JP4529395B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring and fixing a toner image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor to a recording sheet, and in particular, residual toner adhered to the surface of the photoreceptor after transfer and external toner. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a FAX that executes a refresh cycle for removing foreign substances such as additives, paper dust, and discharge products from the surface of a photoreceptor.

  In conventional image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic printers, fax machines, and copiers, a rotating photoreceptor is uniformly charged by a charger, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor by a latent image forming apparatus. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by a developing device. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium such as a recording sheet directly or via an intermediate transfer member by a transfer device, and the toner image on the recording sheet is fixed by a fixing device to form an image. On the other hand, so-called residual toner that remains without being transferred adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer, and after the residual toner is removed by the cleaner, the surface of the photoreceptor is charged again, and a new image forming process is performed. Be started.

  The cleaner for removing the residual toner is composed of a plate-like elastic rubber that comes into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor, and a cleaning blade that mechanically removes the toner is widely used (for example, see Patent Document 1). A cleaning brush that scrapes off toner with a brush-like member is also used (see, for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3). The cleaner is selected according to the charging device of the photoreceptor, and is closely related to the charging method.

  In the case where the charging device is a non-contact type charger (such as corotron) having a large amount of discharge, or in a contact type charger (such as a charging roll) using an AC voltage, ozone is generated due to discharge during charging. When the ozone is generated, nitrogen in the air is oxidized to generate nitrogen oxide (NOx), or the nitrogen oxide reacts with moisture in the air to generate nitric acid or the like and adhere to the photoreceptor surface. There is. When discharge products such as nitrogen oxides adhere to the surface of the photoconductor, the electrical resistance decreases and the charged charge on the surface of the photoconductor tends to leak, resulting in image quality defects such as image blurring, image flow, and white spots. May end up. Therefore, conventionally, in such a case, a cleaning blade is used as a cleaner, and residual toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive member and foreign matters such as discharge products and paper dust are scraped off together with the surface layer of the photosensitive member. The body clean surface was exposed.

However, when the surface layer of the photoconductor is scraped off using a cleaning blade, there is a problem that the life of the photoconductor is shortened due to wear of the surface of the photoconductor. Further, it is necessary to separately provide a collecting means for collecting the removed toner in a toner box or the like, which requires a certain amount of cost and space.
In recent years, there has been a social demand for space saving, cost reduction, and long life (long life) of image forming apparatuses, and cleaners using fur brushes, sponge pads, and the like are being reviewed. When the fur brush or the like is used, there is a problem that it is difficult to completely remove the residual toner adhering to the photoconductor although the photoconductor and the cleaner have little frictional force and the photoconductor is not easily worn.

If the toner cannot be completely removed, filming may occur where the toner adheres strongly to the surface of the photoreceptor or adheres like a film. When charging failure or charging unevenness occurs due to the filming or the like, toner is excessively attached from the developing unit to the surface of the photosensitive member (toner fog occurs) due to a change in the charging potential of the surface of the photosensitive member. When a component developer is used, the carrier may adhere to the photoreceptor.
Furthermore, when the fur brush brush is used, removal of nitrogen oxides and the like generated in the charged region is not sufficient, so that there is a problem that the above-mentioned image defect occurs.

  Furthermore, a contact type charging device such as a charging roll is used as the charging device in a low / medium speed machine where the driving speed of the photosensitive member is up to about 200 mm / sec. The contact-type charging device is vulnerable to dirt such as toner because the toner easily moves from the contacted photoreceptor. In addition, because it is in contact with the photoreceptor, foreign matter such as toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor is rubbed against the surface of the photoreceptor, so that toner filming due to toner crushing and adhesion of foreign matter such as external additives are promoted. End up.

  As a technique for removing toner adhering to the charging device, there is a known technique for performing control to electrostatically transfer foreign matter such as toner once adhering to the charging device to the photoreceptor as described in Patent Document 4. is there.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-114163 (FIGS. 1 and 2) JP-A-60-101575 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 5) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-249183 (FIGS. 1 and 6) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-065238 (paragraph number “0017”, FIGS. 3 and 9) JP 2003-29504 A (paragraph numbers “0040” to “0042”, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 4, foreign matters such as toner adhering to the charging device can be transferred to the surface of the photoconductor to suppress the charging failure due to the charging device, but the charging failure due to contamination on the surface of the photoconductor can be prevented. It is difficult.

As described above, when a charging failure occurs due to contamination of the surface of the photoreceptor such as filming and the charging potential is lowered, problems such as image defects occur. In order to solve the above problem, a surface potential meter (see, for example, Patent Document 5) for detecting the surface potential of the surface of the photoconductor is disposed, and the photoconductor is not formed without image formation when the surface potential decreases. It is conceivable to perform a refresh cycle in which the surface of the photosensitive member is cleaned by being driven (turned idle).
However, when a surface electrometer is used, the number of parts increases and it is difficult to reduce the cost. In addition, a space for arranging the surface electrometer is required, and it is difficult to save the space for the image forming apparatus. .

In view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention has the following description contents (O01) and (O02) as technical problems.
(O01) To prevent charging failure due to adhesion of foreign matters such as toner on the surface of the photosensitive member to obtain a stable high image quality over a long period of time.
(O02) To reduce the cost, save space (miniaturize), and extend the life of the image forming apparatus while preventing charging failure due to adhesion of foreign matters to the toner or the like on the surface of the photoreceptor.

(Invention)
Next, the present invention that has solved the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate the correspondence between the elements of the present invention and elements of specific examples (examples) of the embodiments described later, Add the code enclosed in parentheses. The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following structural requirements (A01) to (A07) and (A02a) .
(A01) A photosensitive surface (Py to Pk) in which a rotating surface sequentially passes through a charging area, a latent image forming position, a development area, and a transfer area, and the surface of the photosensitive body (Py to Pk) is uniformly in the charging area. A charging member (CRy to CRy) for charging, a latent image forming device (ROSy to ROSK) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor (Py to Pk) at the latent image forming position, and the development A toner image forming device (UY to UK) comprising a developing device (Gy to Gk) for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image in a region;
(A02) a transfer device (T) for transferring a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) passing through the transfer region to a recording sheet (S);
(A02a) A fixing device (F) that heat-fixes the toner image transferred to the recording sheet (S) by the transfer device (T),
(A03) A current detection contact member (T1y to T1k) in which a current flows between the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) directly or indirectly in contact with the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk). ,
(A04) Current value detection means (SN1) for detecting current values (I1, I2) flowing through the current detection contact members (T1y to T1k);
(A05) Refresh cycle start discriminating means (C5) for discriminating whether or not to start a photoconductor refresh cycle for removing foreign matters such as toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) , and for forming an image When the power of the apparatus (U) is turned on, when a predetermined number of images are formed, when the image forming operation is completed, and when the fixing device (F) is being heated before the image forming operation is started The refresh cycle start determining means (C5) for determining whether or not to start the photosensitive member refresh cycle based on a preset timing for starting the photosensitive member refresh cycle including one or a plurality of cases. ,
(A06) Refresh cycle execution means (C6) for executing the photoreceptor refresh cycle,
(A07) The current value (I1) before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle detected by the current value detection means (SN1) is the same as the current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle or the photoconductor refresh cycle is executed. When the absolute value of the difference between the previous current value (I1) and the current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle is smaller than a determination threshold value (Is), determination is made to end the photoconductor refresh cycle. Refresh cycle end determination means (C7).

