A control method and related equipment for an image forming apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a control method and related equipment for an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: multiple image carriers, multiple primary transfer units, multiple secondary transfer units, a first cleaning unit, multiple second cleaning units, and a control unit; multiple image carriers, each used to carry an electrostatic latent image, which is developed into a toner image using a single-color toner; each primary transfer unit is used to transfer the toner image from each image carrier onto an intermediate transfer unit; the secondary transfer units are used to transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer units onto a transfer material; the control unit is used to, after an image forming apparatus malfunctions and has completed malfunction recovery processing, control the activation of a cleaning voltage for cleaning the secondary transfer units to clean them and / or control each second cleaning unit to clean each image carrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a control method and related equipment for an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The image forming apparatus may stop printing due to abnormal problems. For example, paper jams, the front cover, side cover, or rear cover of the image forming apparatus may be opened, or other situations may cause the apparatus to stop abruptly. Since the image forming apparatus is in the process of forming an image and toner has already been transferred to components such as the transfer belt when the abnormality occurs, it is necessary to clean the relevant components after troubleshooting to remove residual toner. Therefore, how to thoroughly clean the relevant components is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a control method and related equipment for an image forming apparatus that can clean relevant components after the image forming apparatus has been accidentally terminated from printing, thereby avoiding the impact of residual waste toner on the intermediate transfer belt and organic photosensitive drum on printing and improving printing results.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0005] Multiple image carriers, multiple primary transfer components, multiple secondary transfer components, a first cleaning component, multiple second cleaning components, and a control unit;

[0006] The plurality of image carriers, each of which is used to carry an electrostatic latent image, wherein the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by a single-color toner.

[0007] Each primary transfer component is used to transfer the tonal image on each image carrier onto the intermediate transfer body;

[0008] The secondary transfer component is used to transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body onto the transfer material;

[0009] The first cleaning component is used to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body;

[0010] Each of the second cleaning components is used to clean residual toner on each of the image carriers;

[0011] The control unit is configured to, after the image forming apparatus malfunctions and completes the malfunction recovery process, control the activation of the cleaning voltage for cleaning the secondary transfer component to clean the secondary transfer component and / or control each second cleaning component to clean each image carrier.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the control unit is further configured to control the first cleaning component to clean the intermediate transfer body, including:

[0013] The first cleaning component contacts the intermediate transfer body, and the control unit controls the intermediate transfer body to rotate in order to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the control unit is used to control each of the second cleaning components to clean each image carrier, specifically including:

[0015] The control unit confirms whether the state of at least one primary transfer component is in contact; if so, the control unit controls at least one primary transfer component to separate from the corresponding image carrier, and then controls at least one second cleaning component to clean the residual toner on the corresponding image carrier.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the control unit is used to control the activation of the cleaning voltage for cleaning the secondary transfer component to clean the secondary transfer component, specifically including:

[0017] A positive cleaning voltage and a negative cleaning voltage are applied to the secondary transfer component to clean the residual toner on the secondary transfer component.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the control unit is specifically used for:

[0019] The control unit applies a negative cleaning voltage for a first duration to the secondary transfer component; thereafter, the control unit alternately applies a positive cleaning voltage and a negative cleaning voltage to the secondary transfer component to clean the residual toner on the secondary transfer component; wherein, the first duration is determined based on the length of the intermediate transfer body between the first cleaning component and the secondary transfer component and the movement speed of the intermediate transfer body.

[0020] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0021] When a preset condition is met, it is detected whether at least one primary transfer component in the image forming apparatus is in a contacting state.

[0022] If so, the state of the at least one primary transfer component is switched to a standby state that separates it from the corresponding image carrier;

[0023] The corresponding image carrier and the secondary transfer component are cleaned based on the corresponding cleaning component and the preset cleaning voltage.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the preset conditions include:

[0025] After an anomaly is detected and the anomaly recovery process is completed, or after a print job is received.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first cleaning component contacts the intermediate transfer body, and the cleaning of at least one of the corresponding image carrier and the secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and a preset cleaning voltage includes:

[0027] The intermediate transfer body is controlled to rotate in order to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body.

[0028] In one possible implementation, cleaning at least one of the corresponding image carrier and the secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and a preset cleaning voltage includes:

[0029] Control at least one second cleaning component to clean the residual toner on the corresponding image carrier.

[0030] In one possible implementation, cleaning at least one of the corresponding image carrier and the secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and a preset cleaning voltage includes:

[0031] A negative cleaning voltage of a first duration is applied to the secondary transfer component;

[0032] Positive and negative cleaning voltages are alternately applied to the secondary transfer component to clean the residual toner on the secondary transfer component; wherein, the first duration is determined based on the length of the image carrier between the first cleaning component and the secondary transfer component and the movement speed of the image carrier.

[0033] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, comprising:

[0034] At least one processor; and

[0035] At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein:

[0036] The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can execute the method described in the second aspect by calling the program instructions.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, by cleaning the intermediate transfer body, the secondary transfer component, and the image carrier after the anomaly is eliminated, the waste toner is prevented from contaminating the transfer material (e.g., paper) during subsequent printing, thus avoiding the impact of waste toner on the imaging effect.

[0039] Furthermore, in charging methods with feedback regulation control, the feedback value is typically read at the start of printing, and then a certain voltage is applied based on the feedback result. During the feedback value reading process, unstable impedance should be minimized from being connected to the entire charging circuit, as this can cause abnormal fluctuations in the feedback value, resulting in an incorrect applied charging voltage. When an incorrect charging voltage is applied, background gray may appear on the image, or localized whitening of the image may occur due to carrier development.

[0040] Because the linear speeds of the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum surface are inconsistent, this is caused by differences in the mechanical components or parts between the two and is unavoidable. Therefore, there is relative friction between the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum surface. This accumulation over a long period of time will cause wear on both surfaces, which will reduce the quality of the image.

