JP3867939B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a composite machine using an electrophotographic method, and in particular, after an intermediate transfer of a toner image formed on an image carrier onto an intermediate transfer body. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring and fixing to a transfer material.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine using a conventional electrophotographic system, a toner image of a plurality of different colors is sequentially formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum rotatably supported. After each color developed image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer member (endless intermediate transfer belt) for intermediate transfer, the primary transfer image on the intermediate transfer member is transferred to the transfer material as a secondary transfer. An intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus for transferring is known.
In particular, the intermediate transfer method is a so-called full-color image forming apparatus that reproduces a color-separated document image using primary color mixing with toners such as black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Is used as a superimposing transfer method for each color toner image.
In such an image forming apparatus, due to local transfer omission at the time of the primary transfer and the secondary transfer of the toner constituting the color development image, the transfer material such as the transfer paper which is the final image medium is used. As shown in FIG. 12, there may be a so-called bug-eating portion in which no toner is locally transferred as shown in FIG.
In order to solve such a problem, after a toner image formed on the image carrier is intermediately transferred onto the intermediate image carrier and then transferred to a transfer material to form an image, a certain time interval is used. On the other hand, after the image forming operation is completed or during the image forming operation, fine particles having a toner filming prevention function are applied to the surface of the intermediate image carrier of the intermediate transfer member, and the transfer rate is lowered due to the generation of filming and the blade. A technique is known in which the formation of a bug-eating abnormal image is avoided by preventing the occurrence of entrainment or the like (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 6-337598).
However, in such a conventional image forming apparatus, in order to avoid the formation of a worm-eating abnormal image, a lubricating oil additive is added to the intermediate transfer member at regular intervals after the image forming operation is completed or during the image forming operation. There was a problem that required extra time for application.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional image forming apparatus described above, in order to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images, the lubricant additive is applied to the intermediate transfer member at regular intervals after completion of the image forming operation or during the image forming operation. There was a problem that a lot of time was required. Such time loss has led to problems such as reduced productivity and complicated control.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve such problems. That is, the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member without requiring extra time for applying a lubricant additive on the intermediate transfer member to avoid the formation of abnormal worm-eating images. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in transfer efficiency and entrainment of a cleaning blade and performing high-quality image formation that avoids a subsequent worm-eating abnormal image.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image by transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier onto an intermediate transfer member and then transferring the toner image onto a transfer material. An image carrier that is rotatably supported to form an electrostatic latent image, data receiving means for receiving image data of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, and the image carrier A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the toner image, an intermediate transfer member on which the toner image on the image carrier developed by the developing device is intermediately transferred, and a lubricant additive on the intermediate transfer member. Application means for applying, Only during reception from the start of reception of the image data by the data receiving means The main feature is that the image forming apparatus applies a lubricant additive onto the intermediate transfer member by the applying means.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the coating means includes a coating agent obtained by solidifying the lubricant additive, a brush roller that contacts the coating agent, and the brush roller that rotates. The main feature of the present invention is that the image forming apparatus includes a brush roller driving unit that performs the above operation and a brush roller contacting / separating unit that contacts and separates the brush roller from the intermediate transfer member.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the application means is an image forming apparatus in which the amount of biting of the brush roller into the intermediate transfer member is regulated by a regulating member. And
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, the coating means applies the lubricant additive to the intermediate transfer member before applying the toner image to the transfer material. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus automatically coats the lubricant additive of the coating agent on the intermediate transfer body when the transferred number of transferred sheets is larger than the specified number of accumulated sheets.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, the coating means transfers the toner image after applying the lubricant additive of the coating agent on the previous intermediate transfer member. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus automatically coats the lubricant additive of the coating agent onto the intermediate transfer body when the image cumulative length of the transfer material is longer than the prescribed image cumulative length. The present invention of claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the coating agent is a lubricant additive mainly composed of zinc stearate. Is the main feature.