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the structural requirements (A01) to (A07), the photosensitive members (Py to Pk) of the toner image forming apparatuses (UY to UK) are charged members (CRy to CRy) in the charging region. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) is uniformly charged, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) charged by the latent image forming device (ROSy to ROSK) at the latent image forming position. It is formed. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing devices (Gy to Gk) in the developing area, and the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) is transferred to the recording sheet by the transfer device (T) in the transfer area. Transferred to (S).
The current detection contact members (T1y to T1k) are arranged in contact with the surface of the photoconductors (Py to Pk), and current flows between the surfaces of the charged photoconductors (Py to Pk). . In the present specification and claims, the term “in contact with the surface of the photoconductor” not only refers to the case in which the surface directly contacts the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk), but also includes the intermediate transfer member (B) and the like. The case where it contacts indirectly through the member of this is also included.

The current value detection means (SN1) detects current values (I1, I2) flowing through the current detection contact members (T1y to T1k). The refresh cycle start discriminating means (C5) is provided when the image forming apparatus (U) is turned on, when a predetermined number of images are formed, when the image forming operation is completed, and before the image forming operation is started. Adhering to the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) based on the preset timing of the photoconductor refresh cycle including one or a plurality of cases where the fixing device (F) is being heated. It is determined whether or not to start a photoreceptor refresh cycle that removes (collects) foreign matter such as toner, paper dust, external additives, and discharge products. The refresh cycle execution means (C6) executes the photoreceptor refresh cycle. Then, the refresh cycle end determining means (C7) detects the current value (I1) before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle detected by the current value detection means (SN1) and the current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle. Or the absolute value of the difference between the current value (I1) before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle and the current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle is smaller than the threshold for determination (Is). A determination is made to end the body refresh cycle.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a photoreceptor refresh cycle for executing cleaning of the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) is started at a predetermined time, and the current value (I1) before execution of the photoreceptor refresh cycle and the above-mentioned The current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle is the same or the absolute value of the difference between the current value (I1) before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle and the current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle is used for determination. When the value is smaller than the threshold value (Is), the photoconductor refresh cycle ends. The current values (I1, I2) flowing between the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) and the current detection contact member (T1y to T1k) are closely related to the charged potential of the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk). Therefore, based on the current values (I1, I2), it can be determined whether residual toner, discharge products, and the like adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) have been removed in the photoreceptor refresh cycle. Accordingly, the current value (I1) before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle is the same as the current value (I2) after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle, or the current value (I1) before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle and the photoconductor refresh. When the absolute value of the difference between the current values (I2) after the execution of the cycle is smaller than the threshold value (Is) for determination, the end of the photoconductor refresh cycle is determined, whereby the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) is attached. The surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) can be cleaned until the kimono is removed, and charging defects due to adhesion of foreign matters such as toner can be reliably prevented. As a result, stable high image quality can be obtained.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention does not use a surface electrometer, but a current detecting contact member (T1y to T1k) through which current flows in contact with the image forming apparatus and a current value detecting means (SN1) (for example, current It is possible to determine whether or not the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) is dirty with a simple configuration using only the total. Therefore, the cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the current detection contact members (T1y to T1k) are in contact with the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk), and therefore, a non-contact type surface electrometer is used. In comparison, the installation space can be reduced. Further, by integrating the current detection contact members (T1y to T1k) with a member (for example, a transfer device (T) or a photoconductor cleaner) that contacts the photoconductor (Py to Pk), an increase in the number of components is suppressed. At the same time, space can be saved.

  Furthermore, since residual toner and the like can be removed in the photoconductor refresh cycle, the photoconductor cleaner can be omitted at a suitable time to eliminate the photoconductor cleaner or remove residual toner compared to the cleaning blade. A cleaning brush with a low capacity can be used. Alternatively, the contact pressure (pressing force) between the cleaning blade and the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) can be set low. As a result, the wear and damage on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) at normal times is reduced, and the life of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) and the image forming apparatus (U) can be extended. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a stable high image quality over a long period of time (long life).

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can also include the following structural requirements (A08) and (A09).
(A08) the refresh cycle execution means (C6) for executing the photoconductor refresh cycle for repeatedly executing a refresh operation for removing foreign matters such as toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) for a set predetermined period;
(A09) The refresh cycle end determination means (C7) for determining whether or not to end the photoconductor refresh cycle every time one refresh operation is completed.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention having the structural requirements (A08) and (A09), the refresh cycle execution means (C6) includes toner adhered to the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) for a predetermined period. The photoreceptor refresh cycle for repeatedly executing a refresh operation for removing (collecting) the foreign matter is performed. The refresh cycle end determination means (C7) determines whether or not to end the photoconductor refresh cycle every time one refresh operation is completed.
Therefore, the current detection means (SN1) only needs to detect the current values (I1, I2) every time the refresh operation is completed, and continuously charges the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) during the photoconductor refresh cycle. Thus, it is not necessary to continue to detect the current values (I1, I2). As a result, useless charging can be eliminated as compared with the case where the current values (I1, I2) are continuously detected during the photoreceptor refresh cycle.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can include the following structural requirements (A010) and (A011).
(A010) The transfer device (T) constituted by a transfer member facing the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk),
(A011) The current detection contact member constituted by a transfer member that directly contacts the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk).

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the structural requirements (A010) and (A011), the image forming apparatus includes a transfer member that directly contacts the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) by the current detection contact member. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the current detection contact member is provided separately from the transfer member, and it is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the current detection contact member. As a result, the image forming apparatus can be reduced in cost and space.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention can also include the following constituent elements (A010 ′) and (A011 ′).
(A010 ′) The intermediate transfer member (B) to which the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) is transferred, and the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) are transferred to the intermediate transfer member (B). The transfer device (T) having a primary transfer member (T1y to T1k) that performs the transfer and a secondary transfer member (T2) that transfers the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer member (B) to a recording sheet (S);
(A011 ′) The current detection contact member (T1y) configured by a primary transfer member (T1y to T1k) that indirectly contacts the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) via the intermediate transfer member (B). ~ T1k).

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the structural requirements (A010 ′) and (A011 ′), the transfer device (T) is an intermediate transfer member to which a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) is transferred. (B), a primary transfer member (T1y to T1k) for transferring a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) to the intermediate transfer member (B), and a toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer member (B). And a secondary transfer member (T2) for transferring the toner to the recording sheet (S). The current detection contact members (T1y to T1k) are contacted by the primary transfer members (T1y to T1k) indirectly contacting the surface of the photoreceptors (Py to Pk) via the intermediate transfer member (B). It is configured.
Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the current detecting contact member (T1y) can be reduced as compared with the case where the current detecting contact members (T1y to T1k) are provided separately from the primary transfer members (T1y to T1k). It is not necessary to provide a separate space for arranging T1k). As a result, the image forming apparatus can be reduced in cost and space.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may include the following configuration requirement (A012).
(A012) A photoreceptor cleaner (CLy to CLk) that is disposed in contact with the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) and collects residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) after the toner image transfer.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention having the above-described structural requirement (A012) is disposed in contact with the photoconductor (Py to Pk), and removes residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) after the toner image transfer. Photoreceptor cleaners (CLy to CLk) to be collected are included. Therefore, during the image forming operation (during job execution) and during the photoreceptor refresh cycle, deposits such as residual toner and discharge products on the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) surface can be collected by the photoreceptor cleaner (CLy to CLk). .

