Transfer voltage control method, image forming device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a transfer voltage control method, an image forming device and a storage medium. The method comprises the steps of obtaining at least one of the number of printed pages or an imaging mode of the image forming device; selecting a different transfer voltage calculation mode based on at least one of the number of printed pages or the imaging mode to calculate a compensation value of the transfer voltage; and compensating the transfer voltage based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain a compensated transfer voltage value, so that the image forming device performs imaging based on the compensated transfer voltage value. According to the method and the device, the technical effects that a proper calculation mode can be selected to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage to compensate the transfer voltage by adopting different calculation modes according to any one of the printed page number and the imaging mode, so that the image forming device reasonably sets the transfer voltage, and the quality of a printed image is optimized can be achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of image forming, in particular to a transfer voltage control method, an image forming device and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, when triggering color correction, a fixed transfer voltage value is generally used to set the transfer voltage required by the image forming device for subsequent imaging (such as printing a to-be-processed job or forming a color correction image), or the transfer voltage is set by real-time detection of the resistance value of a transfer system (a transfer unit or an imaging assembly) (such as detection before printing a to-be-processed job). However, the physical characteristics of the transfer system change with the increase of the number of printed pages, resulting in abnormal detection of the resistance value of the transfer system, and thus the set transfer voltage is inaccurate. Moreover, if the transfer unit (a transfer roller or a transfer belt), the imaging assembly or the toner cartridge are replaced (such as when the old transfer unit, imaging assembly or toner cartridge is replaced by a new transfer unit, imaging assembly or toner cartridge) or the transfer voltage is set at an unreasonable time, the image forming device may use an unsuitable transfer voltage for imaging, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the printed image. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present application aims to provide a transfer voltage control method, an image forming device and a storage medium, which can solve the problem of the decrease in the quality of the printed image caused by the use of an unsuitable transfer voltage by the image forming device for imaging.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present application, a transfer voltage control method is provided, which is executed on an image forming device, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0005] acquiring at least one of the number of printed pages or an imaging mode of the image forming device;

[0006] selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on at least one of the number of printed pages or the imaging mode to calculate a compensation value of the transfer voltage;

[0007] compensating the transfer voltage based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain a compensated transfer voltage value, so that the image forming device performs imaging based on the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on at least one of the number of printed pages or the imaging mode to calculate a compensation value of the transfer voltage specifically comprises the following steps.

[0009] judging whether the printed page number is less than or equal to a preset value, and selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on the judgment result to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage.

[0010] In some embodiments, the judgment of whether the printed page number is less than or equal to a preset value, and the selection of different transfer voltage calculation methods based on the judgment result to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage specifically include:

[0011] judging whether the image forming device reaches a color correction trigger condition when it is judged that the printed page number is less than or equal to the preset value;

[0012] performing detection of the transfer voltage to obtain a transfer voltage initial value when it is judged that the color correction trigger condition is reached;

[0013] compensating the transfer voltage initial value based on the mapping relationship between the influence parameter of the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0015] compensating a transfer voltage initial value based on the mapping relationship between the influence parameter of the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value when it is judged that the printed page number is greater than the preset value.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0017] performing detection of the transfer voltage to obtain the transfer voltage initial value after a predetermined time delay after the transfer voltage is turned on.

[0018] In some embodiments, the selection of different transfer voltage calculation methods based on at least one of the printed page number or the imaging mode to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage specifically includes:

[0019] obtaining a to-be-processed job and judging an imaging mode of the to-be-processed job, the imaging mode including performing printing on the to-be-processed job using a color printing mode or performing printing on the to-be-processed job using a black-and-white printing mode;

[0020] selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on the judgment result to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0022] When it is determined that the imaging mode for the job to be processed is black and white printing mode, the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component is read, and the compensation value of the transfer voltage is calculated based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component and the transfer voltage. The transfer voltage is then compensated based on the compensation value to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value; or

[0023] When it is determined that the imaging mode for the job to be processed is to use color printing mode to print the job to be processed, the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component is read and the compensation value of the transfer voltage is calculated based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component and the transfer voltage. The transfer voltage is then compensated based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0024] In some embodiments, the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component is equal to the equivalent number of printed pages of the black image carrier, and the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component is equal to the equivalent number of printed pages of the color image carrier. The equivalent number of printed pages of the black image carrier is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the black image carrier and the length of the printed pages, and the equivalent number of printed pages of the color image carrier is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the color image carrier and the length of the printed pages.

[0025] In some implementations, when the color imaging assembly includes at least two imaging components, the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging assembly is calculated by averaging the equivalent number of printed pages of the at least two imaging components.

[0026] In some embodiments, the black imaging component is a K-color imaging component, and the color imaging component is at least one of a K-color imaging component, a C-color imaging component, an M-color imaging component, and a Y-color imaging component, or the color imaging component is at least one of a C-color imaging component, an M-color imaging component, and a Y-color imaging component.

[0027] In some embodiments, the parameters affecting the transfer voltage include at least one of the following: environmental parameters, the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component, the equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component, and the resistance of the intermediate transfer body.

[0028] In some implementations, the transfer voltage is a primary transfer voltage or a secondary transfer voltage.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, wherein at least one imaging component, at least one image carrier, and a transfer component are mounted on the image forming apparatus, the imaging component is used to form a developer image, the image carrier is used to carry an electrostatic latent image, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a single-color developer to form a developer image, and the transfer component is used to transfer the formed developer image, the image forming apparatus further comprising:

[0030] A control unit, the control unit being used to execute the transfer voltage control method described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a processor to execute and implement the transfer voltage control method described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0032] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0033] 1. The transfer voltage compensation value is calculated by selecting different calculation methods based on at least one of the printed page number or imaging mode; the transfer voltage is compensated based on the compensation value to obtain a compensated transfer voltage value, so that the image forming apparatus can perform imaging based on the compensated transfer voltage value. The appropriate calculation method can be selected to calculate the transfer voltage compensation value based on any one of the printed page number or imaging mode, so that the image forming apparatus can reasonably set the transfer voltage and optimize the quality of the printed image.

[0034] 2. By determining whether the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value, different transfer voltage calculation methods are selected based on the determination result to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage. The transfer voltage detection and calculation can be performed when the number of printed pages is less than or equal to the preset value. The most accurate detection and calculation is performed in the early stage of the use of the image forming device, and the set transfer voltage is more in line with the requirements.

