JP6691685B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof.

  Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, the surface of the photoconductor drum is lubricated for the purpose of reducing deterioration over time due to wear of the photoconductor drum (image carrier) and cleaning blade and the occurrence of abnormal images. A technique of installing a lubricant supply device (a lubricant application device) for supplying a lubricant is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a photosensitive drum is new in order to prevent the problem that the friction resistance of the surface of the photosensitive drum becomes large when the photosensitive drum is replaced with a new one. There is disclosed a technique of executing a control mode in which a lubricant is supplied to the surface of the photoconductor drum before the image forming operation is started when the image forming operation is replaced.
In addition, in Patent Document 2, when the process cartridge is replaced with a new one for the purpose of reducing the problem that the cleaning blade is turned and squeaks when the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, A technique for executing a control mode in which toner is forcibly supplied to the surface of a photosensitive drum before starting an image forming operation is disclosed.

  The conventional technique is not limited to the case where the cleaning device having the cleaning blade is replaced with a new one, and the image forming device main body is not limited to the case where the same cleaning device is attached to or detached from the image forming device main body. When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is performed, the frictional resistance between the image carrier (photoreceptor drum) and the cleaning blade may increase in the image forming operation performed immediately after the mounting operation. When such a problem occurs, the image carrier and the cleaning blade may be worn and deteriorated, or an abnormal image may be generated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in the image forming operation performed immediately after the mounting operation of the cleaning device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the problem of increasing the frictional resistance between the image carrier and the cleaning blade is reduced.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image carrier that rotates in a predetermined direction, and a cleaning device that includes a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove untransferred toner carried on the surface of the image carrier. A lubricant supply device that supplies a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, and a detection unit that detects a mounting operation in which the cleaning device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus . When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection means in a state in which the image carrier is configured to contact the image carrier that rotates in the positive direction in the counter direction and the image forming operation is stopped , the image forming operation is performed. before operation starts, the control mode for rotating the image bearing member alternately in forward and reverse direction of the predetermined direction as the positive direction is performed, the control mode It is intended to repeat the operation of rotating in the forward direction from by rotating the image carrier in the reverse direction.

  According to the present invention, when the mounting operation of the cleaning device is performed on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the friction resistance between the image carrier and the cleaning blade is increased in the image forming operation performed immediately after the mounting operation. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the problem of the occurrence of the problem is reduced.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a process cartridge and its vicinity. 6 is a timing chart showing control in a lubricant supply mode. 9 is a timing chart showing control in a lubricant supply mode as a first modification. 9 is a timing chart showing control in a lubricant supply mode as a modified example 2. 9 is a timing chart showing control in a lubricant supply mode as a modified example 3.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

First, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the yellow process cartridge 10Y (image forming unit) installed in the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.
Note that the four process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK (image forming units) have almost the same structure except that the color of the toner T used in the image forming process is different. Therefore, in FIG. Only one is shown as a representative.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a tandem color copier as an image forming apparatus, 2 is a writing unit that emits a laser beam based on input image information, 3 is a document transport unit that transports a document D to a document reading unit 4, and 4 is a document transport unit. An original reading unit for reading image information of the original D, 7 a paper feeding unit for accommodating a recording medium such as transfer paper, 9 a registration roller for adjusting the conveyance timing of the recording medium, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK for each color ( A process cartridge in which toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are formed, and 16 is a process cartridge in which the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK are superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Primary transfer bias roller for transfer, 17 is an intermediate transfer belt on which toner images of a plurality of colors are superposed and transferred, and 18 is a toner on the intermediate transfer belt 17. A secondary transfer bias roller for transferring the image onto the recording medium, 19 an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 17, 20 a fixing device for fixing the toner image (unfixed image) on the recording medium, Indicates.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus during normal color image formation will be described.
First, the document D is transported from the document table in the direction of the arrow by the transport rollers of the document transport unit 3 and placed on the contact glass 5 of the document reading unit 4. Then, the document reading unit 4 optically reads the image information of the document D placed on the contact glass 5.

  Specifically, the document reading unit 4 scans the image of the document D on the contact glass 5 while irradiating the light emitted from the illumination lamp. Then, the light reflected by the document D is imaged on the color sensor via the mirror group and the lens. The color image information of the document D is read by the color sensor for each color separation light of RGB (red, green, blue) and then converted into an electric image signal. Further, based on the RGB color-separated image signals, the image processing unit performs color conversion processing, color correction processing, spatial frequency correction processing, and the like to obtain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color image information.

  Then, the image information of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is transmitted to the writing unit 2. Then, from the writing unit 2, the laser light L (exposure light) based on the image information of each color is directed onto the corresponding photoconductor drum 11 (image carrier) of the process cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK. Is emitted.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drums 11 (see FIG. 2) of the four process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK respectively rotate (run) in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction). Then, first, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 is uniformly charged at a portion facing the charging device 12 (a charging step). Thus, the charging potential (about -900V) is formed on the photoconductor drum 11. After that, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 reaches the irradiation position of each laser beam L.
In the writing unit 2, the laser light L corresponding to the image signal is emitted from each of the four light sources corresponding to each color. Each laser light L passes through different optical paths for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color components (exposure step).