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirement (A012) can also have the following configuration requirement (A013).
(A013) The current detection contact member constituted by the photoconductor cleaner (CLy to CLk).
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirement (A013), the current detection contact member includes the photoconductor cleaner (CLy to CLk). That is, it is determined whether or not to end the photoconductor refresh cycle based on the current flowing between the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) and the photoconductor cleaner (CLy to CLk).
Therefore, since the current detection contact member is constituted by the photoconductor cleaner (CLy to CLk), the number of parts is smaller than that in the case where the current detection contact member is provided separately from the photoconductor cleaner (CLy to CLk). And a space for arranging the current detection contact member need not be provided separately. As a result, the image forming apparatus can be reduced in cost and space.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirement (A012) or the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirements (A012) and (A013) includes the following configuration requirement (A014). Is possible.
(A014) Without performing charging by the charging members (CRy to CRy), the photosensitive members (Py to Pk) and the photosensitive member cleaners (CLy to CLk) are operated to make the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk). The photoreceptor refresh cycle for collecting the adhered toner.
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirement (A014), the photosensitive member refresh cycle does not perform charging by the charging members (CRy to CRy), and the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) and the photosensitive member. The body cleaner (CLy to CLk) is operated to collect the toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of discharge products during execution of the photoreceptor refresh cycle, and it is possible to save energy because charging is not performed.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can include the following structural requirements (A015).
(A015) Arranged in contact with the photosensitive member (Py to Pk), the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk) after the toner image transfer is charged with the same polarity as the surface of the photosensitive member (Py to Pk). Residual toner charging member.
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the structural requirement (A015), the residual toner charging member disposed in contact with the photoconductors (Py to Pk) is the photoconductor (Py to Pk) after the toner image transfer. ) Residual toner on the surface is charged to the same polarity as the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) Therefore, the residual toner charged to the same polarity as the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) moves from the surface of the photoconductor (Py to Pk) to the developing unit (Gy to Gk) in the developing region and is reused. As a result, the photoreceptor cleaners (CLy to CLk) can be omitted.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirement (A015) can have the following configuration requirement (A016).
(A016) The current detection contact member constituted by the residual toner charging member.
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the structural requirement (A016), the current detection contact member is composed of the residual toner charging member. Accordingly, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the current detection contact member is provided separately from the residual toner charging member, and it is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the current detection contact member. . As a result, the image forming apparatus can be reduced in cost and space.

In addition, each of the image forming apparatuses according to the present invention can include the following structural requirements (A017) and (A018).
(A017) a plurality of toner image forming devices (UY to UK) arranged in accordance with the color of the toner image to be formed;
(A018) The current value detection means (SN1) arranged corresponding to at least one toner image forming device (UY to UK) of the plurality of toner image forming devices (UY to UK).

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention having the configuration requirements (A017) and (A018), the current value detecting means (SN1) forms at least one toner image of the plurality of toner image forming apparatuses (UY to UK). It arrange | positions corresponding to an apparatus (UY-UK). For example, the current value detecting means (SN1) is arranged in the toner image forming apparatus (UY to UK) (U.S. UK) that is frequently used (for example, the toner image forming apparatus (UK) for black image), and the detected current value (I1). , I2), it is possible to determine whether or not to end the photoreceptor refresh cycle of all the photoreceptors (Py to Pk). In this case, since the deposits on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) that are frequently used are collected at the end of the photoreceptor refresh cycle, the deposit on the surface of the photoreceptor (Py to Pk) that is less frequently used is also sufficiently collected. ing.
As a result, the adhering matter on the photoconductors (Py to Pk) of all the toner image forming apparatuses (UY to UK) can be sufficiently collected, and the current value detecting means corresponds to all the toner image forming apparatuses (UY to UK). Compared with the case where (SN1) is provided, the arrangement space can be further reduced. In addition, since no current value detecting means (SN1) is provided in all the toner image forming apparatuses (UY to UK), the number of parts can be reduced. As a result, the image forming apparatus can be reduced in space and cost.

The above-described image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following effects (E01) and (E02).
(E01) It is possible to prevent charging failure due to adhesion of foreign matters such as toner to the photosensitive member, and to obtain a stable high image quality over a long period of time.
(E02) The image forming apparatus can be reduced in cost, space saving (downsizing) and longer life while preventing charging failure due to adhesion of foreign matters such as toner to the photoreceptor.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a color printer U as an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a toner dispenser device Ua for supplying toner. The latent image forming devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, ROSk of the toner image forming devices UY, UM, UC, UK for the respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black) of the color printer U The laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk for image writing are emitted in accordance with the laser drive signals of the laser drive circuits DL for the respective colors.
The controller C outputs control signals for the laser drive circuit DL and the power supply circuit E.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of a toner image forming apparatus portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
1 and 2, a charging roller CRk as a charging member, a developing device Gk, a brush are disposed around a drum-shaped photosensitive member (primary toner image carrier) Pk of a K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK. A photoconductor cleaner (toner adsorption holding member) CLk and the like are disposed. In Example 1, the photoconductors Py to Pk are cylindrical drums with a diameter of 30 mm, and the surface layer of the photoconductor is composed of a polymer resin having a polycarbonate binder and a triphenylamine-based charge transfer agent. An organic photoreceptor having sensitivity in the infrared region was used. Further, the peripheral speed at the time of rotational driving of the photoconductors Py to Pk of Example 1 is set to 200 mm / s.
Further, charging rolls (charging members) similar to the periphery of the photoreceptor Pk are also provided around the photoreceptors (primary toner image carriers) Py, Pm, and Pc of other toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, and UC. CRy, CRm, CRc, developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, photoconductor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and the like are arranged.

  In FIG. 1, photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are uniformly charged by charging rolls CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk, respectively, and then output from the latent image forming devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, and ROSK. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk. As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming apparatus U of Example 1, a voltage (charging bias) in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage of about −650 V is applied to the charging rolls CRy to CRk, and the photoreceptors Py to Pk. The surface is charged to -650V. The applied voltage and charging potential can be appropriately changed according to the design.

The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) colors by the developing units Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk. The toner image is developed. Each developing unit Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk is configured to be supplied with toner from a toner cartridge (not shown) of each color mounted on the toner dispenser device Ua.
In the image forming apparatus U of Example 1, the average particle diameter is 6.5 μm, the spherical coefficient (ML ² / A, M: (π × 100) / 4, L: the maximum diameter of the toner, and A: the maximum projection of the toner. A spherical toner (polymerized toner) having an area of 118 is used. Further, an external additive is added to the toner for cleaning property, transfer property, and charge maintaining property. The particle diameter of the toner can be appropriately changed.

  Toner images on the surface of the photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk (see FIG. 2) are transferred to an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member, intermediate toner image) by primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k as primary transfer units. The images are transferred one after another on the carrier B), and a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. In the case of only black image data, only the K (black) photosensitive member Pk and the developing device Gk are used, and only a black toner image is formed.

  In FIG. 2, the primary transfer rolls (primary transfer members) T1y to T1k according to the first exemplary embodiment are charged with toner in order to generate an electric field for transferring the toner from the photoreceptors Py to Pk to the intermediate transfer belt B. A primary transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the polarity is applied. Then, in the K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK shown in FIG. 2, the charged toner or the surface of the charged photosensitive member Pk to which the toner does not adhere flows to the primary transfer roll T1k via the intermediate transfer belt B. A transfer ammeter (current value detecting means) SN1 for detecting the transfer current value I is provided. That is, in Example 1, only the transfer current value I of the K (black) primary transfer roll T1k, which is frequently used, is detected, and the transfer current values of Y, M, and C are not detected.