[0035] 3. The system determines whether the image forming apparatus has met the color correction trigger condition when the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value. When the trigger condition is met, the transfer voltage is detected to obtain the initial value of the transfer voltage. Based on the mapping relationship between the transfer voltage's influence parameters and the transfer voltage, the initial value of the transfer voltage is compensated to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value. For example, if a new transfer unit is detected and the color correction trigger condition is met, the initial transfer voltage can be reset. If one or more imaging components or toner cartridges are detected as newly installed components, the transfer voltage compensation value can be reset. This prevents the image forming apparatus from using an inappropriate transfer voltage for imaging, ensuring that the transfer voltage can be reset to improve the quality of the printed image when the specific color correction trigger condition is met.

[0036] 4. By performing a detection of the transfer voltage after a predetermined delay after the transfer voltage is turned on to obtain the initial value of the transfer voltage, it is ensured that the detection of the initial transfer voltage is performed after the transfer voltage is turned on normally. This makes the obtained initial value of the transfer voltage more accurate and avoids abnormalities in the printed image caused by unreasonable initial values ​​of the transfer voltage set later.

[0037] 5. By selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods according to the imaging mode of the job to be processed, the compensation value of the transfer voltage can be calculated. A reasonable transfer voltage can be set according to whether the imaging mode of the job to be processed is color printing mode or black and white printing mode. In addition, by selecting different transfer voltages according to the equivalent number of pages printed by different imaging components, a more suitable transfer voltage can be selected for each imaging component, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

[0038] 6. The transfer voltage can be compensated by using at least one of the following transfer voltage influence parameters: environmental parameters, equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component, equivalent number of printed pages of the primary transfer component, and resistance value of the intermediate transfer body. When environmental parameters, equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component, equivalent number of printed pages of the primary transfer component, and resistance value of the intermediate transfer body change, the transfer voltage that meets the requirements can be set according to the correspondence table between these parameters and the transfer voltage. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a first cross-sectional view of a toner supply unit, toner cartridge, and developer cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a second cross-sectional view of a toner supply unit, toner cartridge, and developer cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a toner supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a transfer voltage control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another transfer voltage control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another transfer voltage control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] This invention provides an image forming apparatus, including but not limited to printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multifunction printers that integrate printing, copying, faxing, and scanning functions, for printing images or text on a printing medium (e.g., paper). Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit A and a paper feeding section B disposed below the image forming unit A. The paper feeding section B includes a paper tray 22 that holds a printing medium S, so as to supply the printing medium S in the paper tray 22 to the image forming unit A. The image forming unit A transfers and fixes a developing image formed using yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner (developer) onto the printing medium S supplied by the paper feeding section B.

[0051] The image forming unit A includes an intermediate transfer belt 25 arranged generally in a horizontal direction, which is wound around a pair of transfer belt drive rollers 23 and 24 and driven by a motor (not shown) to move around in the direction indicated by arrow X.

[0052] The image forming unit A includes imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 25. The imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are distributed along the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 25 so as to form a developer image using toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0053] Image forming unit A includes toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, which are detachably mounted above and sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 25 and are located above the imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K respectively. The toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner. The toner contained in the toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K is supplied to the imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K through toner supply components 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K.

[0054] Imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K respectively include photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K located below the intermediate transfer belt 25 and opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 25, and capable of rotation. Photosensitive layers are provided on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and each can rotate in the direction indicated by arrow Z.

[0055] Imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K each include cleaning components 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K that sweep away residual toner from the surfaces of photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K that uniformly apply a specified electrical potential to the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0056] The laser scanning unit 28 at the bottom of the image forming unit A irradiates the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, which are charged by the charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, with lasers LY, LM, LC, and LK.

[0057] Imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K each include detachable developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K. The developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K utilize two-component developing agents consisting of toners of different colors (Y, M, C, and K) and a magnetic carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0058] Image forming unit A includes primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K above imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K are subjected to a primary transfer voltage, thereby forming an electric field between themselves and the corresponding photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The developer images formed on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 in a single step by the electric fields formed between the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K and the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0059] Image forming unit A includes a secondary transfer roller 26, which is subjected to a secondary transfer voltage. By applying the secondary transfer voltage, an electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25. When the printing medium S is transported from the paper tray 22 along the printing medium transport path 21 between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25, the developer image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 is subjected to the electric field formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25 and is transferred onto the printing medium S twice.

[0060] Image forming unit A includes a fixing device 30, which includes a heating element 31 and a pressure roller 32 that cooperate with each other. The heating element 31 can be composed of either a heating roller and a halogen lamp or a heating ceramic plate and a fixing film. A heating lamp 33 is provided at the axial center of the heating element 31 to heat the heating roller 31. In addition, heating can also be achieved by heating the ceramic plate. The unfixed developer image on the printing medium S is fixed by heating and pressure as it passes through the fixing roller gap formed by the heating element 31 and the pressure roller 32. After the developer image is fixed, the printing medium S is discharged onto the paper tray 23 via the paper discharge roller 24.

[0061] The image forming unit A also includes a control unit 41 that controls the imaging components 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, the fixing unit 30, and the paper feeding unit B, as well as a control unit 42 for an MFP (multifunction printer) that processes image data input from the operation panel and image data input from external terminal devices via a network such as LAN. In addition, the image forming unit A also includes a storage unit (not shown) for storing data.

