JP6201657B2 - Image transfer control apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image transfer apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transfer control apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image transfer apparatus control method, and more particularly to a configuration of a pattern drawn for correcting an image drawing position.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is often configured as a multifunction machine that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

  Among such image processing apparatuses, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are widely used in image forming apparatuses used for outputting digitized documents. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposing a photoreceptor, and the electrostatic latent image is developed using a developer such as toner to form a toner image. Paper output is performed by transferring the toner image onto a sheet as a transfer object.

  In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the toner image developed on the photosensitive member is temporarily transferred onto a conveying member such as an image conveying belt, and the image transferred onto the conveying member is transferred. There is a case where a secondary transfer mechanism for secondary transfer to a sheet is used. Such a secondary transfer mechanism generates a full-color toner image by transferring a toner image of each color onto a carrier when using a plurality of color toners such as YMCK (Yellow, Magenta, Cian, blackK). It is used for

  In such a secondary transfer mechanism, the toner is moved by applying a voltage corresponding to the charging potential of the toner so that an attractive force or a repulsive force acts on the toner. Therefore, at the time of transfer, it is necessary to supply a current of a predetermined value, but the required charge varies depending on the toner amount, that is, the image formed by the toner.

  Here, at the time of toner movement from the photosensitive member to a conveying member such as a belt, that is, primary transfer, a desired current value is applied by applying a constant voltage value and changing a current value depending on an image. The configuration is common. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the carrier to the paper, that is, during the secondary transfer, the change in the resistance value of the paper changes depending on the type of the paper, the paper moisture absorption, etc., compared to the current value that varies depending on the image. The amount of current due to is larger. For this reason, it is common to apply a power having a constant current value, correct the current value according to the image, and apply a suitable current value.

  When power having such a constant current value is applied, if the impedance of the current path to which power is applied becomes high due to factors such as the OPEN mode, an overvoltage output may be obtained in order to obtain a target current value. Therefore, a detection mechanism for preventing overvoltage output is required.

  As described above, the secondary transfer mechanism driven by a constant current value is provided with a detection mechanism for preventing an overvoltage output. However, the impedance value of the secondary transfer roller functioning as a load in the current path has an environment dependency. It is large and tends to have an extremely high impedance value at low temperatures. Therefore, even if the OPEN mode is not set, there is a possibility that the OPEN mode is erroneously detected.

  In order to avoid such erroneous detection, a method of intermittently applying a voltage at a low temperature may be used. In this case, as a condition for detecting the OPEN mode, it is a condition that an excessive voltage is continuously applied over a predetermined period, and one application period when the voltage is intermittently applied is OPEN. Misdetection can be prevented by setting it below the predetermined period for mode detection.

  In order to avoid erroneous detection in a low temperature environment, a method of reducing the secondary transfer current value at a low temperature has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  When intermittent voltage application as described above is performed, the attractive force and repulsive force for moving the toner are reduced accordingly, so that the toner transfer is incomplete, and the density of the image transferred to the paper is intermittent. It will become thin. In addition, when the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, the image becomes thin as a whole.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent erroneous detection of overvoltage application at a low temperature without affecting the image finally transferred.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of the present invention is an image transfer control device, which is a transfer voltage for transferring an image on which an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor is developed to a transfer object. A voltage application unit for applying to the transfer mechanism, a voltage application control unit for controlling a voltage application mode by the transfer voltage, a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the transfer mechanism, and a transfer voltage applied to the transfer mechanism An excess voltage detection unit that detects that the voltage is excessive, and the voltage application unit includes two power systems, and has a function of alternately applying a transfer voltage to the transfer mechanism from the two power systems. The excess voltage detection unit has an excessive transfer voltage when a period in which a transfer voltage applied by each of the two power systems exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold exceeds a predetermined abnormality detection period. The voltage is detected When the temperature detection result of the transfer mechanism is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold, the control unit determines a transfer voltage application period when the transfer voltage is alternately applied by the two power systems. The control is performed shorter than the predetermined abnormality detection period.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including the above-described image transfer control device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an image transfer apparatus for transferring an image on which an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor is developed to a transfer object, and transferring the developed image A transfer force is generated by applying a transfer voltage to be transferred to an object to the transfer mechanism, and the transfer voltage is excessive when a period in which the transfer voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold exceeds a predetermined abnormality detection period. When the detected temperature of the transfer mechanism is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold, the transfer voltage is alternately applied to the transfer mechanism by two power systems that output the transfer voltage, The one transfer voltage application period is controlled to be shorter than the predetermined abnormality detection period.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of overvoltage application at a low temperature without affecting the finally transferred image.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the transfer mechanism which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the impedance change according to the temperature of the secondary transfer roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control switching operation | movement at the time of the low temperature and normal temperature which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time change of the voltage application which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific aspect of the time change of the voltage application by each of the 1st voltage application part which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd voltage application part. It is a figure which shows the specific aspect of the time change of the voltage application by each of the 1st voltage application part which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd voltage application part. It is a figure which shows the specific aspect of the time change of the voltage application by each of the 1st voltage application part which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd voltage application part. It is a flowchart which shows the abnormality detection operation | movement which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the transfer mechanism which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time change of the voltage application which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) will be described as an example. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and is characterized by controlling a transfer bias applied to transfer a developed toner image.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an engine that executes image formation in addition to the same configuration as an information processing terminal such as a general server or a PC (Personal Computer). That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, an engine 13, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, and an I / O. F15 is connected via the bus 18. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 16 and an operation unit 17 are connected to the I / F 15.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 11 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 12 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware. The engine 13 is a mechanism that actually executes image formation in the image forming apparatus 1.