  After the primary transfer, residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk is transferred by brush-like photoreceptor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk that are driven to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the photoreceptors Py to Pk. It is mechanically scraped from the surface of the photoreceptor and temporarily held. The photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk of Example 1 are made of a mixed woven brush of insulating and fine fiber of 8 μm and conductive nylon of 30 μm. As shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive member cleaners CLy to CLk have a positive bias potential (e.g., when negatively charged toner is adsorbed and when positively held + (plus) charged toner is discharged. +500 V) is applied, and a negative bias potential (for example, −700 V) is applied when adsorbing + charged toner and discharging −charged toner. Accordingly, the residual toner scraped from the surface of the photoreceptors Py to Pk and temporarily held is returned (discharged) onto the surface of the photoreceptors Py to Pk at a predetermined timing, and is conveyed to a belt cleaner CLb described later. Collected. A technique for discharging the toner temporarily held by the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk and collecting the toner by the belt cleaner CLb is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-29588 and 2003-29589. As is well known in the art, various methods can be adopted, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of belt support rolls including an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member) B, a belt drive roll Rd, a tension roll Rt, and a backup roll T2a are provided below the respective color photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk. (Rd, Rt, T2a, Rf, Rw) are arranged. The intermediate transfer belt B is supported by the plurality of belt support rolls so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow Ya. The intermediate transfer belt B of Example 1 is set to a peripheral speed of 206 mm / s, and the peripheral speed ratio to the peripheral speed (200 mm / s) of the photoreceptor is 0.03 (= (206−200) / 200). Is set to Therefore, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductors Py to Pk has a peripheral speed ratio in addition to the Coulomb force that the charged toner receives by the electric field for primary transfer between the photoconductors Py to Pk and the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k. Receives shearing force. Therefore, the toner easily moves from the surface of the photoreceptors Py to Pk onto the intermediate transfer belt B, the transfer rate is increased, and the residual toner remaining on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Pk is reduced.

  A sheet transfer unit Ut is disposed below the backup roll T2a. The secondary transfer roll (sheet transfer roll) T2b of the sheet transfer unit Ut is disposed with the intermediate transfer belt B interposed therebetween, and the secondary transfer roll T2b is 2 in accordance with a region (nip) where the secondary transfer roll T2b is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt B. A next transfer region Q4 is formed. A brush-like secondary transfer roll cleaner (toner adsorption holding member) CLt is in contact with the secondary transfer roll T2b. Similarly to the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, the secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt scrapes and temporarily holds the toner adhering to the surface of the secondary transfer roll T2b.

Below the intermediate transfer belt B, a sheet feeding tray TR1, a sheet conveyance path SH1, a sheet circulation path SH2, and a sheet reversing path SH3 for conveying the sheet S taken out from the sheet feeding tray TR1 are disposed.
The sheets S stored in the paper feed tray TR1 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a predetermined timing, separated one by one by the separation roll Rs, and conveyed to the registration roll Rr by the conveyance roller Ra in the sheet conveyance path SH1. The recording sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is subjected to the secondary transfer from the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 at the timing when the primary transferred multiple toner image or single color toner image moves to the secondary transfer area Q4. Transported to region Q4.

Further, a contact roll T2c is in contact with the backup roll T2a, and a secondary transfer having the same polarity as the toner charging polarity is timed when the recording sheet S passes through the secondary transfer area to the contract roll T2c. A voltage (secondary transfer bias) is applied. At this time, the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt B to the recording sheet S.
The rolls T2a to T2c constitute a secondary transfer device (secondary transfer member) T2.

The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLb. A bias is applied to the belt cleaner CLb by a power supply circuit (not shown), and residual toner after secondary transfer, the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk, and the secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt are discharged and conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt B. Toner is collected. The belt cleaner CLb to which a bias is applied in this way is conventionally known and is described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-29588 and 2003-29589, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. The toner collected by the belt cleaner CLb is conveyed to a toner collection box (not shown).
The transfer device T according to the first embodiment includes the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the belt support rolls (Rd, Rt, T2a, Rf, Rw), the secondary transfer unit T2, the belt cleaner CLb, and the like. Is configured.

The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing device F through the post-transfer sheet guide SG2 and the conveying belt BH. The recording sheet S is heated and fixed when the recording sheet S passes through the fixing region Q5 where the heating rolls Fh and Fp of the fixing device are pressed against each other. Alternatively, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet circulation path SH2. The recording sheet conveyed to the sheet discharge roller Rh is discharged to the sheet discharge tray TR2.
The recording sheet conveyed to the sheet circulation path SH2 is conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH3 by the switching gate G2 and reversed, then switched back, and retransmitted from the sheet circulation path SH2 to the secondary transfer area Q4 through the registration roll Rr. The

(Description of the control part of Example 1)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the control portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram (functional block diagram) illustrating each function provided in the control portion.
In FIG. 3, the controller C stores an I / O (input / output interface) that performs input / output of signals to / from the outside and adjustment of input / output signal levels, programs and data for performing necessary processing, and the like. ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing necessary data, CPU (central processing unit) that performs processing according to the program stored in the ROM, clock oscillator, etc. Various functions can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM.

(Signal output element connected to the controller C)
The controller C is supplied with output signals from a UI (user interface) and a transfer ammeter SN1, as well as a belt position sensor (not shown) and other signal output elements.
The UI includes input members such as a copy start key UI1, a numeric keypad UI2, a copy number input key UI3, a display unit UI4, and a paper setting button UI5.

(Control element connected to the controller C)
The controller C is connected to the main motor drive circuit D1, the power supply circuit E, and other control elements, and outputs their operation control signals. The power supply circuit E includes a developer power supply circuit E1, a charging roll power supply circuit E2, a primary transfer roll power supply circuit E3, a photoreceptor cleaner power supply circuit E4, a secondary transfer power supply circuit E5, and a fixing device power supply circuit E6. In addition, a power supply circuit for a belt cleaner (not shown) is provided.
The main motor drive circuit D1 rotates and drives the main motor M1, and the May motor M1 rotates the photoconductors Py to Pk, the charging rolls CRy to CRk, the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, the intermediate transfer belt B, the fixing device F, and the like. To drive.

The developing device power supply circuit E1 applies a developing bias (for example, −500 V) to the developing rolls of the developing devices Gy to Gk.
The charging roll power supply circuit E2 applies a charging bias (a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage of −650 V in the first embodiment) to the charging rolls CRy to CRk.
The primary transfer roll power supply circuit E3 moves the primary transfer bias for transferring the toner image and the toner discharged from the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk to the intermediate transfer belt B to the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k. A bias is applied.

The photoconductor cleaner power supply circuit E4 applies a toner discharge bias for discharging the temporarily held toner to the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk.
The secondary transfer unit power supply circuit E5 applies a secondary transfer bias or the like to the contact roll T2c of the secondary transfer unit T2.
The fixing device power supply circuit E6 supplies a heater heating current to the heating roll Fh of the fixing device F.

(Function of the controller C)
The controller C has a function of executing processing according to an input signal from the signal output element and outputting a control signal to each control element.
That is, the controller C has the following functions.
C1: Job Control Unit The job control unit C1 controls each member of the image forming apparatus U to control the start, end, and interruption of a job that is an image forming operation.
C2: Main motor rotation control means The main motor rotation control means C2 controls the main motor M1 via the main motor drive circuit D1 to drive rotation of members such as the photoreceptors Py to Pk and the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk. Control.