[0062] like Figure 2As shown, the image forming unit A also includes toner supply unit drive boxes 19A and 19B. The toner supply unit drive boxes 19A and 19B, along with toner supply components 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K, and toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K, together constitute the toner supply unit 19. The toner supply unit drive box 19A is used to drive the toner supply components 19Y and 19M and the toner cartridges 17Y and 17M. The toner supply unit drive box 19B is used to drive the toner supply components 19C and 19K and the toner cartridges 17C and 17K. Furthermore, the toner supply components 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K, and 19Y, 19M, 19M, 19C, 19K... During the driving process, 19M, 19C, and 19K rotate in only one direction. During the driving process, toner cartridges 17Y and 17M supply the toner they contain to toner supply components 19Y and 19M. During the driving process, toner cartridges 17C and 17K supply the toner they contain to toner supply components 19C and 19K. During the driving process, toner supply components 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K supply the toner supplied in toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K to developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the toner cartridge 17Y has a stirring frame 17Y1. The toner supply unit transmission box 19A drives the stirring frame 17Y1 to rotate, stirring the toner contained in the toner cartridge 17Y and supplying the stirred toner to the toner supply assembly 19Y. The toner supply assembly 19Y includes a housing 19Y1, a toner feed screw (i.e., toner supply screw) 19Y2, a toner feed screw gear 19Y3, and a connecting pipe 19Y4. The toner feed screw 19Y2 is rotatably installed inside the housing 19Y1, the toner feed screw gear 19Y3 is installed at the end of the toner feed screw 19Y2, and the connecting pipe 19Y4 connects the housing 19Y1 and the developing cartridge 14Y. The toner supply unit transmission... Cartridge 19A, driven by the toner supply screw gear 19Y3 of the toner supply assembly 19Y, rotates the toner screw 19Y2 to supply toner from the toner cartridge 17Y to the developing cartridge 14Y. The structures of the other toner cartridges 17M, 17C, and 17K are the same as those of toner cartridge 17Y. The other toner supply assemblies 19M, 19C, and 19K are the same as those of toner supply assembly 19Y. The process by which toner cartridges 17M, 17C, and 17K supply toner to developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K through toner supply assemblies 19M, 19C, and 19K can be referred to as the process by which toner cartridge 17Y supplies toner to developing cartridge 14Y through toner supply assembly 19Y, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0064] like Figure 5As shown, the developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K have the same structure. The specific structure of developing cartridge 14Y will be described below. The structures of the other developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K can be referenced from developing cartridge 14Y. Developing cartridge 14Y includes a magnetic roller (not shown), a toner concentration sensor 14Y1, a toner feeding screw 14Y2, a toner mixing screw 14Y3, and developer 14Y4 (a mixture of toner and carrier). The toner mixing screw 14Y3 stirs the developer 14Y4 within developing cartridge 14Y and supplies the stirred developer 14Y4 to the toner feeding screw 14Y2, so that the toner feeding screw 14Y2... 4Y2 supplies developer 14Y4 to a developing sleeve (not shown) located on the outer circumference of the magnetic roller and rotatable around it. Toner concentration sensor 14Y1 detects the ratio of developer 14Y4 within the developing cartridge 14Y (i.e., the ratio of toner to carrier) and outputs a first signal. The output voltage (i.e., the detected value) corresponding to the first signal is inversely proportional to the toner concentration; that is, a higher output voltage indicates a lower toner concentration, and vice versa. Correspondingly, the toner concentration sensors of developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K also detect the toner concentration within developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K. The ratio of developer in K is determined and a first signal is output. This first signal is used to determine the remaining amount of developer in developer cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K. For example, if the detected first signal is a voltage signal and the current voltage value is low, it indicates a higher remaining amount of toner in the developer cartridge; conversely, a higher voltage value indicates a lower remaining amount of toner. Furthermore, the developer in developer cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive layers of photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The developer images formed on M, 11C, and 11K are subjected to the electric fields formed between the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K and the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 25 in one pass. Therefore, the remaining toner can be determined by testing the detection value of the image density printed out. Thus, a toner density sensor (not shown) can be set on the intermediate transfer belt 25, and the second signal (i.e., the detection value) output by the toner density sensor can be used to determine the remaining amount of developer in the developer cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K.

[0065] Understandably, the structure of the image forming apparatus described above is only an example of an A3 color image forming apparatus. When it is necessary to set the transfer voltage in an A4 color image forming apparatus, an A4 black and white image forming apparatus, an A3 black and white image forming apparatus, and other types of image forming apparatuses, the transfer voltage control method described below can also be applied thereto, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0066] Understandably, when the transfer control method described below is applied to an A4 color or A4 black and white image forming apparatus, since A4 type image forming apparatuses do not require a toner cartridge and can directly use a toner box to hold the toner, the imaging component can refer to a consumable including a toner box. The consumable can be a separate structure, including a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge, wherein the developing cartridge and drum cartridge are relatively detachable. The developing cartridge contains a developing cartridge chip, and the drum cartridge contains a drum cartridge chip, which are used to store information such as toner content and number of pages printed. Another possible implementation is that the consumable is an integrated structure, i.e., the developing cartridge and drum cartridge are integrated, in which case only one consumable chip is needed.

[0067] Furthermore, the transfer voltage described below in this invention can be a primary transfer voltage or a secondary transfer voltage in a color image forming apparatus, or a transfer voltage in a black and white image forming apparatus; this invention does not limit this.

[0068] In a color image forming apparatus, two transfers are required. An intermediate transfer belt is used as an intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image from the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer medium and then to the paper. In a black and white image forming apparatus, only one transfer is required, and there is no intermediate transfer medium. Therefore, in a color image forming apparatus, a primary transfer voltage and a secondary transfer voltage are required to transfer the developer image, while in a black and white image forming apparatus, only one transfer voltage is required to transfer the developer image.

[0069] In existing technologies, a fixed transfer voltage value is typically used to set the transfer voltage required for subsequent imaging (e.g., printing a pending job, forming a color-corrected image) when triggering color correction. Alternatively, the transfer voltage is set by real-time detection of the resistance of the transfer system (transfer unit, imaging component) (e.g., detection before printing a pending job). However, the physical characteristics of the transfer system change with the number of printed pages, leading to abnormal resistance detection and inaccurate transfer voltage settings. Furthermore, replacement of the transfer unit (comprising a transfer roller and transfer belt), imaging component, or toner cartridge (e.g., replacing an old transfer unit, imaging component, or toner cartridge with a new one) or improper timing of transfer voltage setting can cause the image forming apparatus to use an inappropriate transfer voltage, resulting in reduced print quality. Therefore, this invention aims to address how to set a suitable transfer voltage to improve print quality.

[0070] This invention provides a transfer voltage control method, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0071] S100: Acquire at least one of the printed page number or imaging mode of the image forming apparatus;

[0072] During use, changes in the internal environment of the image forming apparatus (e.g., temperature, humidity), the resistance of the intermediate transfer belt 25, the lifespan of the photosensitive drum (e.g., the lifespan of photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K), and the lifespan of the transfer components (e.g., primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, 27K; understandably, the transfer components can also be secondary transfer rollers 26; for monochrome printers, the transfer components are transfer rollers corresponding to the photosensitive drum), will cause changes in the required transfer voltage. If the same transfer voltage is used continuously under these conditions, it will result in a mismatch in the transfer voltage, leading to a white-white image and a significant reduction in image quality.