  The HDD 14 is a nonvolatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like. The I / F 15 connects and controls the bus 18 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 16 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 17 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input information to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 12, the HDD 14, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 11, and the CPU 10 performs calculations according to those programs, thereby configuring a software control unit. The A functional block that realizes the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 20, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 110, a scanner unit 22, a paper discharge tray 23, a display panel 24, and a paper feed table. 25, a print engine 26, a paper discharge tray 27, and a network I / F 28.

  The controller 20 includes a main control unit 30, an engine control unit 31, an input / output control unit 32, an image processing unit 33, and an operation display control unit 34. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a multifunction machine having a scanner unit 22 and a print engine 26. In FIG. 2, the electrical connection is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of paper is indicated by broken arrows.

  The display panel 24 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and is an input when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface (operation unit). The network I / F 28 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.

  The controller 20 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a control program such as firmware stored in a ROM 12, nonvolatile memory, and a nonvolatile recording medium such as the HDD 14 or an optical disk is loaded into a volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as memory) such as the RAM 11, and these programs are loaded. The controller 20 is configured by a software control unit configured by calculation of the CPU 10 according to the above and hardware such as an integrated circuit. The controller 20 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The main control unit 30 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 20 and gives a command to each unit of the controller 20. The engine control unit 31 serves as a drive unit that controls or drives the print engine 26, the scanner unit 22, and the like. The input / output control unit 32 inputs a signal or a command input via the network I / F 28 to the main control unit 30. The main control unit 30 controls the input / output control unit 32 and accesses other devices via the network I / F 28.

  The image processing unit 33 generates drawing information based on the print information included in the input print job under the control of the main control unit 30. The drawing information is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 26 as an image forming unit. The print information included in the print job is image information converted into a format that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus 1 by a printer driver installed in an information processing apparatus such as a PC. The operation display control unit 34 displays information on the display panel 24 or notifies the main control unit 30 of information input via the display panel 24.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a printer, first, the input / output control unit 32 receives a print job via the network I / F 28. The input / output control unit 32 transfers the received print job to the main control unit 30. When receiving the print job, the main control unit 30 controls the image processing unit 33 to generate drawing information based on the print information included in the print job.

  When drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 33, the engine control unit 31 controls the print engine 26 based on the generated drawing information, and executes image formation on the paper conveyed from the paper supply table 25. To do. That is, the print engine 26 functions as an image forming unit. A document on which an image has been formed by the print engine 26 is discharged to a discharge tray 27.

  Next, the configuration of the print engine 26 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the print engine 26 according to the present embodiment includes a configuration in which image forming units 106 of respective colors are arranged along a conveyor belt 105 that is an endless moving unit, which is a so-called tandem type. It is what is said. That is, along the transport belt 105, which is an intermediate transfer belt on which an intermediate transfer image for transfer onto a sheet (an example of a recording medium) 104 that is separated and fed from the sheet feed tray 101 by the sheet feed roller 102 is formed. A plurality of image forming units (electrophotographic process units) 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K (hereinafter collectively referred to as image forming units 106) are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport belt 105.

  Further, the sheet 104 fed from the sheet feeding tray 101 is stopped once by the registration roller 103 and is sent out to the image transfer position from the conveying belt 105 according to the image forming timing in the image forming unit 106.

  The plurality of image forming units 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K have the same internal configuration except that the colors of the toner images to be formed, that is, the developer images are different. The image forming unit 106K forms a black image, the image forming unit 106M forms a magenta image, the image forming unit 106C forms a cyan image, and the image forming unit 106Y forms a yellow image. In the following description, the image forming unit 106Y will be described in detail. However, since the other image forming units 106M, 106C, and 106K are the same as the image forming unit 106Y, the image forming units 106M, 106C, and 106K. For each of these components, instead of Y added to each component of the image forming unit 106Y, only the symbols distinguished by M, C, and K are displayed in the figure, and the description is omitted.