[0041] In practical use, the impedance of the intermediate transfer belt is usually unstable. Therefore, to address the above issue, the transfer roller should not come into contact with the photosensitive drum during the charging feedback value reading process. However, to shorten the first page printing time and improve user experience, the intermediate transfer unit should come into contact with the photosensitive drum as early as possible, shortening the printing preparation time before the actual image is distributed. Therefore, the activation of the developing voltage can obviously serve as a reference for when the intermediate transfer unit comes into contact with the photosensitive drum. In addition, after the secondary image transfer is completed, the transfer belt and the photosensitive drum should be separated as much as possible. The completion of the secondary transfer is usually indicated by the energizer needle closing in the voltage control method. Therefore, the energizer needle closing can serve as a reference for when the intermediate transfer unit separates.

[0042] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide another image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0043] Multiple image carriers, each of which is used to carry an electrostatic latent image, wherein the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by a single-color toner;

[0044] Multiple electrical appliances are used to charge the surfaces of the multiple image carriers;

[0045] Multiple developing units are used to supply the toner of the single color to each of the image carriers;

[0046] A developing charging component is used to supply power to the plurality of developing components individually;

[0047] An intermediate transfer body is configured to abut or detach from at least one of the image carriers to receive a toner image on at least one image carrier;

[0048] A primary transfer component is used to abut the intermediate transfer body against at least one image carrier so that the toner image on the at least one image carrier is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body;

[0049] A secondary transfer component is used to transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body onto the transfer material.

[0050] The first driving component is used to drive the primary transfer component to move, thereby switching the intermediate transfer body between contacting and separating from the at least one image carrier.

[0051] The control unit is configured to control the primary transfer unit to drive the intermediate transfer body to abut against the at least one image carrier when the power supply to the developing unit corresponding to the at least one image carrier is turned on by the developing charging unit.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus further includes: a static removal component for removing static electricity from the transfer material by applying a static removal bias voltage;

[0053] The control unit is also used to control the primary transfer belt component to drive the intermediate transfer body to separate from the at least one image carrier based on the shutdown of the electric bias voltage of the electric removal component.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the plurality of image carriers includes a first image carrier and at least one second image carrier.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the control unit is specifically used for:

[0056] During the black-and-white image formation operation, the primary transfer belt component is controlled to drive the intermediate transfer body to contact the first image carrier based on the activation of the developing voltage of the developing component corresponding to the first image carrier; or

[0057] During the color image formation operation, the primary transfer belt component is controlled to drive the intermediate transfer body to contact the at least one second image carrier based on the activation of the developing voltage of the developing component corresponding to the at least one second image carrier.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the control unit is specifically used for:

[0059] During the black-and-white image formation operation, the primary transfer belt component is driven to separate the intermediate transfer body from the first image carrier based on the shutdown of the voltage removal bias of the voltage removal component; or

[0060] During the color image formation operation, the primary transfer belt component is driven to separate the intermediate transfer body from the at least one second image carrier based on the shutdown of the voltage removal bias of the voltage removal component.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first image carrier is a black image carrier, and the at least one second image carrier is at least one of a cyan image carrier, a magenta image carrier, and a yellow image carrier.

[0062] Sixthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising:

[0063] The system comprises multiple image carriers, an intermediate transfer body, a primary transfer component, a first drive component, multiple electrical appliances, multiple developing components, a developing and charging component, and a control unit. The multiple electrical appliances are used to charge the surfaces of the multiple image carriers. The multiple developing components supply a single color toner to each image carrier. The developing and charging component supplies power to the multiple developing components individually. The control method includes:

[0064] Based on the image forming command, when the developing charging unit controls the power supply to the developing unit corresponding to the at least one image carrier to turn on, the primary transfer unit controls the intermediate transfer body to abut against the at least one image carrier.

[0065] In one possible implementation, before the power supply to the developing unit corresponding to the at least one image carrier is turned on by the developing charging unit based on the image forming instructions, the method further includes: controlling the corresponding cable to charge the surface of the at least one image carrier. In one possible implementation, the method further includes: controlling the cable to charge the surfaces of the plurality of image carriers based on the image forming instructions;

[0066] The developing charging component applies a developing voltage to the plurality of developing components and drives the first driving component so that the primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body to abut against at least one image carrier;

[0067] When the intermediate transfer body is clamped by the primary transfer component and the plurality of image carriers, the first drive component is stopped and the image transfer operation continues.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus further includes a power removal component, and the method further includes:

[0069] Transferring a toner image from at least one image carrier to the intermediate transfer body;

[0070] Drive the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to be transferred onto the transfer material;

[0071] A voltage-dissipating bias is provided to the voltage-dissipating component to eliminate the charge on the transfer material used to carry the toner image;

[0072] After the charge is eliminated, the de-energizing bias voltage is stopped, and the first driving component is driven synchronously so that the primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body away from the at least one image carrier.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: driving the primary transfer component based on a standby command of the image forming apparatus so that the primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body away from all the image carriers.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the plurality of image carriers includes a first image carrier, and the at least one image carrier is the first image carrier; the plurality of primary transfer components includes a first primary transfer component, which is a primary transfer component corresponding to the first image carrier; the plurality of capacitors includes a first capacitor for charging the surface of the first image carrier; the plurality of developing components includes a first developing component for supplying the single-color toner to the first image carrier.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0076] The developing charging component applies a developing voltage to the first developing component and drives the first driving component so that the first primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body to abut against the first image carrier;

[0077] When the intermediate transfer body is clamped by the first primary transfer component and the first image carrier, the first driving component is stopped, and the image transfer operation continues.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus further includes a power removal component, and the method further includes:

[0079] The toner image on the first image carrier is transferred to the intermediate transfer body;

[0080] Drive the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to be transferred onto the transfer material;

[0081] A voltage-dissipating bias is provided to the voltage-dissipating component to eliminate the charge on the transfer material used to carry the toner image;

[0082] After the charge is completely eliminated, the de-bias voltage is stopped, and the first driving component is driven synchronously so that the first primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body away from the first image carrier.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: driving the first primary transfer component based on a standby command of the image forming apparatus so that the first primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body away from the first image carrier.

