JP6913293B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, an image carrier such as a photoconductor, a drive motor for driving the image carrier, a torque detecting means for detecting the drive torque of the drive motor, and a cleaning blade for removing deposits adhering to the surface of the image carrier. An image forming apparatus including a cleaning means having the above is known.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes the following image forming apparatus.

As the torque detecting means, a detection hand unit for detecting a current value (load current) flowing through the drive motor of the image carrier (photoreceptor), a voltage value (input voltage) applied to the drive motor, and the like is provided. Then, based on the detection result of the torque detecting means, the cleaning means (cleaning device) or the determination means for determining whether maintenance such as cleaning of the image carrier or the replacement of parts is necessary, or the prediction for predicting the necessary time for maintenance. Means are provided.
For example, a number counter that compares the detection result of the torque detecting means with a predetermined drive torque threshold value (lower limit value), requests maintenance when the detection result reaches the threshold value, and the operator counts the number of prints after the maintenance. Reset the value of. In this way, every time maintenance is repeated, the interval for requesting maintenance, that is, the value of the number counter at the time of requesting maintenance decreases, and becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number of prints threshold (predetermined number). , Request replacement of cleaning blade.
With such a configuration, it is said that the optimum maintenance and replacement time of the cleaning blade (blade) and the like can be known in advance, and the toner can be prevented from slipping through.

On the other hand, in the initial state where the cleaning blade and the image carrier are replaced and are close to new, they are not deformed or worn, and the amount of toner existing at the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier is Due to lack, etc., the frictional resistance between them tends to increase. Further, even after the cleaning blade or the image carrier in use is attached or detached for maintenance such as cleaning, the amount of toner existing at the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier may be insufficient and the frictional resistance may increase. .. If the frictional resistance increases as described above, the rated torque of the drive motor that drives the image carrier may be exceeded, the image carrier may not be driven, or the cleaning blade may be rolled up.

Conventionally, the following method has been used in order to suppress the occurrence of such a problem.
When the cleaning blade or the image carrier is replaced or attached / detached, it is automatically attached / detached to / from the image forming apparatus by using a cleaning means or an ID chip provided for each image carrier unit. This is a method of detecting that the product has been replaced with a new one.
In addition, the display operation unit inputs that the detachable unit and the cleaning blade and the image carrier, which are parts of the detachable unit, have been replaced with new ones or have been detached.
Then, when it is automatically detected that the cleaning blade has been replaced with a new one, or when it is input from the display operation unit that the cleaning blade has been replaced or detached with a new one, the frictional resistance between the cleaning blade and the contact portion of the image carrier is reduced. The action was being performed.

However, in the method using an ID chip or the like, the configuration for detection becomes complicated, and the ID chip or the like cannot be provided on the cleaning blade when the parts are replaced by the cleaning blade alone, so that the above adjustment operation cannot be executed. was there. On the other hand, in the configuration input from the display operation unit, the detachable unit or the cleaning blade or the image carrier which is a part of the detachable unit may be replaced with a new one, or it may be forgotten to input that the detached unit has been attached or detached. In some cases, the above adjustment operation could not be executed.

Further, when the cleaning blade or the image carrier is replaced with a new one, or when the cleaning blade or the image carrier in use is attached or detached, the drive torque of the drive motor for driving the image carrier tends to increase as described above.
A configuration is also conceivable in which it is determined whether or not the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced or detached with a new one by utilizing this phenomenon, and when it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced or detached with a new one, the above adjustment operation is executed. ..
However, the value of the drive torque detected by the torque detecting means, which detects the current value, the voltage value, etc., varies in the winding resistance of each drive motor even if the current value flowing through the drive motor and the applied voltage value are the same. The detection accuracy was low because it fluctuated due to factors such as.
For this reason, if it is determined whether or not the product has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached according to the conventional configuration in which the detected drive torque value and the threshold value are compared to know the replacement time, etc., an erroneous judgment is made. , The above adjustment operation may not be executed, or an unnecessary adjustment operation may be executed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 comprises an image carrier, a drive motor for driving the image carrier, a torque detecting means for detecting the drive torque of the drive motor, and the image. In an image forming apparatus provided with a cleaning means having a cleaning blade for removing deposits adhering to the surface of a carrier.
The torque detecting means detects the drive torque of the drive motor by detecting at least one of the current value, the voltage value, and the duty ratio value of the PWM signal of the drive motor.
A storage means for storing a current value, a voltage value, or a duty ratio value of a PWM signal of the drive motor detected by the torque detecting means is provided.
Chestnut - Ningubure - After replacing or desorption of soil and the image bearing member, a current value of the drive motor over detected in a predetermined time after the start of rotation of the image bearing member, a voltage value, or Du of the PWM signal - tee value and, The difference value from the value detected during the rotation of the image carrier in the past stored in the storage means is
If it is larger than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one, and the number counter for counting and storing the number of recording materials for which image formation has been performed, the image. To reset both the mileage counter that counts and stores the mileage of the carrier, or both the number counter and the mileage counter, and reduce the frictional resistance between the cleaning blade and the contact portion of the image carrier. Perform the prescribed adjustment operation of
When the difference value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value and larger than the second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, the cleaning blade or the image carrier is used for cleaning or used products for maintenance. It was determined to have been exchanged, the sheet counter, the travel distance counter or the number counter and the chestnut without resetting both the travel distance counter - Ningubure - de and to reduce the frictional resistance of the contact portion of said image bearing member Perform the above-mentioned predetermined adjustment operation of
When the difference value is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the predetermined adjustment operation for reducing the frictional resistance between the cleaning blade and the contact portion of the image carrier is not performed.

According to the present invention, it can be accurately determined with a simple configuration that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one or attached / detached, and the adjustment operation for reducing the frictional resistance of the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier is appropriately performed. An image forming apparatus that can be executed can be provided.