  The conveying belt 105 is an endless belt, that is, an endless belt that is stretched between a driving roller 107 and a driven roller 108 that are rotationally driven. The drive roller 107 is driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown), and the drive motor, the drive roller 107, and the driven roller 108 function as a drive unit that moves the conveyance belt 105 that is an endless moving unit. .

  During image formation, the first image forming unit 106Y transfers a black toner image to the conveyance belt 105 that is driven to rotate. The image forming unit 106Y includes a photoconductor drum 109Y as a photoconductor, a charger 110Y disposed around the photoconductor drum 109Y, an optical writing device 111, a developing device 112Y, a photoconductor cleaner (not shown), and a static eliminator. 113Y and the like. The optical writing device 111 is configured to irradiate light to each of the photosensitive drums 109Y, 109M, 109C, and 109K (hereinafter collectively referred to as “photosensitive drum 109”).

  In the image formation, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 109Y is uniformly charged by the charger 110Y in the dark, and then writing is performed by light from the light source corresponding to the black image from the optical writing device 111. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device 112Y visualizes the electrostatic latent image with yellow toner, thereby forming a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 109Y.

  This toner image is transferred onto the conveyance belt 105 by the action of the transfer unit 115Y at a position (transfer position) where the photosensitive drum 109Y and the conveyance belt 105 come into contact or closest to each other. By this transfer, an image of yellow toner is formed on the conveyance belt 105. After the transfer of the toner image is completed, the photosensitive drum 109Y is wiped away with unnecessary toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface by the photosensitive cleaner, and then is neutralized by the static eliminator 113Y and waits for the next image formation.

  As described above, the yellow toner image transferred onto the conveying belt 105 by the image forming unit 106Y is conveyed to the next image forming unit 106M by driving the rollers of the conveying belt 105. In the image forming unit 106M, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 109M by the same process as the image forming process in the image forming unit 106Y, and the toner image is superimposed and transferred onto the already formed yellow image. Is done.

  The yellow and magenta toner images transferred onto the conveying belt 105 are further conveyed to the next image forming units 106C and 106K, and the cyan toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 109C and the photosensitive member are subjected to the same operation. The black toner image formed on the body drum 109K is superimposed and transferred on the already transferred image. Thus, a full-color intermediate transfer image is formed on the conveyance belt 105.

  The sheets 104 stored in the sheet feeding tray 101 are sent out in order from the top. A secondary transfer roller 117 is provided so as to face the conveyance belt 105 at a position where the conveyance path of the sheet 104 is in contact with or closest to the conveyance belt 105. A force for moving the toner is generated by the transfer bias applied from the secondary transfer roller 117 and the transfer bias applied from the driven roller 108, and the intermediate transfer image formed on the conveyance belt 105 is formed on the paper surface of the sheet. Transcribed. As a result, an image is formed on the surface of the sheet 104. The sheet 104 on which the image is formed on the sheet surface is further conveyed, the image is fixed by the fixing device 116, and then discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, a belt cleaner 118 is provided so that the toner image is transferred to the sheet and is not transferred to the conveying belt 105 that is conveyed again to the range facing the image forming unit 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the belt cleaner 118 is a cleaning blade pressed against the conveyance belt 105 on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller 117 and on the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 109. A developer remover that scrapes off toner adhering to the surface.

  Next, the functional configuration of the transfer control unit for controlling the secondary transfer mechanism including the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the transfer control unit 130 according to the present embodiment and a connection relationship between the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117. That is, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 functions as an image transfer device.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the transfer control unit 130 according to the present embodiment includes a secondary transfer control unit 131, a first voltage application unit 132, a second voltage application unit 133, an abnormality detection unit 134, and a temperature detection unit 135. Functions as an image transfer control device. Note that the transfer control unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 4 is included as a part of the print engine 26. In addition, the transfer control unit 130 according to the present embodiment includes an information processing mechanism such as the CPU 10, the RAM 11, and the ROM 12 described with reference to FIG. It is configured by the CPU 10 performing calculations according to the stored control program.

  The secondary transfer control unit 131 controls the mode of voltage application to the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 based on a command from a higher-order functional block such as the engine control unit 31. The secondary transfer control unit 131 according to the present embodiment intermittently applies a voltage to the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117, and applies the voltage to the driven roller 108 and the voltage to the secondary transfer roller 117. Is controlled to be alternately performed. That is, the secondary transfer control unit 131 functions as a voltage application control unit.

  In addition, the secondary transfer control unit 131 changes the one-time application period when the voltage is intermittently applied as described above based on the temperature detection result by the temperature detection unit 135, thereby detecting the abnormality detection unit 134. Prevents false positives. Such a function of the secondary transfer control unit 131 is the gist of the present embodiment.

