Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming apparatus having: a rotating drum; a rotating member that rotates integrally with the cylinder; a ring-shaped surrounding member that is wound around the rotating member and that surrounds the rotating member along with the rotation of the rotating member; a holding member that is attached to the surrounding member, surrounds together with the surrounding member, and holds a leading end portion of a recording medium when the leading end portion reaches a holding position; a recess that is provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder and accommodates the holding member; a cleaning member that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge and cleans the outer peripheral surface; and a control section that, during a stop period of image formation, controls rotation of the drum so that the cleaning member is positioned at a position of the recess in a rotation direction of the drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] A transfer device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 58-005769, which transfers an image on an image carrier and is characterized in that it comprises: a transfer material conveying unit, which causes the transfer material to move in a ring shape along a circulating moving path; a clamping sheet, which is installed on the conveying unit and is supported by a rotating shaft to rotate relative to a table component to hold the front end edge of the transfer material; a switch component, which is installed on the side of the table component and detects the presence of the transfer material in the clamper by partially cutting off the switch component position of the clamping sheet. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to suppress deterioration of a cleaning member compared to a configuration in which rotation of a drum is controlled during a stop period of image formation so that the cleaning member is located at two adjacent portions of a recess in the rotation direction of the drum.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device comprising: a rotating cylinder; a rotating member that rotates integrally with the cylinder; an orbiting member that is annular, wound on the rotating member, and orbits along with the rotation of the rotating member; a holding member that is mounted on the orbiting member, orbits together with the orbiting member, and holds the leading end of the recording medium when the leading end reaches a holding position; a recess that is disposed on the periphery of the cylinder and accommodates the holding member; a cleaning member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and cleans the outer peripheral surface; and a control unit that controls the rotation of the cylinder during a period when image formation is stopped so that the cleaning member is located at the position of the recess in the rotation direction of the cylinder.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the cylinder is a transfer cylinder.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the first aspect, the cleaning component is a roller-shaped brush, which rotates with a speed difference in the same direction as the transfer cylinder, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder to remove the colorant, and a contact component that contacts the brush is provided around the brush. The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to remove the colorant attached to the brush.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the cylinder is a fixing cylinder.

[0008] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the fourth aspect, the cleaning component is a roller-shaped brush that can rotate and contact the outer peripheral surface of the fixing cylinder to remove colorant when the rotation position is fixed relative to the fixing cylinder, and the control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change the part of the brush that contacts the fixing cylinder.

[0009] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the first aspect, the cleaning component is a roller-shaped brush, which rotates with a speed difference in the direction opposite to the cylinder, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to remove the colorant, and a contact component that contacts the brush is arranged around the brush. The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to remove the colorant attached to the brush.

[0010] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the first aspect, the cleaning component is a roller-shaped brush that can rotate and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to remove colorant when the rotational position is fixed relative to the cylinder, and the control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change the portion of the brush that contacts the cylinder.

[0011] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the first aspect, the cylinder includes a transfer cylinder and a fixing cylinder, the cleaning component includes a first cleaning component for the transfer cylinder and a second cleaning component for the fixing cylinder, the recess includes a first recess arranged on the transfer cylinder and a second recess arranged on the fixing cylinder, the wrapping component is wound on the transfer cylinder and the fixing cylinder, and the control unit switches between a first control mode and a second control mode during the stop period, and in the first control mode, controls the rotation of the transfer cylinder so that the first cleaning component is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder, and in the second control mode, controls the rotation of the fixing cylinder so that the second cleaning component is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0012] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the eighth aspect, the control unit switches the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that the total time that the first cleaning component is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than the total time that the second cleaning component is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0013] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the eighth aspect, the control unit switches the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that the time when the first cleaning component is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than the time when the second cleaning component is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0014] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, when entering the stop period, the control section executes the first control mode prior to the second control mode.

[0015] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the stop period of image formation includes a dormant period of the apparatus, and during the dormant period, the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0016] (Effect)

[0017] According to the first aspect, deterioration of the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which rotation of the drum is controlled during a stop period of image formation so that the cleaning member is located at two adjacent portions of the recess in the rotation direction of the drum.

[0018] According to the second aspect, compared with a structure in which the cleaning member is in continuous contact with the transfer cylinder during the stop period, it is possible to suppress contamination of the back surface of the recording medium caused by the cleaning member.

[0019] According to the third aspect, compared with a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during the stop period, it is possible to prevent contamination of the back surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, compared with a structure in which the cleaning member is in continuous contact with the fixing sleeve during the stop period, it is possible to suppress contamination of the back surface of the recording medium caused by the cleaning member.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a configuration in which the portion of the brush in contact with the fixing cylinder is not changed during the stop period, contamination of the back surface of the recording medium caused by the cleaning member can be prevented.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, compared with a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during the stop period, it is possible to prevent contamination of the back surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, compared with a configuration in which the portion of the brush in contact with the cylinder is not changed during the stop period, it is possible to prevent contamination of the back surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, compared with a structure having only either the first control mode or the second control mode, contamination of the back side of the recording medium caused by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member can be prevented and the number of replacement operations accompanying the deterioration of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member can be reduced.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect, degradation of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the total time the first cleaning member is located at the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is shorter than the total time the second cleaning member is located at the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, degradation of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared with a configuration in which the time the first cleaning member is located at the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is shorter than the time the second cleaning member is located at the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect, compared with a configuration in which the second control mode is executed prior to the first control mode when entering the stop period, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the first cleaning member.