[0073] In a color image forming apparatus, two transfers are required. An intermediate transfer belt is used as the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image from the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer medium before it is transferred to the paper. In a black and white image forming apparatus, only one transfer is required, without an intermediate transfer medium. Therefore, in a color image forming apparatus, both primary and secondary transfer voltages are needed to transfer the developer image, while in a black and white image forming apparatus, only one transfer voltage is needed. Thus, in a color image forming apparatus, the transfer voltage is also related to the resistance of the intermediate transfer belt and the lifespan of the primary and secondary transfer rollers.

[0074] In this embodiment, obtaining at least one of the number of printed pages or the imaging mode of the image forming apparatus facilitates the subsequent calculation of the transfer voltage compensation value.

[0075] S200: Select different transfer voltage calculation methods based on at least one of the number of printed pages or imaging mode to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage;

[0076] In this embodiment, both the number of printed pages and the imaging mode affect the selection of the transfer voltage. Therefore, different calculation methods can be used to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage based on either of these factors, so that the transfer voltage can be set reasonably under different conditions. The detailed calculation method will be described in detail later.

[0077] S300: The transfer voltage is compensated based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain a compensated transfer voltage value, so that the image forming apparatus can perform imaging based on the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0078] In this embodiment, a compensation value for the transfer voltage is calculated by selecting different calculation methods based on at least one of the printed page count or imaging mode. The transfer voltage is then compensated based on this compensation value to obtain a compensated transfer voltage value. This compensated transfer voltage value allows the image forming apparatus to perform imaging based on the compensated transfer voltage value. By selecting a suitable calculation method based on either the printed page count or imaging mode to calculate the compensation value for the transfer voltage, the image forming apparatus can rationally set the transfer voltage, thus optimizing the quality of the printed image. Compensating the transfer voltage allows for imaging with a suitable transfer voltage, solving the problem mentioned above where the printed image is a white spot image with significantly reduced image quality, thereby optimizing the image quality.

[0079] This invention provides another method for controlling transfer voltage, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0080] S401: Obtain the number of pages printed by the image forming apparatus;

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, when calculating the compensation value of the transfer voltage based on the calculation method of determining the transfer voltage according to the number of pages already printed by the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to obtain the current number of pages already printed by the image forming apparatus. After obtaining the number of pages already printed, S402 is executed. The number of pages already printed is calculated by measuring the paper length through a sensor used to detect the paper length in the paper transport path. When the paper length is less than or equal to 320 mm, it is counted as one page; when it is greater than 320 mm, it is counted as two pages. The number of pages already printed can also be calculated using a formula derived from the photosensitive drum rotation angle and the conversion coefficient. The number of pages already printed by the image forming apparatus can be calculated using the above calculation method. Understandably, the number of pages already printed can also be calculated using other calculation methods, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0082] In existing technologies, the transfer voltage is typically detected when the number of printed pages is within 1000 and the triggering conditions of the last color correction are met. Subsequent imaging operations are then performed based on the calculated transfer voltage value under these conditions and maintained unchanged. Alternatively, the transfer voltage is set by real-time detection of the transfer system's resistance (e.g., before printing pending jobs). However, if any of the transfer unit, imaging component, or toner cartridge is replaced at this point—for example, when the imaging component reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced with a new one—using the same transfer voltage as before can lead to white spots or other image abnormalities in the printed image. Therefore, it is necessary to select an appropriate transfer voltage based on the number of printed pages.

[0083] S402: Determine whether the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value;

[0084] When the number of printed pages obtained by the current image forming apparatus is determined, it needs to be judged whether the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value. Based on the judgment result, different transfer voltage calculation methods are selected to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage. This preset value can be set to 100 pages, 200 pages, or 300 pages, and the present invention does not limit this. Since the detection value obtained by detecting the transfer voltage in the early stage of the image forming apparatus's use is the most accurate, the preset value can be set as small as possible to improve the accuracy of detection and make the set transfer voltage more in line with the requirements.

[0085] If the number of printed pages is determined to be less than or equal to the preset value, execute S403; if the number of printed pages is determined to be greater than the preset value, execute S407.

[0086] S403: Determine whether the image forming apparatus has met the triggering condition for color correction;

[0087] When it is determined that the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value, it is determined whether the image forming device has reached the trigger condition for color correction. If it is determined that the trigger condition for color correction has been reached, the transfer voltage is detected to obtain the initial value of the transfer voltage, and then S404 is executed. If it is determined that the trigger condition for color correction has not been reached, S407 is executed.

[0088] Because color image forming apparatuses have multiple image forming units, they create images of various colors using these units and then transfer these images to an intermediate transfer belt or printing medium in an overlapping manner to form multicolor images. However, color shifts can easily occur during multicolor image formation, leading to mismatches in the relative positions of the images created by the image forming units. Therefore, image forming apparatuses often need to perform color corrections to ensure image quality. Taking an image forming apparatus using four colors of toner (K, black), magenta (M, magenta), cyan (C, cyan), and yellow (Y, yellow) as an example, color correction requires toner concentration detection and image position shift detection to ensure the formed image quality meets requirements. Conversely, in black-and-white image forming apparatuses, which typically only have one image forming unit, image position shift detection is unnecessary; toner concentration detection is performed only after a concentration correction image is formed on the photosensitive drum.

[0089] In some examples, the image forming apparatus includes a CTD sensor (not shown). The CTD sensor includes a left CTD sensor and a right CTD sensor. The left and right CTD sensors are disposed on both sides of the transfer belt along the width direction of the transfer belt. When the image to be formed is transferred onto the transfer belt, the left and right CTD sensors can detect the transferred image on the transfer belt. The left and right CTD sensors send the detection results to the control unit. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus also includes a temperature and humidity sensor. The temperature and humidity sensor can be disposed on the transfer belt or the LSU assembly to detect the ambient temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity sensor transmits the collected ambient temperature and humidity data to the control unit. The control unit can determine whether the timing for triggering color correction has been reached based on different conditions combined with the ambient temperature and humidity, or the control unit can determine which color correction mode to adopt based on the ambient temperature and humidity.