[0084] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, comprising:

[0085] At least one processor; and

[0086] At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein:

[0087] The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, which can invoke the program instructions to perform the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0088] Eighthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause the computer to perform the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0089] In this embodiment of the invention, by cleaning the intermediate transfer body, the secondary transfer component, and the image carrier after the anomaly is eliminated, the waste toner is prevented from contaminating the transfer material (e.g., paper) during subsequent printing, thus avoiding the impact of waste toner on the imaging effect.

[0090] In this embodiment of the invention, the reference design for the intermediate transfer unit contacting the photosensitive drum is mainly an optimization based on feedback regulation control during charging. The reference for the intermediate transfer unit contacting the photosensitive drum is the activation of the developing voltage, which can avoid image quality degradation while reducing preparation time before the imaging process begins.

[0091] The intermediate transfer unit is separated based on the closing of the electrostatic needle. This design takes into account the principle that the transfer belt should have as little contact with the photosensitive drum as possible, which can reduce unnecessary wear on the transfer belt and the photosensitive drum. Attached Figure Description

[0092] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0093] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0094] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a control method for an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0095] Figure 3 A waveform diagram of a cleaning voltage provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] Figure 4 A waveform diagram of another cleaning voltage provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0097] Figure 5 A waveform diagram of another cleaning voltage provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0098] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0099] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mode switching structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0100] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an imaging unit of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0101] Figure 9 A waveform diagram illustrating mode switching provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0102] Figure 10 A waveform diagram illustrating another mode switching method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0103] Figure 11 A flowchart of another control method for an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0104] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0105] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0106] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0107] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0108] When the image forming apparatus experiences a paper jam in the transport path or an abnormality such as the front cover, side cover, or rear cover being opened, the image forming apparatus may be in the process of imaging. The intermediate transfer unit (ITU) includes an intermediate transfer belt, a primary transfer unit, and a secondary transfer unit. The toner has already been transferred to the intermediate transfer belt, also known as the ITB. If it is a color printer, two transfers are required, and the intermediate transfer belt is used as an intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image from the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer medium before transferring it to the paper. If it is a monochrome printer, only one transfer is required, and there is no intermediate transfer medium. Therefore, after troubleshooting, it is necessary to clean the intermediate transfer belt and the four organic sensitive drums (OPCs) to remove any residual waste toner.

[0109] In this embodiment of the invention, by cleaning the intermediate transfer body, the secondary transfer component, and the image carrier after the anomaly is eliminated, the waste toner is prevented from contaminating the transfer material (e.g., paper) during subsequent printing, thus avoiding the impact of waste toner on the imaging effect.

[0110] In this embodiment of the invention, the intermediate transfer body and the image carrier are cleaned by the first cleaning component and the second cleaning component, thereby avoiding the contamination and impact of residual toner on the paper during the next printing. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier 101, a primary transfer unit 102, a secondary transfer unit 103, a first cleaning unit 104, a second cleaning unit 105, a control unit 106, an intermediate transfer unit 107, a laser scanning unit 108, a paper tray 109, and a fixing assembly 110.

[0111] Image carriers 101 are used to carry electrostatic latent images, which are developed into toner images using a single-color toner. In the image forming apparatus, both OPCs and transfer belts can be used to carry toner images. In this embodiment, the image carrier 101 specifically refers to OPCs of the four CMYK colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The first image carrier 101K is a black OPC.

[0112] The primary transfer unit 102 is used to transfer the toner image on the image carrier 101 onto the intermediate transfer body 107. In this invention, the primary transfer unit 102 specifically refers to a primary transfer roller. The number of primary transfer units in different image forming apparatuses can be different, as provided in this invention. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus shown has four primary transfer units 102. Among them, the first primary transfer unit 102K is the primary transfer unit corresponding to the black OPC.

[0113] The secondary transfer component 103 is used to transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 107 onto the transfer material. The transfer material refers to paper or other transfer materials. In this embodiment of the invention, the secondary transfer component 103 specifically refers to a secondary transfer roller. Its function is to press the paper and toner or ribbon together during the imaging process, making the text and images more vivid, while preventing offset or misalignment during imaging.

[0114] The first cleaning component 104 is used to clean residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107. In this embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning component 104 can be specifically implemented as a cleaning scraper, which scrapes off the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107 by contacting it.

[0115] The second cleaning component 105 is used to clean residual toner on the image carrier 101. In this embodiment of the invention, the second cleaning component can be specifically implemented in the form of a cleaning scraper. Since there are four image carriers 101, four corresponding second cleaning components 105 can be configured to clean the image carriers 101 of four different colors.

[0116] The control unit 106 is configured to, after an malfunction occurs in the image forming apparatus and the malfunction is resolved, control the activation of the cleaning voltage for cleaning the secondary transfer component 103 to clean the secondary transfer component 103 and / or control the second cleaning component 105 to clean the image carrier 101. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may, based on a received imaging command, control the first driving component 115 to drive the primary transfer component 102 to bring the intermediate transfer body 107 into contact with and / or separate from the image carrier 101. The control unit 106 may be specifically implemented as the central processing unit of the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, it may be implemented as a processing unit independent of the central processing unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0117] The intermediate transfer body 107 is used to carry the tonal image transferred from the image carrier 101. In this embodiment of the invention, the intermediate transfer body 107 can be implemented in the form of an intermediate transfer belt. When color correction is required, a correction image needs to be formed on the intermediate transfer belt. The correction image is generally only formed on the transfer belt for color correction and will not be printed out.

[0118] The laser scanning unit 108 is used to expose the image carrier 101, which has been uniformly charged, to form an electrostatic latent image.