The schematic block diagram of the printer which concerns on one Embodiment. An enlarged view showing one of four image-making units provided in the printer. The block diagram of the structure which performs the friction resistance lowering operation which reduces the frictional force of a blade contact part by detecting that a cleaning blade or a photoconductor was replaced with a new article, or was attached and detached. The control flow diagram of the friction resistance lowering operation which reduces the frictional force of a blade contact part by detecting that a cleaning blade or a photoconductor is replaced with a new one, or is attached and detached. An explanatory diagram for determining whether or not the cleaning blade or the photoconductor has been replaced with a new one, or has been replaced / detached. The explanatory view of the reason why the variation of the load torque of the photoconductor drive motor with respect to the value of the current value, the voltage value, or the duty value of the PWM signal is caused by the motor used.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer 100) which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing one of four image forming units provided in the printer 100.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes an intermediate transfer device as a transfer means at substantially the center of the inside thereof. The intermediate transfer belt 56 as an intermediate transfer body provided in the intermediate transfer device is an endless belt, is supported by being hung on four rollers 52, 53, 54, 55, and is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A in the drawing. Above the intermediate transfer belt 56, four image forming units (process cartridges) corresponding to each color toner of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are formed on the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56. Lined up along.

Since all the image forming units have the same configuration, the subscripts Y, M, C, and K indicating the distinction between the corresponding toner colors are omitted in the following description.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit has a photoconductor 1 as an image carrier, and around the photoconductor 1, a charging device 2 as a charging means, a developing device 4 as a developing means, and so on. A cleaning device 6, a lubricant application device 3, and the like as cleaning means are detachably arranged.
Further, in the image forming unit, a scorotron type corona charger is used as the charging device 2 for charging the surface of the photoconductor 1, and the charging device 2 is covered with a ventilation duct 5 installed in the main body.
Here, the photoconductor 1, the charging device 2, the developing device 4, the cleaning device 6, and the lubricant coating device 3 of the image forming unit of the printer 100 are integrated with the printer 100 main body as separate units or as one process cartridge. It is provided so that it can be attached and detached.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, above the four image forming units, the surface of each charged photoconductor 1 is irradiated with laser light L based on the image data (image information) of each color to generate an electrostatic latent image. An exposure apparatus 9 is provided as a latent image forming means for writing. Further, at positions facing each photoconductor 1 with the intermediate transfer belt 56 interposed therebetween, primary transfer rollers 51 for primary transfer of a toner image (image) formed on the photoconductor 1 onto the intermediate transfer belt 56, respectively. Have been placed.

The secondary transfer roller 61 is pressure-welded to the outside of the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 56 supported by the roller 52. The contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 61 and the intermediate transfer belt 56 is the secondary transfer portion, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is transferred to paper as a recording material. A belt cleaning device is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller 61. On the left side of the drawing of the secondary transfer unit, a fixing device 70 for fixing the toner image on the paper to the paper is provided. The lower part of the printer 100 is provided with a paper feeding device for placing the paper and feeding the paper toward the secondary transfer unit.

In the printer 100 having such a configuration, in the four image forming units, the surface of each photoconductor 1 is uniformly charged to the target charging potential (here, negative polarity) by the charging device 2. The surface of the photoconductor 1 charged in this way is irradiated with the laser beam L based on the image data by the exposure apparatus 9, thereby lowering the potential of the laser beam irradiation portion and forming an electrostatic latent image. Then, after the electrostatic latent image is formed in this way, a developing operation is performed in which toner of each color is supplied from the developing device 4 to the latent image portion whose potential has been dropped to develop the latent image.

Each color toner image on each photoconductor 1 is sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 56 by applying a bias voltage to the primary transfer roller 51, and a superposed toner image is formed. At this timing, the paper is fed from the paper feed device toward the secondary transfer unit, and the superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is transferred to the paper by applying a bias voltage to the secondary transfer roller 61. .. The superimposed toner image is fixed on the paper by the fixing device 70 to form a color image, and the superimposed toner image is discharged to the outside of the machine by the paper ejection roller.
On the other hand, after the toner image is transferred, each photoconductor 1 is prepared for the next toner image formation by removing deposits such as transfer residual toner by a cleaning device 6 provided therein. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 56 after transferring the superimposed toner image is prepared for the next toner image formation by removing deposits such as transfer residual toner by a belt cleaning device.

Further, the cleaning device 6 of the present embodiment has a cleaning blade 19 for removing transfer residual toner on the photoconductor 1.
The cleaning blade 19 contacts (contacts) the surface of the photoconductor 1 and blocks the transfer residual toner at the contact portion (contact portion) to mechanically prevent the transfer residual toner from passing through. As a result, the surface of the photoconductor 1 that has passed through the contact portion between the cleaning blade 19 and the surface of the photoconductor 1 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a blade contact portion) is in a state in which the transfer residual toner is removed.
Then, the toner scraped off from the surface of the photoconductor 1 by the cleaning blade 19 is conveyed toward the waste toner tank by the waste toner screw 13 provided at the bottom in FIG. 2 of the cleaning blade 19.

Further, after the residual toner is recovered by the cleaning device 6, the lubricant is applied to the surface of the photoconductor 1 by the lubricant coating device 3, and a protective layer on the surface of the photoconductor 1 is formed.
The lubricant coating device 3 that forms a protective layer on the surface of the photoconductor 1 includes a solid lubricant 3a, a lubricant coating roller 3b that applies a lubricant scraped from the solid lubricant 3a to the photoconductor 1, and a solid. It has a lubricant negative means 3c that urges the lubricant 3a toward the lubricant coating roller 3b. Further, on the downstream side of the housing of the lubricant coating device 3 in the direction of rotation of the photoconductor 1, a lubricant leveling blade 3d for leveling the lubricant applied to the photoconductor 1 by the lubricant coating roller 3b is provided.
Further, an operation panel 87, which is a display operation unit for performing operations (input) such as setting of the printer 100 and displaying messages and the like, is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the housing of the printer 100.