  The first voltage application unit 132 outputs a transfer voltage to be applied to the driven roller 108 under the control of the secondary transfer control unit 131. The second voltage application unit 133 outputs a transfer voltage to be applied to the secondary transfer roller 117 according to the control of the secondary transfer control unit 131. That is, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 function as voltage application units, each of which is a separate power mechanism. That is, the voltage application unit according to the present embodiment includes two power systems, that is, a first voltage application unit 132 and a second voltage application unit 133. The driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 according to this embodiment are driven by constant current. Therefore, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 apply voltages such that the current values flowing through the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 become predetermined reference values, respectively.

  The abnormality detection unit 134 detects an excessive voltage output from the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 as an abnormality. That is, the abnormality detection unit 134 functions as an excess voltage detection unit. When constant current driving is performed as described above, if a disconnection or the like occurs in the current path inside the driven roller 108 or the secondary transfer roller 117, the current does not increase no matter how much voltage is applied. Will be output. In order to prevent such excessive voltage output from being continued, the abnormality detection unit 134 monitors the output voltages of the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133, and the output voltage is a predetermined voltage. An abnormality is detected when the threshold value is exceeded, and an abnormality detection signal is output to the secondary transfer control unit 131 when an abnormality is detected.

  The temperature detection unit 135 detects the temperature of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117, and when the detection result is lower than a predetermined threshold, a signal (hereinafter, “ The low-temperature detection signal ”is input to the secondary transfer control unit 131. Here, impedance values corresponding to the temperatures of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In general, materials used for the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 have high temperature dependency of impedance values, and the impedance value is several to several hundred times at low temperatures. As described above, since the power supply to the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 is controlled by constant current, if the impedance of the load to which the voltage is applied increases several hundred times, the power supply capacity of the transformer is exceeded. And an error may be detected as an excessive voltage.

  In the example according to the present embodiment of FIG. 5, when the temperature of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 becomes 5 ° C. or less, the impedance value of the secondary transfer roller exceeds 500 MΩ, so that an error is detected due to excessive voltage output. Will be. Therefore, the temperature detection unit 135 outputs a low temperature detection signal when the temperature of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 becomes 5 ° C. or less. In the present embodiment, the temperature threshold 5 ° C. that is common to the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 is used, but different thresholds may be used according to the respective characteristics.

  The temperature detection unit 135 is a known module as long as it is a module that detects the temperatures of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 119 based on the output signals of the temperature detection sensors provided on the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 119. Various modules can be used.

  As the temperature detection sensor, various known modules can be used as long as the modules output signals according to the temperatures of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 119. For example, the impedance changes according to the temperature. Using a circuit, it is possible to predict the temperature based on the impedance value of the circuit. The impedance value can be calculated based on the current flowing through the circuit and the applied voltage.

  Next, a control mode of the secondary transfer bias by the transfer control unit 130 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the temperature detector 135 monitors the temperatures of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 (S601). When the temperature of either the driven roller 108 or the secondary transfer roller 117 is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature (S601 / YES), the temperature detection unit 135 outputs a low temperature detection signal.

  Accordingly, the secondary transfer control unit 131 selects the control mode at the low temperature as the control mode of the secondary transfer bias for the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 (S602). On the other hand, when the temperature of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 exceeds the threshold temperature (S601 / NO), the secondary transfer control unit 131 selects the control mode at normal temperature (S603). As described above, it is the gist of the present embodiment that the low temperature and the normal temperature are determined based on the preset temperature threshold value, and the control mode at the low temperature is selected when the low temperature is determined. .

  Next, a control mode of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment will be described. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating a control mode of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment. 7A to 7C, the voltage of the secondary transfer roller 117 is indicated by a solid line, and the voltage of the driven roller 108 is indicated by a broken line.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the control of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment, the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 alternately apply the secondary transfer bias. This is one of the gist according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the voltage is switched instantaneously when the secondary transfer bias is alternately applied.

  In the case of FIG. 7A, the secondary transfer roller 117 applies a positive voltage having an absolute value “H” for a period “a1” during a period in which the driven roller 108 is not applying a voltage. The driven roller 108 applies a negative voltage of the absolute value “H” for a period “a2” during a period in which the secondary transfer roller 117 is not applying a voltage.

  In the present embodiment, the toner transferred to the surface of the conveyor belt 105 is charged with a negative charge. Therefore, while the secondary transfer roller 117 is applying a positive voltage, the toner on the transport belt 105 is attracted to the secondary transfer roller 117 in a direction away from the transport belt 105. As a result, the toner image on the conveyor belt 105 is transferred from the conveyor belt 105 onto the paper surface.