[0005]
[Action]
In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, in claim 1, the data receiving means is receiving the image data on the intermediate transfer body that intermediately transfers the toner image formed by the developing unit on the image carrier. For example, since the lubricant additive is applied onto the intermediate transfer member by the application means, the lubricant additive is applied onto the intermediate transfer member to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images. This eliminates the need for extra time to apply the agent, prevents the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowers transfer efficiency, and entrains the cleaning blade, and prevents high-quality worm-eating images thereafter. An image forming apparatus in which image formation is performed can be provided.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, on the intermediate transfer member, the data receiving means receives the image data on the intermediate transfer member by the coating means comprising the coating agent, the brush roller, the brush roller driving means, and the brush roller contacting / separating means. Since the lubricant additive coating agent is applied, the lubricant additive coating agent for avoiding the formation of worm-eating abnormal images is automatically applied with a reliable operation. An image that prevents the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowering of transfer efficiency, and entrainment of a cleaning blade, and avoids subsequent worm-eating abnormal images without requiring time. A forming apparatus can be provided.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, on the intermediate transfer body, the data receiving means is lubricated on the intermediate transfer body by a coating means having a restricting member for restricting the amount of the brush roller to bite into the intermediate transfer body while the data receiving means is receiving image data. Since the oil additive coating agent is applied, extra time is required to apply a stable coating amount of the lubricant additive coating agent to avoid the formation of abnormal worm-eating abnormal images. An image forming apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowering of transfer efficiency and entrainment of the cleaning blade, and avoiding subsequent abnormal worm-eating images is performed. Can be provided.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a transfer in which a toner image is transferred onto a transfer material after applying a lubricant additive on the intermediate transfer body while the data receiving means is receiving image data on the intermediate transfer body. When the cumulative number is greater than the specified cumulative number, the coating agent of the lubricating oil additive is automatically applied onto the intermediate transfer member by the application means, so application to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images Even if an appropriate amount of agent is applied, it does not require extra time, prevents toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowers transfer efficiency, and entrains the cleaning blade. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which high-quality image formation is performed while avoiding the above.
According to another aspect of the present invention, while the data receiving means is receiving image data on the intermediate transfer member, the toner image is transferred to the transfer material after the lubricant additive coating agent was applied on the intermediate transfer member last time. When the accumulated image length of the transfer material is longer than the specified image accumulated length, the coating agent of the lubricating oil additive is automatically applied onto the intermediate transfer body by the application means, so transfer materials of different sizes are used. Even if an appropriate amount of coating agent is applied on the intermediate transfer member, there is no need for extra time, toner filming on the intermediate transfer member is generated, transfer efficiency is reduced, and the cleaning blade is involved. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which high-quality image formation is performed while preventing abnormal image of worm-eating after that.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a coating agent of a lubricating oil additive mainly composed of zinc stearate is coated on the intermediate transfer member by the coating unit while the data receiving unit is receiving image data on the intermediate transfer member. As a result, toner filming on the intermediate transfer member and transfer efficiency can be reduced without requiring extra time to apply the lubricant additive to avoid the formation of abnormal worm-eating abnormal images. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents the occurrence of transfer unevenness due to lowering, entrainment of a cleaning blade, and unevenness in the coating amount of the coating agent, and performing high-quality image formation that avoids subsequent worm-eating abnormal images.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are an overall front longitudinal sectional view of a color copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied and an enlarged view of a main part thereof. The color copying machine includes a color scanner unit 20, a color printer. The unit 30 includes a paper feeding unit 40, an image processing unit (not shown), and the like.
The color scanner unit 20 forms an image of the original (O) read on the contact glass 20a on the color sensor 20e via the illumination lamp 20b, the mirror group 20c, and the lens 20d to read the original (O). For example, color image information is read for each color separation light of blue, green, and red, and converted into an electrical signal.
Next, based on the intensity levels of the color separation image signals of blue (Blue), green (Red), and red (Red) obtained by the color scanner unit 20, color change processing is performed by an image processing unit (not shown), Black, cyan, magenta, and yellow color image data are obtained.
An image signal transmitted from the color scanner unit 20 or a host computer or a facsimile machine as the external device 60 and received by the data receiving means 2 of the controller unit 50 is converted into an optical signal by the color printer unit 30, and laser Optical writing corresponding to the read image of the document (O) with light is performed through the polygon mirror 30a, the f / θ lens 30b, and the reflection mirror 30c, and the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 that is rotatably supported. An electrostatic latent image is formed.
[0007]
The photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 rotates counterclockwise in the direction of the arrow A shown in the drawing, and a plurality of developing devices are arranged around the photosensitive drums at predetermined intervals corresponding to the different color images to be developed. (Black) 3a, developing unit (cyan) 3b, developing unit (magenta) 3c, developing unit 3 consisting of developing unit (yellow) 3d, photosensitive member cleaning unit 30d, static elimination lamp 30e, charging unit 30f, potential sensor 30g, development A density pattern detector 30h, an intermediate transfer belt of an intermediate transfer member 4 on which a toner image on the image carrier 1 developed by the developing device 3 is intermediately transferred, and the like are disposed.
Each of a plurality of developing units (black) 3a, developing unit (cyan) 3b, developing unit (magenta) 3c, and developing unit (yellow) 3d of the developing unit 3 carries a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image. A developing sleeve 3e that rotates to face the body 1, a developing paddle 3f that rotates to pump up the developer while stirring, a toner concentration detection sensor 3g that detects the toner concentration of the developer, and the like.
The order of color image forming development operations will be described below with an example of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. However, the order of development operations for color image formation is not limited to this.