  The laser beam L corresponding to the yellow component is applied to the surface of the first photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) from the left side of the paper surface. At this time, the yellow component laser beam is scanned in the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11 by the polygon mirror that rotates at a high speed. In this way, an electrostatic latent image (an exposure potential of about −50 to 100 V is formed) corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 after being charged by the charging device 12.

  Similarly, the laser light corresponding to the magenta component is applied to the surface of the second photoconductor drum 11 from the left side of the paper, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component is formed. The cyan component laser light is applied to the surface of the third photoconductor drum 11 from the left side of the paper, and an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component is formed. The black component laser beam is applied to the surface of the fourth photoconductor drum 11 from the left side of the drawing to form an electrostatic latent image of the black component.

After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 on which the electrostatic latent image of each color is formed reaches the position facing the developing device 13, respectively. Then, toner of each color is supplied from the developing device 13 onto the photosensitive drum 11, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 is developed to form a toner image (a developing process).
After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 after the developing process reaches a portion (primary transfer nip) facing the intermediate transfer belt 17, respectively. Here, the primary transfer bias roller 16 is installed at each of the facing portions so as to come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, at the position of the primary transfer bias roller 16, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drum 11 are sequentially superposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 (a primary transfer process).

Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 after the primary transfer process reaches a position facing the cleaning device 14 (cleaning unit). Then, at this position, the untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is mechanically removed by the cleaning blade 14a and the cleaning brush roller 14b, and the removed untransferred toner is collected in the cleaning device 14. (This is a cleaning process.). The untransferred toner collected in the cleaning device 14 is carried to the outside of the cleaning device 14 by the carrying screw and collected as waste toner in the waste toner collecting container.
After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 sequentially passes through the positions of the lubricant supply device 15 and the static eliminator, and the series of image forming processes on the photoconductor drum 11 is completed.

On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the toners of the respective colors on the photosensitive drum 11 are transferred (carried) in an overlapping manner travels in the clockwise direction in the figure and moves to a position facing the secondary transfer bias roller 18 (secondary transfer bias roller). Reach the nip). Then, the color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transferred onto the recording medium at a position facing the secondary transfer bias roller 18 (secondary transfer step).
Then, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 19. Then, the untransferred toner attached on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 19, and a series of transfer processes on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is completed.

Here, the recording medium conveyed between the intermediate transfer belt 17 and the secondary transfer bias roller 18 (which is the secondary transfer nip) is conveyed from the paper feeding unit 7 via the registration rollers 9 and the like. It is a thing.
More specifically, the recording medium fed by the sheet feeding roller 8 from the sheet feeding unit 7 that stores the recording medium is guided to the registration roller 9 (timing roller) after passing the conveyance guide. The recording medium that has reached the registration rollers 9 is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip at the same timing.

Then, the recording medium onto which the full-color image has been transferred is guided to the fixing device 20 by the conveyor belt. In the fixing device 20, the color image (toner) is fixed on the recording medium at the nip between the fixing belt and the pressure roller.
Then, the recording medium after the fixing process is discharged as an output image to the outside of the apparatus main body 1 by the paper discharging roller, and a series of image forming process (image forming operation) is completed.

Next, the process cartridge 10Y will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 10Y includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging device 12 (charging unit), a developing device 13 (developing unit), and a cleaning device 14 (cleaning unit). The lubricant supply device 15 is integrally configured as a unit. The process cartridge 10Y is installed detachably (replaceable) with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1, and is properly taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 to be replaced with a new one or repaired. Become.

Here, the photoconductor drum 11 as an image carrier is a negatively chargeable organic photoconductor, and a photosensitive layer and the like are provided on a drum-shaped conductive support.
The photoconductor drum 11 includes a conductive support as a base layer, an undercoat layer as an insulating layer, a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer as a photosensitive layer, and a surface layer (protective layer), which are sequentially stacked.
The photosensitive drum 11 is rotationally driven counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by the first drive motor 50 (main motor).
The first drive motor 50 is a forward / reverse variable motor, and is controlled by the control unit 60 so that the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum 11 is the forward direction (the arrow direction in FIG. It is configured to be switched between a clockwise direction) and a reverse direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 2).
The first drive motor 50 is a variable rotation speed motor, and is configured to change the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 11 under the control of the control unit 60.
Then, the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" in which the photosensitive drum 11 is rotated at a low speed in the reverse direction at a predetermined timing is executed by using the first drive motor 50 configured as described above. This will be described in detail later.

With reference to FIG. 2, the charging device 12 is a charging charger using a corona discharge method using a corotron. A predetermined voltage (charging bias) is applied to the charging device 12 from the charging power source section, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the opposing photoconductor drum 11.
In the present embodiment, a charging charger having a grid using a corona discharge method using a scorotron may be used as the charging device 12, or a conductive cored bar is covered with an elastic layer having a medium resistance. A charging roller can also be used.
Further, as the charging bias applied to the charging device 12, an AC voltage superimposed on a DC voltage may be used, or only a DC voltage may be used.