Here, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method like the printer 100 of the present embodiment, a method of adopting a cleaning apparatus for removing transfer residual toner remaining on a photoconductor with a cleaning blade has been conventionally known. Has been done.
When the cleaning blade is worn and deteriorated, the toner easily slips through, so it is common to replace the cleaning blade alone or the cleaning device on a regular basis. In addition, the surface layer of the photoconductor wears over time and electrostatic fatigue occurs, so the photoconductor is replaced regularly.
It is also known that a cleaning blade is provided separately, a cleaning device, and a number counter and a mileage counter are provided for the photoconductor, and when any of them is replaced with a new one, the corresponding counter is reset. There is. By operating the counter in this way, the corresponding parts and units can be replaced at the set life, and abnormal images can be prevented.

Then, as an adjustment operation required when the cleaning blade or the photoconductor is replaced with a new one, an operation of lowering the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion, which is a contact portion between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor (hereinafter, an operation of lowering the frictional resistance as appropriate). There is.).
This frictional resistance lowering operation is because the cleaning blade and the photoconductor are not worn in the initial state close to new, and the amount of toner existing at the blade contact portion may be insufficient, so that the frictional resistance tends to increase. Will be done.
If the frictional resistance increases as described above, the rated torque of the drive motor for driving the photoconductor may be exceeded, the photoconductor may not be driven, or the cleaning blade may be rolled up.
As a method of reducing the frictional resistance at the blade contact portion, a method of inputting toner to the blade contact portion has been conventionally known.

In addition, not only when the product is new, but also during maintenance such as cleaning, even after the cleaning blade or photoconductor in use is attached or detached, the amount of toner at the blade contact portion becomes insufficient and the frictional resistance tends to increase. Friction resistance lowering operation may be required.
In order for the image forming apparatus to recognize that it has been replaced or detached with a new one, a method of equipping the cleaning device or the unit for replacing the photoconductor with an ID chip or manually inputting from the operation panel is a method. It has been known for a long time.

However, the method of providing an ID chip in order to automatically detect that the product has been replaced with a new one has a problem that the configuration becomes complicated. Further, when the parts are replaced by the cleaning blade alone, it is difficult to provide the ID chip.
In addition, in the method of manually inputting that the product has been replaced or removed with a new product from the operation panel, it may be forgotten to input. In such a case, there is a problem that the frictional resistance lowering operation is not executed, the rated torque of the photoconductor drive motor is exceeded, and the cleaning blade is rolled up.

Therefore, the inventor examined whether the following image forming apparatus could be provided.
It is an image forming apparatus that can accurately determine whether the cleaning blade or the photoconductor has been replaced or detached with a simple configuration, and can appropriately perform an adjustment operation for reducing the frictional resistance of the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor.
In addition, when the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor increases due to replacement or desorption with a new one, an adjustment operation is performed to reduce the frictional resistance of the contact part between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor, and the cleaning blade is rolled up or the rated torque of the drive motor is exceeded. It is an image forming apparatus that can suppress the above with a simple configuration.

Next, a frictional resistance lowering operation that lowers the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion by detecting that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 which are the characteristic parts of the printer 100 of the present embodiment have been replaced or detached with new ones. An example of the configuration in which the above is performed will be described with reference to the drawings.
Here, the target for detecting replacement with a new product or attachment / detachment includes, in addition to the cleaning blade 19, the photoconductor 1, a cleaning device 6 detached integrally with these, a photoconductor unit, and at least one of these. A process cartridge is also included. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the notation "cleaning blade 19 or photoconductor 1" in the following description includes "cleaning device 6, photoconductor unit, and process cartridge having at least one of these". do.
In addition, "detachment" includes the case where the same item is removed and replaced with a non-new item. In the following explanation, the above "detachment" is appropriately referred to as "replacement / removal". explain.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a configuration in which it is detected that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or detached with new ones, and a frictional resistance lowering operation for reducing the frictional force of the blade contact portion is performed. FIG. 4 is a control flow diagram of a frictional resistance lowering operation that detects that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or detached with new ones and reduces the frictional force of the blade contact portion. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for determining whether or not the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones, or have been replaced / detached. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the reason why the load torque (drive torque) of the photoconductor drive motor 81 varies depending on the motor used with respect to the current value, the voltage value, or the duty value of the PWM signal.

The following is included in the configuration for detecting that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or detached with new ones and performing a frictional resistance lowering operation for reducing the frictional force of the blade contact portion. ..
As shown in FIG. 3, a photoconductor drive motor 81 for driving each photoconductor 1, a motor power supply 82 for supplying electric power to the photoconductor drive motor 81, and a motor drive control unit for rotating the photoconductor drive motor 81 at a predetermined speed. Has 83. Further, a detection unit 84 that detects a current value, a voltage value, or a duty ratio value of a PWM signal (hereinafter referred to as a DUTY value) of the photoconductor drive motor 81, and a storage unit 85 that stores the value detected by the detection unit 84. Also has. Here, the detection unit 84 functions as a torque detecting means for detecting the driving torque of the driving motor 81.

Further, the difference value of the current value, the voltage value, or the duty value of the PWM signal of the photoconductor drive motor 81 is calculated and compared with a predetermined value such as a first predetermined value: A or a second predetermined value: B, which will be described later. However, it also has a determination control unit 86 that determines whether or not the product has been replaced with a new one, or has been replaced / detached.
It also has a counter control unit that resets the counters for the number of images formed and the mileage to 0 when the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 is replaced with a new one. Further, an operation panel 87, which is a display operation unit for informing the user that it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones or confirming with the user, is provided on the upper surface of the housing of the printer 100. .. Then, when it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced with a new one, or has been replaced / detached, the friction resistance lowering control unit 89 for lowering the frictional resistance and controlling the operation is provided.