When the reading operation of the original (O) on the contact glass 20a is started, the color scanner unit 20 first starts reading black image data from a predetermined timing, or the host computer of the external device 50 The latent image formation is started by optical writing with a laser beam based on the image data transmitted by the controller 50 and received by the data receiving means 2 of the controller unit 50. Hereinafter, an electrostatic latent image based on black image data is referred to as a black latent image. The same applies to each cyan (Cyan), magenta (Magenta), and yellow (Yellow) image data.
[0008]
In order to enable development from the leading edge of the black latent image, the developing sleeve 3e starts rotating before the leading edge of the black latent image reaches the developing position of the developing device (black) 3a. (Black) The latent image is developed with a black toner as a developer. Thereafter, the development operation of the black latent image area is continued, but the development inoperative state is brought into effect when the rear end portion of the black latent image passes the black development position. .
This is completed at least before the leading end of the cyan latent image by the next cyan image data arrives.
A black toner image formed on the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 is intermediately transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 that is moving at the same speed as the surface of the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1. The intermediate transfer is performed by applying a predetermined bias voltage to the transfer bias roller 30i in a state where the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 and the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer body 4 are in contact with each other.
[0009]
Incidentally, on the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer body 4, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow toner images sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 are placed on the same surface. By sequentially aligning, an intermediate transfer image having four colors is formed, and then transferred onto a transfer paper (P) for final transfer.
By the way, in the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1, the process proceeds to the cyan process after the black process, and reading of cyan image data by the color scanner unit 20 starts from a predetermined timing. A cyan latent image is formed by laser beam writing using cyan image data.
The developing unit (cyan) 3b is connected to the developing position of the developing sleeve 3e after the trailing end of the previous black latent image has passed and before the leading end of the cyan latent image has reached. Rotation begins and the cyan latent image is developed with cyan toner. Thereafter, development of the cyan (Cyan) latent image area is continued, but when the rear end portion of the cyan (Cyan) latent image has passed, the development inoperative state is set in the same manner as in the previous developing device (black) 3a. This is also completed before the leading edge of the next magenta latent image arrives.
In addition, regarding the magenta process and the yellow process, the image data reading, latent image forming, and developing operations are the same as those in the black process and the cyan process, and the description is redundant. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted below.
[0010]
The intermediate transfer member 4 is made of a medium resistance material, and is stretched around the drive roller 4a, the transfer bias roller 30i, the driven roller 4b, another driven roller group, and the like, and is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow B by a drive motor (not shown). The toner image on the image carrier 1 which is driven and developed by the developing device 3 is intermediately transferred.
The intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c includes a contact / separation mechanism 4c3 that contacts and separates the brush roller 4c1 and the cleaning blade 4c2 from the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer body 4, and the like. After the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer body 4, the toner images of the second color cyan (Cyan), the third color magenta (Magenta), and the fourth color yellow (Yellow) are transferred to the intermediate transfer body 4. During the transfer, the intermediate transfer body 4 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt surface by the contact / separation mechanism 4c3 or the like.
The coating means 5 is arranged so as to swing in the direction of the arrow C shown in the figure so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the intermediate transfer belt surface of the intermediate transfer body 4, and transmitted from the color scanner unit 20 or the host computer or facsimile apparatus of the external device 60. When the reception of the image signal is started by the data receiving means 2, the lubricant comes in contact with the intermediate transfer belt surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 in accordance with the start of the reception, and then is separated. Yes. The transfer unit 6 includes a transfer bias roller 6 a, a roller cleaning blade 6 b, and a contact / separation mechanism 6 c that contacts and separates the transfer bias roller 6 a from the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer body 4.
The transfer bias roller 6a is usually separated from the intermediate transfer belt surface of the intermediate transfer member 4, but the four-color superimposed toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is transferred to the transfer material (P). At the time of batch transfer onto the transfer paper, it is pressed at the same timing, and a predetermined bias voltage is applied to the transfer bias roller 6a to transfer the transfer material (P) onto the transfer paper.
Note that the transfer material (P) transfer paper is aligned with the timing when the leading end of the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 reaches the transfer position by the paper feed roller 30j and the registration roller 30k. Paper is fed.
[0011]
As the specific driving method of the intermediate transfer member 4 described above, the following three methods can be considered as the operation method after the intermediate transfer of the black toner image of the first color is completed up to the rear end. The intermediate transfer member 4 may be driven by efficiently combining one of these methods or a plurality of methods among them in accordance with the transfer size from the image forming speed.
First, the constant speed forward movement method will be described as the first method. In this method, the black toner image continues to move at a constant speed even after the intermediate transfer of the black toner image, and the black toner image tip position on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is again in contact with the image carrier 1. When the intermediate transfer position is reached, image formation is performed on the image carrier 1 side at the same timing so that the leading end of the next cyan toner image of the second color has just reached that position. . As a result, the cyan toner image is accurately aligned with the black toner image, and is transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 in an intermediate manner.