[0119] Paper box 109 is used to store transfer materials such as paper.

[0120] The fixing assembly 110 is used to transfer the toner image to the transfer material into the transfer material. The fixing assembly 110 is heated to melt the toner transferred to the paper and penetrate into the paper fibers, thereby completing the imaging process on the paper.

[0121] Charger 112 is used to charge the surface of the image carrier 101. Charger 112 can be a charging roller or corona assembly located near the OPC.

[0122] The developing charging component 113 is used to apply a developing voltage to the developing component 114.

[0123] The developing unit 114 is used to develop corresponding tonal images on the surface of at least one image carrier 101.

[0124] The first driving component 115 is used to drive the primary transfer component 102 to move, thereby causing the intermediate transfer body 107 to switch between contacting and separating from the image carrier 101. The first driving component 115 can be a pressure motor that drives the ITU (intermediate transfer unit).

[0125] The static elimination component 116 can eliminate static electricity from the paper by applying a static elimination bias voltage, preventing the paper from sticking to the image carrier 101 due to the static electricity of the toner. The static elimination component 116 can be a static elimination needle.

[0126] like Figure 1 In the image forming apparatus shown, during the imaging process, the laser scanning unit 108 exposes the charged image carrier 101, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 101. The developing unit (not shown) is generally also provided with developing components 114 (e.g., developing rollers) corresponding to four colors. The four developing rollers are used to develop corresponding tonal images on the OPC surfaces of the four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), respectively. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus controls the primary transfer component to abut against the photosensitive drum, causing the intermediate transfer body 107 to contact the image carrier 101, and drives the image carrier 101 and the intermediate transfer body 107 to rotate, thereby completely transferring the tonal image on the image carrier 101 onto the intermediate transfer body 107. As the intermediate transfer body 107 rotates, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 107 comes into contact with the transfer material transported from the paper tray 109. Under the action of the secondary transfer unit 103, the toner image is completely transferred from the intermediate transfer body 107 to the transfer material. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus stops due to an abnormality during the imaging process, the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107 and the image carrier 101 needs to be cleaned after it resumes to avoid affecting the subsequent printing effect.

[0127] The toner cartridge 111 is located above the intermediate transfer body 107. Understandably, the color image forming apparatus is generally provided with four colors of toner (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). The stored toners are supplied to the OPC developing unit (not shown) containing the four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) for imaging through a toner replenishment mechanism (not shown).

[0128] Understandably, imaging units typically use two-component toners containing toner and carrier.

[0129] For residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107, the control unit 106 removes it by controlling the first cleaning component 104. Specifically, the first cleaning component 104 contacts the intermediate transfer body 107, and the control unit 106 controls the intermediate transfer body 107 to rotate in order to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107.

[0130] Regarding the residual toner on the image carrier 101, the control unit 106 needs to first confirm whether the state of each primary transfer component 102 is in contact. If so, the control unit 106 needs to first control each primary transfer component 102 to separate from each image carrier 101, and then control each second cleaning component 105 to clean the residual toner on each image carrier 101. Specifically, the primary transfer component 102 can be switched from the contact state to the standby state. The standby state means that the primary transfer component 102 is completely separated from all four OPCs (image carriers 101), and the four OPCs do not need to rotate with the primary transfer component 102, which facilitates toner cleaning, reduces OPC rotation, and prevents residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107 from contaminating the image carrier 101.

[0131] When the image forming apparatus is set to color mode, the first driving unit 115 can drive the CMYK four-color primary transfer unit 102. In standby mode, the primary transfer unit 102 is in a separated state, at which time the primary transfer unit 102 is completely separated from the image carrier 101; when the control unit 106 issues a command to start imaging, it needs to switch the separated state to the contact state. Control unit 106 issues a command, image carrier 101 begins to rotate, and capacitor 112 begins to charge image carrier 101, applying a uniform charge to its surface. Once charging is complete, developing and charging component 113 applies voltage to developing component 114, and simultaneously controls first drive component 115 to activate, driving primary transfer component 102 to move intermediate transfer body 107 against one side of image carrier 101. After activation, primary transfer component 102 moves to a first predetermined position, and intermediate transfer body 107 is clamped between primary transfer component 102 and image carrier 101. At this point, first drive component 106 is deactivated, and intermediate transfer unit 107... Upon entering the contact state, after the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the transfer material, the power elimination component 116 is turned on, and a power elimination bias voltage is applied to eliminate the power of the transfer material. When the transfer work is completed, the power elimination component 116 is turned off, and at the same time, the first drive component 115 is turned on, driving the primary transfer component 102 to separate the intermediate transfer body 107 from the image carrier 101 and move it to the side away from the image carrier 101. After the first drive component 115 is turned on, the primary transfer component 102 moves to the second predetermined position, and the intermediate transfer body 107 is driven by the primary transfer component 102 to separate from the image carrier 101. At the same time, the first drive component 115 is turned off, and the primary transfer component 102 returns to the standby state.

[0132] When the image forming apparatus is set to black and white mode, the first driving unit 115 drives only the first primary transfer unit 102K. In standby mode, the first primary transfer unit 102K is in a separated state, at which time the first primary transfer unit 102K is separated from the first image carrier 101K; when the control unit 106 issues a command to start imaging operation, it switches the standby state to the contact state. Control unit 106 issues a command, the first image carrier 101K begins to rotate, and the capacitor 112 begins to charge the first image carrier 101K, applying a uniform charge to its surface. Once the first image carrier 101K is fully charged, the developing and charging component 113 applies voltage to the developing component 114 corresponding to the first image carrier 101K, and simultaneously controls the first driving component 115 to open, driving the first primary transfer component 102K to move the intermediate transfer body 107 against the first image carrier 101K. After the first driving component 115 is opened, the first primary transfer component 102K moves to a first predetermined position, and the intermediate transfer body 107 is clamped between the first primary transfer component 102K and the first image carrier 101K. At this point, the first driving component 115 is closed, and the intermediate transfer unit enters... In the contact state, the transfer process continues, transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to the transfer material. After the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the transfer material, the power-removing component 116 is turned on, applying a power-removing bias voltage to remove electricity from the transfer material. When the transfer process is complete, the power-removing component 116 is turned off, and the first driving component 115 is turned on, driving the first primary transfer component 102K to separate the intermediate transfer body 107 from the first image carrier 101K and move it away from the first image carrier 101K. After the first driving component 115 is turned on, the first primary transfer component 102K moves to the second predetermined position, and the intermediate transfer body 107 is driven by the first primary transfer component 102K to separate from the first image carrier 101K. The first driving component 115 is turned off, and the first primary transfer component 102K returns to the standby state.