The developing device 13 mainly includes a developing roller 13a facing the photosensitive drum 11, a first transport screw 13b facing the developing roller 13a, and a second transport screw 13c facing the first transport screw 13b via a partition member. And a doctor blade 13d facing the developing roller 13a. The developing roller 13a includes a magnet that is fixed inside and forms a magnetic pole on the roller peripheral surface, and a sleeve that rotates around the magnet. A plurality of magnetic poles are formed on the developing roller 13a (sleeve) by the magnet, and the developer G is carried on the developing roller 13a. A two-component developer G including a carrier C and a toner T is contained in the developing device 13.
The developing roller 13a and the two conveying screws 13b and 13c are rotationally driven by a developing drive motor provided separately from the first drive motor 50 that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 11.

The cleaning device 14 includes a cleaning blade 14a as a cleaning member that contacts the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 to clean the surface of the photoconductor drum 11, and a cleaning blade 14a that rotates in a predetermined direction while contacting the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. A cleaning brush roller 14b as a cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is installed.
The cleaning blade 14a is made of a rubber material such as urethane rubber and is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 at a predetermined angle and a predetermined pressure. As a result, untransferred toner (paper dust generated from the recording medium, discharge products generated on the photosensitive drum 11 at the time of discharging by the charging device 12, additives added to the toner, etc. The deposits are also included) and are mechanically scraped and collected in the cleaning device 14. In the present embodiment, the cleaning blade 14a is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in the counter direction with respect to the traveling direction (rotational direction) of the photosensitive drum 11.
The cleaning brush roller 14b comprises a cored bar and a straight or looped brush bristle made of resin fiber such as polyester, nylon, rayon, acrylic, vinylon, vinyl chloride, etc. The bristles are in sliding contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The cleaning brush roller 14b receives a driving force from the first drive motor 50 that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 11 via the gear train, and is rotationally driven counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, untransferred toner (paper dust generated from the recording medium, discharge products generated on the photosensitive drum 11 at the time of discharging by the charging device 12, additives added to the toner, etc. The deposits are also included) and are mechanically scraped and collected in the cleaning device 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, the lubricant supply device 15 includes a lubricant supply roller 15 a (a lubricant supply member) having a foamed elastic layer that is in sliding contact with the photoconductor drum 11 and that supplies a lubricant onto the photoconductor drum 11. ), A solid lubricant 15b that is in sliding contact with the lubricant supply roller 15a (foamed elastic layer), a compression spring 15c as a biasing member that biases the solid lubricant 15b toward the lubricant supply roller 15a, and the photosensitive drum 11. It is composed of a thinning blade 15f (leveling blade) for thinning (uniformizing) the lubricant which is brought into contact with and supplied onto the photosensitive drum 11.
The lubricant supply device 15 is arranged downstream of the cleaning device 14 (cleaning blade 14a) in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 11 and upstream of the charging device 12 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 11. ing. The thinning blade 15f is arranged downstream of the lubricant supply roller 15a in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 11.

The lubricant supply roller 15a is a roller-shaped member in which a foamed elastic layer made of polyurethane foam (urethane foam) is formed on a shaft portion (core metal) made of a metal material, and the foamed elastic layer is the photosensitive drum 11. The second drive motor 45 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2 in a state of being in contact with the surface. As a result, the lubricant is supplied from the solid lubricant 15b to the photosensitive drum 11 via the lubricant supply roller 15a.
Here, the second drive motor 45 that rotationally drives the lubricant supply roller 15 a drives the first drive motor 50 (main motor) that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 11, the cleaning brush roller 14 b, and the like, and the developing device 13. The motor is provided separately from the developing drive motor and rotationally drives only the lubricant supply roller 15a.
In the present embodiment, the second drive motor 45 that rotationally drives the lubricant supply roller 15a is provided separately from the first drive motor 50 that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 11, the cleaning brush roller 14b, and the like. The lubricant supply roller 15a may be configured to be rotationally driven by the first drive motor 50 together with the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning brush roller 14b.

The lubricant supply roller 15a is rotationally driven so as to come into sliding contact with the photosensitive drum 11 rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 2 in the counter direction (reverse direction) (counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 2). ). That is, the rotation direction of the lubricant supply roller 15a is configured to be opposite to the rotation direction (traveling direction) of the photoconductor drum 11 at the sliding contact position with the photoconductor drum 11.
The lubricant supply roller 15a is arranged so as to be in sliding contact with the solid lubricant 15b and the photosensitive drum 11, and the lubricant supply roller 15a rotates to scrape the lubricant from the solid lubricant 15b. The lubricant is applied on the photoconductor drum 11.
A compression spring 15c is arranged at the rear of the solid lubricant 15b (lubricant holding member 15e) in order to eliminate uneven contact between the lubricant supply roller 15a and the solid lubricant 15b. Is urged to the lubricant supply roller 15a.

Here, the solid lubricant 15b is formed by adding fatty acid metal zinc to an inorganic lubricant. The fatty acid metal zinc is preferably one containing at least zinc stearate. The inorganic lubricant is preferably at least one of talc, mica and boron nitride.
Zinc stearate is a typical lamellar crystalline powder. Lamellar crystals have a layered structure in which amphipathic molecules are self-assembled, and when shearing force is applied, the crystals are cracked along the layers and slippery. Therefore, the friction of the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 can be reduced. That is, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 can be effectively covered with a small amount of lubricant by the lamella crystal that receives the shearing force and uniformly covers the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 can be covered relatively evenly, and good protection can be provided from the electrical stress in the charging step.
Further, by using an inorganic lubricant having a plate-like structure such as talc, mica, and boron nitride, toner and lubricant are less likely to slip through the cleaning device 14 (cleaning blade 14a), and the charging device 12 is prevented. It can be made difficult to get dirty.