Thereafter, the same operation is followed to the intermediate transfer process of the third color magenta toner and the fourth color yellow toner image to obtain a four-color superimposed intermediate transfer image. Subsequent to the intermediate transfer process of the yellow toner image of the fourth color, the four-color superimposed toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is transferred as described above while moving forward at the same speed. Batch transfer to paper.
[0012]
As a second method, a skip forward method will be described. In this method, when the intermediate transfer of the black toner image is completed, the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is separated from the surface of the image carrier 1 and is skipped at a high speed in the forward movement direction as it is to move a predetermined amount. Returning to the moving speed, the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is brought into contact with the surface of the image carrier 1 again.
When the leading edge position of the black toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 reaches the intermediate transfer position of the contact portion with the image carrier 1 again, the image carrier 1 side is moved to the next second color. Image formation is performed at the same timing so that the leading edge of the cyan toner image just reaches that position. As a result, the cyan toner image is accurately aligned with the black toner image and transferred to the intermediate transfer body 4.
Thereafter, the same operation is followed to the intermediate transfer process of the third color magenta toner and the fourth color yellow toner image to obtain a four-color superimposed intermediate transfer image.
Subsequent to the intermediate transfer process of the yellow toner image of the fourth color, the four-color superimposed toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 is transferred onto the transfer sheet of the transfer material (P) while moving forward at the same speed. Batch transfer.
[0013]
As a third method, a reciprocating quick return method will be described. In this method, when the intermediate transfer of the black toner image is completed, the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is separated from the surface of the image carrier 1, and the forward movement is stopped and at the same time the high speed return is performed in the reverse direction. In the return, the black toner image leading edge position on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 passes the position corresponding to the intermediate transfer in the reverse direction, and further moves a predetermined distance, and then stops and enters a standby state.
Next, when the leading end portion of the cyan toner image of the second color on the image carrier 1 side reaches a predetermined position before the intermediate transfer position, the intermediate transfer body 4 is again started in the forward movement direction. The surface of the transfer body 4 is brought into contact with the surface of the image carrier 1 again. Also in this case, the cyan toner image of the second color is controlled so that the black toner image is accurately positioned on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 and transferred to the intermediate transfer body 4.
Thereafter, the same operation is followed to the intermediate transfer process of the third color magenta toner and the fourth color yellow toner image to obtain a four-color superimposed intermediate transfer image.
Subsequent to the intermediate transfer process of the yellow toner image of the fourth color, the four-color superimposed toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is moved forward at the same speed without returning. Batch transfer to transfer paper.
[0014]
Therefore, the transfer material (P) onto which the four-color superimposed toner images on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 are collectively transferred is transported to the fixing unit 8 by the transport unit 7, and the fixing roller 8a and the pressure roller controlled to a predetermined temperature. In 8b, the toner image is melted and fixed to form a full-color image, which is discharged and stored in the discharge tray 9.
The surface of the image carrier 1 after the intermediate transfer is cleaned by the photosensitive member cleaning unit 30d and is uniformly discharged by the charge removing lamp 30e. The surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 after the toner image is transferred onto the transfer sheet (P) is cleaned by pressing the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c again by the contact / separation mechanism 4c3.
In the case of repeat copying, the operation of the color scanner unit 20 and the image formation on the image carrier 1 are performed at a predetermined timing following the yellow image formation process for the fourth color of the first sheet. ) Proceed to the image forming process.
Further, the surface of the intermediate transfer member 3 has two sheets in the region cleaned by the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 4c following the batch transfer process of the first four-color superimposed image transfer material (P) to the transfer paper. A black toner image of the eyes is intermediately transferred, and thereafter, the operation is the same as that of the first sheet.
[0015]
The transfer paper cassette 40a, the transfer paper cassette 40b, the transfer paper cassette 40c, and the transfer paper cassette 40d of the paper supply unit 40 store transfer paper of various sizes, and transfer of sizes specified by an operation panel (not shown). The paper (P) is fed and conveyed in the direction of the registration roller 30k in time with the transfer paper cassette.
The manual paper feed tray 40e is used when transfer paper such as OHP paper or thick paper is used.
Up to this point, the description has been given of the image forming mode for forming a four-color full-color image. However, in the case of the three-color image forming mode and the two-color image forming mode, the designated color and the number of times are the same as those described above. Will do. In the single-color image forming mode, one developing device 3 is in a developing operation state until a predetermined number of sheets are completed, and the intermediate transfer member 4 is driven at a constant speed in the forward movement direction while being in contact with the surface of the image carrier 1. Further, the image forming operation is performed while the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c is also in contact with the intermediate transfer body 4.
The sensor 10 is a reflection type photosensor that is disposed at a predetermined position near the transfer unit 6 or the paper discharge tray 9 and detects the passage of the transfer material. After the coating agent 5a is applied, the cumulative number of transferred images or the cumulative image length of the toner image transferred to the transfer material (P) is detected.