Then, the control for detecting that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones and performing the frictional resistance lowering operation for reducing the frictional force of the blade contact portion is performed as follows.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, after the rotation of the photoconductor 1 starts (S1), the current value, the voltage value, or the PWM signal duty value of the photoconductor drive motor 81 is detected and stored at a predetermined time (S2). .. After that, the difference value from the corresponding past rotating value is calculated (S3).
After that, the calculated difference value is compared with the predetermined first predetermined value: A (S4), and if it is larger than the first predetermined value: A (YES in S4), the cleaning device 6 and the like are replaced with new ones. It is determined that it was (S5). Then, a display is displayed on the operation panel 87 to inform the user to that effect, or to confirm with the user (S6).
Next, the photoconductor 1, the cleaning blade 19, and the cleaning device 6 as a unit having at least one of these reset the number of sheets of paper on which the image was formed and the mileage counter that counts the mileage. (S7). Then, the frictional resistance between the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning blade 19 is lowered (S8), and the operation is completed (end).

By comparing the calculated difference value with the first predetermined value: A (S4), if the calculated difference value is less than or equal to the first predetermined value: A (NO in S4), the calculated difference value and the predetermined difference value (Ii) Predetermined value: Compare with B (S9).
Then, when the calculated difference value is larger than the second predetermined value: B (YES in S9), it is determined that the cleaning device 6 and the like have been replaced / detached (S10), and the friction between the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning blade 19 is determined. The adjustment operation for lowering the resistance is performed (S8), and the process ends (end).
On the other hand, when the calculated difference value is equal to or less than the second predetermined value: B (YES in S9), the process ends as it is (end).
Here, the first predetermined value: A and the second predetermined value: B have a magnitude relationship of A> B. This is because the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 is higher when the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 are removed and maintained for cleaning, or when the photoconductor drive motor 81 is replaced with a new one than when the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 are replaced with other used products. Because it will be expensive.

Further, in the above control of the printer 100 of the present embodiment, the past when calculating the difference value between the current value, the voltage value, or the DUTY value of the PWM signal and the corresponding value in the past of the photoconductor drive motor 81 is calculated. The value of is the previous value or the average value of the most recent multiple times.
If the average value is set to a large number of times, variation can be suppressed, but a storage area is also required accordingly.

Here, with reference to FIG. 5, regarding the determination of whether or not the cleaning blade or the photoconductor has been replaced with a new one, or has been replaced / detached, the determination method is the same except for a predetermined value to be compared with the difference value. The case of determining whether or not the product has been replaced or detached will be described as an example.
When the past value is used as the previous value, the difference value between the first time ([1]) and the second time ([2]) is small (second predetermined value: B or less) as shown in FIG. 5, so the cleaning blade It is not determined that 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced / detached. On the other hand, since the difference value between the second time and the third time ([3]) is large (second predetermined value: larger than B), it is judged that the replacement / desorption is performed.

The reason why the difference value of the current value, the voltage value, or the DUTY value of the PWM signal of the photoconductor drive motor 81 is used to determine that the photoconductor is replaced or detached is that the photoconductor drive for these values is performed by the motor used. This is because there are variations in the load torque of the motor 81.
As shown in FIG. 6, even with the same current value, voltage value, and duty value of the PWM signal, the load torque generated in the photoconductor drive motor 81 is the variation in winding resistance of each motor used, that is, the photoconductor drive motor 81. It changes depending on whether the output is high or low.
In particular, since the slope is small in the high torque region, there is a large torque difference even with the same current value, voltage value, and PWM signal duty value. For this reason, if it is judged by the current value instead of the difference value, it should be judged that the drive torque is actually high and it is replaced / detached, but the current value, voltage value, and PWM signal duty value are higher than the predetermined values due to the variation of each motor. It may be misjudged if it is not replaced or detached.

If the second predetermined value: B is set low to prevent such a phenomenon, the current value, voltage value, or PWM signal duty value becomes lower than the predetermined value due to motor variation even though the drive torque is actually low. May also increase, and it may be judged that the product has been replaced or removed.
In order to prevent these erroneous determinations, the printer 100 of the present embodiment makes a determination based on the difference value of the current value, the voltage value, or the duty value of the PWM signal. By using the difference value, it is possible to suppress the influence of the variation of the current value, the voltage value, or the DUTY value of the PWM signal due to the variation of each motor, and to accurately determine whether or not the replacement / maintenance has been performed.

Next, an example of an operation of lowering the frictional resistance between the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning blade 19 (a method of lowering the frictional resistance) will be described below.
The first operation is an operation of developing a toner image on the photoconductor 1 and supplying toner to a blade contact portion which is a contact portion between the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1.
In this operation, a large amount of toner can be supplied to the blade contact portion in a short time. When the photoconductor 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 56 are separated from each other, the toner can be supplied more efficiently.

The second operation is an operation of reducing the background potential, increasing the amount of toner due to background stains on the photoconductor 1, and supplying toner to the blade contact portion which is the contact portion between the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1. ..
In this operation, when the development width in the longitudinal direction is longer than the writing width, the toner is applied to the blade contact portion, which is the contact portion between the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1, within a range longer in the longitudinal direction than the toner image is developed. Can be supplied.

The third operation is an operation of increasing the rotation speed of the lubricant application roller 3b to increase the amount of the lubricant applied on the photoconductor 1.
Since this method can be performed during printing, printing is not interrupted and productivity is not reduced.
By these operations, the frictional resistance between the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning blade 19 can be reduced, and the cleaning blade 19 can be prevented from curling up and the rated torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 can be prevented from being exceeded. Further, these operations may be configured to be executed in combination.