[0133] In this invention, the baseline design for the contact between the transfer unit and the photosensitive drum is primarily an optimization based on feedback regulation control during charging. In charging methods with feedback regulation control, the feedback value is typically read at the start of imaging, and a certain voltage is applied based on the feedback result. During the feedback value reading process, unstable impedance should be minimized from entering the entire charging circuit, as this can cause abnormal fluctuations in the feedback value, resulting in an incorrect applied charging voltage. An incorrect charging voltage can lead to background graying or localized whitening of the image due to carrier development. In practical use, the impedance of the transfer unit is usually unstable, so the transfer unit should be in contact with the photosensitive drum during the charging feedback value reading process. However, to shorten the first-page printing time and improve user experience, the transfer unit should contact the photosensitive drum as early as possible, shortening the printing preparation time before the actual image is distributed. Therefore, the activation of the developing voltage is used as a baseline for the timing of the contact between the transfer unit and the photosensitive drum.

[0134] In this invention, the separation reference between the transfer unit and the photosensitive drum is the closing of the current-eliminating needle. This design takes into account the principle that the transfer belt should have as little contact with the photosensitive drum as possible. Because the linear velocities of the transfer belt and the photosensitive drum surface are inconsistent—a result of mechanical or component differences between them that are unavoidable—relative friction occurs between them. This accumulated friction over time causes wear on both surfaces, which degrades image quality. Therefore, after the secondary image transfer is complete, the transfer belt and photosensitive drum should be separated as much as possible. In voltage control methods using the current-eliminating needle, the completion of the secondary transfer is typically indicated by the closing of the current-eliminating needle. Therefore, the closing of the current-eliminating needle is used as a reference for the timing of separation between the transfer unit and the photosensitive drum.

[0135] Understandably, since the primary transfer component 102 is as provided by the present invention Figure 1 The image forming apparatus shown has four primary transfer units 102. Therefore, it is necessary to control the primary transfer units corresponding to the OPCs of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to separate from their respective OPCs simultaneously, and then control the second cleaning unit 105 corresponding to each OPC to clean the residual toner on the image carrier 101. Alternatively, the primary transfer units corresponding to the OPCs of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black can be controlled to separate from their respective OPCs sequentially before cleaning. Understandably, at least one of the multiple primary transfer units can be separated from its corresponding OPC before cleaning is performed using the second cleaning unit of the corresponding OPC. For example, the primary transfer units corresponding to C and M colors can be separated from their corresponding OPCs, and then the second cleaning units on the C and M color OPCs can be used to clean the residual toner on the image carrier. This invention does not limit this.

[0136] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the secondary transfer component 103 also comes into contact with toner during the imaging process. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the secondary transfer component 103 to ensure that the back of the paper is not contaminated with waste toner. Since the charged residual toner on the secondary transfer component 103 is due to the attraction of charges, the secondary transfer component 103 can be cleaned by applying a cleaning voltage to it, based on the principle of repulsion between like charges. Therefore, the control unit 106 can apply positive and negative cleaning voltages to the secondary transfer component 103 to clean the residual toner on it.

[0137] Specifically, the control unit 106 applies a negative cleaning voltage for a first duration to the secondary transfer component 103. Then, the control unit 106 alternately applies positive and negative cleaning voltages to the secondary transfer component 103 to clean residual toner on the secondary transfer component 103. The first duration is determined based on the length of the intermediate transfer body 107 between the first cleaning component 104 and the secondary transfer component 103, and the movement speed of the intermediate transfer body.

[0138] The purpose of applying a negative cleaning voltage for the first duration is to prevent residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 107 from adhering to the secondary transfer component 103. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the intermediate transfer body moves counterclockwise, and the transfer belt portion is clean after being processed by the first cleaning component 104. Figure 1Taking the point where the first cleaning component 104 contacts the intermediate transfer body 107 as a reference, from the initial contact point of the first cleaning component 104 with the intermediate transfer body 107 to the contact point of the secondary transfer component 103 with the intermediate transfer body 107, the intermediate transfer strip below the first cleaning component 104 has not yet been cleaned. Residual toner carried on this part of the intermediate transfer strip can contaminate the secondary transfer component 103. Since the toner image toner carried on the intermediate transfer body 107 is negatively charged, a negative cleaning voltage can be applied to the secondary transfer component 103 to make it negatively charged, thereby causing it to repel the similarly negatively charged toner and preventing toner from adsorbing onto the secondary transfer component 103. For example, the contact point between the first cleaning component 104 and the intermediate transfer body 107 is called point A, and the contact point between the secondary transfer component 103 and the intermediate transfer body 107 is called point B. The length of the intermediate transfer belt below point A and point B is 30cm, and the movement speed of the intermediate transfer body 107 is 10cm per second. Therefore, the first duration should be greater than or equal to 3 seconds. Timing can begin when the intermediate transfer body 107 starts rotating, ensuring that any toner carried on the intermediate transfer belt not cleaned by the first cleaning component 104 is transferred to the secondary transfer component 103. After the first duration, the intermediate transfer belt passing through the secondary transfer component 103 will have been cleaned by the first cleaning component 104. At this point, alternating positive and negative cleaning voltages can be applied to the secondary transfer component 103 to clean residual toner and paper scraps.