However, the sensor 10 may be used as a cumulative sheet counter for each transfer paper size, which is conventionally provided in the apparatus, without being newly provided.
By the way, every time the data receiving unit 2 receives image data (every time reception), even if the coating agent 5 is applied to the intermediate transfer body 4 by the coating unit 5, the effect of preventing filming is obtained. The result is that only the consumption of the coating agent 5a is accelerated.
[0016]
Therefore, in the present invention, when the sensor 10 detects that the cumulative number of transfer materials has reached the predetermined cumulative number (greater than the predetermined cumulative number), or the cumulative contact image of the transfer paper that has passed the transfer position by the sensor 10. When it is detected that the length has reached the prescribed cumulative contact image length (or larger than the prescribed cumulative contact image length), the application means 5 is operated under the control of the controller unit 50, and the intermediate transfer body 4 The lubricating oil additive of the coating agent 5a is applied on top. The calculation of the specified cumulative number of sheets and the specified cumulative contact image length is started from the timing of the coating operation of the coating agent 5a performed last time.
Accordingly, the application of the lubricant additive 5a on the intermediate transfer body 4 by the application means 5 during the reception of the image data by the data reception means 2 is prevented, so that the amount of the application agent 5a used is reduced. In addition to saving the trouble of frequently changing the coating agent 5a, the timing at which the filming prevention effect of the coating agent 5a of the lubricant additive applied on the intermediate transfer body 4 starts to deteriorate is started. It can be applied automatically and well.
[0017]
Next, FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an example of the coating apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the brush roller, and the coating means 5 is obtained after melting a lubricant additive mainly composed of zinc stearate. The coating agent 5a cooled and solidified in a plate shape, the brush roller 5b that rubs while rotating in contact with the surface of the coating agent 5a, and the brush roller that drives the brush roller 5b to rotate in the counterclockwise direction of the arrow D shown in the figure. The motor includes a driving unit 5c and a regulating member 5e that regulates the amount of the brush roller 5b that bites into the intermediate transfer body 4.
The application means 5 is supported by a device body side plate (not shown) with the support shaft 5f as a fulcrum, and is swung in the direction of arrow C by the solenoid of the contact / separation means 5d to stretch the intermediate transfer body 4. It contacts / separates with respect to the position of the roller 4b.
However, when the application unit 5 is not in operation, the brush roller 5b is held at a position separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 by the spring g.
During operation, the entire application unit 5 is rotated about the support shaft 5f by a solenoid of the contact / separation unit 5d, and the brush roller 5b contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4.
At this time, the surface of the brush roller 5b until the rollers of the disc-shaped regulating member 5e provided coaxially at both ends of the rotating shaft of the brush roller 5b contact the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 on the driven roller 4b. The tip of the flocking bites into the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4.
[0018]
Since the coating agent 5a and the brush roller 5b are in contact with each other, the surface of the coating material 5a is rubbed and polished by the brush fibers of the brush roller 5b simultaneously with the rotation of the brush roller 5b. The fine particles of the coating material 5a scraped off by the brush fibers of the brush roller 5b uniformly adhere to the surface of the brush roller 5b. By rubbing the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 with the brush roller 5b on which the fine particles of the coating material 5a are adhered, the solidified coating material 5 can be applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 as fine particles.
At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the amount of biting between the brush roller 5b having a diameter of 18 mm and the intermediate transfer member 4 is kept constant at 1.5 mm by the rollers of the regulating member 5e having a diameter of 15 mm. Therefore, it is always applied uniformly.
Therefore, the coating material 5a of the lubricating oil additive is automatically applied to the intermediate transfer member 4 with a reliable operation from the time when the data receiving means 2 starts to receive the image data. Therefore, filming on the intermediate transfer body 4 can be prevented with at least the minimum required time even when the reception time of the image data of the data receiving means 2 is very short, without requiring extra time. In addition, by improving the releasability of the surface on the intermediate transfer body 4, it is possible to prevent the transfer rate from being transferred from the intermediate transfer body 4 to the transfer material (P) or the occurrence of abnormal worm-eating images. I was able to do it.
That is, since the image forming operation is not performed for a predetermined time after the data receiving unit 2 starts receiving data from the external device 60, the image forming time is lost by starting application from the start of data reception. It is possible to carry out a coating operation without bringing
[0019]
Next, the operation of the coating unit 5 will be described in detail.
FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing a coating operation, in which the cleaning blade 4c2 of the intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 4c is brought into contact with the surface of the rotating intermediate transfer member 4 to start the cleaning process. Then, when the upper surface position of the intermediate transfer body 4 that has started cleaning passes the position of the coating means 5 (when the X position of FIG. 5 passes = FIG. 5 (a)), the illustrated arrow of the brush roller 5b. The rotation in the D direction is started, and at the same time, the brush roller 5b is brought into contact with the surface (cleaning start surface) on the intermediate transfer body 4 by turning on the solenoid of the contact / separation means 5d to start the coating process of the coating agent 5a. Then, the brush roller 5b is separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 by turning off the solenoid of the contact / separation means 5d after a predetermined application time has elapsed, and the rotation of the brush roller 5b is stopped. The time when the brush roller 5b is separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4 is, for example, the time when the portion X in FIG.
Subsequently, when the illustrated X portion where the brush roller 5b is separated from the surface on the intermediate transfer body 4 passes through the cleaning blade 4c2 of the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c, the rotation of the intermediate transfer body 4 is stopped. Then, the cleaning blade 4c2 of the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c is released from the intermediate transfer body 4, and the coating process and the cleaning process are temporarily ended.
As described above, the reason why the brush roller 5b is brought into contact with only the cleaned region on the intermediate transfer member 4 is to prevent the residual toner on the intermediate transfer member 4 from adhering to the brush roller 5b. When residual toner or the like adheres to the brush roller 5b and becomes dirty, the coating agent 5a cannot be effectively applied, and at the same time, the residual toner or the like attached to the brush roller 5b is scattered by rotation and the inside of the apparatus is contaminated. This is because a problem occurs.
[0020]
Next, in another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning process is not completed just by applying the coating agent 5a with the brush roller 5b, and as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the brush roller 5b is replaced with an intermediate transfer member. In this way, the entire area where the coating agent 5a is adhered is again rubbed with the cleaning blade 4c2 of the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c.
That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the blade 4c2 is brought into sliding contact with a region where the application has been once completed, and as a result, the entire surface of the intermediate transfer member is rubbed again with the blade as shown in FIG. 6B. This is a characteristic point.
This is because the fine particles of the coating agent 5a after adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 from the brush roller 5b are adhering in a relatively non-uniform state, and the adhering force is also weak. Therefore, by repeating the image forming operation, the fine particles of the coating agent 5a are reduced from the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 and the filming substance is likely to adhere, so that it is necessary to frequently perform the coating operation.
Therefore, the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 to which the coating agent 5a is attached is rubbed with the cleaning blade 4c2 of the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 4c. By rubbing the fine particles of the coating agent with the blade 4c2, the developed state can be made uniform and the adhesion can be enhanced.
Here, a backup roller 4c4 is provided at the contact position of the cleaning blade 4c2 with respect to the intermediate transfer member 4, so that the contact state of the cleaning blade 4c2 is stably maintained.
The timing at which the cleaning blade 4c2 is rubbed again may coincide with the timing at which the cleaned and applied part enters the blade.
[0021]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part. In FIG. 7, toner (T) particles are collected at the edge of the cleaning blade 4c2, but the particles of the coating agent 5a are very small compared to the toner particles. When passing through a small gap between the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 and the edge of the cleaning blade 4c2 through the toner (T) particle pool, it is uniformly and strongly rubbed against the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 It comes to adhere. That is, when the rubbing is started as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the toner particles are collected at the tip of the blade, but it is clear that the rubbing of the toner particles is not affected for the above reason.
[0022]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 8, the data file created by the color scanner unit 20 in the image forming apparatus 100 or the host computer or the facsimile apparatus of the external apparatus 60 is printed. When an image formation is instructed, it is converted into a print command by the print driver to become a print file, which is transferred to the color printer unit 30 via the interface processing unit 2a of the data receiving means 2 of the controller unit 50.
On the data receiving means 2 side, the command received from the interface processing unit 2a is stored in the reception buffer 2b. The command analysis unit 2c sequentially extracts this, and the data processing unit 2d creates a display list for expanding data in the page in accordance with commands such as characters and graphics. In the display list, data is arranged in the order of the print direction, the print image is developed in accordance with this, and sent to the raster buffer 2e.
The print image data is sent from the raster buffer 2e to the color printer unit 30, and an image is formed and output by performing an image forming operation.
[0023]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a data file created by the color scanner unit 20 in the image forming apparatus 100 or the host computer or the facsimile apparatus of the external apparatus 60 is When a print image formation is instructed, it is converted into a print command by the print driver to become a print file, and data is input to the interface processing unit 2a of the data receiving means 2 of the controller unit 50 (step 1) to request image output. If it is not data, the process returns to step 1 (s1), but if it is data requesting image output (step 2), if the color printer unit 30 has stopped the image forming operation (step 3), the application means 5 Start application of coating agent 5a and apply after a predetermined time Finished (Step 4), when the interface processor 2a is completed the reception of the image data (step 5), starting the image forming operation of the color printer unit 30, and ends after a predetermined time (Step 6) ends.
