JP7424032B2 - image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus that uses electrophotography forms toner images of each color on a charged image carrier, superimposes them on a transfer belt, and transfers the superimposed toner images onto a sheet. Some of such image forming apparatuses are equipped with a coating device that applies lubricant to the surface of the image carrier. The applicator includes a lubricant rod and an applicator brush. The coating device scrapes off the lubricant rod by rotating the coating brush and applies the scraped lubricant onto the image carrier. By applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of transfer defects when transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier to the transfer belt, and to improve the image quality of the transferred toner image. can. On the other hand, if too much lubricant is applied to the surface of the image carrier, the surface potential of the image carrier decreases, which may even cause image defects. Therefore, it is necessary to apply an optimum amount of lubricant onto the image carrier.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-180789 (Patent Document 1) includes a mode for applying lubricant to the photoreceptor drum, and the execution interval of the mode is determined based on the image area per sheet and the number of sheets printed per job. The image forming apparatus to be changed is described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-259091 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image forming apparatus that applies lubricant to an image carrier every time image formation is completed, and changes the time for applying the lubricant depending on the number of images formed. is listed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-180789 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-259091

The image forming apparatus described in JP-A-2008-180789 or JP-A-2006-259091 replenishes the lubricant on the image carrier at an appropriate timing, thereby reducing the amount of lubricant on the image carrier. The aim was to make adjustments. Therefore, in the image forming apparatuses described in both documents, no consideration is given to adjusting the amount of lubricant on the image carrier when the amount of lubricant on the image carrier is excessive.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is intended to reduce the amount of lubricant on the image carrier not only when the amount of lubricant on the image carrier is insufficient, but also when the amount of lubricant on the image carrier is excessive. One object is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be adjusted.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment has an image carrier, an application unit that applies lubricant on the image carrier, and a mode for adjusting the amount of lubricant on the image carrier, a first mode and a second mode. and a switching unit capable of switching between modes. The first mode is a mode in which the amount of lubricant on the image carrier is increased, and the second mode is a mode in which the amount of lubricant on the image carrier is decreased. The switching section switches the mode between a first mode and a second mode based on the driving status of each of the image carrier and the coating section.

According to the present disclosure, the amount of lubricant on the image bearing member can be adjusted not only when the amount of lubricant on the image bearing member is insufficient, but also when the amount of lubricant on the image bearing member is excessive. The amount of lubricant on the body is optimized and image defects are less likely to occur.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an imaging unit. 5 is a timing chart showing drive timings of a photoreceptor drum and a coating brush during image formation in an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the driving ratio of a coating brush to the driving of a photoreceptor drum for each number of sheets printed per job in an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows drive control switching processing. 7 is a table showing control modes and control times for each driving ratio of the application brush.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the figures are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

An overview of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a color multi-functional peripheral (MFP), but may also be a monochrome multi-functional peripheral. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a copying machine or a printer.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner 10 , a printer 20 , a paper feed section 30 , an operation panel 40 , a communication interface 50 , a control section 60 , and a hard disk 70 . Scanner 10 , printer 20 , paper feed section 30 , operation panel 40 , communication interface 50 , control section 60 , and hard disk 70 are connected via bus 90 .

The scanner 10 optically reads a document and converts it into an image.

The printer 20 forms an image on a sheet based on a job (hereinafter also referred to as "printing"). The printer 20 includes imaging units 200C, 200M, 200Y, and 200K (hereinafter collectively referred to as "imaging units 200") that form cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) toner images. ). The printer 20 superimposes the toner images formed by the imaging unit 200 on the intermediate transfer belt 206. The printer 20 transfers the superimposed toner images onto the sheet conveyed from the paper feed section 30, and discharges the sheet with the fixed toner image onto the paper discharge tray 5.

The paper feed unit 30 supplies the sheets stored in the paper feed tray 31 to the printer 20 one by one. Note that the sheets accommodated in the paper feed tray 31 are not limited to plain paper, and may be thin paper, cardboard, envelopes, OHP (Overhead Projector) film, or the like.