The thinning blade 15f is a plate-shaped member made of a rubber material such as urethane rubber, and is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 at a predetermined angle and a predetermined pressure. The thinning blade 15f is arranged downstream of the cleaning blade 14a in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 11 (downstream in the traveling direction). The lubricant supplied to the photoconductor drum 11 by the lubricant supply roller 15a is uniformly and appropriately thinned on the photoconductor drum 11 by the thinning blade 15f.
In the present embodiment, the distance in the rotational direction on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is smaller from the position of the lubricant supply roller 15a than that from the position of the cleaning blade 14a to the position of the lubricant supply roller 15a. The layers up to the position of the layering blade 15f are set to be equal to or less than the same.

When the solid lubricant 15b is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 via the lubricant supply roller 15a, the powdery lubricant is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. However, in this state, the lubricity is low. Since it is not sufficiently exhibited, the thinning blade 15f functions as a member for thinning / uniformizing the lubricant. The thinning blade 15f forms a film of the lubricant on the photoconductor drum 11, and the lubricant exhibits its lubricity sufficiently.
In the present embodiment, the thinning blade 15f is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in the counter direction with respect to the traveling direction (rotational direction) of the photosensitive drum 11, but the photosensitive drum 11 travels. It may be configured to contact the photoconductor drum 11 in the trading direction with respect to the direction (rotational direction).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the two blade members, that is, the cleaning blade 14a and the thinning blade 15f, are separately provided, the cleaning property and the lubricant application property can be favorably maintained. At the same time, by supplying the lubricant to the photosensitive drum 11, it is possible to reduce wear and deterioration of the blade members 14a and 15f.

The image forming process described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
The developing roller 13a is rotating in the arrow direction in FIG. The developer G in the developing device 13 is moved from the toner replenishing section 30 to the toner replenishing port by the rotation of the first conveying screw 13b and the second conveying screw 13c arranged with the partition member interposed therebetween in the arrow direction. It is circulated in the longitudinal direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2) while being agitated and mixed with the toner T replenished through.

  Then, the toner T that has been triboelectrically charged and adsorbed on the carrier C is carried on the developing roller 13a together with the carrier C. The developer G carried on the developing roller 13a then reaches the position of the doctor blade 13d. Then, the developer G on the developing roller 13a reaches a position facing the photosensitive drum 11 (which is a developing area) after being adjusted to an appropriate amount at the position of the doctor blade 13d.

  Then, in the developing area, the toner T in the developer G adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. Specifically, it is formed by the potential difference (developing potential) between the latent image potential (exposure potential) of the image portion irradiated with the laser light L and the developing bias (about -500 V) applied to the developing roller 13a. Due to the electric field generated, the toner T adheres to the latent image.

  After that, most of the toner T attached to the photosensitive drum 11 in the developing process is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, the untransferred toner T attached (remaining) to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is collected in the cleaning device 14 by the cleaning blade 14a and the cleaning brush roller 14b. After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 after the cleaning process sequentially passes through the lubricant supply device 15 and the static eliminator, and the series of image forming processes is completed.

  Here, the toner replenishing unit 30 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 1 is a replaceable toner bottle 31, and a toner hopper that holds and rotates the toner bottle 31 and replenishes the developing device 13 with new toner T. And a part 32. Further, a new toner T (yellow toner in FIG. 2) is stored in the toner bottle 31. Further, a spiral protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the toner bottle 31.

  The new toner T in the toner bottle 31 is appropriately replenished into the developing device 13 from the toner replenishing port as the toner T (which is an existing toner) in the developing device 13 is consumed. The consumption of the toner T in the developing device 13 is indirectly or directly detected by a magnetic sensor installed below the second transport screw 13c of the developing device 13.

Hereinafter, the characteristic control in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
Referring to FIG. 2, in image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, set detection as a detection unit (mounting detection unit) that detects a mounting operation in which cleaning device 14 is mounted on image forming apparatus main body 1 is performed. A sensor 40 is provided.
That is, the set detection sensor 40 (detection means) is used when the cleaning device 14 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1 for the first time at the time of loading, or when the cleaning device 14 installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 is replaced with a new one. In either case, the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 is performed on the image forming apparatus main body 1 or the cleaning operation of the same cleaning device 14 is performed on the image forming apparatus main body 1. It is determined that such a mounting operation has been performed.

Specifically, the set detection sensor 40 (detection means) is configured of a reflective optical sensor (a light emitting element, a light receiving element, or the like) arranged inside the image forming apparatus main body 1 at a position facing the cleaning device 14. ), The state in which the cleaning device 14 is mounted at the opposing position and the state in which the cleaning device 14 is not mounted are optically detected.
Specifically, when the cleaning device 14 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1, the light emitted from the light emitting element of the set detection sensor 40 is applied to the housing of the cleaning device 14 (at least the light is emitted). The part is made of a material or color that reflects light), the reflected light is incident on the light receiving element, and an output (ON signal) corresponding to the reflected light is sent to the control unit 60. .. On the other hand, when the cleaning device 14 is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1, the light emitted from the light emitting element of the set detection sensor 40 is not reflected and is incident on the light receiving element. Instead, the corresponding output (OFF signal) is sent to the control unit 60. Then, when the control unit 60 recognizes the state in which the signal sent from the set detection sensor 40 to the control unit 60 changes from the off signal to the on signal, the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 is detected. Become.