[0028] According to the twelfth aspect, compared with the structure of switching the first control mode and the second control mode when the printing job is completed during the startup of the device, it is possible to prevent the back side of the recording medium from being contaminated by the first cleaning component and the second cleaning component and to reduce the number of replacement operations accompanying the deterioration of the first cleaning component and the second cleaning component respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A perspective view of a chain clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A perspective view of an opposing roller and a secondary transfer roller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A perspective view of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow 5X is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the concave portion of the transfer cylinder and the cleaning brush of the first cleaning device during printing;

[0034] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 The corresponding enlarged view is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the concave portion of the transfer cylinder and the cleaning brush of the first cleaning device during the stop period;

[0035] Figure 7 is with Figure 5 The corresponding enlarged view is a view for explaining the self-cleaning action of the first cleaning device during the rest period;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 8X is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow, which schematically shows the positional relationship between the recessed portion of the fixing cylinder and the cleaning member of the second cleaning device during printing;

[0037] Fig. 9 is with Figure 8 The corresponding enlarged view is a view schematically showing the positional relationship between the concave portion of the fixing cylinder and the cleaning member of the second cleaning device during the stop period;

[0038] Fig.10 is with Figure 8 The corresponding enlarged view is a view for explaining the action of changing the cleaning surface of the cleaning member of the second cleaning device during the rest period;

[0039] Fig.11 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a functional structure of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.12 is a flow chart showing the rotational action of the fixing cylinder and the transfer cylinder during the rest period;

[0041] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the rotational operation of the fixing drum and the transfer drum during the rest period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] An example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0043] based on Figures 1 to 13 The fixing device and image forming device according to one embodiment of the present invention are described. In each figure, arrow H indicates the vertical direction of the device (vertical direction), arrow W indicates the width direction of the device (horizontal direction), and arrow D indicates the depth direction of the device (horizontal direction).

[0044] In addition, the components represented by the same symbols in the drawings refer to the same or similar components. In addition, the descriptions and symbols repeated in the embodiments described below are sometimes omitted. In addition, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic drawings, and the relationship between the dimensions of the elements shown in the drawings, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent with the actual relationship and ratio. In addition, the relationship between the dimensions of the elements, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent between multiple drawings.

[0045] [Image Forming Device 10]

[0046] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic front view showing the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0047] The image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic method that forms a toner image on a sheet member P based on image information input to the apparatus. The sheet member P is an example of a recording medium, and the toner image is an example of an image. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 50, a paper feeding mechanism 48, an image forming unit 12, a transfer unit 30, a fixing unit 100, and a paper discharge mechanism 56. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a control device 110, which outputs control information based on image information input to the apparatus or detection results of sensors, and controls the operation of each unit. In addition, the control device 110 is an example of a control unit.

[0048] The accommodating portion 50 has a function of accommodating the sheet member P. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage section 50. The sheet member P is fed out from the storage section 50. As the sheet member P, for example, a flat sheet of paper (so-called single-sheet paper) having a predetermined size (i.e., dimension) is used. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may also include a plurality of storage sections 50. In this case, the sheet member P is selectively fed out from the plurality of storage sections 50.

[0049] The paper feeding mechanism 48 has a function of conveying the sheet member P accommodated in the accommodating portion 50 to the chain gripper 66 described later. Figure 1 As shown, the paper feeding mechanism 48 includes a feed roller 62 and a plurality of conveying rollers 64 for conveying the sheet member P along the paper feeding path 40 for conveying the sheet member P.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the delivery roller 62 is a roller that delivers the sheet member P stored in the storage section 50 to the paper supply path 40. The plurality of conveying rollers 64 are rollers that convey the sheet member P sent out by the delivery roller 62 to the paper supply path 40 to the chain gripper 66.

[0051] The chain gripper 66 has a function of conveying the sheet member P conveyed from the paper feeding mechanism 48 to the paper discharge path 42 via the transfer unit 30 and the fixing unit 100. Figure 2 As shown, the chain gripper 66 holds the front end of the sheet member P (i.e., the downstream end of the sheet member P in the conveying direction) to convey the sheet member P, and conveys it to the paper discharge path 42 via the transfer unit 30 and the fixing unit 100. In addition, the sheet member P conveyed to the paper discharge path 42 is conveyed to the discharge unit (not shown) outside the device body by the plurality of conveying rollers 54 provided in the paper discharge mechanism 56. The chain gripper 66 is an example of a conveying unit. Figure 1 As shown, the chain gripper 66 has a pair of chains 72, sprockets 71, 73, 96, and a gripping unit 68 having a gripper 76 for gripping the front end of the sheet member P (see Figure 2 ). The chain 72 of this embodiment is an example of the winding member of the present invention. In addition, the clamp 76 of this embodiment is an example of the holding member of the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, a pair of chains 72 are arranged at intervals in the depth direction of the device. Figure 1 As shown, the pair of chains 72 are respectively formed into a ring shape. Moreover, the pair of chains 72 are respectively hung on a pair of sprockets 71, 73, and 96 arranged at intervals along the depth direction of the device. In addition, Figure 3 A pair of sprockets 73 are shown, which are arranged at intervals in the depth direction of the device. Figure 4 The chain 72 is arranged to be wound in the direction of arrow C by rotating any one of the pair of sprockets 71, 73, 96 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) In addition, in some drawings, the teeth provided on the outer periphery of the sprockets 71, 73, and 96 are omitted and illustrated.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the gripping unit 68 equipped with the clamp 76 is mounted on the pair of chains 72 along the device depth direction. A plurality of gripping units 68 are fixed to the pair of chains 72 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction (circling direction C) of the chain 72.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of clamps 76 are installed on the gripping unit 68 at predetermined intervals along the depth direction of the device. The clamp 76 has the function of holding (holding) the front end of the sheet member P. The clamp 76 is an example of a holding member. Specifically, Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the clamp 76 includes a claw 76A and a claw stand 76B. The clamp 76 is configured to hold the sheet member P by clamping the front end of the sheet member P between the claw 76A and the claw stand 76B. The clamp 76 presses the claw 76A against the claw stand 76B by, for example, a spring, and opens and closes the claw 76A relative to the claw stand 76B by the action of a cam or the like. Thus, in the present embodiment, the clamp 76 disposed on the downstream side in the conveying direction relative to the sheet member P holds the front end of the sheet member P from the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet member P.