[0090] Color correction generally includes several types, such as ACR correction and density correction.

[0091] ACR (Auto Color Registration): Color image forming apparatuses use four colors—yellow, magenta, cyan, and black—to print color images on paper and perform ACR to precisely align and register the colors at the required positions on the paper. ACR works by correcting the relative positions of the four colors to ensure accurate alignment of the images. When ACR is performed, image quality is improved. For example, if a color image forming apparatus uses CMYK colors for image formation, color registration is required before printing to ensure that CMY and K colors are aligned. If they are not aligned, for example, if yellow and cyan are used to form a green image, the resulting image will be split into two colors, thus requiring ACR correction. ACR correction adjusts the emission delay by detecting the actual position of CMY relative to K to ensure the image color registration is within product specifications. ACR correction is divided into long ACR correction and short ACR correction, with comparable correction effects. Short ACR correction results in a shorter image length than long ACR correction, saving correction time.

[0092] Concentration correction is mainly divided into Dmax correction, LD light intensity correction, and Gamma correction.

[0093] Dmax correction: The voltage value corresponding to the target color density value is obtained by detecting the color density value of each color block corresponding to each voltage. The voltage value is mainly the developing voltage. The charging voltage will be adjusted according to the developing voltage. The adjusted voltage value is used to make the image color density within the target specification range.

[0094] LD (Laser Diode) intensity correction (i.e., LSU optical power correction) is used to adjust the optical power of the LSU (Laser Scanning Unit) so that the LSU uses appropriate optical power for exposure. The target color density's LD power value is obtained by detecting the color density value of the color patch corresponding to each LD power. Using the adjusted LD power ensures good reproduction of image dots and lines, resulting in a detailed image. Furthermore, LD intensity correction is performed to ensure that 1-dot dots and 1-pixel fine lines in the CMYK four-color system can be printed correctly.

[0095] Gamma correction: Adjusting the Gamma curve of the image forming device to ensure good color gradation reproduction. Gamma correction is divided into long Gamma correction and short Gamma correction, with comparable results; short Gamma correction saves correction time. During color correction, CTD sensor adjustment is also required. By adjusting the LED light power of the CTD sensor, the background voltage of the specular reflection channel is adjusted to a near-fixed value, ensuring consistency across multiple calibrations using multiple machines.

[0096] In addition, color correction is generally divided into color mode and black and white mode correction. In color mode, since a color image needs to be formed, ACR correction and density correction are required to correct the relative position of the formed image. In black and white mode, density correction is also required to adjust the image density.

[0097] During the printing process using an image forming apparatus, color correction needs to be performed in a timely manner to ensure image quality. Therefore, color correction needs to be triggered according to different triggering conditions. These triggering conditions generally include detecting the installation of a new transfer unit, detecting that one or more imaging components are newly installed, the cumulative number of printed pages reaching a preset threshold (e.g., the cumulative number of pages printed in color reaches 1000), and environmental temperature and humidity changes exceeding preset values ​​(e.g., temperature change greater than 20°C, humidity change greater than 20%). Understandably, other judgment conditions can also be used as triggering conditions for color correction, and this invention does not limit this.

[0098] For example, when a new transfer unit, one or more imaging components, or a newly installed toner cartridge is detected, it is determined that the trigger condition for color correction is met. At this time, the initial transfer voltage can be reset. Since if the same transfer voltage is used when the transfer unit or imaging component needs to be replaced due to the end of its lifespan or other reasons, white spots will appear in the printed image. Therefore, the transfer voltage needs to be reset when the trigger condition for color correction due to the replacement of the transfer unit or imaging component is met. This avoids the image forming device using an inappropriate transfer voltage for imaging, ensuring that the transfer voltage can be reset when the specific trigger condition for color correction is met to improve the quality of the printed image.

[0099] S404: Turn on transfer voltage;

[0100] When the trigger condition for color correction is met, it is necessary to perform the detection and setting of the transfer voltage. Therefore, the transfer voltage needs to be turned on first.

[0101] S405: Delayed scheduled time;

[0102] During the color correction process, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum changes abruptly, causing the surface potential of the transfer component adjacent to the photosensitive drum to also change abruptly. In order to ensure the accuracy of the transfer voltage detection value, the photosensitive drum assembly and the transfer component need to be balanced before the detection is performed. Therefore, the transfer voltage needs to be turned on and then delayed for a period of time before the transfer voltage detection is performed to ensure the accuracy of the detection.

[0103] In this embodiment, instead of immediately detecting the transfer voltage after it is turned on, a predetermined time is waited, for example, 620ms, before the transfer voltage is detected. This ensures that the transfer voltage is detected only after it has been turned on normally and is in a stable phase, guaranteeing that the detected value is normal and thus obtaining a normal transfer working voltage. Delaying the transfer voltage detection after the predetermined time results in a more accurate initial value, preventing subsequent unreasonable initial transfer voltage settings from causing abnormalities in the printed image.

[0104] S406: Perform the detection of the transfer voltage to obtain the initial value of the transfer voltage;

[0105] After the transfer voltage is turned on normally, the transfer voltage can be detected to obtain the current initial value of the transfer voltage THV1. Specifically, the transfer voltage can be detected by setting up a dedicated transfer voltage detection circuit, and the acquisition method can be through ADC (Analog-to-digital converter) detection or other methods. This invention does not limit this.

[0106] S407: The initial value of the transfer voltage is compensated based on the mapping relationship between the influence parameters of the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0107] Once the initial value of the transfer voltage is obtained, it needs to be compensated. The compensation method can be to compensate the initial value of the transfer voltage based on the mapping relationship between the influence parameters of the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0108] The parameters affecting the transfer voltage include at least one of the following: environmental parameters (e.g., temperature and humidity in the environment inside the image forming apparatus), the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component, the equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component, and the resistance of the intermediate transfer body.

[0109] When the environmental parameter is the temperature inside the image forming apparatus, the higher the temperature, the lower the transfer voltage needs to be set. When the environmental parameter is the humidity inside the image forming apparatus, the higher the humidity, the lower the transfer voltage needs to be set.