C3: Power supply circuit control means The power supply circuit control means C3 is a developer power supply circuit control means C3A, a charger power supply circuit control means C3B, a primary transfer roll power supply circuit control means C3C, and a photoreceptor cleaner power supply circuit control. Means C3D, secondary transfer device power supply circuit control means C3E, and fixing device power supply circuit control means C3F. The power supply circuit control means C3 controls the power supply circuit E to control voltage application / current supply to each member such as the developing devices Gy to Gk.
C3A: Developing device power circuit control means The developing device power circuit control means C3A controls the developing device power circuit E1 to control on / off of the developing bias applied to the developing devices Gy to Gk.

C3B: Charging roll power supply circuit control means The charging roll power supply circuit control means C3B controls the charging roll power supply circuit E2 to perform on / off control of the charging bias applied to the charging rolls CRy to CRk.
C3C: Primary transfer roll power supply circuit control means Primary transfer roll power supply circuit control means C3C controls the primary transfer roll power supply circuit E3 to be applied to the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k. Perform bias on / off control.
C3D: Photoconductor cleaner power supply circuit control means The photoconductor cleaner power supply circuit control means C3D controls the photoconductor cleaner power supply circuit E4 to turn on or off the voltage (bias) applied to the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk. Turn off control.

C3E: Secondary transfer device power supply circuit control means The secondary transfer device power supply circuit control means C3E controls the secondary transfer device power supply circuit E5 to apply the secondary transfer to the contact roll T2c of the secondary transfer device T2. Performs on / off control of bias and the like.
C3F: Fixing Device Power Circuit Control Unit The fixing device power circuit control unit C3F controls the fixing device power circuit E6 to perform on / off control of the current supplied to the heater of the heating roll Fh.

C4: Cleaning Work Execution Unit The cleaning work execution unit C4 is a photoconductor according to a predetermined timing (for example, before starting a job, after forming 20 to 30 sheets of images, or after driving for 1 minute from the photoreceptors Py to Pk). A cleaning operation is performed in which the toner temporarily held in the cleaners CLy to CLk and the secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt is discharged and collected by the belt cleaner CLb. Switching of the polarity (positive / negative) of the bias applied to the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, the secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt, and the belt cleaner CLb at the time of the cleaning operation is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-29589 described above. As described above, since various methods can be employed, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

C5: Refresh cycle start determination means The refresh cycle start determination means C5 has a power-on determination flag FL1, a continuous image formation number determination means C5A, and a job end determination means C5B, and is provided on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Pk. It is determined whether or not a photoreceptor refresh cycle for collecting the adhered toner is started. The refresh cycle start discriminating means C5 of the first embodiment starts the photoreceptor refresh cycle when the image forming apparatus U is turned on, when a predetermined number of images (the number of refresh start discriminating described later) are continuously formed, and when the job ends. It is determined that the time has come.

FL1: Power-on discrimination flag The power-on discrimination flag FL1 has an initial value of “0”, and is “1” when the photoreceptor refresh cycle started immediately after the image forming apparatus U is turned on is completed. It becomes. When the image forming apparatus U is turned off, the initial value is “0”.
C5A: Continuous Image Forming Number Discriminating Unit The continuous image forming number discriminating unit C5A has an image forming number counting unit C5A1 and a refresh start discriminating number storing unit C5A2, and is continuously formed during job execution as an image forming operation. It is determined whether or not the number of images (continuous image formation number count value n) has reached the refresh start determination number nr.

C5A1: Image Forming Number Counting Unit The image forming number counting unit C5A1 counts a continuous image forming number count value n which is the number of images continuously formed during job execution as an image forming operation.
C5A2: Refresh start determination number storage means The refresh start determination number storage means C5A2 stores a refresh start determination number nr which is a threshold for determining whether or not it is time to execute the photoreceptor refresh cycle. In the first embodiment, the refresh start determination number nr is set to 100. The set value of the refresh start determination number nr can be changed as appropriate.

C5B: Job end determination means The job end determination means C5B determines whether or not the job has ended. That is, the end of the job is determined based on whether there is a document image of the next page.
C6: Refresh cycle execution means The refresh cycle execution means C6 executes the photoconductor refresh cycle when it is determined by the refresh cycle start determination means C5 that it is time to execute the photoconductor refresh cycle. The refresh cycle execution means C6 of Example 1 rotates and drives the photoreceptors Py to Pk and the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk with the charging bias and the primary transfer bias applied to the charging rolls CRy to CRk turned off. A refresh cycle for repeating the refresh operation is executed. Then, the photoconductor refresh cycle is executed until it is determined by a refresh cycle end determination means C7, which will be described later, to end. When the execution time of the photoconductor refresh cycle and the execution time of the cleaning operation overlap, the cleaning operation is executed with priority.

C7: Refresh cycle end determination means The refresh cycle end determination means C7 includes a pre-refresh transfer current detection means C7A, a refresh cycle measurement time count timer TM1, a refresh operation duration storage means C7B, and a refresh patrol car current detection means C7C. Have Then, the refresh cycle end determination means C7 determines whether or not to end the photoreceptor refresh cycle based on the current value measured by the transfer ammeter SN1. The refresh cycle end determination means C7 of the first embodiment cleans adherents such as residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor when the transfer current value before and after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle becomes the same value. It is determined that charging failure or charging unevenness has disappeared.

C7A: Pre-refresh transfer current detection means The pre-refresh transfer current detection means C7A detects and stores a pre-refresh transfer current value I1, which is a detection value of the transfer ammeter SN1 before executing the photoreceptor refresh cycle. In the pre-refresh transfer current detection means C7A according to the first exemplary embodiment, the transfer current value I for one rotation of the photoreceptor Pk is measured, and the average value is stored as the pre-refresh transfer current value I1. The transfer current value I can be continuously measured for one rotation of the photoreceptor Pk, or the transfer current value I can be measured a plurality of times at a predetermined time interval and the average value can be measured. The transfer current detection means C7A before refresh of Example 1 uses the average value as the transfer current value I1 before refresh, but it is also possible to store the minimum value and the maximum value as the transfer current value I1 before refresh. Alternatively, it is also possible to detect a transfer current value at a predetermined position on the surface of the photosensitive member set in advance and store it as the transfer current value I1 before refresh. In the first embodiment, the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 is detected based on the transfer current value for one rotation of the photoconductor Pk. However, the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 is based on the transfer current value I for one rotation or more. Can also be detected.

TM1: Refresh work measurement time clock timer The refresh work measurement time clock timer TM1 measures the refresh work continuation time which is a period during which the refresh work is continued. The refresh operation measurement time count timer TM1 of the first embodiment is set with the refresh operation duration t1, and the time is up when the refresh operation duration t1 elapses. It is also possible to determine whether or not the end time has come by measuring the elapsed time during execution of the photoreceptor refresh operation and comparing it with the refresh operation duration t1.

C7B: Refresh work duration storage means The refresh work duration storage means C7B stores a refresh work duration t1, which is a time during which the refresh work is continued. The refresh operation duration storage means C7B of Embodiment 1 stores t1 = 10 seconds as the refresh operation duration t1. Although the set value of the refresh operation duration t1 can be changed as appropriate, the entire surface of the photoconductors Py to Pk must pass through the cleaning area facing the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, and the entire surface needs to be cleaned. The refresh operation continuation time t1 needs to be set to a time required for the photoreceptors Py to Pk to make one or more rounds.