[0055] Moreover, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the chain 72 is wound in the direction of arrow C while the clamp 76 holds the front end of the sheet member P, so that the chain clamp 66 conveys the sheet member P with one side of the sheet member P facing upward. At this time, the chain clamp 66 conveys the sheet member P without holding the rear end side of the sheet member P. That is, the sheet member P is conveyed in a free state without being restrained at the rear end side. In this way, the sheet member P passes through the transfer unit 30 and the fixing unit 100 with one side facing upward.

[0056] [Image Forming Unit 12]

[0057] The image forming section 12 has a function of forming an image transferred by electrophotography onto the sheet member P. The image forming section 12 has a plurality of image forming units 20 that form toner images.

[0058] The image forming section 12 has a function of forming an image on a sheet member P as a recording medium at an image forming position on a circulating path of a chain 72 described later. Specifically, the image forming section 12 has a function of forming an image on a surface (peripheral surface) of a transfer belt 31 described later, and transferring the formed image to the sheet member P at a secondary transfer position NT2 as an image forming position, thereby forming an image on the sheet member P. As an example, the image forming section 12 has four image forming units 20. The four image forming units 20 form toner images of different colors, such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0059] The image forming unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21. The photosensitive drum 21 is an example of an image holding member, and rotates while holding the toner image transferred to the sheet member P on its outer peripheral surface. The image forming unit 20 has a function of forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 of each color, and transferring the toner image to the transfer belt 31 at a primary transfer position NT1 formed between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer roller 33.

[0060] In addition, the image forming unit 20 has a charging device that charges the photosensitive drum 21 , an exposure device that forms a latent image on the charged photosensitive drum 21 , and a developing device that develops the latent image with toner.

[0061] [Transfer unit 30]

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the transfer unit 30 has a function of transferring an image (toner image) formed on the surface of the transfer belt 31 to the sheet member P. Specifically, the transfer unit 30 includes a transfer belt 31 as an example of a transfer body, a primary transfer roller 33, a plurality of rollers 32, a secondary transfer roller 34, an opposing roller 36 as an example of a cylinder, and a cleaner 15.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the transfer belt 31 is annular, and is wound and stretched on a plurality of rollers 32 and a secondary transfer roller 34 in an inverted triangle shape when viewed from the front (viewed from the depth direction and the front side of the device). The transfer belt 31 is wound in the direction of arrow B by rotating at least one of the plurality of rollers 32. The image forming units 20 of each color and the cleaner 15 are arranged on the outer periphery of the transfer belt 31.

[0064] A plurality of primary transfer rollers 33 are arranged inside the transfer belt 31. Each primary transfer roller 33 corresponds to each color of the image. That is, in the present embodiment, four primary transfer rollers 33 are arranged corresponding to each color. Each primary transfer roller 33 is arranged on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 21 of each color across the transfer belt 31.

[0065] The secondary transfer roller 34 is arranged on the inner side of the transfer belt 31 .

[0066] (Opposing roller 36)

[0067] The counter roller 36 is arranged on the side opposite to the secondary transfer roller 34 across the transfer belt 31. Figure 3 As shown, the opposing roller 36 extends in the depth direction of the device.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the opposing roller 36 has a shaft portion 36A extending in the depth direction of the device and a roller portion 36B as a cylindrical portion provided in the axial middle portion of the shaft portion 36A. The sprockets 73 are respectively installed on both ends of the shaft portion 36A in the axial direction. In other words, the roller portion 36B of the opposing roller 36 is arranged between a pair of sprockets 73. The sprocket 73 rotates integrally with the opposing roller 36. In addition, the sprocket 73 of this embodiment is an example of a rotating member in the present invention.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, a driving source (not shown) is connected to the shaft portion 36A of the opposing roller 36. The opposing roller 36 is rotated by the driving force from the driving source. The chain 72 of the chain clamper 66 is wound around via the sprocket 73 that rotates integrally with the opposing roller 36 by the rotation of the opposing roller 36. In addition, the rotation of the opposing roller 36 is synchronized with the rotation of the pressure roller 140 described later.

[0070] The roller portion 36B of the opposing roller 36 is formed with a recessed portion 37 capable of accommodating the clamper 76 inside. The recessed portion 37 has a groove-like shape extending from one end of the roller portion 36B to the other end in the axial direction (the same direction as the depth direction of the device). The recessed portion 37 of this embodiment is an example of a recessed portion and a first recessed portion in the present invention.

