JP3499457B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in an electrophotographic process such as a copying machine and a laser printer. More specifically, the test pattern image formed on a conveyor belt is removed by a cleaning member. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a mechanism for collecting the test pattern removed here.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image which is sequentially fed from a paper cartridge is supported and conveyed by a transfer conveying belt extending from an image forming section to a fixing section for fixing a toner image on the sheet. Forming devices, such as digital color copiers, have been commercialized. In this digital color copying machine, in order to efficiently record and reproduce a color image, a color image forming process in which image forming portions of respective colors are arranged in parallel is used. However, in this method, many adjustment elements such as image writing timing in each image forming unit and inclination correction are required between each image forming unit and between each image forming unit. Therefore,
In the conventional digital color copying machine in which the image forming units are arranged in parallel, the toner actually transferred to the paper in each image forming unit is transferred as a test pattern onto the transfer / conveying belt on a trial transfer recording, and The image recording start timing in each image forming unit is adjusted based on the relationship between the test patterns formed in the image forming units of each color, and the toner images of the respective colors are reliably superimposed and recorded and reproduced as a color image.

At the same time, an image density adjusting test pattern is formed on the transfer / conveying belt in order to confirm and adjust the image forming density state in each image forming section, and each image is formed from the detected image density at that time. It is possible to faithfully express the color of the color image by adjusting the image forming conditions of some parts. The test pattern thus formed on the transfer / conveyor belt on a trial basis is completely removed from the transfer / conveyor belt by the cleaning mechanism after various adjustments in each image forming unit are completed, and thus the color image formation is hindered. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-279280, Patent 25
73855, etc.).

Further, the transfer / transport belt mechanism portion for sequentially superposing the toner images of the respective colors on the recording material such as paper after passing through the respective image forming portions and supporting and transporting them to the fixing portion is constructed as one transfer / transporting unit. The method of making it attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body is used. By this method, even if the recording material is poorly transported in the transfer / transporting portion, the recording material that has been poorly transported can be easily removed, and the workability of the service person in the periodic inspection is improved, and the recording material can be recovered in a short time. It has the advantage that it is possible (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-40847, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-297648,
See JP-A-8-171248, etc.).

Further, the toner as a test pattern removed from the transfer / transport belt by the cleaning mechanism is stored in a box-shaped collection container having an upper surface opening provided below the transfer / transport belt, and the toner accumulated at the time of regular inspection. It was something that a serviceman or the like would collect.

[0006]

However, when forming an image on the recording material conveyed by the conveyor belt, the image forming conditions such as the writing start position of each color of the image forming section and the density adjustment are formed on the conveyor belt. In the image forming apparatus that determines the test pattern state by detecting the test pattern state, the test pattern to be collected is not formed on the entire surface of the conveyor belt, but a predetermined specific area, for example, both of the transfer conveyor belt. The collected test pattern is concentrated on a specific part in the collection container because it is formed on the side or the central part with a specific shape (shape and size according to the detection purpose) every adjustment mode. And the amount of accumulation per unit time naturally changes depending on the size of the test pattern. The difference in the degree of accumulation of each test pattern and the partial accumulation of test patterns in this collection container is due to high precision reproducibility, such as delicate density adjustment, clear color reproduction (monochrome, color), and enlargement / reduction. The remarkably appearing in copiers that require high precision such as variety, and the needs and frequency of use of copiers are increasing more and more today. Is appearing. The difference in the degree of accumulation of test patterns during this unit use period requires a lot of maintenance opportunities. If you forget to perform regular maintenance of the collection container, a large number of accumulated test patterns will form an image. There was a risk of overflowing into the device.

Further, since it is concentrated and accumulated in a specific portion in the container, when the transport unit is moved in and out when a trouble such as a paper clogging occurs or when the recovered test pattern is cleaned, the impact may be generated. , If the toner accumulated in the collecting container is scattered, or if the container is tilted for maintenance, the collected test pattern is easily moved in the container and matched with the adjacent test pattern. There was also a risk that the toner would overflow from the container and stain the inside and the periphery of the copying machine with toner.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and surely cleans and collects a toner pattern formed on a conveyor belt on a trial basis, and the collected toner overflows and leaks. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus provided with a cleaning / collecting mechanism that can be securely stored until the time of regular inspection without any trouble.