  On the other hand, while the driven roller 108 applies a negative voltage, a repulsive force acts on the toner on the transport belt 105 in a direction away from the transport belt 105 by repelling the driven roller 108. As a result, the toner image on the conveyor belt 105 is transferred from the conveyor belt 105 onto the paper surface. As described above, in the control mode of FIG. 7A, since either the driven roller 108 or the secondary transfer roller 117 generates an attractive force or a repulsive force corresponding to the voltage “H” in any period, The amount of toner transferred from the belt 105 to the paper can always be kept constant, and variations in image density can be prevented.

  In the case of FIG. 7B, the secondary transfer roller 117 gradually increases the applied voltage from zero to a positive “H” over a half period of “a1”, and then increases over a half period of “a1”. The applied voltage is gradually lowered from “H” to zero. On the other hand, the driven roller 108 gradually increases the voltage from the minus “H” to zero over a half period of “a2” at the same timing as the secondary transfer roller 117 increases the voltage from zero to “H”. Thereafter, the applied voltage is gradually lowered from zero to minus “H” over a half period of “a2”.

  In the case of such a control mode, when the applied voltage of the secondary transfer roller 117 is plus “H”, as in FIG. 7B, the conveyance is performed by the attractive force due to the voltage applied by the secondary transfer roller 117. The toner on the belt 105 is transferred to the paper. On the other hand, when the applied voltage of the driven roller 108 is minus “H”, the toner on the conveying belt 105 is transferred to the paper by the repulsive force due to the voltage applied by the driven roller 108 as in FIG. The

  While the applied voltages of the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 are increased or decreased, an attractive force due to the voltage applied by the secondary transfer roller 117 and a repulsive force due to the voltage applied by the driven roller 108 are obtained. The toner on the conveyor belt 105 is transferred to the paper.

  Since the potential difference between the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 is always “H”, the total attractive force and repulsive force applied to the toner on the conveying belt 105 corresponds to the voltage “H”. Accordingly, the amount of toner transferred from the conveying belt 105 to the paper can be always kept constant, and variations in image density can be prevented.

  In the case of FIG. 7C, the secondary transfer roller 117 increases the applied voltage from zero to plus “H” over a quarter period of “a1” and then “H” during the half period of “a1”. Maintain the voltage. Thereafter, the applied voltage is lowered from a positive “H” to zero over a quarter period of “a1”. Thereafter, zero is maintained for a half period of “a1”.

  On the other hand, the driven roller 108 increases the voltage over a quarter period of “a2” from minus “H” to zero at the same timing as the secondary transfer roller 117 increases the voltage from zero to “H”. The voltage of zero is maintained for a half period of “a2”. Thereafter, the applied voltage is lowered from zero to minus “H” over a quarter period of “a2”. Thereafter, the voltage of minus “H” is maintained for a half period of “a2”.

  In the case of such a control mode, when the applied voltage of the secondary transfer roller 117 is plus “H”, as in FIG. 7B, the conveyance is performed by the attractive force due to the voltage applied by the secondary transfer roller 117. The toner on the belt 105 is transferred to the paper. On the other hand, when the applied voltage of the driven roller 108 is minus “H”, the toner on the conveying belt 105 is transferred to the paper by the repulsive force due to the voltage applied by the driven roller 108 as in FIG. The

  While the applied voltages of the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 are increased or decreased, an attractive force due to the voltage applied by the secondary transfer roller 117 and a repulsive force due to the voltage applied by the driven roller 108 are obtained. The toner on the conveyor belt 105 is transferred to the paper.

  Since the potential difference between the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 is always “H”, the total attractive force and repulsive force applied to the toner on the conveying belt 105 corresponds to the voltage “H”. Accordingly, the amount of toner transferred from the conveying belt 105 to the paper can be always kept constant, and variations in image density can be prevented.

  As common to all of FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the control of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment, on both sides of the conveyance path of the paper to which the toner image is transferred, The driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 disposed so as to face each other alternately apply the secondary transfer bias. In FIG. 7B, “a1” and “a2” need to be the same, but in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C, “a1” and “a2” may be different. .

  Then, when the secondary transfer bias is alternately applied, one period during which one roller applies the secondary transfer bias (hereinafter referred to as a “switching period”), for example, FIGS. ) Is changed between a low temperature and a normal temperature to prevent erroneous detection of a secondary transfer bias error at a low temperature. This is one of the gist according to the present embodiment.

  Next, a change in the switching period between the low temperature control and the normal temperature control will be described. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of a low-temperature control switching period in the control mode of FIG. In the following description, the output of the secondary transfer roller 117 is output 1 and the output of the driven roller 108 is output 2. The maximum value of the applied voltage is indicated by “1”, and is indicated by a decimal value based on the ratio from the maximum value.