In the embodiment shown in this flowchart, when the received data is data requesting image output, the coating unit 5 applies the coating agent 5a on the condition that the color printer unit 30 stops the image forming operation. It is characteristic that the coating operation (which may include a rubbing operation by a cleaning blade) is terminated after a predetermined time.
[0024]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of another embodiment. A data file created by the color scanner unit 20 in the image forming apparatus 100 or the host computer or the facsimile apparatus of the external apparatus 60 is printed. When image formation is instructed, the print driver converts the print command into a print file, and the data is input to the interface processing unit 2a of the data receiving means 2 of the controller unit 50 (step 11). If not, the process returns to step 11 (s11), but if it is data requesting image output (step 12), if the accumulated transfer number transferred after the previous application of the coating agent 5a detected by the sensor 10 is less than the specified value. The image forming operation of the color printer unit 30 , And after a predetermined time (step 17), the process ends. When the accumulated number of transferred sheets is larger than the specified value (step 13), if the color printer unit 30 has stopped the image forming operation (step 13). 14) Application of the coating agent 5a by the coating means 5 is started, and the coating operation is finished after a predetermined time (step 15). When the interface processing unit 2a finishes receiving the image data (step 16), the color printer unit 30 image forming operations are started, finished after a predetermined time (step 17), and finished.
In the embodiment shown in this flowchart, when the received data is data requesting image output, the cumulative number of images transferred so far is larger than a specified value, and the color printer unit 30 has stopped the image forming operation. Under the condition, the application of the coating agent 5a by the coating means 5 is started, and the coating operation (which may include a rubbing operation by the cleaning blade) is ended after a predetermined time.
[0025]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure according to another embodiment of the present invention. A data file created by the color scanner unit 20 in the image forming apparatus 100 or the host computer or the facsimile apparatus of the external apparatus 60 is printed. When an image formation is instructed, it is converted into a print command by the print driver to become a print file, and the data is input to the interface processing unit 2a of the data receiving means 2 of the controller unit 50 (step 21). If not, the process returns to step 21 (s21), but if it is data requesting image output (step 22), the transfer accumulated image length transferred after the previous application of the coating agent 5a detected by the sensor 10 is the specified value. If it is less, the image of the color printer unit 30 The forming operation is started and finished after a predetermined time (step 27). When the accumulated transfer image length is longer than the specified value (step 23), the color printer unit 30 has stopped the image forming operation. If this is the case (step 24), application of the coating agent 5a by the coating means 5 is started and finished after a predetermined time (step 25). When the interface processing unit 2a finishes receiving the image data (step 26), the color printer The image forming operation of the unit 30 is started and finished after a predetermined time (step 27).
In the example shown in this flowchart, when the received data is data for requesting image output, the accumulated transfer image length is greater than the specified value, and the color printer unit 30 has stopped the image forming operation. This is characterized in that the application of the coating agent 5a by the coating means 5 is started on the condition that the coating operation (which may include a rubbing operation by the cleaning blade) is terminated after a predetermined time.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data receiving means transfers the image data onto the intermediate transfer member for intermediate transfer of the toner image formed by the developing device on the image carrier. Since the lubricating oil additive (coating agent) is applied on the intermediate transfer member by the application means only during reception, the extra lubricating oil additive is applied to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images. This eliminates the need for extra time, prevents the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowers transfer efficiency, and entrains the cleaning blade, and enables high-quality image formation that avoids subsequent worm-eating abnormal images. An image forming apparatus can be provided.
[0027]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, while the data receiving means is receiving the image data, the lubricating oil is added onto the intermediate transfer member by the applying means comprising the coating agent, the brush roller, the brush roller driving means, and the brush roller contacting / separating means. In order to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images, extra time is required even if the lubricant additive is automatically applied on the intermediate transfer member with a reliable operation. Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowering of transfer efficiency, and entrainment of a cleaning blade, and avoiding subsequent abnormal worm-eating images. I can do it now.
[0028]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lubricating oil additive is applied onto the intermediate transfer body by the application means having the restricting member for restricting the amount of the brush roller to bite into the intermediate transfer body while the data receiving means is receiving the image data. In order to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images, it is possible to apply a stable amount of lubricating oil additive on the intermediate transfer member without requiring extra time. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowering of transfer efficiency, and entrainment of a cleaning blade, and that performs high-quality image formation that avoids subsequent worm-eating abnormal images. I can do it now.
[0029]
According to the invention of claim 4, while the data receiving means is receiving the image data, the transfer cumulative number of transfer of the toner image onto the transfer material after applying the lubricant additive on the previous intermediate transfer member is specified accumulation. Since the lubricating oil additive is automatically applied on the intermediate transfer member by the application means when the number is larger than the number of sheets, an appropriate amount of the application agent should be applied in order to avoid the formation of worm-eating abnormal images. Even so, it eliminates the need for extra time, prevents the occurrence of toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, lowers transfer efficiency, and entrains the cleaning blade, and prevents high-quality images of subsequent insect bites. An image forming apparatus in which formation is performed can be provided.