[0009]

The present invention has the following constitution in order to achieve the above object. The invention of claim 1 is
After the image forming conditions of the image forming unit for forming an image on the sheet-shaped recording medium conveyed by the conveyor belt are confirmed by detecting the state of the test pattern formed on the conveyor belt, the detected conveyor belt is detected. An image forming apparatus that collects the test pattern in a collecting container of a cleaning collecting unit, wherein the collecting container has a plurality of collecting units having different collecting capacities corresponding to the positions of the test patterns formed on the conveyor belt. And an image forming apparatus.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the recovery container for recovering the test pattern formed on the predetermined portion of the conveyor belt has a partial recovery capacity depending on the position of the test pattern on the conveyor belt. The test pattern partially formed on the conveyor belt can be reliably collected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recovery container, the opening of the recovery section corresponding to the test pattern position formed on the conveyor belt is larger than the opening of the recovery section corresponding to the non-test pattern position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the opening of the collecting portion corresponding to the test pattern partially formed on the conveyor belt is made larger than the opening of the collecting portion corresponding to the non-test pattern position. The test pattern separated from the conveyor belt can be reliably collected in the collection container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recovery container, the depth of the recovery part corresponding to the test pattern position formed on the conveyor belt is made deeper than the depth of the recovery part corresponding to the non-test pattern position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by increasing the depth of the recovery portion corresponding to the position of the test pattern partially formed on the conveyor belt, the recovery pattern corresponding to the test pattern at each position is obtained. Since it can be accommodated and held in the test pattern, the movement of the test pattern between the recovery parts corresponding to the adjacent test pattern positions can be restricted. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the collection container, it is possible to avoid concentration of the test pattern in the collection container, so that it is possible to prevent the test pattern from being concentrated and overflowing in a part of the collection container. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming condition of the image forming unit for forming an image on the sheet-shaped recording medium conveyed by the conveyor belt is detected by detecting the state of the test pattern formed on the conveyor belt. An image forming apparatus that collects the detected test pattern on the transport belt in a recovery container of a cleaning recovery unit after the confirmation, and the recovery container corresponds to each test pattern position formed on the transport belt. , A plurality of recovery parts for accommodating the respective test patterns, and the adjacent recovery parts in the recovery container are partitioned by a partition member having a passage for allowing the movement of the test pattern to the adjacent recovery parts. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

According to the invention of claim 4, by providing a partition member for partitioning the inside of the recovery container into a plurality of spaces according to the position of the test pattern formed at a predetermined position on the transfer belt, the transfer is carried out. The test pattern partially formed on the belt can be reliably collected at the time of cleaning, and the step due to the partition member restricts the movement of the test pattern between the adjoining accommodating parts, so that there is no impact due to the unit taking in or out. The collected test pattern does not shift in the collection container, and even if the collection container is tilted, it is possible to prevent the test pattern from being instantaneously concentrated on one end side. The test pattern will not overflow.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the partition member is a convex portion formed corresponding to a non-test pattern position on the conveyor belt.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by forming a convex portion on the inner surface of the recovery container corresponding to the non-test pattern area on the conveyor belt, the inside of the recovery container is convex over the width direction of the conveyor belt. The parts are partitioned into a plurality of spaces (collection parts), and the movement of the collected test pattern between the adjacent collection parts is restricted and hindered. That is, the convex portion between the adjacent collecting portions does not completely obstruct the movement between the adjacent collecting portions of the test pattern, but reduces the passing area of the test pattern and provides a distance between the adjacent containing portions. This makes it possible to lengthen the moving time between the collection parts, so even if the collection container is tilted, it is possible to prevent the test pattern from instantaneously concentrating on one end side, and the test pattern overflows from one end side of the collection container. It will not come out.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the recovery portion is formed in accordance with the position of the test pattern formed on the conveyor belt and the amount of adhesion thereof.
And the image forming apparatus.

According to the invention of claim 6, a test pattern formed in a specific size at a predetermined position on the conveyor belt is known in advance, and the amount of adhesion (size) is known.
The size of the test pattern on the conveyor belt can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the opening of the recovery unit, the recovery capacity such as the storage capacity, or by adjusting the mounting position of the partition member such as the convex part. It can be collected without fail and can be stored without overflowing.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
Is equipped with a cleaning mechanism B for cleaning and recovering a toner pattern image formed on the transfer / transport belt 216 on a trial basis. The position, size, toner adhesion amount, etc. of the test pattern image to be cleaned on the transfer / transport belt 216. Corresponding to the information, the collecting capability of the collecting unit of the cleaning mechanism B for collecting the test pattern is set.

As a method of setting the recovery capacity, the shape of the recovery section is devised so that the volume is taken into consideration, or the position where the space of the recovery section is divided (partitioned) into a plurality of rooms is considered. As described above, the collecting capability of the collecting unit is partially changed corresponding to the information such as the position, size, and toner adhesion amount of the test pattern to be collected, so that the transfer conveyor belt 216 is tested. The toner pattern image thus formed can be reliably recovered in the recovery container after being completely removed from the transfer / transport belt 216, and can be stored without overflowing. Further, even if the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 213 is moved in and out of the apparatus main body 1, since the recovery section is provided with steps, partitions, etc., movement within the container is restricted, and deviation in the container occurs. Such a problem will be solved.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below. FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a configuration of a digital color copying machine 1 which is an image forming apparatus. On the upper surface of the copying machine body 1, a document table 11
1 and an operation panel (shown in FIG. 5) described later are provided,
An image reading unit 110 and an image forming unit 210 are provided inside the copying machine main body 1.