[0139] This invention achieves the technical effect of preventing toner contamination of the secondary transfer roller by the intermediate transfer body when cleaning the transfer belt, and cleaning both positively and negatively charged waste toner cartridge paper scraps on the secondary transfer roller when cleaning the secondary transfer roller before normal printing is required next time, when the image forming apparatus malfunctions. This is achieved by separating each OPC from each primary transfer component before cleaning the OPC, and by first turning on the negative cleaning voltage and then turning on the alternating positive and negative secondary transfer roller cleaning voltage.

[0140] The present invention can also reduce the waiting time before the imaging process begins by setting the reference point for the intermediate transfer belt to contact the photosensitive drum to the developing voltage being turned on; and can avoid image quality degradation, reduce preparation time before the imaging process begins, and reduce unnecessary wear on the transfer belt and photosensitive drum by setting the reference point for the intermediate transfer belt to separate to the power removal component 116 being turned off.

[0141] In addition, since the OPC and intermediate transfer body are separated before cleaning, the intermediate body can be cleaned more thoroughly, and the toner on the OPC and intermediate transfer body can be prevented from contaminating each other. Each can be cleaned using its corresponding cleaning component.

[0142] The period for the alternating positive and negative cleaning voltages is the time required for the secondary transfer component 103 to rotate once. That is, the period T = 2πR. 二次转印部件 / V ITB Among them, R 二次转印部件 V is the radius of the secondary transfer component 103. ITB The rotational speed of the intermediate transfer body 107.

[0143] Corresponding to the image forming apparatus described above, this embodiment of the invention provides a control method for the image forming apparatus, which can clean relevant components after the image forming apparatus is interrupted due to an abnormality, thereby avoiding the impact on subsequent printing. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0144] Step 201: When a preset condition is met, check whether at least one primary transfer component in the image forming apparatus is in a contact state. If yes, proceed to step 202. If no, proceed to step 203. The preset condition is confirmed to be met after an anomaly is detected and an anomaly recovery process is completed.

[0145] Step 202: Switch the state of at least one primary transfer component to a standby state that separates it from the corresponding image carrier.

[0146] Step 203: Clean at least one of the corresponding image carrier and secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and the preset cleaning voltage.

[0147] Corresponding to the image forming apparatus described above, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for the image forming apparatus. The present invention can also reduce the waiting time before the start of imaging by setting the reference point for the intermediate transfer belt to contact the photosensitive drum to the developing voltage being turned on; and can avoid image quality degradation, reduce preparation time before the start of imaging, and reduce unnecessary wear on the transfer belt and photosensitive drum by setting the reference point for the intermediate transfer belt to separate to the power removal component 116 being turned off.

[0148] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 As shown, the method includes:

[0149] Step 301: After the control unit 106 issues the start imaging command, it controls the belt charger 112 to charge the image carrier 101.

[0150] Step 302: After the image carrier 101 is fully charged, the developing charging component 113 supplies power to the developing component 114.

[0151] Step 303: When the power supply to the developing component 114 corresponding to at least one image carrier 101 is turned on based on the developing charging component 113, the primary transfer component 102 is controlled to drive the intermediate transfer body to abut against at least one image carrier 101.

[0152] Step 304: Transfer the toner image on the at least one image carrier 101 to the intermediate transfer body;

[0153] Step 305: Drive the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to transfer onto the transfer material;

[0154] Step 306: Provide a charge-removing bias to the charge-removing component to eliminate the charge on the transfer material used to carry the toner image;

[0155] Step 307: After the charge on the transfer material is eliminated, the supply of the de-energizing bias voltage is stopped, and the first driving component is driven synchronously so that the primary transfer component drives the intermediate transfer body away from the at least one image carrier 101.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first cleaning component contacts the intermediate transfer body, and cleaning the intermediate transfer body specifically includes controlling the intermediate transfer body to rotate in order to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body. Since the first cleaning component is in contact with the intermediate transfer body, the residual toner adhering to the intermediate transfer body can be scraped off by the first cleaning component by controlling the intermediate transfer body to rotate at least one revolution.

[0157] In some embodiments, cleaning the image carrier specifically includes controlling at least one second cleaning component to clean residual toner on the corresponding image carrier. Specifically, after the primary transfer component switches from an contact state to a standby state, the primary transfer component separates from the image carrier. In this state, the image carrier comes into contact with the second cleaning component. At this point, by controlling the image carrier to rotate at least one revolution, the second cleaning component scrapes off the residual toner through contact with the image carrier, thereby completing the cleaning of the image carrier.

[0158] In some embodiments, when cleaning the secondary transfer component, a negative cleaning voltage of a first duration may be applied to the secondary transfer component first. Then, positive and negative cleaning voltages are alternately applied to the secondary transfer component to clean residual toner. The first duration is determined based on the length of the image carrier between the first cleaning component and the secondary transfer component, and the movement speed of the image carrier. The purpose of initially applying a negative cleaning voltage of the first duration is to prevent toner from the uncleaned transfer belt from adhering to the secondary transfer component. Therefore, the first duration should be greater than or equal to L / V.

[0159] Where L is the length of the intermediate transfer belt between the first cleaning component and the secondary transfer component. V is the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer belt. The subsequently applied alternating positive and negative cleaning voltages are used to remove negatively charged toner and positively charged debris from the secondary transfer component.

[0160] In some embodiments, the duration of each segment of the aforementioned alternating positive and negative cleaning voltage is the time it takes for the secondary transfer component to rotate one revolution. That is, the duration of each segment is T = 2πR. 二次转印部件 / V ITB Among them, R 二次转印部件 V is the radius of the secondary transfer component. ITB The rotational speed of the intermediate transfer body.