[0030]
According to the invention of claim 5, while the data receiving means is receiving the image data, the cumulative image length of the transfer material obtained by applying the lubricant additive onto the previous intermediate transfer member and transferring the toner image to the transfer material. When the length of the image is longer than the specified image length, the lubricant additive is automatically applied onto the intermediate transfer member by the application means. Therefore, when using transfer materials of different sizes, the appropriate amount of application agent is used. Even if it is applied, toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, reduction in transfer efficiency and entrainment of the cleaning blade are prevented, and subsequent worm-eating abnormal images are avoided without requiring extra time. An image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image can be provided.
[0031]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the lubricating oil additive mainly composed of zinc stearate is applied onto the intermediate transfer member by the applying means while the data receiving means is receiving the image data, To prevent toner filming on the intermediate transfer member, transfer efficiency, and cleaning blade without requiring extra time to apply the lubricant additive on the intermediate transfer member to avoid the formation of abnormal images It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of transfer unevenness due to entrainment and uneven application amount of the coating agent, and performing high-quality image formation that avoids subsequent worm-eating abnormal images.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another main part (coating device) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another main part (brush roller) of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operating state of other main parts (coating means) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating other operation states of other main parts (application means) of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged explanatory view for explaining another operation state of another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control type of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a worm-eating abnormal image that occurs during image formation of a conventional image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 image carrier, 2 data receiving means, 2a interface processing unit, 2b reception buffer, 2c command analysis unit, 2d data processing unit, 2e raster buffer, 3 developing unit, 3a developing unit (black), 3b developing unit (cyan) 3c developing device (magenta), 3d developing device (yellow), 3e developing sleeve, 3f developing paddle, 3g toner density detection sensor, 4 intermediate transfer member, 4a driving roller, 4b driven roller, 4c intermediate transfer member cleaning unit, 4c1 Brush roller, 4c2 cleaning blade, 4c3 contact / separation mechanism, 4c4 backup roller, 5 application means, 5a coating agent, 5b brush roller, 5c brush roller drive means, 5d contact / separation means, 5e regulating member, 5f spindle, 5g spring, 6 Transfer unit, 6a Transfer bias roller, 6b roller Leaning blade, 6c contact / separation mechanism, 7 transport unit, 8 fixing unit, 8a fixing roller, 8b pressure roller, 9 paper discharge tray, 10 sensor, 20 color scanner unit, 20a contact glass, 20b illumination lamp, 20c mirror group, 20d lens, 20e color sensor, 30 color printer unit, 30a polygon mirror, 30b f / θ lens, 30c reflection mirror, 30d photoconductor cleaning unit, 30e static elimination lamp, 30f charger, 30g potential sensor, 30h development density pattern detection 30i transfer bias roller, 30j paper feed roller, 30k registration roller, 40 paper feed unit, 40a transfer paper cassette, 40b transfer paper cassette, 40c transfer paper cassette, 40d transfer paper cassette, 40e Ray, 50 controller unit, 60 external device, 100 image forming apparatus.

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus in which a toner image formed on an image carrier is intermediately transferred onto an intermediate transfer body and then transferred from the intermediate transfer body to a transfer material to form an image. An image carrier on which a latent image is formed, data receiving means for receiving image data of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier includes a developing unit, an intermediate transfer member the toner image on said image bearing member is developed by the developing device is an intermediate transfer, and coating means for applying a lubricant additive onto the intermediate transfer member to said An image forming apparatus characterized in that a lubricant additive is applied onto the intermediate transfer member by the applying means only during reception from the start of reception of the image data by the data receiving means .   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating means includes a coating agent obtained by solidifying a lubricant additive, a brush roller that scrapes the coating agent by rotating in contact with the coating agent, and the brush roller. An image forming apparatus comprising: a brush roller driving unit that rotationally drives the brush roller; and a brush roller contacting / separating unit that contacts and separates the brush roller from and to the intermediate transfer member.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating unit regulates an amount of biting into the intermediate transfer body at a tip of the flocks constituting the brush roller by a regulating member.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the applying unit transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer material after the last time the lubricant additive is applied onto the intermediate transfer member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the lubricating oil additive is automatically applied onto the intermediate transfer member when the cumulative number is larger than a prescribed cumulative number.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating unit accumulates the image of the transfer material onto which the toner image on the intermediate transfer body has been transferred after the last time the lubricant additive was applied onto the intermediate transfer body. An image forming apparatus, wherein the lubricating oil additive is automatically applied onto the intermediate transfer member when the length is longer than a predetermined image cumulative length.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating agent is a lubricant additive mainly composed of zinc stearate.

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