The upper surface of the document table 111 is supported in an openable and closable manner with respect to the document table 111, and the double-sided automatic document feeder (R) has a predetermined positional relationship with the surface of the document table 111.
ADF; Reversing Automatic Document Feeder) 11
2 is installed.

Further, the double-sided automatic document feeder 112 is
First, the document is conveyed so that one surface of the document faces the image reading unit 110 at a predetermined position of the document table 111,
After the image reading on this one side is completed,
The original is inverted so that the other surface faces the image reading unit 110 at a predetermined position of the original table 111.
It is designed to be transported toward.

Then, the double-sided automatic document feeder 112 is
After the image reading on both sides of one document is completed, this document is discharged, and the two-sided conveyance operation for the next document is executed. The above-described operations of conveying the original and inverting the front and back are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire copying machine 1.

The image reading section 110 is arranged below the document table 111 in order to read the image of the document conveyed onto the document table 111 by the double-sided automatic document feeder 112. The image reading unit 110 uses the document table 111.
A document scanning member 113 that reciprocates in parallel along the lower surface of
114, an optical lens 115, and a photoelectric conversion element C
It has a CD line sensor 116. The document scanning bodies 113 and 114 are composed of a first scanning unit 113 and a second scanning unit 113.
Scanning unit 114.

The first scanning unit 114 has an exposure lamp for exposing the surface of the original image, and a first mirror for deflecting the reflected light image from the original in a predetermined direction. On the other hand, it reciprocates in parallel at a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a constant distance.

The second scanning unit 114 further deflects the reflected light image from the document deflected by the first mirror of the first scanning unit 113 in a predetermined direction.
And a third mirror, the first scanning unit 113
And reciprocate in parallel while maintaining a constant speed relationship.

The optical lens 115 reduces the reflected light image from the document deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit and forms the reduced light image at a predetermined position on the CCD line sensor 116. Is.

The CCD line sensor 116 sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed optical image and outputs it as an electric signal. The CCD line sensor 116 reads a monochrome image or a color image, and R (red), G (green), B (blue)
Is a three-line color CCD capable of outputting line data separated into respective color components. The document image information converted into an electric signal by the CCD line sensor 116 is further transferred to an image processing unit described later and subjected to predetermined image data processing.

Next, the structure of the image forming section 210 and the structure of each section related to the image forming section 210 will be described.
Below the image forming unit 210, sheets (for example, sheet-like recording media such as paper and OHP sheets) P stacked and accommodated in a sheet tray are separated one by one, and the image forming unit 210 is separated.
A sheet feeding mechanism 211 for feeding toward the sheet is provided.
The sheets P that have been separated and supplied one by one are supplied to the image forming unit 2
Timing is controlled by a pair of registration rollers 212 arranged in front of the sheet 10, and the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 210.

Further, the paper P having an image formed on one side thereof
Are re-supplied and conveyed to the image forming unit 210 at the same timing as the image formation of the image forming unit 210. Image forming unit 2
A transfer / conveying belt mechanism 213 is arranged below 10. The transfer / conveying belt mechanism 213 includes the driving roller 21.
The sheet P is electrostatically adsorbed and conveyed by the transfer / conveying belt 216 stretched so as to extend substantially in parallel between the No. 4 and the driven roller 215.

A pattern image detecting unit is provided near the lower side of the transfer / conveying belt 216.

Further, on the downstream side of the transfer / transport belt mechanism 213 in the paper transport path, a fixing device 217 for fixing the toner image transferred and formed on the paper P onto the paper P.
Are arranged. The sheet P that has passed through the nip between the pair of fixing rollers in the fixing device 217 passes through the conveyance direction switching gate 218, and then the sheet discharge tray 22 attached to the outer wall of the copying machine body 1 by the discharging roller 219.
Is discharged above zero.

The switching gate 218 is used for the sheet P after fixing.
Is selectively switched between a path for discharging the paper P to the copying machine main body 1 and a path for re-supplying the paper P toward the image forming unit 210. The sheet P whose conveyance direction has been switched again toward the image forming unit 210 by the switching gate 218 is turned upside down via the switchback conveyance path 221 and then the image forming unit 210.
Is supplied again to.

Further, above the transfer / transport belt 216 in the image forming section 210, close to the transfer / transport belt 216, the first image forming station Pa, the second image forming station Pb, and the third image forming station. P
c and the fourth image forming station Pd are sequentially provided from the upstream side of the paper transport path (arranged side by side when viewed from the front side of FIG. 1). The transfer / conveying belt 216 is driven by the driving roller 2
1 carries the paper P that is frictionally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 1 and is fed through the paper feed mechanism 211 as described above.
It is sequentially conveyed to a to Pd.