[0071] The opposing roller 36 forms a nip region with the secondary transfer roller 34 that pushes out and presses the transfer belt 31 against the opposing roller 36. In other words, the nip region is formed between the opposing roller 36 and the transfer belt 31. The opposing roller 36 that rotates by the driving force from the driving source drives the transfer belt 31 to rotate in the nip region. In the nip region, the opposing roller 36 drives the transfer belt 31 to rotate while the sheet member P conveyed by the chain 72 and the clamp 76 is sandwiched between the outer periphery and the transfer belt 31, and transfers the toner image formed on the transfer belt 31 to the sheet member P. The nip region formed between the opposing roller 36 and the transfer belt 31 is a secondary transfer position NT2 as an example of an image forming position. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the toner image formed on the surface of the transfer belt 31 by the image forming unit 12 is transferred to the surface of the sheet member P wound around the opposing roller 36 at the secondary transfer position NT2 .

[0072] The opposing roller 36 in this embodiment is an example of a transfer cylinder.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a first cleaning device 80 is disposed on the outer periphery of the opposing roller 36. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the first cleaning device 80 is arranged on the outer periphery of the opposing roller 36 so as to be located inside the sprocket 73 and in a region of the sprocket 73 where the chain 72 is not wound when viewed from the front. Figure 5As shown, the first cleaning device 80 has the function of cleaning the surface (peripheral surface) of the opposing roller 36. Specifically, the first cleaning device 80 is provided with a brush 82 as a cleaning member that contacts the peripheral surface of the opposing roller 36 and cleans the peripheral surface, and an example of the first cleaning member. The brush 82 is roller-shaped, rotates with a speed difference in the direction opposite to the opposing roller 36, contacts the peripheral surface of the opposing roller 36 and removes the attachments (such as toner, paper powder, and other foreign matter) attached to the peripheral surface. More specifically, in the contact portion between the brush 82 and the opposing roller 36, the brush 82 and the opposing roller 36 rotate in the positive direction, and there is a speed difference between the rotation speed of the brush 82 and the rotation speed of the opposing roller 36, so that the brush 82 easily removes the attachments from the peripheral surface of the opposing roller 36. In addition, the peripheral surface of the opposing roller 36 in this embodiment is equivalent to the peripheral surface of the roller portion 36B. In addition, the length of the brush 82 in the axial direction (depth direction) is preferably longer than the area to be cleaned of the roller portion 36B. In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the brush 82 is set slower than the rotation speed of the opposing roller 36 , but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The start and stop of the driving source (not shown) that rotates the brush 82 and the rotation speed are controlled by the control device 110 .

[0074] In addition, the first cleaning device 80 has a housing 84 and a contact member 86. The housing 84 contains a brush 82 and a contact member 86. In addition, the toner removed from the opposing roller 36 by the brush 82 can be contained inside. The contact member 86 is arranged around the brush 82, and the base end is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 84 so that the front end is in contact with the brush 82. In addition, in order to remove the toner attached to the brush 82, the length of the contact member 86 in the depth direction is preferably set to the same length as the length of the brush 82. The brush 82 rotates and abuts against the contact member 86, so that the toner attached to the brush 82 is removed (falls) from the brush 82.

[0075] [Fixing section 100]

[0076] The fixing section 100 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer position NT2 in the conveyance direction of the sheet member P. The fixing section 100 has a function of fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet member P by the transfer section 30 .

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixing unit 100 includes a heating roller 130 as a heating unit and a pressing roller 140 as a pressing unit. The heating roller 130 contacts the conveyed sheet member P to heat the sheet member P, and the pressing roller 140 and the heating roller 130 sandwich the sheet member P to press the sheet member P toward the heating roller 130.

[0078] (Pressure roller 140)

[0079] The pressure roller 140 has a function of sandwiching the sheet member P between the heating roller 130 and the sheet member P to pressurize the sheet member P. Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the pressure roller 140 has: a shaft portion 140A extending in the depth direction of the device, a roller portion 140B as a cylindrical portion provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 140A, and a recess 142 provided on the outer surface of the roller portion 140B. The sprocket 71 is respectively mounted on both end sides of the shaft portion 140A. In addition, the sprocket 71 rotates integrally with the pressure roller 140. The recess 142 of this embodiment is an example of the recess and the second recess of the present invention. In addition, the sprocket 71 of this embodiment is an example of the rotating component of the present invention.

[0080] In the present embodiment, a driving source (not shown) is connected to the shaft portion 140A of the pressure roller 140. The pressure roller 140 is rotated by the driving force from the driving source. The chain 72 of the chain clamper 66 is rotated via the sprocket 71 that rotates integrally with the pressure roller 140 by the rotation of the pressure roller 140. The rotation of the pressure roller 140 is synchronized with the rotation of the opposing roller 36.

[0081] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the recess 142 is a recess that can accommodate the gripper 76 and the gripping unit 68 inside, and is in the shape of a groove extending from one end of the roller portion 140B to the other end in the device depth direction. In addition, the recess 142 opens to the radially outer side of the pressure roller 140.

[0082] The pressure roller 140 in this embodiment is an example of a fixing cylinder.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a second cleaning device 90 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure roller 140. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the second cleaning device 90 is arranged on the outer periphery of the pressure roller 140 so as to be located inside the sprocket 71 when viewed from the front and in a region of the sprocket 71 where the chain 72 is not wound. Figure 8As shown, the second cleaning device 90 has the function of cleaning the surface (peripheral surface) of the pressure roller 140. Specifically, the second cleaning device 90 has a brush 92 as a cleaning member that contacts the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140 and cleans the peripheral surface, and an example of a second cleaning member. The brush 92 is a roller-shaped brush that can rotate and contact the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140 in a state where the rotation position is fixed relative to the pressure roller 140 to remove foreign matter (toner, etc.) attached to the peripheral surface. In addition, the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140 in this embodiment is equivalent to the peripheral surface of the roller portion 140B. In addition, the length of the brush 92 in the axial direction (depth direction) is preferably longer than the area to be cleaned of the roller portion 140B. Even if the brush 92 is fatigued in the portion in contact with the peripheral surface due to cleaning the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140, the contact portion of the brush 92 with the pressure roller 140 can be changed by rotating the brush 92 by a specified angle, thereby restoring the cleaning ability of the brush 92. In addition, the start and stop of a driving source (not shown) that rotates the brush 92 is controlled by the control device 110 .