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning device 14 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1 together with the photoconductor drum 11, the charging device 12, the developing device 13, and the lubricant supply device 15. It is integrally configured as a process cartridge 10Y that can be installed. Therefore, the set detection sensor 40 (detection means) detects the mounting operation of the process cartridge 10Y with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1. The set detection sensor 40 is not limited to the case where the process cartridge 10Y (cleaning device 14) is replaced with a new one, and may be used when the same process cartridge 10Y (cleaning device 14) is detached. Including this, if the mounting operation of the process cartridge 10Y (cleaning device 14) is performed, the state is detected. As a mode in which the same process cartridge 10Y (cleaning device 14) is mounted, for example, maintenance of the existing process cartridge 10Y (cleaning device 14) may be performed by removing it from the image forming apparatus main body 1.

In the present embodiment, the set detection sensor 40 that directly detects whether or not the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is mounted is used as the detection unit that detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). I was there. However, the detection unit is not limited to this, and for example, based on the operation information of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) input by the user on the operation panel installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1, the leaning unit It may be configured to detect the mounting operation of the device 14 (process cartridge 10Y).
Further, the set detection sensor 40 that detects whether or not the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is mounted is not limited to the optical sensor as in the present embodiment, and may be a contact sensor using a micro switch or the like. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming operation is stopped (when the series of image forming processes (printing operations) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is not performed, When the operation of the forming apparatus 1 is stopped), when the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is detected by the set detection sensor 40 (detection unit), the image forming operation (print operation) is performed. 2 is started, the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) is alternately rotated in the forward and reverse directions with the arrow direction (predetermined direction, which is the counterclockwise direction) in FIG. 2 as the forward direction. Mode (lubricant supply mode) "is executed. Then, after such "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is executed, the normal image forming operation (image forming process) previously described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is performed.

In the "control mode", when the cleaning device 14 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1, the cleaning operation is performed on the photosensitive drum 11 in the image forming operation (printing operation) performed immediately after the mounting operation. This is executed in order to eliminate the problem that the frictional resistance with the blade 14a increases, and will be appropriately referred to as "lubricant supply mode" below.
When a new cleaning blade 14a (cleaning device 14) is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in a state where the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a is not worn at all. The frictional resistance between the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a is likely to increase initially until the toner wears to some extent and fits in. Further, when the existing cleaning blade 14a (cleaning device 14) is attached / detached to / from the image forming apparatus 1, the lubricant accumulated at the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a is once dispersed due to the vibration during the attachment / detachment. When an image forming operation is performed in this state, the frictional resistance between the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a tends to increase initially.
When the image forming operation is started in such a state that the frictional resistance between the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a is increased, the load fluctuation when driving the photoconductor drum 11 becomes large and an abnormal image occurs. The deterioration of the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a is accelerated, and an abnormal image such as a streak image is generated due to the deterioration of the abrasion.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the set detection sensor 40 detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (cleaning blade 14a), before the next image forming operation (print operation) is started, The photosensitive drum 11 is repeatedly rotated in the forward and reverse directions alternately, and the lubricant supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 at the position of the lubricant supplying device 15 is transferred to the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a (the photosensitive drum 11 and the photosensitive drum 11). The "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is executed so that the lubricant can be efficiently and uniformly supplied to the abutting portion of each of the above) from both the upstream side and the downstream side.
Specifically, the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” corresponds to the rotation range of the photosensitive drum 11 at least from the position of the cleaning blade 14a to the position of the lubricant supply roller 15a (in the present embodiment, This is about 1/4 rotation of the photoconductor drum 11.) and is repeatedly rotated in the forward and reverse directions alternately.
More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the set detection sensor 40 detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 and the lubricant supply mode is started, first, the photosensitive drum 11 moves in the reverse direction (clock of FIG. 2). The photosensitive drum 11 is driven to rotate in the forward direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2) by about 1/4 rotation. Such rotational driving in the forward and reverse directions of the cycle is repeatedly performed a plurality of times (about 5 times) in the lubricant supply mode.

  By executing the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” in this manner, when the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is performed on the image forming apparatus main body 1, immediately after the mounting operation. In the image forming operation (printing operation) performed in the above, it is possible to reliably reduce the problem that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the occurrence of abnormal images due to high friction resistance and wear deterioration of the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the cleaning blade 14a is configured to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the positive direction in the counter direction. In the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)", as described above, the operation of rotating the photosensitive drum 11 in the reverse direction and then rotating it in the positive direction is repeated.
By thus determining the order of rotation in the forward and reverse directions, the cleaning blade 14a that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in the counter direction during the normal image forming operation first moves in the reverse direction during the lubricant supply mode. Since it comes into contact with the rotating photosensitive drum 11 in the trading direction, the problem that the cleaning blade 14a in which the lubricant is not sufficiently supplied and the frictional resistance is high at that time is reliably reduced. become. That is, in the lubricant supply mode, if the photosensitive drum 11 is first rotated in the forward direction, the cleaning blade 14a comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the forward direction in the counter direction. At this point, there is a high possibility that the cleaning blade 14a may not be sufficiently supplied with the lubricant and the frictional resistance is high, causing the cleaning blade 14a to be turned up.