  FIG. 8A shows a case where “a1” and “a2” are the same. In the case of FIG. 8A, both “a1” and “a2” are 0.8 seconds, and the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 repeat the voltage application every 0.8 seconds. In FIG. 8B, “a1” and “a2” are different, “a1” is 0.8 seconds and “a2” is 0.6 seconds. In this case, after the secondary transfer roller 117 applies a voltage for 0.8 seconds, the driven roller 108 applies a voltage for 0.6 seconds, and this is repeated alternately.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the switching period of the low temperature control in the control mode of FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, both “a1” and “a2” are 0.8 seconds. That is, the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 increase or decrease the voltage over 0.4 seconds and vice versa over 0.4 seconds.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the switching period of the low temperature control in the control mode of FIG. 7C. FIG. 10A shows a case where “a1” and “a2” are the same. In the case of FIG. 10A, both “a1” and “a2” are 0.8 seconds, and the secondary transfer roller 117 and the driven roller 108 increase or decrease the voltage over 0.2 seconds. Maintain that state for 4 seconds, then raise or lower to restore the voltage over 0.2 seconds.

  Such control of the secondary transfer bias is performed by the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133, respectively. That is, the voltage of the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 is output by the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 outputting the voltages in the modes shown in FIGS. Is controlled.

  As described above, in the control of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment, the switching period that is one voltage application period at a low temperature is set to 0.8 seconds or less. In contrast, the switching period at room temperature is set to a longer period, for example, 1.2 seconds or 1.4 seconds. Then, the period during which the abnormality detection unit 134 determines that the voltages output by the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 are excessive (hereinafter referred to as “abnormality detection period”) is switched at a low temperature. One of the gist according to the present embodiment is to make the period longer than the period and shorter than the switching period at normal temperature.

  For example, the period in which the abnormality detection unit 134 determines that the voltage output from the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 is excessive is 1 second, and the switching period at room temperature is 1.2 seconds. The switching period at low temperature is 0.8 seconds. In that case, if disconnection or the like occurs in the load inside the driven roller 108 or the secondary transfer roller 117 at normal temperature, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 that are driven by constant current are The higher voltage is output to pass the current.

  As a result, since a higher voltage is output for 1.2 seconds, the abnormality detection unit 134 exceeds the threshold of 1 second, which is an engine that detects an abnormality, and is detected as an abnormality. On the other hand, when the temperature of the driven roller 108 or the secondary transfer roller 117 is low and the impedance value is very high at low temperatures, the first voltage application unit 132 driven by constant current, the second voltage application The unit 133 outputs a higher voltage to allow a predetermined current to flow, but since the period is 0.8 seconds at the maximum, it does not exceed the threshold of 1 second, which is the engine that the abnormality detection unit 134 detects abnormality. No false detection of errors due to low temperatures. Such a configuration can prevent erroneous detection of errors at low temperatures.

  Here, the abnormality detection operation by the abnormality detection unit 134 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the abnormality detection unit 134 waits for a predetermined period of 0.1 seconds (S1101), and the voltages output by the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 are set. It is determined whether or not the excess voltage exceeds the set threshold voltage (S1102). As a result, if it is not excessive voltage, the count value counting the number of times of detection of excessive voltage is cleared (S1104), and the processing from S1101 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the voltage is an excessive voltage (S1102 / YES), the abnormality detection unit 134 counts up the number of times of detection of the excessive voltage (S1103), and as a result, whether or not the count value exceeds 10, that is, It is confirmed whether or not an excessive voltage is detected continuously for 1 second (S1105). If the count value has not reached 10 as a result of the determination in S1105 (S1105 / NO), the abnormality detection unit 134 repeats the processing from S1101.

  On the other hand, when the count value has reached 10 (S1105 / YES), the abnormality detection unit 134 performs error processing for outputting an abnormality detection signal to the secondary transfer control unit 131 as described above (S1106), and performs the processing. finish. Accordingly, the secondary transfer control unit 131 performs control such as emergency stop of voltage output by the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133.

  By such control, the abnormality detection unit 134 according to the present embodiment detects an abnormality when the excessive voltage is continuously detected for a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as “excess voltage determination period”). . The excess voltage determination period is 1 second in FIG. 11, but this is an example. As described above, the excess voltage determination period needs to be longer than the switching period in the low temperature control and shorter than the switching period in the normal temperature control. Therefore, it is preferable to determine according to each switching period of the low temperature control and the normal temperature control.

  With respect to such control, as described above, the secondary transfer control unit 131 according to the present embodiment, when the low temperature detection signal is output by the temperature detection unit 135, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage. The voltage output by the application unit 133 is switched to low temperature control. As a result, the switching period, which is one voltage application period when the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 alternately apply a voltage, is a period for the abnormality detection unit 134 to detect an abnormality due to excessive voltage. This is shorter than the excess voltage determination period, and it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of excess voltage due to low temperature.

  As described above, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of overvoltage application at low temperatures without affecting the finally transferred image.