[0110] As shown in Table 1 below, Table 1 illustrates the relationship between the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus and the transfer voltage compensation value. For example, when the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus is 10°C, the required transfer voltage compensation value is 0V, and when the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus is 20°C, the required transfer voltage compensation value is -50V. Understandably, a more detailed table relating the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus to the transfer voltage compensation value can be set according to actual needs, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0111] Table 1 (Relationship between internal temperature of the image forming apparatus and transfer voltage compensation values)

[0112]

[0113] The equivalent number of printed pages for the imaging component is equal to the lifespan of the photosensitive drum and also equal to the equivalent number of printed pages for the photosensitive drum. During the use of the imaging component, factors such as wear and tear on the photosensitive drum can cause changes in the required transfer voltage. The equivalent number of printed pages for the black imaging component is equal to the equivalent number of printed pages for the black image carrier (K-color photosensitive drum), and the equivalent number of printed pages for the color imaging component is equal to the equivalent number of printed pages for the color image carrier (K-color photosensitive drum, C-color photosensitive drum, M-color photosensitive drum, Y-color photosensitive drum). The equivalent number of printed pages for the black image carrier is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the black image carrier and the printed page length, and the equivalent number of printed pages for the color image carrier is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the color image carrier and the printed page length. The lifespan of the photosensitive drum is related to the number of rotations it makes. The number of rotations is calculated by converting the equivalent rotation distance of the drum into the number of printed pages. Taking intermittent two-page printing as an example, the rotation distance from the start of drum rotation to its stop is X. The cumulative rotation distance is X / 2, which counts as one page. Therefore, the equivalent number of printed pages for the photosensitive drum, and thus the equivalent number of printed pages for the imaging assembly, can be calculated based on the relationship between the drum's rotation distance and the page length.

[0114] The equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component is related to its lifespan. When the transfer component is a single-stage transfer roller, its lifespan is close to 200,000 pages. When the single-stage transfer roller is a sponge roller, its resistance increases due to factors such as electrical fatigue during use, and the transfer voltage also increases. Since the lifespan of the transfer component is equal to the number of printed pages of the image forming apparatus, the lifespan of the transfer component can be calculated based on the number of printed pages of the image forming apparatus, and thus the equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component can be calculated.

[0115] Taking a single-pass transfer roller as an example, when the transfer component is a single-pass transfer roller, as shown in Table 2 below, Table 2 illustrates the relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages and the transfer voltage compensation value of a single-pass transfer roller. For example, when the calculated equivalent number of printed pages of a single-pass transfer roller is 10,000 pages, the corresponding transfer voltage compensation value is 75V; when the calculated equivalent number of printed pages of a single-pass transfer roller is 20,000 pages, the corresponding transfer voltage compensation value is 150V. Understandably, a more detailed table relating the equivalent number of printed pages of a single-pass transfer roller to the transfer voltage compensation value can be set according to actual needs, and this invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0116] Table 2 (Equivalent number of printed pages per transfer roller and transfer voltage compensation value)

[0117]

[0118] The resistance of the intermediate transfer body is the resistance of the intermediate transfer belt. The resistance of the intermediate transfer belt is measured manually or with professional instruments before the image forming apparatus leaves the factory. Alternatively, it can be measured by a resistance detection device installed inside the image forming apparatus. The current flowing through the intermediate transfer body is measured when a predetermined voltage is supplied to the intermediate transfer belt, or the voltage generated on the intermediate transfer belt when a predetermined current is supplied to the intermediate transfer belt is measured. The resistance of the intermediate transfer belt can be calculated based on the detected current or voltage value.

[0119] The aforementioned parameters affecting the transfer voltage have a certain mapping relationship with the transfer voltage. That is, the image forming apparatus typically stores a graph or table showing the relationship between the parameters affecting the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage in its storage unit (not shown), and compensates for the initial value of the transfer voltage based on the stored graph or table.

[0120] S408: Outputs the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0121] When the initial value of the transfer voltage is compensated, a compensated transfer voltage value is obtained and output. This compensated transfer voltage value is then used by the image forming apparatus for subsequent imaging (e.g., printing a job to be processed, forming a color-corrected image). By compensating the initial value of the transfer voltage, a transfer voltage that meets the requirements can be set, allowing the image forming apparatus to set the transfer voltage appropriately and optimize the quality of the printed image.

[0122] The present invention provides yet another method for controlling transfer voltage, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0123] S501: Acquire the imaging mode of the image forming apparatus;

[0124] As one embodiment of the present invention, when the calculation method for determining the transfer voltage based on the imaging mode of the image forming apparatus is selected to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage, it is necessary to obtain the current imaging mode of the image forming apparatus. After obtaining the number of printed pages, S502 is executed.

[0125] In existing technologies, such as the image forming apparatus of the A3 printer described above, there are typically imaging components corresponding to the four CMYK colors. Each of the four CMYK colors requires a different transfer voltage for control. During actual printing, since users almost always use K-color developer (K-color toner) when printing jobs, the lifespan of the K-color imaging component is consumed faster than the other three colors. During normal printing, the equivalent number of pages printed by the K-color imaging component is greater than that of the other three colors, leading to a mismatch between the transfer voltage required for K-color and that for CMY colors. Therefore, it is necessary to set appropriate transfer voltages according to the imaging mode of the image forming apparatus to avoid problems with the printed image quality due to improper transfer voltage settings.

[0126] In special image forming apparatuses, such as red-black printers or other image forming apparatuses that can use yellow, magenta, and cyan photosensitive components to form images independently, red-black printers typically only need to print red and black colors. At least one of the yellow, magenta, and cyan photosensitive components can be rotated independently for printing. Therefore, in such special image forming apparatuses, it is also necessary to set an appropriate transfer voltage according to the corresponding imaging components.

[0127] S502: Acquire the job to be processed and determine the imaging mode of the job to be processed;

[0128] When the image forming apparatus receives a job to be processed (e.g., a job to be printed), it first needs to determine the imaging mode of the job to be processed. The imaging mode includes using a color printing mode to print the job to be processed (i.e., performing color printing) or using a black and white printing mode to print the job to be processed (i.e., performing black and white printing). Based on the determination result, different transfer voltage calculation methods are selected to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage.