The operation panel 40 is a touch panel display that accepts input operations by the user. The operation panel 40 displays various setting screens and notifications to the user.

Communication interface 50 communicates with other devices (eg, a PC, etc.). The communication interface 50 receives image data transmitted from the PC. The communication interface 50 is, for example, a USB interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, a network interface, or the like.

The control unit 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 62, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 63. The CPU 61 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 by executing an operation program stored in the ROM 63. The ROM 63 stores programs executed by the CPU 61 and other data. The RAM 62 serves as a work area when the CPU 61 executes a program, and temporarily stores programs and data used when executing the program.

The hard disk 70 stores programs and various data. The various data include, for example, settings related to printing input from the operation panel 40, and a table summarizing control modes and control times to be described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the imaging unit 200. The imaging unit 200 includes a photosensitive drum 201 , a charging device 202 , an exposure device 203 , a developing device 204 , an intermediate transfer device 205 , an intermediate transfer belt 206 , a cleaning device 207 , and a lubricant application device 211 . A charging device 202 , an exposure device 203 , a developing device 204 , an intermediate transfer device 205 , a cleaning device 207 , and a lubricant coating device 211 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 201 .

Photosensitive drum 201 is an example of an image carrier. A photosensitive layer carrying a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 . The photosensitive drum 201 is arranged so that a toner image is formed on its surface, and rotates in a direction corresponding to the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt 206 . Note that the image carrier is not limited to the photoreceptor drum 201, and may be a photoreceptor belt. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 by an exposure device 203 . The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 is developed by the developing device 204, whereby a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201.

The charging device 202 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 to a predetermined potential.

The exposure device 203 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 by exposing the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 according to a designated image pattern.

The developing device 204 includes a developing roller 204A arranged to face the photoreceptor drum 201 with a developing area interposed therebetween. The developing roller 204A supplies developer to the developing area. The developer contains toner. The toner that has reached the development area adheres to the electrostatic latent image according to the potential difference between the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 201 and the developing roller 204A. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed.

The toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 201 by the developing device 204 is transported to a transfer area formed between the photoreceptor drum 201 and the intermediate transfer device 205. A transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the intermediate transfer device 205, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 206 in the transfer area by this transfer bias. In this way, the intermediate transfer device 205 transfers the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 206, which is a transfer medium.

Toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 201 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 206 in the transfer area is removed by a cleaning device 207. Cleaning device 207 includes a cleaning blade and a conveyance screw. The cleaning blade is a flat blade made of an elastic material, and is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 . The residual toner on the photosensitive drum 201 is collected by a cleaning blade and transported to the outside of the cleaning device 207 by a transport screw.

The lubricant application device 211 applies lubricant to the photoreceptor drum 201. Lubricant applicator 211 includes a lubricant rod 208, an applicator brush 209, and a leveling blade 210.

The lubricant rod 208 is made by melting powder of metal soap (for example, zinc stearate) and shaping it into a rod shape. Application brush 209 rotates in the opposite direction to photoreceptor drum 201 . The peripheral speed of the application brush 209 is set to about 1.6 times the peripheral speed of the photoreceptor drum 201. As the application brush 209 rotates, a portion of the lubricant rod 208 is scraped off and applied to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201. The leveling blade 210 crushes the powder lubricant applied to the photoreceptor drum 201 and smoothes it onto the photoreceptor drum 201 . As a result, a lubricant film is uniformly formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201.

The photosensitive drum 201, from which toner has been removed by the cleaning device 207 and lubricant has been applied by the lubricant applicator 211, is charged again by the charging device 202, and the next electrostatic latent image and toner image are formed. In the imaging unit 200, such a series of image forming operations are repeated. The lubricant applied to the photoreceptor drum 201 by the lubricant application device 211 is consumed as the photoreceptor drum 201 is driven.