Next, an example of display processing and input processing using the operation panel 87 when it is determined that the product has been replaced with a new one will be described.
In a configuration (image forming apparatus) that can be replaced only with a process cartridge in which the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning device 6 are integrated, if it is determined that the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning device 6 have been replaced with new ones, one of the following processes is performed.
The first is a process of performing the counter reset (S7) and the frictional resistance lowering operation (S8) shown in FIG. 4 without displaying anything.
The second is to display a message such as "It has been detected that the cleaning unit has been replaced with a new one. A new adjustment operation will be performed.", And the counter reset (S7) and friction resistance shown in FIG. 4 will be displayed. This is a process for performing the lowering operation (S8).

Third, the drive of the photoconductor drive motor 81 is stopped, and a message such as "Have you replaced the cleaning unit with a new one?" Is displayed on the operation panel 87 provided on the upper surface of the housing of the printer 100. Confirm with the user, and configure the user to answer "yes" or "no".
Then, in the case of "Yes", the counter reset (S7) and the frictional resistance lowering operation (S8) shown in FIG. 4 are performed, and in the case of "No", it is determined that an erroneous judgment has been made, and it is shown in FIG. This is a process that ends without performing the counter reset (S7) and the frictional resistance lowering operation (S8).
The photoconductor 1 is not driven until either answer is given. By performing such processing, it becomes possible to make a more accurate judgment.

In a configuration in which the photoconductor unit and the unit such as the cleaning device 6 can be replaced separately, or in a configuration in which only the cleaning blade 19 can be removed from the cleaning device 6 and replaced, it is determined from the calculated difference value which unit or part has been replaced. It's difficult. Therefore, the following processing (display) is performed.
The drive of the photoconductor 1 is stopped, and a message such as "It has been detected that the unit / part has been replaced with a new one. Please select the replaced unit / part." And a list of units / parts are displayed. Then ask the user to select the replaced unit / part. After selection, the counter is reset and the frictional resistance is lowered. The photoconductor 1 cannot be driven until the answer is given. With such a display, the counters of units and parts can be operated accurately.

Further, conventionally, the rotation control of the photoconductor drive motor 81 or the like has used a controller on the motor side. However, in recent years, in order to improve the accuracy of rotation control of the photoconductor 1, feedback control of constant rotation is performed on the image forming apparatus (printer 100) side, and the DUTY of the PWM signal can be recognized on the image forming apparatus side. ing.
In such an image forming apparatus, by using the duty value of the PWM signal instead of the current value or voltage value of the photoconductor drive motor 81, the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 can be obtained without the need for a new detection means. It can be detected, and the printer 100 can be configured in the same manner.

As described above, the printer 100 of the present embodiment is a detection unit that functions as a torque detecting means for detecting the photoconductor 1, the photoconductor drive motor 81 that drives the photoconductor 1, and the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81. It is equipped with 84. Further, a cleaning device 6 having a cleaning blade 19 for removing deposits adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 1 is also provided. Then, the detection unit 84 detects the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 by detecting at least one of the current value, the voltage value, and the DUTY value of the PWM signal of the photoconductor drive motor 81.
The printer 100 also includes a storage unit 85 that stores the current value, voltage value, or PWM signal duty value of the photoconductor drive motor 81 detected by the detection unit 84.

Then, the printer 100 determines whether or not the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or detached as follows.
The current value, voltage value, or PWM signal duty value of the photoconductor drive motor 81 detected by the detection unit 84 at a predetermined time after the start of rotation of the photoconductor 1 and the past photoconductor 1 stored in the storage unit 85. Judgment is based on the corresponding value detected during the rotation of.
Specifically, the current value, the voltage value, or the PWM signal duty value of the photoconductor drive motor 81 detected by the detection unit 84 at a predetermined time after the start of rotation of the photoconductor 1 is stored in the storage unit 85. The difference value from the corresponding value detected during the rotation of the photoconductor 1 in the past is calculated. Based on the calculated difference value, it is determined whether or not the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or detached.

By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the following effects can be obtained.
If the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 is replaced with a new one, or if the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 in use is attached or detached, the amount of toner at the blade contact portion (tip of the cleaning blade 19) becomes insufficient and friction occurs. The resistance increases and the drive torque tends to increase.
Utilizing this phenomenon, it is possible to determine whether or not the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or detached with new ones.
However, the value of the drive torque detected by the torque detecting means, which detects the current value, the voltage value, etc., varies in the winding resistance of each drive motor even if the current value flowing through the drive motor and the applied voltage value are the same. The detection accuracy was low because it fluctuated due to factors such as.
For this reason, if it is determined whether or not the product has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached according to the conventional configuration in which the detected drive torque value and the threshold value are compared to know the replacement time, etc., an erroneous judgment is made. There was a risk.

On the other hand, in the configuration of the printer 100 of the present embodiment, whether or not the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced or maintained is determined as follows by using the detection result of the detection unit 84 that functions as the torque detection means. Can be judged.
The first predetermined value: A or the second predetermined value: B is calculated by calculating the difference value between the current value, the voltage value, or the DUTY value of the PWM signal and the corresponding value in the past of the current photoconductor drive motor 81. Can be compared with. Then, if it is larger than the first predetermined value: A, it is determined that it has been replaced with a new one, and if it is equal to or less than the first predetermined value: A and larger than the second predetermined value: B, it is determined that it has been replaced / detached. be able to.
As a result, even if there are variations in the winding resistance of each of the photoconductor drive motors 81 that drive the photoconductor 1, changes in the drive torque can be detected with high accuracy, and the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 can be replaced with new ones or replaced with new ones. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the product has been replaced or detached.
Further, it is not necessary to automatically detect that the product has been replaced with a new one by using an ID chip or the like, or to input from the display operation unit that the product has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached as in the conventional case.