  In the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C, the case where the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 alternately apply the transfer bias even at the normal temperature is taken as an example. explained. However, the application of the alternating transfer bias is to intermittently apply the transfer bias at a low temperature and to make the switching period shorter than the abnormality detection period, thereby avoiding erroneous detection of excessive voltage due to the low temperature. .

  Accordingly, it is not necessary to intermittently apply the transfer bias at room temperature, and for example, only the secondary transfer roller 117 may be controlled to apply the transfer bias continuously. In other words, the secondary transfer control unit 131 alternates from the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 as described above only when the temperature detection result by the temperature detection unit 135 is lower than the predetermined temperature threshold. You may make it apply a voltage to. On the other hand, since it is necessary to control the application of the secondary transfer bias intermittently at low temperatures, the control mode can be shared by performing the application control of the secondary transfer bias intermittently even at room temperature. , “A1” and “a2” can be dealt with only by changing the parameters, so that the control can be simplified.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the absolute value of the maximum value of the voltage applied to the driven roller 108 and the absolute value of the maximum value of the voltage applied to the secondary transfer roller 117 are described as an example. This is a configuration for making the attractive force and the repulsive force applied to transfer the toner on the conveying belt 105 uniform.

  Accordingly, even if the absolute value of the voltage is the same, if the transfer force applied from the driven roller 108 and the transfer force applied from the secondary transfer roller 117 are different, the driven roller 108 and the secondary roller 108 are made to have the same transfer force. It is preferable to adjust the voltage with the transfer roller 117.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the case where the first voltage applying unit 132 applies a voltage to the driven roller 108 and the second voltage applying unit 133 applies a voltage to the secondary transfer roller 117 has been described as an example. However, the gist of the present invention is that the two power systems alternately output voltages, and the switching period, which is a single period during which each power system outputs a voltage, is changed according to the detected period. There is. Accordingly, a mode in which both of the two power systems output voltage to the secondary transfer roller 117 is also possible. In the present embodiment, such an aspect will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the functional configuration of the transfer control unit 130 and the secondary transfer roller 117 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the transfer control unit 130 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the transfer control unit 130 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. The difference is that the outputs of both of the two voltage application units 133 are output to the secondary transfer roller.

  The point which the 1st voltage application part 132 and the 2nd voltage application part 133 output a voltage alternately is the same as that of Embodiment 1. However, in the present embodiment, since both the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 output a voltage to the secondary transfer roller 117, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 Both of them need to output a voltage that is an attractive force toward the secondary transfer roller 117 with respect to the toner on the conveyance belt 105.

  Next, a control mode of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing a control mode of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment, and correspond to FIGS. 7A to 7C, respectively. 7A to 7C, the output of the first voltage application unit 132 is indicated by a solid line, and the output of the second voltage application unit 133 is indicated by a broken line. As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, in the control of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 are alternately switched to the secondary transfer bias. Apply.

  However, in the first embodiment, since the secondary transfer bias is applied to the driven roller 108 and the secondary transfer roller 117 that sandwich the sheet conveyance path, the voltage output from the first voltage application unit 132 and the second transfer bias are applied. The voltage output from the voltage application unit 133 was opposite in polarity. On the other hand, in the control of the secondary transfer bias according to the present embodiment, the first voltage application unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 both apply a voltage to the secondary transfer roller 117. The unit 132 and the second voltage application unit 133 output a local voltage.

  In the case of FIG. 13A, the first voltage application unit 132 applies a positive voltage having an absolute value “H” for a period “a1” in a period in which the second voltage application unit 133 is not applying a voltage. . The second voltage application unit 133 applies a positive voltage having an absolute value “H” for a period “a2” in a period in which the first voltage application unit 132 is not applying a voltage.

  As a result, as shown in the third row of FIG. 13A, a positive voltage having an absolute value “H” is always applied to the secondary transfer roller 117. As a result, the amount of toner transferred from the conveyor belt 105 to the paper can be kept constant, and variations in image density can be prevented.

  In the case of FIG. 13B, the first voltage application unit 132 gradually increases the applied voltage from zero to plus “H” over a half period of “a1”, and then over a half period of “a1”. Slowly lower the applied voltage from positive “H” to zero. On the other hand, the second voltage application unit 133 gradually increases from minus “H” to zero over a half period of “a2” at the same timing as the first voltage application unit 132 raises the voltage from zero to “H”. The voltage is increased, and then the applied voltage is gradually decreased from zero to minus “H” over a half period of “a2”.

  Also in such a control mode, a positive voltage having an absolute value “H” is always applied to the secondary transfer roller 117 as in the third stage of FIG. As a result, the amount of toner transferred from the conveyor belt 105 to the paper can be kept constant, and variations in image density can be prevented.