  For the same reason, when the cleaning blade 14a is configured to contact the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the forward direction in the trading direction, the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is It is preferable to repeat the operation of rotating the photosensitive drum 11 in the forward direction and then rotating it in the reverse direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” is executed in a state in which the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum 11 is lower than when the image forming operation is performed.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, when a normal image forming operation (printing operation) is performed, the first drive motor 50 is drive-controlled so that the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 11 is 500 rpm. On the other hand, in the lubricant supply mode, the first drive motor 50 is drive-controlled so that the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 11 is decelerated to about 100 rpm and rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions.
By decelerating the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum 11 in the lubricant supply mode in this way, the photoconductor drum 11 is not supplied to the cleaning blade 14a in a state where the supply of the lubricant is not sufficient initially and the frictional resistance is high. Even when the cleaning blade 14a rotates in the positive direction and comes into contact with the counter blade in the counter direction, the cleaning blade 14a is rolled up as compared with the case where the photosensitive drum 11 is rotationally driven at the same rotation speed as in the normal image forming operation. Can be reliably reduced.

In the present embodiment, the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” is executed while driving the lubricant supply device 15. That is, in the lubricant supply mode, the second drive motor 45 that rotationally drives the lubricant supply roller 15a is operated together with the first drive motor 50 that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 11.
As a result, in the lubricant supply mode, the lubricant is reliably supplied from the lubricant supply device 15 (the lubricant supply roller 15a) to the surface of the photoconductor drum 11.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the lubricant supply device 15 (the lubricant supply roller 15a) is driven by the second drive motor 45 independently of the rotational drive of the photosensitive drum 11. It is configured to be able to.
Therefore, by using such a configuration, the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" can be executed after the lubricant supply device 15 is driven for a predetermined time and stopped.
Specifically, when the set detection sensor 40 detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y), the second drive motor 45 is first operated before the image forming operation (print operation) is started. (At this time, the photosensitive drum 11 may be rotationally driven), a large amount of lubricant is supplied to a part of the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and then the driving of the second drive motor 45 is stopped. , A lubricant supply mode (rotational drive of the photoconductor drum 11 in the forward and reverse directions) is executed.
Even when such control is performed, it is possible to supply a sufficient amount of lubricant to the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a in the lubricant supply mode, so that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a is increased. It is possible to surely alleviate the problem that the power consumption increases.

Hereinafter, the control in the control mode (lubricant supply mode) described above will be collectively described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, first, when a print signal (print signal) is input to the control unit by the user operating the operation panel (step S1), immediately before that, the set detection sensor 40 causes the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). It is determined whether or not the mounting operation of () is performed (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) has been performed, if the printing operation is performed as it is, the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases. As a result, the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is executed (step S3), and then the print operation based on the print signal is started (step S4).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is not mounted, the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 11 are cleaned even if the printing operation is performed. Assuming that the frictional resistance with 14a does not increase, the printing operation based on the printing signal is started as it is without executing the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" (step S4).

<Modification 1>
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the control in the lubricant supply mode as the first modification.
In Modification 1, the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” is a predetermined time M (for example, 48 hours) after the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is detected by the set detection sensor 40 (detection means). Is executed every time a series of image forming operations (printing operations) is newly started before the image forming operation is started.
Specifically, the above-described predetermined time M is preset in the storage unit of the control unit 60. Then, a timer 46 (see FIG. 2) detects an elapsed time N from when the set detection sensor 40 detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). Then, until the elapsed time N reaches the predetermined time M, even if the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off / on or stopped during that time, each job is repeated each time a new print operation is repeated. The lubricant supply mode is executed before.
By performing such control, even if the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 is performed, a sufficient amount of lubricant is supplied to the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a for a sufficient time, and the edge portion is not lubricated. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably reduce the problem that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases during the printing operation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, first, when a print signal is input to the control unit by the user operating the operation panel (step S1), immediately before that, the set detection sensor 40 causes the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). It is determined whether or not the mounting operation of () is performed (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) has been performed, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time M has elapsed since the mounting operation was further performed (step S10). .. As a result, if it is determined that the predetermined time M has not elapsed, the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases if the printing operation is performed as it is. Mode (lubricant supply mode) "(step S3), and then the print operation based on the print signal is started (step S4).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) has not been mounted, or when it is determined in step S10 that the predetermined time M has elapsed. Indicates that the frictional resistance between the photoconductor drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a does not increase even if the printing operation is performed as it is, and the print signal is directly transmitted without executing the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)". Based on this, the printing operation is started (step S4).