Therefore, the configuration for determining whether the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced or detached with a new one becomes complicated, the replacement of the cleaning blade 19 alone cannot be detected, or the cleaning blade 19 is replaced or detached with a new one. You will not forget to enter that from the operation panel 87.
Then, when it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached, the frictional resistance lowering operation such as lowering the frictional resistance of the blade contacting portion or inputting toner to the blade contacting portion is executed. can do.
Therefore, the printer 100 is provided, which can accurately determine whether the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced or detached with a new one with a simple configuration, and can appropriately execute a friction resistance lowering operation for lowering the friction resistance of the blade contact portion. can.

Further, in the printer 100 of the present embodiment, the difference value of the current value, the voltage value, or the DUTY value of the PWM signal of the photoconductor drive motor 81 after the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 are replaced with new ones or attached / detached is the first. (Ii) Predetermined value: When it is larger than B, the frictional resistance lowering operation for lowering the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion is performed.
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the following effects can be obtained.
When the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 increases due to replacement or desorption with a new one, the friction resistance lowering operation is performed to reduce the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion, and the cleaning blade 19 is rolled up or the photoconductor is driven. Exceeding the rated torque of the motor 81 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

Further, the printer 100 of the present embodiment can perform a developing operation of adhering a toner image on the photoconductor 1 as a frictional resistance lowering operation of lowering the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion.
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, a large amount of toner can be supplied to the blade contact portion in a short time, and the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion can be efficiently reduced.

Further, the printer 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the background potential so as to increase the amount of toner adhering to the background portion of the photoconductor 1 as a friction resistance lowering operation for reducing the friction resistance of the blade contact portion. ..
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of ground stain toner on the photoconductor 1 and increase the amount of toner supplied to the blade contact portion.
In addition, when the development width in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor 1 is longer than the writing width, the toner can be supplied to the blade contact portion within a range longer in the longitudinal direction than the toner image is developed, and the blade contact portion can be supplied with toner. Friction resistance can be reduced.

Further, the printer 100 of the present embodiment includes a lubricant applying device 3 for applying a lubricant on the photoconductor 1, and applies the lubricant on the photoconductor 1 as a friction resistance lowering operation for lowering the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion. The number of rotations of the lubricant coating roller 3b can be increased so as to increase the amount of lubricant.
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the frictional resistance of the blade contact portion can be reduced by increasing the rotation speed of the lubricant application roller 3b and increasing the amount of the lubricant applied.
Further, since the amount of the lubricant applied can be increased during printing, the printing operation is not interrupted and the productivity is not lowered.

Further, the printer 100 of the present embodiment corresponds to the current value, the voltage value, or the DUTY value of the PWM signal of the photoconductor drive motor 81 and the correspondence detected during the rotation of the past photoconductor 1 stored in the storage unit 85. When the difference value from the value to be used is larger than the first predetermined value: A, it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones.
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the following effects can be obtained.
The cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 are replaced with new ones without providing an ID chip for each unit to be replaced, or manually inputting from the operation panel 87 that the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced or removed with a new one. It can detect that it has been replaced.

Further, the printer 100 of the present embodiment includes an operation panel 87, and when it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones, the operation panel 87 is used to replace the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 with new ones. Confirm with the user whether or not the printer has been replaced.
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the following effects can be obtained.
By confirming with the user, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones.

Further, the printer 100 of the present embodiment includes an operation panel 87, and when it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 have been replaced with new ones, the printer 100 replaced with a new one using the operation panel 87 is used by the user. Check with.
By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the printer 100 can be replaced even if the cleaning device 6 and the photoconductor 1 can be replaced separately, or only the cleaning blade can be removed from the cleaning device 6 and replaced. Can be understood exactly. Therefore, the number counter and the mileage counter provided for each item to be replaced can be appropriately operated.

Further, the printer 100 of this embodiment includes an operation panel 87. Further, for each attachment / detachment of the cleaning blade 19 and the photoconductor 1 for replacement with a new one, a number counter for counting and storing the number of printed sheets and a mileage of the photoconductor 1 are counted and stored. A mileage counter or both of these counters are provided. Then, when it is determined that the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced with a new one, the value of the corresponding counter is reset.

By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the following effects can be obtained.
By knowing the value of the counter that is attached / detached to replace the cleaning blade or image carrier with a new one, it is possible to determine which unit or part has reached the end of its life, and replace the unit or part that has reached the end of its life. be able to. In this way, by replacing the unit or part that has reached the end of its life, it is possible to prevent problems such as abnormal images.

Further, as the printer 100 of the present embodiment, a photoconductor drive motor 81 that is driven and controlled by PWM control can be used. Further, the detection unit 84 detects the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 by detecting the duty value of the PWM signal. Then, based on the difference value between the DUTY value of the PWM signal and the value during the past rotation of the photoconductor 1, it is determined whether or not the cleaning blade 19 or the photoconductor 1 has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached.

By configuring the printer 100 in this way, the following effects can be obtained.
Since the photoconductor drive motor 81 is rotated by PWM control from the controller on the printer 100 side, the DUTY value of the PWM signal can be recognized on the printer 100 side. Therefore, by using the duty value of the PWM signal instead of the current value or voltage value of the photoconductor drive motor 81, the drive torque of the photoconductor drive motor 81 can be detected without the need to provide a new detection means.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the configuration of the printer 100 of the above-described embodiment, and the design changes within a range that does not deviate from the gist, etc. May be done.
For example, the present invention is not limited to a color-compatible image forming apparatus such as the printer 100, and can be applied to a monochrome-compatible image forming apparatus. Further, it can be applied not to a printer but also to a facsimile, a copying machine, a multifunction device, or the like.