In the image forming apparatus 100, by forming a lubricant film on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201, occurrence of transfer failure of the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 to the intermediate transfer belt 206 is suppressed. . Further, by forming a lubricant film on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201, abrasion of the surface layer of the photoreceptor drum 201 is suppressed, so deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 201 is suppressed. That is, if the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is insufficient, image defects may occur due to poor transfer, or deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 201 may progress. On the other hand, if the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 becomes too large, the surface potential of the photoreceptor drum 201 will decrease, and image defects will occur instead.

As described above, the lubricant is applied to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 201 by driving the application brush 209 . The applied lubricant is consumed as the photosensitive drum 201 is driven. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not there is too much lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 based on the driving ratio of the applicator brush 209 to the drive of the photoreceptor drum 201. In the image forming apparatus 100, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimal when the driving distance of the application brush 209 is 1.2 times the driving distance of the photoreceptor drum 201.

Referring to FIG. 4, driving of the application brush 209 during image formation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the driving timing of the photosensitive drum 201 and the application brush 209 during image formation in the image forming apparatus 100. In Figure 4, the number of pages printed in one printing (hereinafter referred to as "one job") is 1, the number of printed pages per job is 2, and the number of printed pages per job is 3. The driving timings of the photosensitive drum 201 and the application brush 209 are shown for each case.

In the image forming apparatus 100, when starting image formation, first, the photosensitive drum 201 starts to be driven, and then the application brush 209 starts to be driven. Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, when image formation is completed, first, the driving of the application brush 209 is stopped, and then the driving of the photoreceptor drum 201 is stopped. For example, when the number of sheets printed per job is one, the driving time of the application brush 209 is about 30% of the driving time of the photoreceptor drum 201. When the number of sheets printed per job is two, the driving time of the application brush 209 is about 50% of the driving time of the photoreceptor drum 201. When the number of sheets printed per job is three, the driving time of the application brush 209 is about 60% of the driving time of the photoreceptor drum 201. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, as the number of sheets printed per job increases, the driving time of the application brush 209 becomes longer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the driving ratio of the applicator brush 209 to the driving of the photosensitive drum 201 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the number of sheets printed per job. The drive ratio of the application brush 209 to the drive of the photoreceptor drum 201 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the drive ratio of the application brush 209") is the value obtained by dividing the driving distance of the application brush 209 by the driving distance of the photoreceptor drum 201. be.

In the image forming apparatus 100, the driving ratio of the application brush 209 changes depending on the number of sheets printed per job. For example, when the number of sheets printed per job is 15, the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2. When the number of sheets printed per job is one, the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 0.5. When the number of sheets printed per job is 1000, the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.6. The reason why the driving ratio of the application brush 209 changes depending on the number of sheets printed per job is that the peripheral speed of the application brush 209 is faster than the peripheral speed of the photoreceptor drum 201, and as the number of sheets printed per job increases. This is because the driving time of the application brush 209 tends to become longer.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimal when the driving distance of the application brush 209 is 1.2 times the driving distance of the photoreceptor drum 201. . That is, when the number of sheets printed per job is 15, the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2, and the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimal. On the other hand, when the number of sheets printed per job is one, the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 0.5, so the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is insufficient. Further, when the number of sheets printed per job is 1000, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is excessive because the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.6.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the driving of the photoreceptor drum 201 and the application brush 209 so that the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimized, and the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is set to 1. Adjust so that it becomes 2. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 adjusts the drive ratio of the applicator brush 209 to 1.2 by switching the control mode according to the drive ratio of the applicator brush 209 at a certain point in time. The control modes include a first mode in which the photoreceptor drum 201 and application brush 209 are driven, and a second mode in which the photoreceptor drum 201 is driven but the application brush 209 is not driven. Since the first mode is a mode in which the application brush 209 is driven, it is a mode in which the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is increased. The second mode is a mode in which the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is reduced because the photoreceptor drum 201 is driven but the applicator brush 209 is not driven. The image forming apparatus 100 determines a control mode and a control time according to the driving ratio of the applicator brush 209 at a certain point in time, and controls the driving of the photoreceptor drum 201 and the applicator brush 209 according to the determined control content.