[0161] In a specific example, when a paper jam or other malfunction occurs in the image forming apparatus, after troubleshooting, it is necessary to clean the four OPCs (Optical Printers) for CMYK, the intermediate transfer belt, and the secondary transfer roller. Cleaning of the OPCs and intermediate transfer belt can be achieved using a cleaning blade. The cleaning blades on the OPCs and intermediate transfer belt do not require cleaning voltage control; cleaning is achieved directly by contacting the cleaning blades and controlling the rotation of the OPCs and intermediate transfer belt. The cleaning blades press against the OPCs and intermediate transfer belt, and the rotating OPCs and intermediate transfer belt scrape off the waste toner. The steps for cleaning each component in the image forming apparatus can be as follows: After confirming that the malfunction has been resolved, begin cleaning. First, check the status of the primary transfer component. When the primary transfer component is in standby mode (the primary transfer component is completely separated from the four OPCs), cleaning can be performed. If the primary transfer component is in contact mode, it is necessary to first control the primary transfer component to completely separate from the four OPCs, switching it to standby mode before cleaning. This prevents toner from the intermediate transfer belt from contaminating the OPCs.

[0162] During cleaning, the four OPCs corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black need to be cleaned. Specifically, the OPCs corresponding to yellow, magenta, and cyan need to be cleaned one cycle at a time. The voltages applied to their related components are as follows... Figure 3 As shown. Figure 3 As shown, the high voltage charging of the imaging components for yellow, magenta, and cyan, the opening and closing sequence of the developing bias voltage and the extinction lamp are the same as those for normal printing. The developing AC is not turned on. After the opening sequence, the OPC rotates one revolution to execute the closing sequence.

[0163] The intermediate transfer belt, secondary transfer roller, and black imaging assembly move simultaneously, resulting in a longer cleaning time. The on / off sequence of the black charging and developing voltages is the same as in normal printing; the primary transfer voltage and the electrostatic eliminator voltage are not activated. Furthermore, since the intermediate transfer belt and secondary transfer roller are in contact, the applied voltage to the secondary transfer roller is as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0164] like Figure 4 As shown, the secondary transfer voltage first opens with a negative cleaning voltage (i.e., DC negative voltage) for 3000ms to clean the toner on the intermediate transfer belt from the cleaning blade (first cleaning component) to the secondary transfer roller. After ensuring that the intermediate transfer belt passing through the secondary transfer roller is clean, 24 segments of alternating positive and negative cleaning voltage are then opened, each segment lasting 500ms, which is the time for the secondary transfer roller to rotate once, thereby cleaning the secondary transfer roller.

[0165] In some embodiments, the preset condition in step 201 can also be receiving a print job, and the corresponding cleaning target can be the secondary transfer roller. The secondary transfer roller is a transfer roller located on the paper path, directly opposite the intermediate transfer belt drive roller. Because it is constantly in contact with the intermediate transfer belt, waste toner or paper scraps from the intermediate transfer belt often adhere to the secondary transfer roller, causing it to become dirty. Therefore, the secondary transfer roller can be cleaned before printing when a print job is received to prevent dirt from appearing on the back of the printed paper. After receiving the print job, the secondary transfer roller is cleaned sequentially using positive and negative cleaning voltages. Since the drive roller is grounded, when a negative cleaning voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller, an electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roller and the drive roller. The negatively charged toner and paper scraps on the secondary transfer roller are transferred to the transfer belt under the influence of the electric field and enter the waste toner bin as the transfer belt rotates. When a positive cleaning voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller, the positively charged toner and paper scraps are cleaned. The toner and paper scraps on the secondary transfer roller are cleaned during the time before the transfer working voltage is turned on.

[0166] Figure 5 This is a waveform diagram of a cleaning voltage provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, by alternating between positive and negative cleaning voltages before the transfer working voltage is turned on, toner and paper scraps on the secondary transfer roller can be cleaned. Furthermore, the duration of each cleaning voltage (positive or negative) is the same as the time required for one complete rotation of the secondary transfer roller, ensuring that the entire secondary transfer roller is cleaned.

[0167] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the contact and separation states of the primary transfer component 102 and the intermediate transfer body 107 under different conditions, provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0168] like Figure 7 As shown, in the standby state of the imaging device, the primary transfer component 102 is separated from the image carrier 101, and at this time the intermediate transfer component 107 is separated from the image carrier 101; as Figure 8 As shown, when the imaging device starts the transfer operation, the intermediate primary transfer component 102 is in an abutting state. At this time, the intermediate transfer body 107 is clamped by the primary transfer component 102 and the image carrier 101, and the transfer operation can be performed.

[0169] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contact separation control timing of a primary transfer component 102 and an intermediate transfer body 107 in color and black-and-white modes, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] like Figure 9 As shown, in color imaging mode, the control unit 106 issues a command to control the cable 112 to apply a uniform charge to the surface of the CMYK four-color image carrier 101 for charging. After the image carrier 101 is fully charged, the developing charging component 113 applies voltage to the developing component 114, the CMYK four-color developing voltage is turned on, and the first driving component 115 is activated to drive the CMYK four-color primary transfer component 102 to move towards the CMYK four-color image carrier 101 until the intermediate transfer body 107 is in place (when the intermediate transfer body 107 is clamped by the primary transfer component 102 and the image carrier 101). Then, the first driving component 115 is turned off, the primary transfer component 102 stops moving towards the image carrier 101, and the primary transfer component 102 is in contact state and continues to perform the transfer operation, which can transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to the transfer material. After the static electricity removal component 116 completes the static electricity removal work on the transfer material, the static electricity removal component 116 is turned off, and the transfer work is completed. At this time, the first drive component 115 is activated to drive the CMYK four-color primary transfer components 102 to move away from the CMYK four-color image carrier 101 until the intermediate transfer body 107 is separated from the CMYK four-color image carrier 101. The first drive component 115 is then turned off, and the CMYK four-color primary transfer components 102 return to the separated state.