[0084] (Heating roller 130)

[0085] The heating roller 130 has a function of heating the sheet member P. Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the heating roller 130 includes a shaft portion (not shown) and a roller portion 130B formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion.

[0086] The heating roller 130 forms a nip region sandwiching the sheet member P with the pressure roller 140 by the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 130B of the heating roller 130 coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 140B of the pressure roller 140 .

[0087] Moreover, the fixing unit 100 further includes a heat source roller 150. The heat source roller 150 has a function of heating the heating roller 130. Specifically, the heat source roller 150 contacts the heating roller 130 and heats the heating roller 130.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the pressure roller 140 is rotated and the heating roller 130 and the heat source roller 150 are driven by the pressure roller 140, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the heating roller 130 may be driven and the pressure roller 140 and the heat source roller 150 may be driven by the heating roller 130. In this case, the chain 72 of the chain clamper 66 is wound by the rotation force of the pressure roller 140 driven by the heating roller 130.

[0089] In the fixing unit 100, as Figure 1 As shown, the sheet member P is sandwiched between the heating roller 130 and the pressure roller 140 , and the sheet member P is heated and pressurized, whereby the toner image formed on the sheet member P is fixed on the sheet member P.

[0090] (Control device 110)

[0091] As described above, the control device 110 has a function of controlling the image information input to the image forming device 10 and the operation of each part (the storage unit 50, the paper feeding mechanism 48, the image forming unit 12, the transfer unit 30, the fixing unit 100, and the paper discharge mechanism 56) of the image forming device 10. The control device 110 of this embodiment is an example of a control unit in the present invention.

[0092] like Fig.11 As shown, the control device 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, and a memory 114.

[0093] The CPU 111 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. That is, the CPU 111 reads the program from the ROM 112 or the memory 114 and executes the program using the RAM 113 as a work area. The CPU 111 controls the above-mentioned structures and performs various calculations according to the program recorded in the ROM 112 or the memory 114.

[0094] ROM 112 stores various programs and various data. RAM 113 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. Storage 114 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0095] The control device 110 is configured to have a first control mode and a second control mode, and these modes can be switched during the image formation stop period. In the first control mode, Figure 6 As shown, the rotation of the opposing roller 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at the position of the concave portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36. In the second control mode, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the rotation of the pressure roller 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at the position of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. Specifically, in the first control mode, the control device 110 controls the winding of the chain 72 so that the rotation of the opposing roller 36 stops at the position (rotation position) where the recessed portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 and the brush 82 are opposite. On the other hand, in the second control mode, the control device 110 controls the winding of the chain 72 so that the rotation of the pressure roller 140 stops at the position (rotation position) where the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 and the brush 92 are opposite.

[0096] The rotational position of the recess 37 of the opposing roller 36 relative to the brush 82 can be obtained, for example, based on the rotation speed of the opposing roller 36, or the position of the recess 37 can be obtained by a sensor or the like. In the present embodiment, as an example, the rotational position of the recess 37 of the opposing roller 36 relative to the brush 82 is stored in ROM 112 or RAM 113 in advance, and the control device 110 reads the above-mentioned rotational position of the opposing roller 36 when the first control mode is selected, and controls the rotation of the opposing roller 36 so that the recess 37 is opposite to the brush 82. In addition, in the present embodiment, the opposing roller 36 is connected to a driving source, so the control device 110 controls the rotation of the opposing roller 36 so that the recess 37 is opposite to the brush 82. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the recess 37 of the opposing roller 36 is in a position opposite to the brush 82, the brush 82 and the opposing roller 36 are in a non-contact state (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0097] The rotational position of the recess 142 of the pressure roller 140 relative to the brush 92 can be obtained, for example, based on the rotation speed of the pressure roller 140, or the position of the recess 142 can be obtained by a sensor or the like. In the present embodiment, as an example, the rotational position of the recess 142 of the pressure roller 140 relative to the brush 92 is stored in ROM 112 or RAM 113 in advance, and the control device 110 reads the above-mentioned rotational position of the pressure roller 140 when the second control mode is selected, and controls the rotation of the pressure roller 140 so that the recess 142 is opposite to the brush 92. In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressure roller 140 is connected to a driving source, so the control device 110 controls the rotation of the pressure roller 140 so that the recess 142 is opposite to the brush 92. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the recess 142 of the pressure roller 140 is in a position opposite to the brush 92, the brush 92 and the pressure roller 140 are in a non-contact state (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0098] In addition, the stop period of image formation in the image forming device 10 refers to the period when image formation is stopped, that is, the period when the chain 72 is not rotated, including the standby period between print jobs and the rest period when part of the power supply of the device is disconnected (as an example, the rest period at night), etc.

[0099] Alternatively, during the stop period of image formation, when the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is at a rotational position opposite to the brush 82, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the control device 110 rotates the brush 82 to remove the toner attached to the brush 82. That is, the brush 82 may be rotated to make the brush 82 contact with the tip of the contact member 86, thereby removing the toner attached to the brush 82.