C7C: Post-refresh transfer current detection means The post-refresh transfer current detection means C7C detects and stores a post-refresh transfer current value I2, which is a detection value of the transfer ammeter SN1 after the photoconductor refresh operation is executed. Note that the post-refresh transfer current detection unit C7C of Example 1 continuously measures the transfer current value for one rotation of the photoconductor, similarly to the pre-refresh transfer current detection unit C7A, and calculates the average value after the refresh. Stored as a transfer current value I2. Note that the minimum value and the maximum value can be stored as the post-refresh transfer current value I2, and the transfer current value at the predetermined position can also be used.

(Explanation of flowchart)
FIG. 4 is a main flowchart of the refresh cycle start determination process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The processing of each ST (step) in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM or hard disk of the controller C. This process is executed in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus U (process during job execution, cleaning operation for discharging and collecting toner temporarily held in the photoconductor cleaner, etc.). The
The refresh cycle start determination processing flow shown in FIG. 4 is started when the image forming apparatus U is powered on.

In ST1 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the power-on determination flag FL1 is “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not the power is on. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2, and if no (N), the process proceeds to ST4.
In ST2, a photoreceptor refresh cycle process (to be described later) is performed to remove (clean) residual toner and discharge products adhering to the photoreceptor surface. Then, the process proceeds to ST3.
In ST3, the power-on discrimination flag FL1 is set to “1”. Then, the process proceeds to ST4.

In ST4, it is determined whether or not the job is started, that is, whether or not the user inputs the copy start key UI1 ON. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST5, and, if no (N), ST4 is repeated.
In ST5, the continuous image forming sheet count value n is initialized to zero. Then, the process proceeds to ST6.
In ST6, it is determined whether or not an image for one page has been formed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST7, and, if no (N), ST6 is repeated.
In ST7, 1 is added to the image formation sheet count value n. That is, n = n + 1. Then, the process proceeds to ST8.

In ST8, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous image forming sheet count value n is equal to or greater than the refresh start determination sheet number nr (= 100 sheets). If no (N), the process moves to ST9, and if yes (Y), the process moves to ST10.
In ST9, it is determined whether or not the job is finished. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2 ″, and, if no (N), the process returns to ST6.
In ST2 ″, the same process as the process of the photoconductor refresh cycle in ST2 (see a subroutine in FIG. 5 described later) is executed. Then, the process returns to ST1.

In ST10, since it is determined that the continuous image formation number count value n has reached the refresh start determination number nr, the job being executed is interrupted. Then, the process proceeds to ST2 ′.
In ST2 ′, the same process as the process of the photoconductor refresh cycle in ST2 (see the subroutine of FIG. 5 described later) is executed. Then, the process proceeds to ST11.
In ST11, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST6.
(1) The job suspended in ST10 is resumed.
(2) The continuous image forming sheet count value n is reset and initialized to n = 0.

(Description of refresh cycle processing subroutine)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of a refresh cycle process of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
Since the refresh cycle process of ST2 and the refresh cycle process of ST2 ′ and ST2 ″ are the same, only the refresh cycle process of ST2 will be described in detail, and the detailed description of the other refresh cycle processes will be omitted.

In ST21 of FIG. 5, the following processes (1) to (3) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST22.
(1) The photoreceptors Py to Pk and the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk are rotationally driven.
(2) A charging bias and a primary transfer bias are applied to the charger CRk and the primary transfer roll T1k, respectively.
(3) While the photoconductor Pk makes one round, a transfer current meter I1 detects (reads) a transfer current value I flowing between the surface of the photoconductor Pk charged by the charging roll CRk and the primary transfer roll T1k. The average value of the transfer current value I during that time is stored as the pre-refresh transfer current value I1.
In ST21 of the first embodiment, the developing bias of the latent image forming device ROS and the developing devices Gy to Gk is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to ST22.

In ST22, the following processes (1) to (3) are executed (refresh work is executed). Then, the process proceeds to ST23.
(1) The charging bias applied to the charging rolls CRy to CRk and the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roll T1k are turned off. That is, charging of the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk is stopped, and detection of the transfer current value is stopped.
(2) The photoconductors Py to Pk and the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk are rotationally driven (rotation drive is continued when driving).
(3) The refresh operation duration t1 is set in the refresh operation duration timer TM1.
In ST23, it is determined whether or not the refresh operation duration measuring timer TM1 has expired. If no (N), ST23 is repeated, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST24.

In ST24, the following processes (1) to (3) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST25.
(1) The photoreceptors Py to Pk and the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk are rotationally driven.
(2) A charging bias and a primary transfer bias are applied to the charger CRk and the primary transfer roll T1k, respectively.
(3) While the photoconductor Pk makes one turn, the transfer current value I flowing between the surface of the photoconductor Pk charged by the charging roll CRk and the primary transfer roll T1k is continuously detected by the transfer ammeter SN1 ( read). Then, the average value of the transfer current value I during that time is stored as a post-refresh transfer current value I2.
In ST24 of Example 1, as in ST21, the developing bias of the latent image forming device ROS and the developing devices Gy to Gk is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to ST22.

In ST25, it is determined whether or not the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 and the post-refresh transfer current value I2 are the same value. If no (N), the process moves to ST26, and if yes (Y), the process of FIG. 5 is terminated and the process returns to ST2 of FIG.
In ST26, I1 = I2. That is, a process is performed in which the post-refresh transfer current value I2 is set to the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 of the refresh operation to be executed next. Then, the process returns to ST22.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the image forming apparatus U of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, it is determined that it is time to start the photoreceptor refresh cycle when the power is turned on, when 100 sheets are continuously printed, or when the job is finished. Then, the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 is detected, and the photoconductor refreshing operation for cleaning the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk by driving the photoconductors Py to Pk and the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk for 10 seconds (refresh duration t1). Executed. After 10 seconds, the post-refresh transfer current value I2 is detected, and it is determined whether the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 and the post-refresh transfer current value I2 are the same value. If the current values I1 and I2 are the same value, the photoconductor refresh cycle (repeated cycle of ST22 to ST26) is completed. If the current values I1 and I2 are not the same value, the photoconductor refresh operation is executed again for 10 seconds until the current values become the same. Repeated.

(Experimental example)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing experimental results showing the relationship between the time when the photoreceptor refresh cycle is executed and the photoreceptor surface potential.
(Comparative example)
In the image forming apparatus U configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, an experimental surface potential meter is used, and a surface potential before printing (surface potential of a photoconductor without foreign matter adhesion) and a halftone sample image are obtained. The surface potential of the photoconductor after printing 10,000 sheets (10,000 sheets) was detected. As a result of detection, the surface potential before execution of printing was −650 V, and after execution of 10,000 sheets, it was −550 V, and image defects due to poor charging occurred.

