioned intermediate transfer member cleaning switch
Without the need to operate the
Melts the toner image and sends it to the cleaning device 112
Therefore, it can be configured to perform cleaning. By the way, in the configuration shown in FIG.
The toner of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 102 is
23, and the molten toner is pressed by a pressure roller.
Recording medium pressed against intermediate transfer body 102 by 103
The secondary transfer is performed on the recording medium.
In addition to paper quality such as paper passing, resin-made materials are used.
It is not uncommon. For example, an overhead project
Using a resin sheet for the
Forming images is also widely practiced. Such resin
Sheets generally have large heat capacities and therefore resin sheets
The secondary transfer of the fused toner image on the intermediate transfer member 102 onto the
First, a toner image is fused onto a transfer paper 120 made of plain paper.
Formed on the intermediate transfer member 102 rather than at the time of the next transfer
Need to apply a large amount of thermal energy to the damaged toner image
There is. On the other hand, in the timing chart shown in FIG.
In this case, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102 is secondarily transferred.
When the intermediate transfer body 102 makes one rotation,
Heat energy from the heater 123 to the toner image.
However, when a resin-made recording medium is used
With such thermal energy application, the intermediate transfer member 10
2 is transferred to the recording medium without fail and
It may be difficult to fix at the same time. Then, if the recording medium is made of resin,
The intermediate transfer member 10 with the heater 123 operating.
2 is rotated a plurality of times to form a toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102.
Give enough heat energy to melt this, then
Feeds the recording medium and records the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 102
It is configured to perform secondary transfer to a medium. In this way,
Regardless of the material of the recording medium, high-quality final images
Obtainable. [0119] The recording medium may be made of only its material.
And various thicknesses are used.
Image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer body and the pressure roller
The thickness of the recording medium was
Is particularly thick between the intermediate transfer member and the pressure roller.
The image is difficult to pass through, and the image is secondarily transferred to this recording medium.
Image quality may be degraded. Intermediate transfer member and pressure roller
Change the pressure with the roller depending on the material of the recording medium.
If the pressure is not adjusted, the image quality may deteriorate.
You. Therefore, in this example, the thickness of the recording medium and its thickness
Depending on the material, the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
Changes the pressure at which the
It is configured so that pressure can be obtained. For example, the thickness
When using a thick recording medium, press
The pressing force of the roller 103 is reduced, and a thick recording medium is
Make sure your body can pass. Specifically, intermediate transfer
When the body 102 is pressed against the pressure roller 103, FIG.
And by controlling the rotation amount of the pinion 5 shown in FIG.
Thus, the pressure contact force between the intermediate transfer body 102 and the pressure roller 103
Can be adjusted. Depending on the thickness of the recording medium,
By controlling the amount of movement of the intermediary transfer body, the intermediate
Changes the pressure applied by pressing through the recording medium.
You. In this way, any material and any thickness
High quality images can be formed on
You. Also, according to the thickness of the recording medium, a pair of registration
Roller 115, or a pair of paper discharge rollers.
It can be configured to adjust the gap. As described above, the image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image
Although an example of the arrangement has been described, the present invention provides an image exclusively for obtaining a monochrome image.
It can also be applied to an image forming apparatus.
Form a one-color toner image and transfer it to the intermediate transfer member
Then, this may be secondarily transferred to a recording medium. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a recording medium is provided.
No matter the thickness of the paper, high quality image
Wear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing an example of the image forming sequence. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which an intermediate transfer member is pressed against a photosensitive drum. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where an intermediate transfer member is pressed against a pressure roller. FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the intermediate transfer member. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart. [Explanation of Signs] 102 Intermediate Transfer Body

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Claims (1)

(57) Claims 1. A toner image is formed on an image carrier that is driven to rotate, and the toner image is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer member that is pressed against the image carrier while rotating. An image forming apparatus for secondary transferring the toner image to a recording medium pressed against an intermediate transfer member by a pressure rotating member, wherein the intermediate transfer member is pressed against an image carrier at the time of primary transfer and the pressure rotation is performed. Separated from the body, pressed against the rotating pressurizing member via the recording medium during the secondary transfer, and supported movably so as to be separated from the image carrier. According to the thickness of the recording medium, the intermediate transfer An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of movement of a body is controlled to change the pressure at which the intermediate transfer body and the pressure rotator press against each other via a recording medium.