[0100] Alternatively, during the stop period of image formation, when the concave portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is at a rotation position opposite to the brush 92, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the control device 110 rotates the brush 92 to change the portion of the brush 92 in contact with the pressure roller 140. That is, the brush 92 may be rotated by a predetermined angle so that the unused portion of the brush 92 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140.

[0101] In addition, during the stop period of image formation, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the total time that the brush 82 is located at the position of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36 is longer than the total time that the brush 92 is located at the position of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. For example, during the stop period of the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the total time that the recessed portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 stays at the rotation position opposite to the brush 82 is longer than the total time that the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 stays at the rotation position opposite to the brush 92.

[0102] In addition, during the stop period of image formation, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the time during which the brush 82 is located at the position of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36 is longer than the time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. For example, during the stop period of the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the time during which the recessed portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 stays at the rotation position opposite to the brush 82 (time per time) is longer than the time during which the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 stays at the rotation position opposite to the brush 92 (time per time).

[0103] In addition, when the image formation is stopped, the control device 110 may execute the first control mode before the second control mode. For example, when the image formation is stopped, the control device 110 may execute the first control mode first and then the second control mode.

[0104] Furthermore, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode during a pause period of image formation.

[0105] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment during the period in which image formation is stopped will be described.

[0106] For example, when the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is located at a position facing the brush 82 and the concave portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is located at a position facing the brush 92, the control device 110 Fig.12 The flowchart shown determines the action of the chain 72 during the period when image formation is stopped. Specifically, in the image forming apparatus 10, when printing is finished, the control device 110 rotates the pressure roller 140 and the opposing roller 36 (step S300). Next, the positions of the recess 142 of the pressure roller 140 and the recess 37 of the opposing roller 36 are confirmed (step S302). Then, it is determined whether the recess 142 of the pressure roller 140 is opposite to the brush 92 and whether the recess 37 of the opposing roller 36 is opposite to the brush 82 (step S304). In the case where the recess 142 of the pressure roller 140 is opposite to the brush 92 and the recess 37 of the opposing roller 36 is opposite to the brush 82, transfer to step S306, and in the case where they are not opposite, transfer to step S300. In step S306, the rotation of the pressure roller 140 and the opposing roller 36 is ended. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped. In addition, in Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , since the recessed portion 142 is located at a position opposite to the brush 92 when the recessed portion 37 is located at a position opposite to the brush 82 , the rotation of either the pressure roller 140 or the relative roller 36 may be controlled.

[0107] For example, when the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is located at a position facing the brush 82 and the concave portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is not located at a position facing the brush 92, the control device 110 Fig.13The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 determines the operation of the opposing roller 36 and the pressure roller 140 during the stop period of image formation. Specifically, in the image forming apparatus 10, when printing is completed, the control device 110 rotates the pressure roller 140 and the opposing roller 36 (step S310). Next, the position of the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is confirmed (step S312). Then, it is determined whether the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is opposite to the brush 82 (step S314). In the case where the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is opposite to the brush 82, the process proceeds to step S316, and in the case where they are not opposite, the process proceeds to step S310. In step S316, the rotation of the pressure roller 140 and the opposing roller 36 is terminated. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped (step S318). Next, it is determined whether the prescribed time T1 has passed (step S320). In the case where the prescribed time T1 has not passed, the process proceeds to step S316, and in the case where the prescribed time T1 has passed, the process proceeds to step S322. In step S322, the control device 110 rotates the pressure roller 140 and the opposing roller 36. Next, the position of the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is confirmed (step S324). Then, it is determined whether the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is opposite to the brush 92 (step S326). When the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is opposite to the brush 92, the process proceeds to step S328. When they are not opposite, the process proceeds to step S322. In step S328, the rotation of the pressure roller 140 and the opposing roller 36 is terminated. Then, the image forming device 10 is stopped (step S330). Next, it is determined whether the prescribed time T2 has passed (step S332). When the prescribed time T2 has not passed, the process proceeds to step S328. When the prescribed time T2 has passed, the process proceeds to step S310. Thus, control device 110 switches between the first control mode (steps S310 to S316 ) and the second control mode (steps S322 to S328 ) after a predetermined time has elapsed during the image formation stop period, thereby suppressing the aging degradation (fatigue) of brushes 82 and 92 .

[0108] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0109] In the image forming apparatus 10, during the stop period of image formation, the rotation of the opposing roller 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at the position of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, compared with a structure in which the rotation of the opposing roller 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at two adjacent portions of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36, it is possible to suppress the deterioration (fatigue) of the brush 82. In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a structure in which the brush 82 is continuously in contact with the opposing roller 36 during the stop period of image formation, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P caused by the brush 82.

[0110] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 rotates the brush 82 during the stop period of image formation to remove the toner attached to the brush 82. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a configuration in which the brush 82 is continuously stopped during the stop period of image formation, the toner attached to the brush 82 can be removed, and contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P by the brush 82 can be prevented.

[0111] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, during the stop period of image formation, the rotation of the pressure roller 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at the position of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, compared with a structure in which the rotation of the pressure roller 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at two adjacent portions of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140, it is possible to suppress the deterioration (fatigue) of the brush 92. In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a structure in which the brush 92 is continuously in contact with the pressure roller 140 during the stop period of image formation, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P caused by the brush 92.

[0112] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 rotates the brush 92 during the stop period of image formation to change the portion of the brush 92 in contact with the pressure roller 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a configuration in which the portion of the brush 92 in contact with the pressure roller 140 is not changed during the stop period of image formation, contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P caused by the brush 92 can be prevented.