<Modification 2>
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing control in the lubricant supply mode as a second modification.
In the second modification, the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” is the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) after the mounting detection sensor 40 (detection means) detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). ), The cumulative running distance A (or the cumulative drive time) reaches a predetermined value A, and is executed each time a series of image forming operations (printing operations) is newly started before the image forming operation is started. To be done.
Specifically, the above-mentioned predetermined value A is preset in the storage unit of the control unit 60. Then, the cumulative traveling distance (or cumulative drive time) after the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is detected by the set detection sensor 40 is detected by the timer 46 (see FIG. 2). .. Then, until the cumulative traveling distance (or cumulative driving time) reaches the predetermined value A, a new printing operation is repeated even if the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off / on or stopped during that time. Each time, the lubricant supply mode is executed before each job.
By performing such control, even if the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 is performed, a sufficient amount of the lubricant is supplied to the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a for a sufficient time, and the lubricant is applied to the edge portion. Therefore, the problem that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases during the printing operation can be more surely reduced. In particular, the extent to which the lubricant fits into the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a increases in proportion to the size of the cumulative travel distance (or cumulative drive time) of the photoconductor drum 11, and therefore the photoconductor drum 11 during the printing operation. The problem that the frictional resistance between the cleaning blade 14a and the cleaning blade 14a increases can be efficiently reduced without waste.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, first, when a print signal is input to the control unit by the user operating the operation panel (step S1), immediately before that, the set detection sensor 40 causes the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). It is determined whether or not the mounting operation of () is performed (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) has been performed, the cumulative traveling distance (or the cumulative driving time) of the photosensitive drum 11 after the mounting operation is further performed. ) Has reached the predetermined value A (step S20). As a result, when it is determined that the cumulative traveling distance (or the cumulative driving time) does not reach the predetermined value A, if the printing operation is performed as it is, the friction between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a is caused. As the resistance increases, the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is executed (step S3), and then the printing operation based on the print signal is started (step S4).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is not mounted, or in step S20, the cumulative traveling distance (or the cumulative driving time) is equal to the predetermined value. If it is determined that the value reaches A, it is assumed that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a does not increase even if the printing operation is performed as it is, and the "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is set. Then, the printing operation based on the print signal is started as it is (step S4).

<Modification 3>
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a control in the lubricant supply mode as a modified example 3.
In the modified example 3, in the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)”, the number of printed sheets reaches a predetermined value B after the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is detected by the set detection sensor 40 (detection means). Up to this point, each time a series of image forming operations (printing operations) is newly started, it is executed before the image forming operation is started.
Specifically, the above-described predetermined value B is preset in the storage unit of the control unit 60. Then, the cumulative number of prints after the mounting detection sensor 40 detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is detected by the counter 47 (see FIG. 2). Until the number of prints reaches the predetermined value B, even if the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off / on or the operation thereof is stopped during that time, each time a new print operation is repeated, before each job. The lubricant supply mode is executed.
By performing such control, even if the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 is performed, a sufficient amount of the lubricant is supplied to the edge portion of the cleaning blade 14a for a sufficient time, and the lubricant is applied to the edge portion. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably reduce the problem that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases during the printing operation. In particular, the degree to which the lubricant fits into the edge of the cleaning blade 14a increases in proportion to the cumulative number of prints, and therefore the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases during the printing operation. It is possible to efficiently reduce the inconvenience caused without waste.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, first, when a print signal is input to the control unit by the user operating the operation panel (step S1), immediately before that, the set detection sensor 40 causes the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y). It is determined whether or not the mounting operation of () is performed (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) has been performed, it is determined whether the number of prints after the further mounting operation has reached the predetermined value B (step). S30). As a result, when it is determined that the number of printed sheets does not reach the predetermined value B, the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a increases if the printing operation is performed as it is. The "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" is executed (step S3), and then the print operation based on the print signal is started (step S4).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is not mounted, or if it is determined in step S30 that the number of prints has reached the predetermined value B. In this case, it is assumed that the frictional resistance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a does not increase even if the printing operation is performed as it is, and the “control mode (lubricant supply mode)” is not executed and The printing operation based on the print signal is started (step S4).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming operation (printing operation) is started when the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is detected by the set detection sensor 40 (detection means). Before that, a "control mode (lubricant supply mode)" in which the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) is alternately rotated in the forward and reverse directions is executed.
Thus, when the mounting operation of the cleaning device 14 (process cartridge 10Y) is performed on the image forming apparatus main body 1, in the image forming operation performed immediately after the mounting operation, the photosensitive drum 11 and the cleaning blade 14a. It is possible to reduce the problem that friction resistance with

In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 11, the charging device 12 (charging unit), the developing device 13, the cleaning device 14, and the lubricant supply device 15 are integrated to form the process cartridge 10Y, and the image forming unit is configured. It is designed to be compact and improve maintenance workability.
On the other hand, these constituent members may be configured to be replaceably installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 individually without being the constituent members of the process cartridge. In particular, the cleaning device 14 may be configured to be replaceably installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 by itself. Even in such a case, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.
In the present application, the “process cartridge” includes a charging unit (charging device) that charges the image carrier, a developing unit (developing device) that develops the latent image formed on the image carrier, and an image carrier. At least one of the cleaning unit (cleaning device) for cleaning the upper part and the image carrier are integrally defined as a unit that is detachably installed to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Further, in the present embodiment, the lubricant supply roller 15a having the foamed elastic layer formed on the core metal is used, but the lubricant supply roller 15a has a straight bristle or loop brush on the outer periphery of the core metal. It is also possible to use hair wrapped. In that case, as the brush bristles, resin fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, acrylic, vinylon, and vinyl chloride can be used, and if necessary, conductive fibers mixed with a conductivity-imparting agent such as carbon can be used. it can. Further, as the brush bristles, those having a length (bristles) of 0.2 to 20 mm and a brush density of 20,000 to 100,000 F / inch ² can be used.
Further, in the present embodiment, the cleaning blade 14a and the cleaning brush roller 14b are used as the cleaning members installed in the cleaning device 14, but only the cleaning blade 14a is used as the cleaning member without installing the cleaning brush roller 14b. You can also
Even in such cases, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as that of the present embodiment.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is obvious that the present embodiment can be appropriately modified, other than what is suggested in the present embodiment, within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. is there. Further, the number, position, shape, etc. of the constituent members are not limited to those in the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape, etc. suitable for carrying out the present invention can be adopted.