In this situation, when the photoconductor refresh cycle is executed, the surface potential after 10 seconds (after the photoconductor refresh operation is executed once) becomes −590 V, and the surface potential after 20 seconds (after the photoconductor refresh operation is executed twice). The potential was -620V. The surface potential after 30 seconds (after performing the photoreceptor refreshing operation three times) was −650 V (the same surface potential as before printing), and the subsequent surface potential was constant at −650 V.
When the halftone image was printed after the surface potential became constant (−650 V), image defects due to charging failure did not occur.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a graph of the photoreceptor surface potential-transfer current characteristic showing the relationship between the photoreceptor surface potential and the transfer current value.
In FIG. 7, the relationship between the photoreceptor surface potential and the transfer current value when a primary transfer bias having a constant voltage of 1.5 kV was applied to the primary transfer roll was measured. As shown in FIG. 7, since the photoreceptor surface potential and the transfer current value are in a proportional relationship, it is possible to detect a change in the photoreceptor surface potential by detecting the transfer current value.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing experimental results showing the relationship between the time when the photoreceptor refresh cycle is executed and the transfer current value.
(Experimental result of Example 1)
In the image forming apparatus of Example 1, the transfer current value before printing (the state in which no foreign matter is attached) and the transfer current value after printing 10000 halftone images without executing the refresh cycle were detected. As a result of the detection, the transfer current value before execution of printing was 20 μA, and after execution of 10,000 sheets, it was 16.5 μm. When the photoconductor refresh cycle is executed, the transfer current value after 30 seconds has passed becomes the transfer current value before execution of printing, and thereafter, a constant transfer current value is detected.

  Then, in the image forming apparatus U of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 4, as a result of performing an experiment so that the continuous image forming sheet count value is executed every 100 sheets, the result is 100,000 sheets ( (100,000 sheets) Even when halftone sample images were printed continuously, image defects due to poor charging did not occur.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, a change in the photoreceptor surface potential is detected based on the transfer current value I, and a refresh cycle is executed until the charged potentials on the photoreceptor Py to Pk surfaces become constant. In other words, residual toner, paper powder, external additives, discharge products and other adhering matter (foreign matter) adhering to the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk are removed (collected) by the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, and the charged potential is increased. A refresh cycle is performed until it becomes constant. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent charging failure due to adhesion of foreign matters such as toner, and to obtain a stable high image quality. Further, as the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk for removing the deposits on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk, a cleaning brush having a relatively small frictional force (contact pressure) with the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk is used. Wear on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Pk can be reduced. Therefore, the life of the photoconductor can be extended, and a stable high image quality can be obtained over a long period of time.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the transfer current is detected using the primary transfer roll T1k that indirectly contacts the photoconductor Pk via the intermediate transfer belt B without using the surface potential meter. Thus, a change in the photoreceptor surface potential was detected. Therefore, since no surface electrometer is used, the cost of the image forming apparatus U can be reduced. Further, since the space for arranging the surface electrometer can be omitted, the space can be saved and the size can be reduced. Furthermore, since the primary transfer roll T1k is also used (integrated) as the current detection contact member, there is no need to separately provide a current detection contact member. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced and the space for arrangement can be reduced compared to the case where the image forming apparatus U is provided separately, so that the cost and space saving of the image forming apparatus U can be reduced.

Further, since the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk according to the first exemplary embodiment temporarily hold the toner and discharge the toner at a predetermined timing, a cleaner container that stores the toner collected by the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, and waste toner It is possible to omit a waste toner conveying member that is conveyed to the collection box. Therefore, further space saving can be achieved.
Further, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment, the charging bias is not applied to the charging rolls CRy to CRk during the refresh cycle, so that a discharge product is generated during the photoreceptor refresh cycle. Can be reduced. Further, since no charging bias is applied, power consumption can be suppressed and energy can be saved.

  In the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the transfer ammeter SN1 is installed only in the K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK that is frequently used, and the surface of the K photoconductor Pk is cleaned. The photoreceptor refresh cycle was executed until Therefore, compared with the case where the transfer ammeter SN1 is arranged on all the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration of the control circuit can be simplified, so that the cost can be reduced. In addition, as compared with the case where a plurality of transfer ammeters SN1 are provided, a space for arranging them can be omitted, so that the size can be reduced. It is also possible to arrange the transfer ammeter SN1 corresponding to all the toner image forming apparatuses UY to YK and determine the end of the photoreceptor refresh cycle for each of the toner image forming apparatuses UY to UK. Further, among the four toner image forming apparatuses UY to UK, a transfer ammeter SN1 is arranged corresponding to any two or three toner image forming apparatuses, and the transfer current is constant in all the transfer ammeters SN1. It is also possible to configure the refresh cycle to end when it becomes.

  Further, the charging potential of the surface of the photoreceptor varies with time depending on the environment such as temperature and humidity, and the usage. That is, for example, if the determination is made based on the transfer current value at the time of shipment from the factory (when the photoconductor is new), the refresh cycle cannot be completed after a long time or before the residual toner is removed. May end. In contrast, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the end of the refresh cycle is determined based on the transfer current values before and after the refresh cycle. Therefore, since the determination is made based on the transfer current value including (weaving) the temperature change and the deterioration with time, the refresh cycle is surely completed when the surface of the photosensitive member is cleaned without depending on the environment and deterioration with time. be able to.

  For example, when the determination is made based on the transfer current value at the time of shipment from the factory, the above-described problem can be avoided by configuring so that the refresh cycle is executed only for a maximum of 60 seconds (providing a limiter). Therefore, it is possible to provide the limiter and store the transfer current value at the time of shipment from the factory in advance, and compare the transfer current value and the detected transfer current value to determine the end time of the refresh cycle. It is. At this time, the transfer current value at the time of shipment from the factory can be corrected / corrected according to the environmental temperature and the environmental humidity.

  Next, the image forming apparatus U according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be made. Is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Description of controller C function)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 9, in the controller C of the image forming apparatus U according to the second embodiment, the refresh cycle end determination unit C7 has a refresh cycle end determination threshold storage unit C7D.
C7D: Refresh cycle end determination threshold value storage means The refresh cycle end determination threshold value storage means C7D stores a refresh cycle end determination threshold value Is. Then, the refresh cycle end determination means C7 of Example 2 has a constant charge potential on the surface of the photoreceptor when the absolute value of the difference between the transfer current values I1 and I2 is smaller than the refresh cycle end determination threshold Is. It is determined that it is time to end the photoreceptor refresh cycle. Note that the refresh cycle end determination threshold value Is can be set to 0.2 (μA), for example.

(Explanation of flowchart)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of a refresh cycle process of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 10, ST21 to ST24 and ST26 perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
In ST25 ′ of FIG. 10, whether or not | I1-I2 | ≦ Is, that is, the absolute value of the difference between the pre-refresh transfer current value I1 and the post-refresh transfer current value I2 is the refresh cycle end determination threshold value Is. Or less. If the answer is no (N), the process proceeds to ST26 and the photoreceptor refresh cycle is executed again. If the answer is yes (Y), the refresh cycle is terminated.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the image forming apparatus U of Example 2 having the above-described configuration, even if cleaning is completed due to the detection accuracy of the transfer ammeter SN1, the state of the surface of the photoconductor when detecting the transfer current, electrical noise, The transfer current detection value may be slightly different. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, when the surface of the photoconductors Py to Pk is cleaned, the transfer current value becomes 20 μA, but it can be detected as 19.9 μA or 20.1 μA depending on the detection accuracy. There is sex. In such a case, if the refresh cycle is executed until the transfer current value exactly matches before and after the refresh cycle, an unnecessary refresh cycle is executed. In the second embodiment, the refresh cycle is ended if the absolute value of the difference between the transfer current values I1 and I2 is smaller than the refresh cycle end determination threshold Is, even if the detection error is somewhat.
In addition, the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H09) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine having the functions of a FAX, a printer, and a copying machine, and a FAX, a copying machine.