[0113] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period of image formation. In the first control mode, the rotation of the opposing roller 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at the position of the concave portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36. In the second control mode, the rotation of the pressure roller 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at the position of the concave portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, compared with a configuration in which the control device 110 has only one of the first control mode and the second control mode, the deterioration of each of the brush 82 and the brush 92 can be suppressed. As a result, contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P can be prevented and the number of replacement operations accompanying the deterioration of each of the brush 82 and the brush 92 can be reduced.

[0114] In the image forming apparatus 10, during the stop period of image formation, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the total time that the brush 82 is located at the position of the concave portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36 is longer than the total time that the brush 92 is located at the position of the concave portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the deterioration of the brush 82 can be suppressed compared with a configuration in which the total time that the brush 82 is located at the position of the concave portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36 is shorter than the total time that the brush 92 is located at the position of the concave portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. In addition, since it is an environment in which the toner is more likely to adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the opposing roller 36 than to the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140, it is preferable to suppress the deterioration of the brush 82 from the viewpoint of suppressing contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P.

[0115] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period of image formation so that the time during which the brush 82 is located at the position of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36 is longer than the time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a configuration in which the time during which the brush 82 is located at the position of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roller 36 is shorter than the time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roller 140, deterioration of the brush 82 can be suppressed.

[0116] In the image forming apparatus 10, when the image formation stops, the control device 110 executes the first control mode before the second control mode. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the deterioration of the brush 82 can be suppressed compared with the configuration in which the second control mode is executed before the first control mode when the image formation stops.

[0117] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during the pause period of image formation. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the first control mode and the second control mode are switched when a print job is completed during the startup of the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the sheet member P from being contaminated by the brushes 82 and 92, and to reduce the number of replacement operations due to the deterioration of the brushes 82 and 92.

[0118] (Other embodiments)

[0119] In the above embodiment, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode as time passes, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The control device 110 may execute only one of the first control mode or the second control mode during the pause period of image formation.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the structure in which the opposing roller 36 and the pressure roller 140 rotate synchronously is set, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the driving source may be connected to either the opposing roller 36 or the pressure roller 140. In this case, the roller not connected to the driving source rotates by being driven by the chain 72. That is, the rotation of the roller not connected to the driving source can be controlled by controlling the rotation of the roller connected to the driving source, so that the brush is located at a position opposite to the concave portion of the roller not connected to the driving source via the chain 72.

[0121] In the above embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using toner is used as the image forming unit 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an inkjet image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using ink may also be used as the image forming unit.

[0122] In the embodiment described, Figure 5 As shown, a first cleaning device 80 is disposed on the outer periphery of the opposing roller 36. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the second cleaning device 90 is arranged on the outer periphery of the pressure roller 140, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The second cleaning device 90 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the opposing roller 36, and the first cleaning device 80 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the pressure roller 140. In this case, during the stop period of image formation, when the concave portion 37 of the opposing roller 36 is in a rotation position relative to the brush 92, the control device 110 may rotate the brush 92 to change the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the opposing roller 36, or during the stop period of image formation, when the concave portion 142 of the pressure roller 140 is in a rotation position relative to the brush 82, the control device 110 may rotate the brush 82 to remove the toner attached to the brush 82.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the above-described modified examples can be appropriately combined in multiple forms.

[0124] <Note> (((1)))

[0126] An image forming device comprising:

[0127] Rotating drum;

[0128] a rotating member that rotates integrally with the barrel;

[0129] A surrounding member, which is annular and is wound around the rotating member and surrounds the rotating member as the rotating member rotates;

[0130] a holding member mounted on the surrounding member, surrounding together with the surrounding member, and holding the front end of the recording medium when the front end reaches the holding position;

[0131] a recessed portion, which is provided on the outer circumference of the tube and accommodates the retaining member;

[0132] a cleaning member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the barrel to clean the outer peripheral surface; and

[0133] The control section controls the rotation of the drum so that the cleaning member is located at the position of the concave portion in the rotation direction of the drum during a stop period of image formation. (((2)))

[0135] The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0136] The cylinder is a transfer cylinder. (((3)))

[0138] The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0139] The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that rotates in the same direction as the transfer cylinder with a speed difference, and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder to remove the toner.

[0140] A contact member that contacts the brush is provided around the brush.

[0141] The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to remove the toner attached to the brush. (((4)))

[0143] The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0144] The cylinder is a fixing cylinder. (((5)))

[0146] An image forming apparatus according to (((4))), wherein:

[0147] The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that is rotatable and, in a state where its rotational position is fixed relative to the fixing cylinder, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the fixing cylinder to remove the toner.

[0148] The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that contacts the fixing cylinder. (((6)))

[0150] The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0151] The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that rotates in a direction opposite to the cylinder with a speed difference, and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to remove the toner.

[0152] A contact member that contacts the brush is provided around the brush.

[0153] The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to remove the toner attached to the brush. (((7)))

[0155] The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0156] The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that is rotatable and, in a state where its rotational position is fixed relative to the tube, comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube to remove the toner.

[0157] The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that contacts the cylinder. (((8)))

[0159] The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0160] The cylinder includes a transfer cylinder and a fixing cylinder,

[0161] The cleaning member includes a first cleaning member for the transfer cylinder and a second cleaning member for the fixing cylinder,

[0162] The concave portion includes a first concave portion provided on the transfer cylinder and a second concave portion provided on the fixing cylinder.

[0163] The wrapping member is wound around the transfer cylinder and the fixing cylinder.