[0129] The imaging mode can be selected by the user through the print driver interface, the panel of the image forming apparatus, a webpage, or other user interaction interface. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus can automatically identify whether the current job is a color printing job or a black and white printing job based on the type of the current job to be processed and automatically select the corresponding imaging mode. This invention does not limit this.

[0130] When it is determined that the imaging mode of the job to be processed is black and white printing mode, S503 is executed; when it is determined that the imaging mode of the job to be processed is color printing mode, S504 is executed.

[0131] S503: Print the pending job using black and white printing mode;

[0132] If it is determined that the imaging mode of the job to be processed is black and white printing mode, then S505 continues to be executed.

[0133] S504: Print the pending job using color printing mode;

[0134] If it is determined that the imaging mode of the job to be processed is to use color printing mode to print the job, continue to execute S506.

[0135] S505: Read the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component;

[0136] When it is determined that the imaging mode of the job to be processed is black and white printing mode, the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component is read and S507 is executed. The equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component is equal to the lifespan of the black photosensitive drum and also equal to the equivalent number of printed pages of the black photosensitive drum. The equivalent number of printed pages of the black photosensitive drum is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the black photosensitive drum and the length of the printed page. The detailed calculation method has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0137] The black imaging component here refers to the K-color imaging component.

[0138] S506: Read the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component;

[0139] When it is determined that the imaging mode of the job to be processed is to use color printing mode to print the job, the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component is read and S508 is executed. The equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component is equal to the lifespan of the color photosensitive drum and also equal to the equivalent number of printed pages of the color photosensitive drum. The equivalent number of printed pages of the color photosensitive drum is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the color photosensitive drum and the length of the printed page. The detailed calculation method has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0140] When a color imaging assembly includes at least two imaging components, the equivalent number of printed pages for the color imaging assembly is calculated by averaging the equivalent number of printed pages for the at least two imaging components. For example, when a color imaging assembly includes a C imaging component, an M imaging component, a Y imaging component, and a K imaging component, the equivalent number of printed pages for the color imaging assembly is equal to the average of the equivalent number of printed pages for the C imaging component, the M imaging component, the Y imaging component, and the K imaging component. For example, if these are 900 pages, 1000 pages, 1100 pages, and 2000 pages respectively, then the equivalent number of printed pages for the color imaging assembly is 1250 pages. Similarly, the color imaging component may include at least one of the K-color imaging component, C-color imaging component, M-color imaging component, and Y-color imaging component. Therefore, the average value can be calculated based on the imaging components actually used by the image forming apparatus when printing in color printing mode. For example, if red and black printing is performed only using the M-color imaging component and the K-color imaging component, the average value can be calculated using the equivalent number of printed pages of the M-color imaging component and the equivalent number of printed pages of the K-color imaging component. In addition, the average value can be calculated using only at least one of the C-color imaging component, M-color imaging component, and Y-color imaging component plus the K-color imaging component. For example, the average value can be calculated using the C-color imaging component, M-color imaging component, and K-color imaging component or the M-color imaging component, Y-color imaging component, and K-color imaging component. If the K-color imaging component is not needed, one or more of the C-color imaging component, M-color imaging component, and Y-color imaging component can be used directly to calculate the average value. The present invention does not limit this.

[0141] The color imaging component here refers to at least one of the K-color imaging component and the C-color imaging component, the M-color imaging component, and the Y-color imaging component, or at least one of the C-color imaging component, the M-color imaging component, and the Y-color imaging component. Understandably, when the participation of the K-color imaging component is not required for printing, the color imaging component may also be one or more of the C-color imaging component, the M-color imaging component, and the Y-color imaging component. This invention does not limit this.

[0142] S507: Calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component and the transfer voltage.

[0143] After obtaining the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component, the transfer voltage needs to be compensated. The compensation method can be to compensate the transfer voltage based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0144] There is a certain mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component and the transfer voltage. That is, the relationship curve or reference table between the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component and the transfer voltage is generally stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, and the transfer voltage is compensated according to the stored relationship curve or reference table and S509 is continued.

[0145] S508: Calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component and the transfer voltage.

[0146] After obtaining the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component, the transfer voltage needs to be compensated. The compensation method can be to compensate the transfer voltage based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0147] There is a certain mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component and the transfer voltage. That is, the relationship curve or reference table between the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component and the transfer voltage is generally stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, and the transfer voltage is compensated according to the stored relationship curve or reference table and S509 is continued.

[0148] S509: The transfer voltage is compensated based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0149] Based on the transfer voltage compensation value calculated above for either color printing mode or black and white printing mode, the transfer voltage is compensated to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0150] As shown in Table 3 below, Table 3 illustrates the relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component and the transfer voltage compensation value. For example, when the calculated equivalent number of printed pages for the color imaging component is 10,000 pages, the corresponding transfer voltage compensation value is -100V; when the calculated equivalent number of printed pages for the black and white imaging component is 30,000 pages, the corresponding transfer voltage compensation value is -225V. Understandably, a more detailed table relating the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component to the transfer voltage compensation value can be set according to actual needs, and this invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0151] Table 3 (Relationship between equivalent printed pages of imaging components and transfer voltage compensation values)

[0152]

[0153] S510: Outputs the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0154] When the transfer voltage (which can be the initial transfer voltage mentioned above or a transfer voltage value calculated based on transfer voltage influence parameters, such as one or more of environmental parameters, the equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component, and the resistance of the intermediate transfer body) is compensated, a compensated transfer voltage value can be output. This compensated transfer voltage value is then used by the image forming apparatus for subsequent imaging (e.g., printing a pending job, forming a color-corrected image). By compensating the transfer voltage, a transfer voltage that meets the requirements can be set, allowing the image forming apparatus to set the transfer voltage appropriately and optimize the quality of the printed image.