(H02) The first and second embodiments can be used not only for a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus but also for a rotary type image forming apparatus.
(H03) The present invention relates to a monochrome image forming apparatus in which a transfer member is in direct contact with a photosensitive member without using an intermediate transfer belt, or an image forming apparatus that directly transfers a sheet from a photosensitive member to a sheet using a sheet conveying belt. Is also applicable. Further, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer drum as described in JP-A-2003-029589 without using an intermediate transfer member on a belt.

(H04) In the first and second embodiments, the brush-like photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk that temporarily retain the residual toner are used. However, the cleaner container that stores the collected residual toner and the toner in the cleaner container are used. It is also possible to use a photoreceptor cleaner that has a waste toner transport member that transports to a waste toner collection box and does not discharge the retained toner. Further, instead of the brush-like photoreceptor cleaner, a blade-like photoreceptor cleaner or a sponge pad-like cleaner can be used. Further, when the transfer rate is high and the amount of residual toner generated is small, the photoconductor cleaner can be omitted.

(H05) In the first and second embodiments, the photosensitive drum is not limited to the drum-shaped photosensitive member, and a belt-shaped photosensitive member can also be used.
(H06) In Examples 1 and 2, the current detection contact member is also used as the primary transfer roll. However, the current contact flows directly / indirectly on the surface of the photoreceptor separate from the primary transfer roll and current flows. It is also possible to arrange a current detection contact member. Further, for example, the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk are also used as the current detection contact member, and the end of the refresh cycle is determined based on the current value flowing between the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk and the surface of the photoconductors Py to Pk. It is also possible to execute.

(H07) In the first and second embodiments, the timing for starting the refresh cycle is not limited to the three shown in FIG. 4. For example, the refresh cycle is executed during the heating of the heating roll Fh before the job is executed. It is also possible to set as follows.
(H08) In the first and second embodiments, the residual toner on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk is temporarily held by the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, collected by the belt cleaner CLb, and discarded. The present invention can also be applied to a toner image forming apparatus that is reused (recycled) by a container. That is, in the photoreceptor refresh cycle, the toner on the photoreceptor surface may not be collected by the cleaner, and the residual toner may be returned to the developing device. For example, the residual toner collected by the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk is transported to the developing units Gy to Gk by the toner transport member, or the residual toner charging member (for charging the residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor to the same polarity as the surface of the photoconductor) For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-20587) may be provided to move residual toner charged to the same polarity as the surface of the photosensitive member to the developing unit in the developing region. In the case where the residual toner charging member is provided, the residual toner charging member that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor can also be used as a current detection contact member.

(H09) In the above embodiment, each time the refresh operation duration t1 elapses, it is determined whether or not the refresh cycle is terminated. For example, the refresh operation duration t1 is not set (that is, t1 = infinite). Large), it is possible to execute a photoreceptor refresh cycle in which a charging bias and a transfer bias are applied and a refresh operation for driving the photoreceptors Py to Pk and the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk is continued. In this case, when the detected transfer current value that can be continuously detected becomes the same as the above-described transfer current value at the time of shipment from the factory, it can be determined that the end time of the photoreceptor refresh cycle has come.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of a toner image forming apparatus portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the control portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram (functional block diagram) illustrating each function provided in the control portion. FIG. 4 is a main flowchart of the refresh cycle start determination process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of a refresh cycle process of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing experimental results showing the relationship between the time when the photoreceptor refresh cycle is executed and the photoreceptor surface potential. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a graph of the photoreceptor surface potential-transfer current characteristic showing the relationship between the photoreceptor surface potential and the transfer current value. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing experimental results showing the relationship between the time when the photoreceptor refresh cycle is executed and the transfer current value. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of a refresh cycle process of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

B: Intermediate transfer member,
C5 ... refresh cycle start determining means,
C6 ... refresh cycle execution means,
C7: refresh cycle end determination means,
CLy to CLk ... photoreceptor cleaner,
CRy to CRy ... charging member,
Gy to Gk ... developer,
I1, I2 ... current value,
Py to Pk: photoconductor,
ROSy to ROSk ... latent image forming device,
S ... Recording sheet,
SN1 ... current value detection means,
T: Transfer device,
T1y to T1k ... current detection contact member, primary transfer member,
T2 ... secondary transfer member,
UY to UK: Toner image forming apparatus.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus comprising the following constituent elements (A01) to (A07) , (A02a) :
(A01) A photosensitive body in which a rotating surface sequentially passes through a charging area, a latent image forming position, a developing area, and a transfer area, a charging member that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive body in the charging area, and the latent image forming position A toner image forming apparatus comprising: a latent image forming apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoconductor; and a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image in the development area;
(A02) a transfer device for transferring a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor passing through the transfer region to a recording sheet;
(A02a) a fixing device for heating and fixing the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by the transfer device;
(A03) a current detecting contact member that directly or indirectly contacts the surface of the photoconductor, and a current flows between the surface of the charged photoconductor;
(A04) current value detection means for detecting a current value flowing through the current detection contact member;
(A05) Refresh cycle start determining means for determining whether or not to start a photoreceptor refresh cycle for removing foreign matters such as toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor , when the image forming apparatus is powered on A predetermined number of images, a case where the image forming operation is completed, a case where the fixing device is being heated before the start of the image forming operation, or any one or more of the cases. The refresh cycle start determining means for determining whether to start the photoreceptor refresh cycle based on the timing of starting the photoreceptor refresh cycle;
(A06) Refresh cycle execution means for executing the photoreceptor refresh cycle;
(A07) The current value before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle detected by the current value detection means is the same as the current value after execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle, or the current value before execution of the photoconductor refresh cycle and the photoconductor refresh. Refresh cycle end determination means for determining whether to end the photoconductor refresh cycle when the absolute value of the difference between the current values after cycle execution is smaller than a determination threshold value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following configuration requirements (A08) and (A09):
(A08) The refresh cycle execution means for executing the photoconductor refresh cycle for repeatedly executing a refresh operation for removing foreign matters such as toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor for a set predetermined period;
(A09) The refresh cycle end determination means for determining whether or not to end the photoconductor refresh cycle every time one refresh operation is completed. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following configuration requirements (A010) and (A011):
(A010) the transfer device constituted by a transfer member facing the surface of the photoreceptor,
(A011) The current detection contact member configured by a transfer member that directly contacts the surface of the photoreceptor. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following structural requirements (A010 ′) and (A011 ′):
(A010 ′) An intermediate transfer member to which the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor is transferred, a primary transfer member for transferring the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer member, and a toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer member. A transfer device having a secondary transfer member for transferring to a recording sheet;
(A011 ′) The current detection contact member formed of a primary transfer member that indirectly contacts the surface of the photoconductor via the intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: (A012):
(A012) A photoconductor cleaner that is disposed in contact with the photoconductor and collects residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, comprising the following configuration requirements (A 013):
(A013) The current detecting contact member constituted by the photoconductor cleaner. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, comprising the following configuration requirement (A014):
(A014) The photoconductor refresh cycle in which the photoconductor and the photoconductor cleaner are operated to collect toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor without performing charging by the charging member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following configuration requirement (A015):
(A015) A residual toner charging member that is disposed in contact with the photosensitive member and charges the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive member after transfer of the toner image to the same polarity as the surface of the photosensitive member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, comprising the following configuration requirement (A016):
(A016) The current detection contact member constituted by the residual toner charging member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following constituent elements (A017) and (A018):
(A017) A plurality of the toner image forming devices arranged according to the color of the toner image to be formed,
(A018) The current value detecting means arranged corresponding to at least one toner image forming apparatus of the plurality of toner image forming apparatuses.

Images