The image stations Pa to Pd have substantially the same configuration. Each image station Pa,
Pb, Pc, and Pd are photosensitive drums 222a, 222b, 222 that are rotationally driven in the arrow F direction shown in FIG.
c and 222d, respectively.

Around the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d, chargers 223a, 223b, 223c, and 223d for uniformly charging the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d, and the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d are formed. Developing device 224a for developing each electrostatic latent image,
224b, 224c, and 224d, transfer dischargers 225a, 225b, 225c, and 225d for transferring the developed toner images on the photoconductor drums 222a to 222d to the sheet P, and the toner remains on the photoconductor drums 222a to 222d. Cleaning devices 226a, 2 for removing the remaining toner
26b, 226c, and 226d are the photosensitive drums 22.
They are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of 2a to 222d.

Further, each of the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d
Above the above, laser beam scanner unit 227
a, 227b, 227c, and 227d are provided respectively. Laser beam scanner unit 227a
˜227d, a semiconductor laser element (not shown) that emits dot light modulated according to image data, a polygon mirror (deflecting device) 240 for deflecting the laser beam from the semiconductor laser element in the main scanning direction, It is composed of an fθ lens 241 and mirrors 242 and 243 for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 240 on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 222a to 222d.

The laser beam scanner 227a receives a pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color original image, the laser beam scanner 227b receives a pixel signal of the cyan component image of the color original image, and the laser beam scanner 227c receives the pixel signal. Pixel signals corresponding to the magenta color component image of the color original image, and the laser beam scanner 2
Pixel signals corresponding to the yellow color component image of the color original image are input to 27d.

An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document image information color-converted as described above is formed on each of the photosensitive drums 222a to 222d. Then, the developing device 227a is black toner (Bk), the developing device 227b is cyan toner (C), the developing device 227c is magenta toner (M), and the developing device 227d is yellow color toner. The toner (Y) of each of the
The electrostatic latent images on a to 222d are developed with the toners of the respective colors. As a result, the document image information color-converted by the image forming unit 210 is reproduced as a toner image of each color.

A sheet adsorbing (brush) charger 228 is provided between the first image forming station Pa and the sheet feeding mechanism 211. The sheet adsorbing charger 228 is mounted on the surface of the transfer / conveying belt 216. To charge the paper feeding mechanism 211
The paper P supplied from the first image forming station Pa is securely sucked onto the transfer / conveying belt 216.
From the fourth image forming station Pd to the fourth image forming station Pd without being displaced.

On the other hand, between the fourth image station Pd and the fixing device 217, a static eliminator (not shown) is provided almost directly above the drive roller 214. An alternating current is applied to the static eliminator to separate the paper P electrostatically attracted to the transfer belt 216 from the transfer transfer belt 216.

In the digital color copying machine having the above structure, cut sheets are used as the paper P. This paper P is sent out from the paper feed cassette and fed to the paper feed mechanism 2
When the sheet 11 is fed into the guide of the sheet feeding / conveying path, the tip portion of the sheet P is detected by a sensor (not shown),
Based on the detection signal output from this sensor, the pair of registration rollers 212 temporarily stops. Then, the paper P is rotated in the direction of arrow Z in FIG.
16 sent. At this time, since the transfer / conveying belt 216 has been charged to a predetermined level by the adsorption charger 228 as described above, the paper P is transferred to each image station Pa.
During passing through ~ Pd, it is stably conveyed and supplied.

In each of the image stations Pa to Pd, a toner image of each color is formed and superposed on the supporting surface of the paper P that is electrostatically attracted by the transfer and transport belt 216 and is transported. Fourth image station Pd
When the transfer of the image by means of is completed, the paper P is sequentially transferred from the leading end of the paper P by the transfer discharging belt 216 by the discharger for static elimination.
It is peeled off from above and guided to the fixing device 217. Finally, the sheet P having the toner image fixed thereon is ejected onto the sheet ejection tray 220 from a sheet ejection port (not shown).

In the above description, the laser beam scanner units 227a to 227d scan and expose the laser beam to expose the photoconductors 222a to 227a.
Optical writing to 222d is performed.

The laser beam scanner unit 2
A writing optical system (LED head) including a light emitting diode array and an imaging lens array may be used instead of 27a to 227d. The LED head is smaller in size than the laser beam scanner units 227a to 227d and has no moving parts and is silent. Therefore, it can be preferably used in an image forming apparatus such as a tandem type digital color copying machine which requires a plurality of optical writing units.