[0171] like Figure 10As shown, in black and white imaging mode, the control unit 106 issues a command to control the electric current device 112 to apply a uniform charge to the surface of the first image carrier 101K for charging. After the first image carrier 101K is fully charged, the developing charging component 113 applies voltage to the developing component 114 corresponding to the first image carrier 101K, the K-color developing voltage is turned on, and at the same time the first driving component 115 is started, driving the first primary transfer component 102K to move closer to the first image carrier 101K until the intermediate transfer body 107 is in place (the intermediate transfer body 107 is clamped by the first primary transfer component 102K and the first image carrier 101K). Then the first driving component 115 is turned off, the first primary transfer component 102K stops moving, and at this time the first primary transfer component 102K is in a contact state and continues to perform the transfer work, which can transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to the transfer material. After the static electricity removal component 116 completes the static electricity removal process on the transfer material, it is turned off, and the transfer process is complete. At this time, the first driving component 115 is activated, driving the first primary transfer component 102K to move away from the first image carrier 101K until the intermediate transfer body 107 separates from the first image carrier 101K. Then, the first driving component 115 is turned off, and the first primary transfer component 102K returns to the standby state. Corresponding to the above-described control method for the image forming apparatus, this embodiment of the invention provides an electronic device.

[0172] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the aforementioned electronic device may include at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor can execute this specification by calling the program instructions. Figures 2 to 5 The control method for the image forming apparatus provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0173] like Figure 6 As shown, the electronic device is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 610, communication interface 620 and memory 630, and a communication bus 640 connecting different system components (including memory 630, communication interface 620 and processor 610).

[0174] Communication bus 640 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. For example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) buses, Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) buses, Enhanced ISA buses, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local buses, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) buses.

[0175] Electronic devices typically include a variety of computer-readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic device, including volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

[0176] Memory 630 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The electronic device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Memory 630 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein.

[0177] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules can be stored in memory 630. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this specification.

[0178] Processor 610 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in memory 630, such as implementing the functions described in this specification. Figures 2 to 5 The control method for the image forming apparatus provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0179] This specification provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause a computer to execute this specification. Figures 2 to 5The control method for the image forming apparatus provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0180] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0181] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0182] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this specification. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0183] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0184] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this specification includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this specification pertain.

[0185] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0186] It should be noted that the devices involved in the embodiments of this specification may include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless handheld devices, tablet computers, mobile phones, MP3 displays, MP4 displays, etc.

[0187] In the several embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0188] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this specification can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0189] The integrated units implemented as software functional units described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional units, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a connector, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this specification. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0190] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0191] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. In particular, the device embodiments and terminal embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: Multiple image carriers, multiple primary transfer components, intermediate transfer components, secondary transfer components, a first cleaning component, multiple second cleaning components, and a control unit; The plurality of image carriers, each of which is used to carry an electrostatic latent image, wherein the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by a single-color toner. The plurality of primary transfer components are used to transfer the toner image on each of the image carriers onto the intermediate transfer body; The secondary transfer component is used to transfer the toner image on the intermediate transfer body onto the transfer material; The first cleaning component is used to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body; Each of the second cleaning components is used to clean residual toner on each of the image carriers; The control unit is configured to, after the image forming apparatus malfunctions and completes the malfunction recovery process, control the activation of the cleaning voltage for cleaning the secondary transfer component to clean the secondary transfer component, and / or control each of the second cleaning components to clean each of the image carriers.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is also used to control the first cleaning component to clean the intermediate transfer body, including: The first cleaning component contacts the intermediate transfer body, and the control unit controls the intermediate transfer body to rotate in order to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is used to control each of the second cleaning components to clean each of the image carriers, specifically including: The control unit confirms whether the state of at least one primary transfer component is in contact; if so, the control unit controls at least one primary transfer component to separate from the corresponding image carrier, and then controls at least one second cleaning component to clean the residual toner on the corresponding image carrier.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is used to control the activation of the cleaning voltage for cleaning the secondary transfer component, in order to clean the secondary transfer component, specifically including: A positive cleaning voltage and a negative cleaning voltage are applied to the secondary transfer component to clean the residual toner on the secondary transfer component.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is specifically used for: The control unit applies a negative cleaning voltage for a first duration to the secondary transfer component; thereafter, the control unit alternately applies a positive cleaning voltage and a negative cleaning voltage to the secondary transfer component to clean the residual toner on the secondary transfer component; wherein, the first duration is determined based on the length of the intermediate transfer body between the first cleaning component and the secondary transfer component and the movement speed of the intermediate transfer body.

6. A control method for an image forming apparatus, applied to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, include: When a preset condition is met, it is detected whether at least one primary transfer component in the image forming apparatus is in a contacting state. If so, the state of the at least one primary transfer component is switched to a standby state that separates it from the corresponding image carrier; The corresponding image carrier and the secondary transfer component are cleaned based on the corresponding cleaning component and the preset cleaning voltage.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preset conditions include: After an anomaly is detected and the anomaly recovery process is completed, or after a print job is received.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first cleaning component contacts the intermediate transfer body, and the cleaning of at least one of the corresponding image carrier and the secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and a preset cleaning voltage includes: The intermediate transfer body is controlled to rotate in order to clean the residual toner on the intermediate transfer body.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning of at least one of the corresponding image carrier and secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and the preset cleaning voltage includes: Control at least one second cleaning component to clean the residual toner on the corresponding image carrier.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning of at least one of the corresponding image carrier and secondary transfer component based on the corresponding cleaning component and the preset cleaning voltage includes: A negative cleaning voltage of a first duration is applied to the secondary transfer component; Positive and negative cleaning voltages are alternately applied to the secondary transfer component to clean the residual toner on the secondary transfer component; wherein, the first duration is determined based on the length of the intermediate transfer body between the first cleaning component and the secondary transfer component and the movement speed of the intermediate transfer body.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein: The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can invoke the program instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

Images