6 and 7, in image forming apparatus 100, in order to adjust the amount of lubricant on photoreceptor drum 201, the control mode for controlling the drive of photoreceptor drum 201 and application brush 209 is switched. The process (hereinafter also referred to as "drive control switching process") will be explained.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the drive control switching process. The process shown in FIG. 6 is a process performed by the control unit 60, and is realized by the CPU 61 executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM 63. FIG. 7 is a table showing control modes and control times for each driving ratio of the application brush 209. The table is stored in the hard disk 70 or the ROM 63, and is referenced in the drive control switching process shown in FIG. In this table, the mode to be controlled and the time to be controlled are assigned to each driving ratio of the application brush 209 at a certain point in time so that the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2.

Referring to FIG. 6, control unit 60 determines whether the driving distance of photoreceptor drum 201 has reached 100 meters (step S605). The integrated value of the distance traveled by the photosensitive drum 201 is stored in the hard disk 70 or the ROM 63. If the driving distance of the photosensitive drum 201 reaches 100 meters (YES in step S605), the control unit 60 shifts the process to step S610. On the other hand, if the driving distance of the photosensitive drum 201 has not reached 100 meters (NO in step S605), the control unit 60 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 6.

In step S610, the control unit 60 calculates the driving ratio of the application brush 209. The driving ratio of the coating brush 209 is a value obtained by dividing the driving distance of the coating brush 209 by the driving distance of the photoreceptor drum 201. The integrated value of the distance traveled by the application brush 209 is stored in the hard disk 70 or the ROM 63.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2 (step S615). If the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2 (YES in step S615), the control unit 60 moves the process to step S640. On the other hand, if the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is not 1.2 (NO in step S615), the control unit 60 shifts the process to step S620.

In step S620, the control unit 60 determines whether the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is less than 1.2. If the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is less than 1.2 (YES in step S620), the control unit 60 moves the process to step S625. On the other hand, if the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2 or more (NO in step S620), the control unit 60 moves the process to step S645.

In step S625, the control unit 60 determines to switch the control mode for controlling the drive of the photoreceptor drum 201 and application brush 209 to the first mode.

Next, the control unit 60 refers to the table shown in FIG. 7 and determines the time to be controlled in the first mode (step S630). For example, when the driving ratio of the application brush 209 calculated in step S610 is 0.7, the control unit 60 determines the time to be controlled in the first mode to be 250 seconds.

Next, the control unit 60 switches the control mode to the first mode, and maintains the control mode in the first mode for the time determined in step S630 (step S635). If the image forming operation is in progress, the control section 60 interrupts the image forming and switches the control mode to the first mode. If the driving ratio of the coating brush 209 calculated in step S610 is 0.7, the photosensitive drum 201 and the coating brush 209 are driven for 250 seconds (controlled in the first mode for 250 seconds). If the driving ratio of the applicator brush 209 calculated in step S610 is 0.7, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is insufficient, but as a result of being controlled to the first mode for 250 seconds, Since the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is 1.2, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimized. After step S635, the control unit 60 moves the process to step S640.

In step S645, the control unit 60 determines to switch the control mode for controlling the drive of the photoreceptor drum 201 and application brush 209 to the second mode.

Next, the control unit 60 refers to the table shown in FIG. 7 and determines the time to be controlled in the second mode (step S650). For example, when the driving ratio of the application brush 209 calculated in step S610 is 1.5, the control unit 60 determines the time to be controlled in the second mode to be 75 seconds.