FIG. 2 shows a transfer / conveyance unit which can be taken in and out of the color digital image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, and comprises a plurality of rollers (214, 215, 225a ...
225d, 231a, 231b, and B3), and a sensor 23 that forms a test pattern image that is formed on a trial basis on the transfer / transport belt 216 stretched around the transfer / transport belt 216.
2R, 232F, and a cleaning mechanism B for cleaning the test pattern image formed on the transfer / transport belt 216 to collect the toner are configured as an integral unit.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the transfer / transport belt 216 on the roller 214 side of FIG. 2 as seen from the lower surface, and shows a state of a test pattern image formed on the transfer / transport belt 216 on a trial basis. It is a thing. Transfer transport belt 216
In the vicinity of both ends in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the transport direction), a strip shape having a length l1 for determining the image writing start position of each image recording unit in the transport direction of the transfer transport belt 216 at predetermined intervals. Resist adjustment pattern RS1
RS4 is formed for each color (Bk, C, M, Y). Further, in the vicinity of the central portion in the width direction of the transfer / conveying belt 216, density adjustment patterns RC1 to RC for adjusting the image density of each image recording portion are formed in a square having a side length of l2.
4 are formed in the color order (Bk, C, M, Y) according to the transport direction. In the present embodiment, l1 and l2 have substantially the same length. Further, the resist adjustment patterns RS1 to RS1
The position of RS4 and the transfer / transport belt 216 on which the density adjustment patterns RC1 to RC4 are formed vary depending on the device, the adjustment method, and the like.

The test pattern images RS1 to RS4 formed on the transfer / transport belt 216 are detected by the sensor 232.
R, 232F, and test pattern images RC1 to RC
After being detected by the sensor 232 and used for the corresponding predetermined adjustment of the image stations Pa to Pd, the cleaning unit 4 is removed and collected from the transfer / conveying belt 216 by the cleaning mechanism B (see FIG. 2).

Sensors 232, 232R, and 232F
Is a base 23 provided in the width direction of the transfer / transport belt 216 at a predetermined distance below the transfer / transport belt 216.
0 on the test pattern images RS1 to
The RS4 and RC1 to RC4 are provided so as to be freely attached, detached, and positionally adjusted corresponding to the positions (areas) of the transfer conveyance belt 216. The sensor 232,
Reference numerals 232R and 232F are optical sensors including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, which receive reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting element and output a level detection signal according to the amount of received light. Although the cost is high, accurate reading is possible by using an optical reading element such as a CCD or a line sensor.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning mechanism B is
It is composed of a cleaning blade B1, a recovery container B2, and a roller B3. Cleaning blade B1
Is a plate-shaped body having a predetermined thickness that abuts on the transfer / transport belt 216 in the width direction, and abuts from below the transfer / transport belt 216 at a predetermined angle with respect to the transport direction, and the tip of the cleaning blade B1 thereof abuts. On the back surface side of the transfer / transport belt 216, the roller B3 is provided with the transfer / transport belt 216.
Are provided over the entire width of the cleaning blade B1.
By sandwiching the transfer / conveying belt 216 between the front end of the sheet and the roller B3, the removal of the test pattern images RS1 to RS4 and RC1 to RC4 is ensured. Collection container B
Reference numeral 2 denotes a box body provided below the transfer / conveyance belt 216 so as to cover the cleaning blade B1 across the width direction of the transfer / conveyance belt 216, and is provided so as to be detachably engaged with the frame FL. There is.

With the configuration described above, the cleaning blade B1 scrapes off the test pattern images RS1 to RS4 and RC1 to RC4 as the transfer / conveying belt 216 is conveyed, and the toner powder, which is the scraped-off test pattern, moves downward. It is recovered in the recovery container B2 provided in the.

FIG. 4 shows the test pattern images RS1 to RS4 and RC1 removed from the transfer / transport belt 216.
8A to 8C illustrate toner collecting containers, which are collection units BS and B having different collection capacities depending on the position and size of the test pattern image formed on the transfer / transport belt 216.
C and BB are formed.

That is, four strip-shaped test pattern images (RS1 to RS4) having a relatively small area are provided at both ends on the transfer / transport belt 216, and four substantially square test pattern images having a relatively large area are provided in the central portion. (RC1-RC
4) is formed, the recovery capacity is made to protrude by the length T in the transport direction upstream and downstream over the predetermined width L1 portion at both ends of the recovery container B2 and the center predetermined width L2 portion, respectively. And the collecting portions BS and BC having large openings are formed. The collecting unit BB is a collecting unit between the collecting units BS and BC and corresponds to a non-test pattern image corresponding region portion.