What has been described above is an example, and has a unique effect in each of the following aspects.
(Aspect A)
An image carrier such as the photoconductor 1, a drive motor such as a photoconductor drive motor 81 that drives the image carrier, a torque detection means such as a detection unit 84 that detects the drive torque of the drive motor, and the image support. In an image forming apparatus such as a printer 100 provided with a cleaning means such as a cleaning device 6 having a cleaning blade such as a cleaning blade 19 for removing deposits adhering to the body surface, the torque detecting means is the drive motor. The drive torque of the drive motor is detected by detecting at least one of the current value, the voltage value, or the value of the duty ratio such as the DUTY value of the PWM signal, and the current of the drive motor detected by the torque detecting means. A storage means such as a storage unit 85 for storing a value, a voltage value, or a value of a duty ratio of a PWM signal, and a current value, a voltage value, and a current value, a voltage value, of the drive motor detected at a predetermined time after the start of rotation of the image carrier. Alternatively, the cleaning blade or the image carrier is replaced with a new one based on the value of the duty ratio of the PWM signal and the corresponding value detected during the past rotation of the image carrier stored in the storage means. Or, it is characterized in that it is determined whether or not it has been detached by exchanging or detaching it.

According to this, as described in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
If the cleaning blade or image carrier is replaced with a new one, or if the cleaning blade or image carrier in use is attached or detached, the amount of toner present at the contact area between the cleaning blade and the image carrier will be insufficient, resulting in frictional resistance. Is high and the drive torque is likely to increase.
Using this phenomenon, it is possible to determine whether or not the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached.
However, the value of the drive torque detected by the torque detecting means, which detects the current value, the voltage value, etc., varies in the winding resistance of each drive motor even if the current value flowing through the drive motor and the applied voltage value are the same. The detection accuracy was low because it fluctuated due to factors such as.
For this reason, if it is determined whether or not the product has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached according to the conventional configuration in which the detected drive torque value and the threshold value are compared to know the replacement time, etc., an erroneous judgment is made. There was a risk.

On the other hand, in the configuration of the present aspect A, it can be determined as follows whether or not the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced or maintained by using the detection result of the torque detecting means.
The first predetermined value: A or the second predetermined value: B is calculated by calculating the difference value between the current value, the voltage value, or the duty ratio value of the PWM signal of the current drive motor and the corresponding value in the past. It can be compared with a predetermined value such as. Then, for example, if it is larger than the first predetermined value: A, it is determined that the product has been replaced with a new one, and if it is equal to or less than the first predetermined value: A and larger than the second predetermined value: B, it is determined that the product has been removed. be able to.
By making such a judgment, even if there are variations in the winding resistance of each drive motor that drives the image carrier, changes in the drive torque can be detected with high accuracy, and the cleaning blade and image carrier can be replaced with new ones. Alternatively, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not it has been attached or detached.
Further, it is not necessary to automatically detect that the product has been replaced with a new one by using an ID chip or the like, or to input from the display operation unit that the product has been replaced with a new one or has been attached or detached as in the conventional case.

Therefore, the configuration for determining whether or not the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced or removed with a new one has become complicated, the replacement of the cleaning blade alone cannot be detected, or the cleaning blade has been replaced or removed with a new one. Is not forgotten to be entered from the display operation unit.
Then, when it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced or detached with a new one, it is possible to perform adjustment operations such as lowering the frictional resistance of the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier and lowering the frictional resistance. can.
Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced or detached with a new one with a simple configuration, and image formation capable of appropriately performing an adjustment operation for reducing the frictional resistance of the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier. Equipment can be provided.

(Aspect B)
In (Aspect A), the difference value between the current value, the voltage value, and the duty ratio value of the PWM signal after the cleaning blade and the image carrier are replaced with new ones or attached / detached is a predetermined value. When it is larger than the value, it is characterized in that a predetermined adjustment operation such as a friction resistance lowering operation for lowering the frictional resistance of the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier is performed.
According to this, as described in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
If the drive torque of the drive motor increases due to replacement or attachment / detachment with a new one, an adjustment operation is performed to reduce the frictional resistance between the image carrier and the contact part of the cleaning blade, and the cleaning blade rolls up or the rated torque of the drive motor. Excess can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

(Aspect C)
In (Aspect B), the predetermined adjustment operation is an operation such as a development operation of adhering a toner image on the image carrier.
According to this, as described in the present embodiment, a large amount of toner can be supplied to the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier in a short time, and the frictional resistance between the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier is efficiently reduced. be able to.

(Aspect D)
In (Aspect B) or (Aspect C), the predetermined adjustment operation is an operation such as reducing the background potential that increases the amount of toner adhering to the background portion of the image carrier.
According to this, as described in the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the amount of ground stain toner on the image carrier and increase the amount of toner supplied to the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier.
In addition, when the development width in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier is longer than the writing width, toner can be supplied to the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier within a range longer in the longitudinal direction than the toner image is developed. The frictional resistance between the cleaning blade and the contact portion of the image carrier can be reduced.

(Aspect E)
In any one of (Aspect B) to (Aspect D), a lubricant application device such as a lubricant application device 3 for applying a lubricant on the image carrier is provided, and the predetermined adjustment operation is performed on the image carrier. It is characterized in that the operation is such as increasing the number of rotations of the lubricant application roller 3b that increases the amount of the lubricant applied on the surface.
According to this, as described in the present embodiment, the frictional resistance between the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier is increased by increasing the amount of lubricant applied by an operation such as increasing the rotation speed of the lubricant application roller 3b. Can be lowered.
Further, since the amount of the lubricant applied can be increased during the image forming operation such as during printing, the image forming operation is not interrupted and the productivity is not lowered.