Next, the control unit 60 switches the control mode to the second mode, and maintains the control mode in the second mode for the time determined in step S650 (step S655). If the image forming operation is in progress, the control section 60 interrupts the image forming and switches the control mode to the second mode. If the driving ratio of the application brush 209 calculated in step S610 is 1.5, the photoreceptor drum 201 is driven for 75 seconds while the application brush 209 is not driven (for 75 seconds, the second mode). If the driving ratio of the application brush 209 calculated in step S610 is 1.5, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is excessive, but as a result of being controlled in the second mode for 75 seconds, the application Since the drive ratio of the brush 209 is 1.2, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimized. After step S655, the control unit 60 moves the process to step S640.

In step S640, the control unit 60 initializes the integrated value of the distance traveled by the photosensitive drum 201 and the integrated value of the distance driven by the application brush 209, which are stored in the hard disk 70 or the ROM 63. After step S640, the control unit 60 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the control mode and control time according to the driving ratio of the applicator brush 209 at a certain point in time, and drives the photoreceptor drum 201 and the applicator brush 209 according to the determined control content. control. The control modes include a first mode in which the photoreceptor drum 201 and application brush 209 are driven, and a second mode in which the photoreceptor drum 201 is driven but the application brush 209 is not driven. Since the first mode is a mode in which the application brush 209 is driven, it is a mode in which the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is increased. The second mode is a mode in which the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is reduced because the photoreceptor drum 201 is driven but the applicator brush 209 is not driven. With such control, the drive ratio of the applicator brush 209 becomes 1.2, and the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 becomes optimal, so that image defects are less likely to occur.

Note that in the above embodiment, the amount of lubricant on the photoreceptor drum 201 is optimal when the driving ratio of the applicator brush 209 is 1.2, but "1.2" is merely an example. .

Further, in the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the control mode to the first mode when the driving ratio of the application brush 209 is less than a predetermined value ("1.2" in the embodiment described above). When the driving ratio of the application brush 209 exceeded a predetermined value, the control mode was switched to the second mode. As another embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the control mode to the first mode when the drive rate of the applicator brush 209 is less than a first threshold, and the drive rate of the applicator brush 209 exceeds a second threshold. In this case, the control mode may be switched to the second mode. Note that in this embodiment, the first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

Further, in the above embodiment, the driving ratio of the coating brush 209 is set to the value obtained by dividing the driving distance of the coating brush 209 by the driving distance of the photoreceptor drum 201. It may also be a value divided by the drive time.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 100 starts the drive control switching process when the driving distance of the photoreceptor drum 201 reaches 100 meters. The drive control switching process may be started when the photosensitive drum 201 drive time reaches a predetermined time or the number of printed sheets reaches a predetermined number, for example. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may start the drive control switching process every time a job ends. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may start the drive control switching process every time a predetermined image forming operation is completed. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may start the drive control switching process at a predetermined timing after the job is finished. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may start the drive control switching process at a predetermined timing after the image forming operation ends.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the control mode when the drive amount of the photoreceptor drum 201 is a predetermined amount (in the above embodiment, "the drive distance of the photoreceptor drum 201 is 100 meters"). I went at the right time. If the image forming operation is in progress, the control unit 60 interrupts the image forming and switches the control mode. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 100 only determines the control mode and control time at the timing when the drive amount of the photoreceptor drum 201 reaches a predetermined amount; The control mode may be switched at a predetermined timing after the job is completed. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 only determines the control mode and control time at the timing when the drive amount of the photoreceptor drum 201 reaches a predetermined amount, and at the timing when the image forming operation being executed ends or when the image forming operation is being executed. The control mode may be switched at a predetermined timing after the image forming operation is completed. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 only determines the control mode and control time at the timing when the drive amount of the photoreceptor drum 201 reaches a predetermined amount, continues the image forming operation in progress, and waits for the predetermined time to elapse. The control mode may be switched later.