Here, the protruding width L1 of the collecting portions BS and BC
(L1> l1) and L2 (L2> l2) depend on the sizes l1 and l2 of the respective test pattern images.
It is determined as appropriate in consideration of the scattering range of the test pattern isolated from 16. Here, the widths l1 and l2 of the respective test pattern images are substantially the same, but the areas are completely different, and thus the width L2 is set larger than the protrusion width L1. Similarly, the protrusion length T is determined in consideration of the flight range of the test pattern image scraped off by the cleaning blade B1.
Instead of 1, the protrusion length T can be appropriately changed by using a rotary brush for peeling by applying a rotational force to the test pattern image, or depending on the size of the test pattern image, etc., and reliable collection can be performed.

According to the cleaning mechanism B described above, the test pattern image formed at the predetermined position on the transfer / transport belt 216 is scraped off by the cleaning blade B1 and becomes a powder from the tip of the cleaning blade B1. Although it falls down or falls while being scattered, it is housed in the collection container B2, but the openings of the collection parts BS and BC are the openings of the collection part BB (opposite convex parts B4 formed between the adjacent collection parts BS and BC). By making the size larger than the opening of the gap area), the test pattern images formed at both ends and the center of the transfer / conveying belt 216 can be reliably collected, and the scattered test patterns can also be collected by the collecting unit BB.

Further, as a result, the convex portion B4 has the collecting portion BB between the convex portions B4 facing each other, but the adjacent accommodating portions BS,
It plays a partitioning role between BCs. For example, even when one end of the container is tilted when the recovery container B2 is removed from the frame FL (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the recovered test pattern is moved and concentrated all at once to the lower end portion of the storage container B.
2 does not overflow, the movement of the test pattern image is restricted by the convex portion B4, the test pattern image does not suddenly concentrate on one end portion on the lower side, and it contributes to the improvement of the handling property during maintenance. It became a thing.

Further, the shape and frequency of use of the test pattern image formed on the transfer / conveying belt 216 on a trial basis vary depending on the adjusting method, and a difference occurs in the amount of test pattern accumulated in the adjoining accommodating portions than planned. However, since the storage portions (corresponding to the storage portion BB) are not completely partitioned, the test pattern is allowed to move through the gap (the length L3) of the convex portion B4, which causes an extreme difference in the recovery amount. This can be prevented in advance, and leakage to the outside of the collection container B2 and scattering due to impact during maintenance can be prevented.

Further, since the side surface of the recovery volume B2 is uneven, it is possible to stably support the recovery volume B2 by engaging the frame FL (see FIG. 2) by utilizing the unevenness of the side surface. Becomes

As described above, the size of the opening (BS, BC, and BB) of the recovery container B2 in the cleaning mechanism B is corresponding to the position and size (adhesion amount) of the test pattern image formed on the transfer / transport belt 216. The collecting ability is partially changed by adjusting the height, but the object of the present invention can also be achieved by adjusting the depth of the collecting container according to the position and size of the test pattern image. Since it is possible to do so, description will be given below with reference to FIG.

The collection container B22 shown in FIG. 5 has a length X1,
A transfer container 21 is provided with a container having a width Y1 and a height Z1.
The collection container is provided with a height of Z2 deeper over the predetermined widths L1 and L2 corresponding to the position and size of the test pattern image on 6, and the collection containers have partially different depths.

As a result, the lower surface of the recovery container B22 has an uneven shape, and the recovery sections BS2 and BC2 having a storage capacity larger than that of the storage section BB2 corresponding to each test pattern have convex sections B.
It is the result of being divided by 42. Collection section BS2, B
The depth of C2 is determined by the size of the test pattern image to be collected on the transfer / transport belt, and is not limited to the same depth as shown in FIG.

As described above, the collection container B22 has the collection sections BS2, B corresponding to the position and size of the test pattern image.
Since the depth of C2 is set deeper than that of the recovery unit BB2 and the storage volumes are different from each other, the test patterns can be reliably stored regardless of their sizes. In addition, even if the recovery container B22 containing the collected and accumulated test patterns receives some impact, the recovery parts BS2 and BC2 are partitioned by the convex portion B42 extending from the lower surface. The travel route to the specified length L
It is possible to prevent the situation in which all the test patterns concentrate on one end side in a short time even if the collection container B22 tilts to the one end side as a result of being restricted or approached over the range of 3. This makes it possible to prevent the test pattern from leaking during maintenance and the like.

Further, the collecting sections BS2, B of the collecting container B22
Since the convex portion B42 that partitions C2 does not completely partition the adjacent recovery parts, even if a large number of test patterns of some recovery parts are accumulated, they are naturally guided to the adjacent recovery parts. In this case, it is possible to prevent the test pattern from leaking out from the portion of the collection container B22 where the accumulation amount is large.

The convex portion B42 for partitioning the adjacent collecting portions BS2 and BC2 is not limited to the one extending from the lower surface, and the convex portions B42 extending from the side surface shown in FIG. , And by providing a substantially U-shaped convex portion from the side surface, it is possible to more accurately adjust the amount of the test pattern image moving between the adjacent collecting portions, and it is possible to obtain the same effect as described above. .