(Aspect F)
In any of (Aspect A) to (Aspect E), when the difference value is larger than a predetermined value such as the first predetermined value: A, it is determined that the cleaning blade and the image carrier have been replaced with new ones. It is characterized by that.
According to this, as described in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
The cleaning blade and image carrier can be replaced with new ones without providing an ID chip for each unit to be replaced, replacing the cleaning blade or image carrier with a new one, or manually inputting from the display operation unit that the cleaning blade or image carrier has been removed. Alternatively, it can be detected that it has been attached or detached.

(Aspect G)
In (Aspect F), when it is determined that a display operation unit such as an operation panel 87 is provided and the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one, the cleaning blade or the image is used by using the display operation unit. The feature is to confirm with the user whether or not the carrier has been replaced with a new one.
According to this, as described in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
By confirming with the user, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one.

(Aspect H)
In (Aspect F), a display operation unit such as an operation panel 87 is provided, and when it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one, the display operation unit is used to replace the cleaning blade or the image carrier with a new one. Is characterized by confirming with the user.
According to this, as described in the present embodiment, even in a configuration in which the cleaning means and the image carrier can be replaced separately, or in a configuration in which only the cleaning blade can be removed from the cleaning means and replaced, the replaced ones are accurate. I understand. Therefore, counters such as a number counter and a mileage counter provided for each item to be replaced can be appropriately operated.

(Aspect I)
In any one of (Aspect F) to (Aspect H), an image is formed for each display operation unit such as an operation panel 87, which is attached / detached to replace the cleaning blade or the image carrier with a new one. A number counter that counts and stores the number of recording materials such as paper, a mileage counter that counts and stores the mileage of the image carrier, or both of these counters is provided, and the cleaning blade and the counter are provided. When it is determined that the image carrier has been replaced with a new one, the corresponding counter value is reset.

According to this, as described in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
By knowing the value of the counter that is attached / detached to replace the cleaning blade or image carrier with a new one, it is possible to determine which unit or part has reached the end of its life, and replace the unit or part that has reached the end of its life. be able to. In this way, by replacing the unit or part that has reached the end of its life, it is possible to prevent problems such as abnormal images.

(Aspect J)
In any of (Aspect A) to (Aspect I), the drive motor is driven and controlled by PWM control, and the torque detecting means detects the duty ratio value of the PWM signal to drive the drive motor. It is characterized in that it detects whether or not the cleaning blade and the image carrier have been replaced with new ones or attached or detached based on the difference value of the duty ratio values of the PWM signals.

According to this, as described in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
Since the drive motor is rotated by PWM control from the controller on the image forming apparatus side, the duty ratio value of the PWM signal can be recognized on the image forming apparatus side. Therefore, by using the duty ratio value of the PWM signal instead of the current value or voltage value of the drive motor, the drive torque of the drive motor can be detected without the need to provide a new detection means.

1 Photoreceptor 2 Charging device 3 Lubricant coating device 3a Solid lubricant 3b Lubricant coating roller 4 Developing device 5 Blower duct 6 Cleaning device 9 Exposure device 13 Waste toner screw 19 Cleaning blade 81 Photoreceptor drive motor 84 Detection unit 85 Storage unit 87 Operation panel 100 Printer

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-352852

Claims (7)

Cleaning provided with an image carrier, a drive motor for driving the image carrier, torque detecting means for detecting the drive torque of the drive motor, and a cleaning blade for removing deposits adhering to the surface of the image carrier. In an image forming apparatus equipped with means and
The torque detecting means detects the drive torque of the drive motor by detecting at least one of the current value, the voltage value, and the duty ratio value of the PWM signal of the drive motor.
A storage means for storing a current value, a voltage value, or a duty ratio value of a PWM signal of the drive motor detected by the torque detecting means is provided.
Chestnut - Ningubure - After replacing or desorption of soil and the image bearing member, a current value of the drive motor over detected in a predetermined time after the start of rotation of the image bearing member, a voltage value, or Du of the PWM signal - tee value and, The difference value from the value detected during the rotation of the image carrier in the past stored in the storage means is
If it is larger than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one, and the number counter for counting and storing the number of recording materials for which image formation has been performed, the image. To reset both the mileage counter that counts and stores the mileage of the carrier, or both the number counter and the mileage counter, and reduce the frictional resistance between the cleaning blade and the contact portion of the image carrier. Perform the prescribed adjustment operation of
When the difference value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value and larger than the second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, the cleaning blade or the image carrier is used for cleaning or used products for maintenance. It was determined to have been exchanged, the sheet counter, the travel distance counter or the number counter and the chestnut without resetting both the travel distance counter - Ningubure - de and to reduce the frictional resistance of the contact portion of said image bearing member Perform the above-mentioned predetermined adjustment operation of
When the difference value is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the image is characterized in that the predetermined adjustment operation for reducing the frictional resistance between the cleaning blade and the contact portion of the image carrier is not performed. Forming device. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the predetermined adjustment operation is an operation of adhering a toner image on the image carrier. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the predetermined adjustment operation is an operation of increasing the amount of toner adhering to the background portion of the image carrier. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A lubricant coating device for applying a lubricant on the image carrier is provided.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the predetermined adjustment operation is an operation of increasing the amount of lubricant applied on the image carrier. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Equipped with a display operation unit
When it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one,
An image forming apparatus comprising the display operation unit to confirm with a user whether or not the cleaning blade and the image carrier have been replaced with new ones. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Equipped with a display operation unit
When it is determined that the cleaning blade or the image carrier has been replaced with a new one,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the display operation unit is used to confirm with the user what has been replaced with a new one. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The drive motor is driven and controlled by PWM control.
The torque detecting means detects the driving torque of the driving motor by detecting the value of the duty ratio of the PWM signal.
An image forming apparatus for determining whether or not the cleaning blade and the image carrier have been replaced with new ones or attached or detached based on the difference value of the duty ratio values of the PWM signals.

Images