[0155] Furthermore, the compensated transfer voltage value calculated in S510 can be used to calculate the compensation voltage value in S407. That is, after calculating the transfer voltage compensation value corresponding to the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component in S510, the final transfer voltage compensation value is calculated based on one or more of the following parameters affecting the transfer voltage: environmental parameters (e.g., temperature and humidity in the environment inside the image forming apparatus), the equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component, and the resistance value of the intermediate transfer body. This compensation value is then used to compensate the initial value of the transfer voltage. If the compensation values ​​for other transfer voltage parameters besides the transfer voltage compensation value corresponding to the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component have been determined, the compensation value for the transfer voltage corresponding to the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component can be calculated only, and the initial value of the transfer voltage can be compensated to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

[0156] The solution in this embodiment of the invention can set a reasonable transfer voltage according to whether the imaging mode of the job to be processed is color printing mode or black and white printing mode. In addition, selecting different transfer voltages according to the equivalent number of printed pages of different imaging components can select a more suitable transfer voltage for each imaging component, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

[0157] See Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes at least one imaging component, at least one image carrier, and a transfer component. The imaging component forms a developer image, the image carrier holds an electrostatic latent image, the electrostatic latent image is developed with a single-color developer to form a developer image, and the transfer component transfers the formed developer image. The image forming apparatus also includes:

[0158] The control unit is used to execute the transfer voltage control method in the above embodiments. Details of the transfer voltage control method executed by the control unit are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0159] The present invention provides another structural block diagram of an image forming apparatus, such as... Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 The image forming apparatus shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0160] like Figure 10 As shown, the image forming apparatus is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Components of the image forming apparatus may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 910, a memory 930, and a communication bus 940 connecting different system components (including the memory 930 and the processor 910).

[0161] The communication bus 940 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, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, the Enhanced ISA bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0162] Image forming apparatuses typically include a variety of computer-readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the image forming apparatus, including volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

[0163] The memory 930 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The image forming apparatus may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Although Figure 10Not shown, a disk drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk") and an optical disc drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disc (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital video disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM), or other optical media) may be provided. In these cases, each drive may be connected to the communication bus 940 via one or more data media interfaces. The memory 930 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 of the present invention.

[0164] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules can be stored in memory 930. 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 the present invention.

[0165] The image forming apparatus can also communicate with one or more external devices, one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the image forming apparatus, or any device (e.g., a network interface card, modem, etc.) that enables the image forming apparatus to communicate with one or more other computing devices. This communication can be performed via the communication interface 920. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can also communicate via a network adapter (…). Figure 10 (Not shown) communicates with one or more networks (e.g., Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet). The aforementioned network adapter can communicate with other modules of the image forming apparatus via the communication bus 940. It should be understood that, although... Figure 10 As not shown, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with the image forming apparatus, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, Redundant Arrays of Independent Drives (RAID) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0166] The processor 910 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in the memory 930, such as implementing the transfer voltage control method or image forming method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0167] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause the computer to execute the transfer voltage control method or image forming method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0168] 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, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media 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.

[0169] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of sending, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0170] Program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire, optical fiber, radio frequency (RF), or any suitable combination thereof.

[0171] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transfer voltage control method, executed in an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The method includes: To obtain at least one of the printed page number or imaging mode of the image forming apparatus; Different transfer voltage calculation methods are selected based on at least one of the number of printed pages or the imaging mode to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage; The transfer voltage is compensated based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain a compensated transfer voltage value, so that the image forming apparatus can perform imaging based on the compensated transfer voltage value.

2. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on at least one of the printed page number or the imaging mode to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage specifically includes: Determine whether the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value, and select different transfer voltage calculation methods based on the determination result to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage.

3. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the number of printed pages is less than or equal to a preset value, and selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on the determination result to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage, specifically includes: When it is determined that the number of printed pages is less than or equal to the preset value, it is determined whether the image forming device has reached the trigger condition for color correction; When it is determined that the trigger condition for color correction has been met, the transfer voltage is detected to obtain the initial value of the transfer voltage. The initial value of the transfer voltage is compensated based on the mapping relationship between the influence parameters of the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

4. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is determined that the number of printed pages is greater than the preset value, the initial value of the transfer voltage is compensated based on the mapping relationship between the influence parameter of the transfer voltage and the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

5. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: After a predetermined delay following the activation of the transfer voltage, the initial value of the transfer voltage is detected.

6. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of selecting different transfer voltage calculation methods based on at least one of the printed page number or the imaging mode to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage specifically includes: The process involves acquiring a job to be processed and determining the imaging mode for that job, wherein the imaging mode includes printing the job using a color printing mode or printing the job using a black and white printing mode. Based on the judgment results, different transfer voltage calculation methods are selected to calculate the compensation value of the transfer voltage.

7. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is determined that the imaging mode for the job to be processed is black and white printing mode, the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component is read, and the compensation value of the transfer voltage is calculated based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the black imaging component and the transfer voltage. The transfer voltage is then compensated based on the compensation value to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value; or When it is determined that the imaging mode for the job to be processed is to use color printing mode to print the job to be processed, the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component is read and the compensation value of the transfer voltage is calculated based on the mapping relationship between the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component and the transfer voltage. The transfer voltage is then compensated based on the compensation value of the transfer voltage to obtain the compensated transfer voltage value.

8. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The equivalent number of printed pages for the black imaging component is equal to the equivalent number of printed pages for the black image carrier, and the equivalent number of printed pages for the color imaging component is equal to the equivalent number of printed pages for the color image carrier. The equivalent number of printed pages for the black image carrier is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the black image carrier and the length of the printed pages, and the equivalent number of printed pages for the color image carrier is calculated based on the relationship between the rotation distance of the color image carrier and the length of the printed pages.

9. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the color imaging component includes at least two imaging components, the equivalent number of printed pages of the color imaging component is calculated by averaging the equivalent number of printed pages of the at least two imaging components.

10. The transfer voltage control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The black imaging component is a K-color imaging component, and the color imaging component is at least one of the K-color imaging component, C-color imaging component, M-color imaging component, and Y-color imaging component, or the color imaging component is at least one of the C-color imaging component, M-color imaging component, and Y-color imaging component.

11. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the parameters affecting the transfer voltage include at least one of environmental parameters, the equivalent number of printed pages of the imaging component, the equivalent number of printed pages of the transfer component, and the resistance value of the intermediate transfer body.

12. The transfer voltage control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer voltage is either a primary transfer voltage or a secondary transfer voltage.

13. An image forming apparatus, wherein at least one imaging component, at least one image carrier, and a transfer component are mounted on the image forming apparatus, the imaging component is used to form a developer image, the image carrier is used to carry an electrostatic latent image, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a single-color developer to form a developer image, and the transfer component is used to transfer the formed developer image, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus further includes: A control unit, the control unit being used to execute the transfer voltage control method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the transfer voltage control method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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