Further, since the fluidity of the test pattern is different due to the change of use environment of the copying machine, such as the difference of humidity,
It is possible to appropriately adjust the amount of movement of the test pattern between the recovery parts by adjusting the shape of the convex portion to a comb shape, a slit shape, and / or adjusting the length L3 of the convex portion. For example, the collection container B23 shown in FIG. 6 has a length L of the convex portion B42 shown in FIG.
3 is shortened, and the collecting portions BS3 and BC3 having positions and sizes corresponding to the position and size of the test pattern image formed on the transfer / transport belt 216 are divided by the partition plate B43.

The height Z3 of the partition plate B43 in FIG. 6 is as shown in FIG.
The height is higher than the height Z2 of the convex portion B42 of the recovery container B2 and lower than the height Z4 of the recovery container B23. In the collection container B2 of FIG. 5, this is the gap between the convex portions B42 that oppose the allowance and regulation of the test pattern movement between the adjacent collection units, that is, the area (X1 * Z2) and the length L3 of the gap.
However, in the case of the partition plate B43 of FIG. 6, the movement and regulation of the test pattern are adjusted only by the area (X1 * Z3) of the partition plate B43.
The height Z3 of the partition plate B43 is set to be larger than Z2 in order to obtain the same effect as 42.

Further, FIGS. 7 and 8 show an embodiment in which the partition plate has a comb-like shape or a slit shape. FIG. 7 shows that the partition plate B43 of FIG.
L1 is provided at three places, and FIG. 8 shows that the height of the cutting plate B43 of FIG. 6 is set to the height Z4 of the collection container and two slits SL2 having a predetermined area are provided horizontally.
Partition plate B44 provided with the slits SL1 and SL2,
By providing B45 in the accommodating container, even if there is a change in the test pattern deposition amount between the adjacent recovery units, it moves to the side with the smaller test pattern deposition amount through the slits SL1 and SL2, and the test in each recovery unit is performed. This contributes to making the amount of deposited pattern uniform and reduces maintenance and inspection of the device. The slit area is appropriately determined according to the fluidity of the test pattern.

Further, in order to be able to flexibly change the recovery amount of the recovery unit when the deposition amount between the test patterns between the recovery units adjacent to each other repeatedly changes, the convex portions of FIGS. By making the partition plates shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 movable in a direction in which the amount of recovery of each recovery unit is increased / decreased, for example, the width direction of the transfer / conveyance belt (arrows in FIGS. 7 and 8), etc., more stable It is possible to form a collection container for performing the above collection.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in the above embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming unit 210 has been described in the form of transferring the image on the photosensitive drum onto the paper P, but
Even if the sheet P has an image forming portion such as toner flying and adhering to a target place without using a photosensitive drum, the image forming portion 210 is formed on the conveying belt of the sheet P.
It is applicable to any image forming apparatus that forms a test pattern for adjustment. Further, as test pattern images, two types (RS1 to RS4, and R having different sizes) are used.
As described above with reference to C1 to RC4), if all the test pattern images have the same size or substantially the same size, the size and the like of the corresponding collecting portion also become the same or substantially the same.