[0164] The control unit switches between a first control mode and a second control mode during the stop period, wherein in the first control mode, the rotation of the transfer cylinder is controlled so that the first cleaning component is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder, and in the second control mode, the rotation of the fixing cylinder is controlled so that the second cleaning component is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder. (((9)))

[0166] An image forming apparatus according to (((8))), wherein:

[0167] The control unit switches the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that a total time that the first cleaning member is located at the first concave portion in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than a total time that the second cleaning member is located at the second concave portion in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder. (((10)))

[0169] An image forming apparatus according to (((8))), wherein:

[0170] The control section switches the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that the first cleaning member is located at the first concave portion in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder for a longer time than the second cleaning member is located at the second concave portion in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder. (((11)))

[0172] The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((10))), wherein:

[0173] When entering the stop period, the control unit executes the first control mode prior to the second control mode. (((12)))

[0175] The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((11))), wherein:

[0176] The period of stopping image formation includes a period of inactivity of the device.

[0177] During the idle period, the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0178] In the image forming apparatus of (((1))), deterioration of the cleaning member can be suppressed compared with a configuration in which rotation of the drum is controlled during a stop period of image formation so that the cleaning member is located at two adjacent portions of the recess in the rotation direction of the drum.

[0179] In the image forming apparatus of (((2))), compared with a configuration in which the cleaning member is in continuous contact with the transfer cylinder during the stop period, contamination of the back surface of the recording medium caused by the cleaning member can be suppressed.

[0180] In the image forming apparatus of (((3))), compared with a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during the stop period, it is possible to prevent contamination of the back surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member.

[0181] In the image forming apparatus of (((4))), compared with a structure in which the cleaning member is in continuous contact with the fixing sleeve during the stop period, it is possible to suppress contamination of the back surface of the recording medium caused by the cleaning member.

[0182] In the image forming apparatus of (((5))), compared with a configuration in which the portion of the brush in contact with the fixing cylinder is not changed during the stop period, contamination of the back surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be prevented.

[0183] In the image forming apparatus of (((6))), compared with a configuration in which the brush is continuously stopped during the stop period, it is possible to prevent contamination of the back surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member.

[0184] In the image forming apparatus of (((7))), compared with a configuration in which the portion of the brush in contact with the drum is not changed during the stop period, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being contaminated by the cleaning member.

[0185] In the image forming device of (((8))), compared with a structure having only either the first control mode or the second control mode, contamination of the back side of the recording medium caused by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member can be prevented and the number of replacement operations accompanying the deterioration of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member can be reduced.

[0186] In the image forming device of (((9))), deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a structure in which the total time that the first cleaning member is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is shorter than the total time that the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0187] In the image forming device of (((10))), deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a structure in which the time the first cleaning member is located at the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is shorter than the time the second cleaning member is located at the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0188] In the image forming apparatus of (((11))), the degradation of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the second control mode is executed prior to the first control mode when entering the stop period.

[0189] In the image forming device of (((12))), compared with the structure of switching the first control mode and the second control mode when the printing job is completed during the startup of the device, it is possible to prevent the back side of the recording medium from being contaminated by the first cleaning component and the second cleaning component and to reduce the number of replacement operations accompanying the deterioration of the first cleaning component and the second cleaning component respectively.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: Rotating drum; a rotating member that rotates integrally with the barrel; a surrounding member, which is annular and is wound around the rotating member and surrounds the rotating member as the rotating member rotates; a holding member mounted on the surrounding member, surrounding together with the surrounding member, and holding the front end of the recording medium when the front end reaches the holding position; a recessed portion, which is provided on the outer circumference of the tube and accommodates the retaining member; A cleaning member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to clean the outer peripheral surface; as well as The control section controls the rotation of the drum so that the cleaning member is located at the position of the concave portion in the rotation direction of the drum during a stop period of image formation.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder is a transfer cylinder.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that rotates in the same direction as the transfer cylinder with a speed difference, and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder to remove the toner. A contact member that contacts the brush is provided around the brush. The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to remove the toner attached to the brush.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder is a fixing cylinder.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that is rotatable and, in a state where its rotational position is fixed relative to the fixing cylinder, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the fixing cylinder to remove the toner. The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that contacts the fixing cylinder.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that rotates in a direction opposite to the cylinder with a speed difference, and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to remove the toner. A contact member that contacts the brush is provided around the brush. The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to remove the toner attached to the brush.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cleaning member is a roller-shaped brush that is rotatable and, in a state where its rotational position is fixed relative to the tube, comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube to remove the toner. The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that contacts the cylinder.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder includes a transfer cylinder and a fixing cylinder, The cleaning member includes a first cleaning member for the transfer cylinder and a second cleaning member for the fixing cylinder, The concave portion includes a first concave portion provided on the transfer cylinder and a second concave portion provided on the fixing cylinder. The wrapping member is wound around the transfer cylinder and the fixing cylinder. The control unit switches between a first control mode and a second control mode during the stop period, wherein in the first control mode, the rotation of the transfer cylinder is controlled so that the first cleaning component is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder, and in the second control mode, the rotation of the fixing cylinder is controlled so that the second cleaning component is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit switches the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that a total time that the first cleaning member is located at the first concave portion in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than a total time that the second cleaning member is located at the second concave portion in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The control section switches the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that the first cleaning member is located at the first concave portion in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder for a longer time than the second cleaning member is located at the second concave portion in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: When entering the stop period, the control unit executes the first control mode prior to the second control mode.

12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The period of stopping image formation includes a period of inactivity of the device. During the idle period, the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode.

Images