Further, instead of being stored in the ROM 63 as described above, the programs executed by the CPU 61 may be stored in the hard disk 70 or in a storage medium that is removable from the image forming apparatus 100. It's okay. Examples of storage media in which the program is stored include CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, and FD (Floppy Disk Read Only Memory). ), hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM (Read Examples include media that store data in a non-volatile manner, such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

20 printer, 60 control unit, 62 RAM, 63 ROM, 70 hard disk, 100 image forming device, 200, 200C, 200K, 200M, 200Y imaging unit, 201 photosensitive drum, 202 charging device, 203 exposure device, 204 developing device, 205 intermediate transfer device, 206 intermediate transfer belt, 207 cleaning device, 208 lubricant rod, 209 applicator brush, 210 leveling blade, 211 lubricant applicator.

Claims (10)

an image carrier;
an application section that applies lubricant onto the image carrier;
a switching unit capable of switching a mode for adjusting the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier between a first mode and a second mode;
The first mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is increased,
The second mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is reduced,
The switching unit switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode based on driving conditions of each of the image carrier and the coating unit ,
In the image forming apparatus, the switching section switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode based on a driving ratio of the coating section to driving of the image carrier . an image carrier;
an application section that applies lubricant onto the image carrier;
a switching unit capable of switching a mode for adjusting the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier between a first mode and a second mode;
The first mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is increased,
The second mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is reduced,
The switching unit switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode based on driving conditions of each of the image carrier and the coating unit,
The switching section switches the mode to the mode based on a ratio between a driving distance of the image carrier and a driving distance of the coating section, or a ratio of a driving time of the image carrier and a driving time of the coating section. An image forming apparatus that switches between a first mode and the second mode. an image carrier;
an application section that applies lubricant onto the image carrier;
a switching unit capable of switching a mode for adjusting the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier between a first mode and a second mode;
The first mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is increased,
The second mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is reduced,
The switching unit switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode based on driving conditions of each of the image carrier and the coating unit,
The switching unit is configured to switch the mode between the first mode and the first mode based on a driving distance of the image carrier or a driving time of the image carrier, and a driving ratio of the applicator to the driving of the image carrier. An image forming device that can switch between two modes. an image carrier;
an application section that applies lubricant onto the image carrier;
a switching unit capable of switching a mode for adjusting the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier between a first mode and a second mode;
The first mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is increased,
The second mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is reduced,
The switching unit switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode based on driving conditions of each of the image carrier and the coating unit,
The switching section is
If the driving ratio of the application section to the driving of the image carrier is less than a first threshold, switching the mode to the first mode;
If the driving ratio of the application section to the driving of the image carrier exceeds a second threshold, switching the mode to the second mode;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold. The switching section is
If the drive distance of the image carrier or the drive time of the image carrier exceeds a third threshold, and the driving ratio of the application section to the drive of the image carrier is less than the first threshold, the mode switch to the first mode,
When the driving distance of the image bearing member or the driving time of the image bearing member exceeds the third threshold value, and the driving ratio of the application section to the driving of the image bearing member exceeds the second threshold value, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein a mode is switched to the second mode. an image carrier;
an application section that applies lubricant onto the image carrier;
a switching unit capable of switching a mode for adjusting the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier between a first mode and a second mode;
The first mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is increased,
The second mode is a mode in which the amount of the lubricant on the image carrier is reduced,
The switching unit switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode based on driving conditions of each of the image carrier and the coating unit,
In the image forming apparatus, the time period during which the mode is controlled is determined based on a driving ratio of the applicator to the driving of the image carrier. The first mode is a mode in which the image carrier and the application section are driven,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the image carrier is driven but the coating section is not driven. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the switching unit switches the mode between the first mode and the second mode at a predetermined timing after an image forming operation is completed. Forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the switching unit interrupts the image forming operation and switches the mode to the first mode or the second mode. further comprising a storage unit that stores the driving status of the image carrier and the driving status of the coating unit,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the storage unit initializes the driving status of the image carrier and the driving status of the application unit after being controlled to the mode. Device.

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