[0073]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the recovery container for cleaning and recovering the test pattern transferred on the conveyor belt is located at the position of the test pattern transferred on the conveyor belt. Since the collecting ability is partially different depending on the case, the test pattern can be reliably collected during cleaning.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the opening of the collecting portion corresponding to the test pattern partially formed on the conveyor belt is made larger than the opening of the collecting portion corresponding to the non-test pattern position. Even if the test pattern diffuses or scatters due to the influence of the peeling member or the like that peels the test pattern from the transport belt, the test pattern can be reliably collected in the collection container, so that the image forming apparatus can have a small amount of stain inside the test pattern. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the defect of the device and the stain of the sheet-shaped recording medium due to the adhesion of the test pattern inside the device. In addition, the operator and the place of use are not contaminated with the test pattern even when the inside is opened due to a problem such as a periodic inspection.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by increasing the depth of the collecting portion corresponding to the position of the test pattern partially formed on the conveyor belt, the collecting pattern corresponding to the test pattern at each position can be obtained. Since it can be accommodated and held in the test pattern, the movement of the test pattern between the recovery parts corresponding to the adjacent test pattern positions can be restricted. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the collection container, it is possible to avoid concentration of the test pattern in the collection container, so that it is possible to prevent the test pattern from being concentrated and overflowing in a part of the collection container. . As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the device due to adhesion of the test pattern inside the device and contamination of the sheet-shaped recording medium, and to perform work even when the inside is opened due to malfunction such as periodic inspection. It is possible to prevent people and places of use from being soiled with test patterns.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing a partition member for partitioning the inside of the recovery container into a plurality of spaces according to the position of the test pattern formed at a predetermined position on the conveyor belt, The test pattern partially formed on the belt can be reliably collected at the time of cleaning, and the step due to the partition member restricts the movement of the test pattern between the adjoining accommodating parts, so that there is no impact due to the unit taking in or out. The collected test pattern does not shift in the collection container, and even if the collection container is tilted, it is possible to prevent the test pattern from being instantaneously concentrated on one end side. The test pattern will not overflow. Therefore, similarly to the above, it is possible to prevent the trouble of the device due to the adhesion of the test pattern inside the device, the stain of the sheet-shaped recording medium, and the case where the inside is opened due to the occurrence of the trouble such as the periodic inspection. Can prevent the operator and the place of use from being soiled with a test pattern.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the inside of the collection container is divided into a plurality of collection parts by the convex portions in the width direction of the conveyor belt, so that the collected test pattern is moved between the adjacent collection parts. On the other hand, since the partition is formed by the convex part, it does not obstruct the movement between the adjoining collection parts of the test pattern at all, and the passage of the test pattern is narrowed over a predetermined length to allow the collection parts to be separated. Even when the collection container is tilted, the test pattern is prevented from being instantaneously concentrated on one end side and the test pattern is prevented from overflowing from one end side of the collection container. be able to. Therefore, in the same manner as above, the device failure due to the attachment of the test pattern inside the device,
It is possible to prevent the sheet-shaped recording medium from becoming dirty, and to properly prevent the operator and the place of use from being contaminated with a test pattern even when the inside is opened due to problems such as periodic inspections. You can

According to the invention of claim 6, a test pattern formed in a specific size at a predetermined position on the conveyor belt is known in advance, and the adhesion amount (size) is determined.
The size of the test pattern on the conveyor belt can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the opening of the recovery unit, the recovery capacity such as the storage capacity, or by adjusting the mounting position of the partition member such as the convex part. It can be collected without fail and can be properly accommodated without overflowing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of the transfer / transport belt mechanism 213 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a transfer conveyance belt 216 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing of the test pattern image formed above.

FIG. 4 is a transfer / conveying belt 216 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a recovery container B2 that recovers the test pattern (toner) removed from above.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a recovery container B22 for recovering the test pattern removed from the transfer / transport belt according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a recovery container B23 for recovering the test pattern removed from the transfer / transport belt according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a recovery container B24 for recovering the test pattern removed from the transfer / transport belt according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a recovery container B25 for recovering the test pattern removed from the transfer / transport belt according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Digital Color Copier P Paper 210 Image Forming Section 213 Transfer Conveying Belt Mechanism 216 Transfer Conveying Belt RS1 to RS4 Registration Adjustment Pattern (Test Pattern) RC1 to RC4 Density Adjustment Pattern (Test Pattern) B Cleaning Mechanism 232, 232R, 232F Optical Sensor B1 Cleaning blades B2, B22 Collecting containers B4, B42 Convex portions BS, BC, BB Collecting parts BS2, BC2, BB2 Collecting parts B23, B24, B25 Collecting containers B43, B44, B45 Partition plates BS3, BC3 Collecting parts B44, B45 Partitioning Plate SL1, SL2 slit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Fumio Shimazu 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Within Sharp Corporation (72) Koichi Nakamura 22-22 22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Osaka Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Masashi Hirai 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture (56) References JP-A-7-302029 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/16 G03G 21/10

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming condition of an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet-shaped recording medium conveyed by a conveying belt,
An image forming apparatus that collects the detected test pattern on the transport belt in a recovery container of a cleaning recovery unit after the state is confirmed by detecting the state of the test pattern formed on the transfer belt, wherein the recovery container is An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of collecting units having different collecting capacities corresponding to positions of test patterns formed on a conveyor belt. 2. The recovery container is characterized in that the opening of the recovery part corresponding to the test pattern position formed on the conveyor belt is larger than the opening of the recovery part corresponding to the non-test pattern position. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. 3. The recovery container is characterized in that the depth of the recovery part corresponding to the test pattern position formed on the conveyor belt is deeper than the depth of the recovery part corresponding to the non-test pattern position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. An image forming condition of an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet-shaped recording medium conveyed by a conveying belt,
An image forming apparatus that collects the detected test pattern on the conveyor belt in a collecting container of a cleaning and collecting unit after it is confirmed by detecting the state of the test pattern formed on the conveyor belt. Has a plurality of recovery parts for accommodating each test pattern corresponding to each test pattern position formed on the conveyor belt. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is partitioned by a partition member having a passage that allows movement of a pattern. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the partition member is a convex portion formed corresponding to a non-test pattern position on the conveyor belt. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recovery unit is formed based on a test pattern position formed on the conveyor belt and an adhesion amount.