1 image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body),
10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK process cartridge,
11 photoconductor drum (image carrier),
14 Cleaning device,
14a cleaning blade (cleaning member),
15 Lubricant supply device,
15a Lubricant supply roller (lubricant supply member),
15b solid lubricant,
15c compression spring (biasing member),
40 set detection sensor (detection means),
45 second drive motor (second drive means),
50 First drive motor (first drive means).

Japanese Patent No. 4339172 JP, 2010-38973, A

Claims (12)

An image carrier that rotates in a predetermined direction,
A cleaning device provided with a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove untransferred toner carried on the surface of the image carrier;
A lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier,
A detection unit that detects a mounting operation in which the cleaning device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Equipped with
The cleaning blade is configured to abut in a counter direction with respect to the image carrier that rotates in the forward direction,
When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection means in a state where the image forming operation is stopped, the image carrier is set in the forward and reverse directions with the predetermined direction as the forward direction before the image forming operation is started. The control mode to rotate in the direction alternately is executed ,
In the control mode, an image forming apparatus is characterized in that an operation of rotating the image carrier in the reverse direction and then rotating the image carrier in the positive direction is repeated . An image carrier that rotates in a predetermined direction,
A cleaning device provided with a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove untransferred toner carried on the surface of the image carrier;
A lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier,
A detection unit that detects a mounting operation in which the cleaning device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Equipped with
The cleaning blade is configured to abut in the trading direction with respect to the image carrier that rotates in the forward direction,
When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection means in a state where the image forming operation is stopped, the image carrier is set in the forward and reverse directions with the predetermined direction as the forward direction before the image forming operation is started. The control mode to rotate in the direction alternately is executed,
In the control mode, an image forming apparatus is characterized in that an operation of rotating the image carrier in a forward direction and then in an opposite direction is repeated. The control mode is set such that each time a series of image forming operations is newly started until a predetermined time elapses after the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detecting means, before the image forming operation is started. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, which is executed. In the control mode, each time a series of image forming operations is newly started from when the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection unit until the cumulative traveling distance or cumulative driving time of the image carrier reaches a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming operation is executed before the image forming operation is started. In the control mode, the image forming operation is started each time a series of image forming operations is newly started until the number of prints reaches a predetermined value after the detection unit detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed before. An image carrier that rotates in a predetermined direction,
A cleaning device provided with a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove untransferred toner carried on the surface of the image carrier;
A lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier,
A detection unit that detects a mounting operation in which the cleaning device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Equipped with
When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection means in a state where the image forming operation is stopped, the image carrier is set in the forward and reverse directions with the predetermined direction as the forward direction before the image forming operation is started. The control mode to rotate in the direction alternately is executed,
The control mode is set such that each time a series of image forming operations is newly started until a predetermined time elapses after the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detecting means, before the image forming operation is started. An image forming apparatus that is executed. An image carrier that rotates in a predetermined direction,
A cleaning device provided with a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove untransferred toner carried on the surface of the image carrier;
A lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier,
A detection unit that detects a mounting operation in which the cleaning device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Equipped with
When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection means in a state where the image forming operation is stopped, the image carrier is set in the forward and reverse directions with the predetermined direction as the forward direction before the image forming operation is started. The control mode to rotate in the direction alternately is executed,
In the control mode, each time a series of image forming operations is newly started from when the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection unit until the cumulative traveling distance or cumulative driving time of the image carrier reaches a predetermined value. And an image forming apparatus that is executed before the image forming operation is started. An image carrier that rotates in a predetermined direction,
A cleaning device provided with a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove untransferred toner carried on the surface of the image carrier;
A lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier,
A detection unit that detects a mounting operation in which the cleaning device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Equipped with
When the mounting operation of the cleaning device is detected by the detection means in a state where the image forming operation is stopped, the image carrier is set in the forward and reverse directions with the predetermined direction as the forward direction before the image forming operation is started. The control mode to rotate in the direction alternately is executed,
In the control mode, the image forming operation is started each time a series of image forming operations is newly started until the number of prints reaches a predetermined value after the detection unit detects the mounting operation of the cleaning device. An image forming apparatus, which is executed before. 9. The image forming according to claim 1, wherein the control mode is executed in a state in which the number of rotations of the image carrier is lower than when the image forming operation is performed. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control mode is executed while driving the lubricant supply device. The lubricant supply device is configured to be driven independently of the rotational drive of the image carrier,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control mode is executed after the lubricant supply device is driven for a predetermined time and stopped. At least the image carrier, the cleaning device, and the lubricant supply device are integrally configured as a process cartridge that is removably installed in the image forming apparatus main body.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detecting unit detects a mounting operation of the process cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.

Images