  In the case of FIG. 13C, the first voltage application unit 132 increases the applied voltage from zero to plus “H” over a quarter period of “a1” and then “H1” during the half period of “a1”. ”Is maintained. Thereafter, the applied voltage is lowered from a positive “H” to zero over a quarter period of “a1”. Thereafter, zero is maintained for a half period of “a1”.

  On the other hand, the second voltage application unit 133 has the same timing as the first voltage application unit 132 raises the voltage from zero to “H”, and the voltage from the minus “H” to zero over a quarter period of “a2”. The voltage of zero is maintained for a half period of “a2”. Thereafter, the applied voltage is lowered from zero to minus “H” over a quarter period of “a2”. Thereafter, the voltage of minus “H” is maintained for a half period of “a2”.

  Also in such a control mode, a positive voltage having an absolute value “H” is always applied to the secondary transfer roller 117 as in the third stage of FIG. As a result, the amount of toner transferred from the conveyor belt 105 to the paper can be kept constant, and variations in image density can be prevented.

1 Image forming apparatus 10 CPU
11 RAM
12 ROM
13 Engine 14 HDD
15 I / F
16 LCD
17 Operation unit 18 Bus 20 Controller 21 ADF
22 Scanner unit 23 Paper discharge tray 24 Display panel 25 Paper feed table 26 Print engine 27 Paper discharge tray 28 Network I / F
30 Main control unit 31 Engine control unit 32 Input / output control unit 33 Image processing unit 34 Operation display control unit 101 Paper feed tray 102 Paper feed roller 103 Registration roller 104 Paper 105 Conveying belts 106K, 106C, 106M, 106Y Image forming unit 107 Drive Roller 108 Driven roller 109K, 109C, 109M, 109Y Photoconductor drum 110K Charger 111 Optical writing device 112K, 112C, 112M, 112Y Developer 113K, 113C, 113M, 113Y Static eliminator 115K, 115C, 115M, 115Y Transfer device 116 Fixing Device 117 Secondary transfer roller 118 Belt cleaner 130 Transfer control unit 131 Secondary transfer control unit 132 First voltage application unit 133 Second voltage application unit 134 Abnormality detection unit 135 Temperature detection unit

JP 2009-122168 A

Claims (8)

A voltage application unit that applies a transfer voltage to the transfer mechanism to transfer an image obtained by developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor onto the transfer target; and
A voltage application control unit for controlling a voltage application mode by the transfer voltage;
A temperature detector that detects the temperature of the transfer mechanism; and an excess voltage detector that detects that the transfer voltage applied to the transfer mechanism is excessive;
The voltage application unit includes two power systems, and has a function of alternately applying a transfer voltage to the transfer mechanism from the two power systems,
The excess voltage detection unit detects that the transfer voltage is excessive when a period in which a transfer voltage applied by each of the two power systems exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold exceeds a predetermined abnormality detection period. And
The voltage application control unit determines whether the transfer voltage is applied once when the transfer voltage is alternately applied by the two power systems when the temperature detection result of the transfer mechanism is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold. An image transfer control apparatus, wherein an application period is controlled to be shorter than the predetermined abnormality detection period.   The voltage application unit applies a transfer voltage to the transfer mechanism alternately from the two power systems only when the detection result of the temperature of the transfer mechanism is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold. The image transfer control device according to claim 1. The voltage application unit always applies a transfer voltage to the transfer mechanism alternately from the two power systems,
The voltage application control unit determines a transfer voltage for one transfer when the transfer voltage is alternately applied by the two power systems when the temperature detection result of the transfer mechanism is higher than a predetermined temperature threshold. The image transfer control device according to claim 1, wherein an application period is controlled to be longer than the predetermined abnormality detection period.   The voltage application unit applies a positive transfer voltage from one of the two power systems to one of the two transfer mechanisms arranged on both sides of the transfer object, and the other of the two transfer mechanisms. 4. The image transfer control device according to claim 1, wherein a negative transfer voltage is applied from the other of the two power systems.   The voltage application unit adjusts a transfer voltage applied to each of the two transfer mechanisms so that a transfer force generated from one of the two transfer mechanisms and a transfer force from the other are uniform. The image transfer control device according to claim 4.   4. The image transfer control device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage application unit applies a transfer voltage to the same transfer mechanism from both of the two power systems. 5.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image transfer control device according to claim 1. A control method of an image transfer apparatus for transferring an image in which an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor is developed to a transfer object,
The transfer force is generated by applying a transfer voltage to the transfer mechanism to transfer the developed image to the transfer object,
Detecting that the transfer voltage is excessive when a period in which the transfer voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold exceeds a predetermined abnormality detection period;
When the detected temperature of the transfer mechanism is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold, the transfer voltage is alternately applied to the transfer mechanism by two power systems that output the transfer voltage, and the transfer voltage at that time is An image transfer apparatus control method, wherein an application period is controlled to be shorter than the predetermined abnormality detection period.