Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce deterioration of a cleaning member, compared with a case where rotation of a barrel is controlled so that the cleaning member is located at portions on both sides of a recess in a direction of rotation of the barrel in an image formation stop period.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has: a rotating barrel; rotary members that rotate together with the barrel; annular circulating members that are wound around the rotary members, and circulate following the rotation of the rotary members; holding members that are attached to the circulating members, circulate together with the circulating members, and hold a front end part of a recording medium; a recess that is provided in an outer periphery of the barrel, and accommodates the holding members; a cleaning member that is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the barrel to clean the outer peripheral surface; and a control unit that controls the rotation of the barrel so that the cleaning member is located at a position of the recess in the direction of rotation of the barrel in an image formation stop period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a transfer device which transfers an image on an image carrier, the transfer device comprising: a transfer material transport means which moves the transfer material endlessly along a circular movement path; a gripper piece attached to the transport means and supported on a rotating shaft so as to rotate relative to a base member, which grips the leading edge of the transfer material; and a switch member attached to the base member, the presence of the transfer material in the gripper being detected by cutting out a portion of the gripper piece at the position of the switch member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-005769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to suppress deterioration of the cleaning member compared to a configuration in which the rotation of the cylinder is controlled so that the cleaning member is positioned in the areas on both sides of the recess in the rotation direction of the cylinder during periods when image formation is stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a rotating barrel, a rotating member that rotates integrally with the barrel, a ring-shaped circulating member that is wrapped around the rotating member and rotates as the rotating member rotates, a holding member that is attached to the circulating member and rotates together with the circulating member and holds a front end of a recording medium, a recess that is provided on the outer periphery of the barrel and accommodates the holding member, a cleaning member that contacts the outer periphery of the barrel and cleans the outer periphery, and a control unit that controls the rotation of the barrel so that the cleaning member is positioned at the position of the recess in the rotation direction of the barrel during periods when image formation is stopped.

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the cylinder is a transfer cylinder.

[0007] An image forming apparatus of a third aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that rotates in a direction opposite to that of the transfer cylinder with a speed difference and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder to remove toner, a contact member that comes into contact with the brush is provided around the brush, and the control unit rotates the brush during the stopped period to remove the toner adhering to the brush.

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the cylinder is a fixing cylinder.

[0009] An image forming apparatus of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, wherein the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and has a fixed rotational position relative to the fixing drum while contacting the outer peripheral surface of the fixing drum to remove toner, and the control unit rotates the brush during the stopped period to change the part of the brush that contacts the fixing drum.

[0010] An image forming apparatus of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that rotates at a speed difference in the opposite direction to the cylinder and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to remove toner, a contact member that comes into contact with the brush is provided around the brush, and the control unit rotates the brush during the stopped period to remove the toner adhering to the brush.

[0011] An image forming apparatus of a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and has a fixed rotational position relative to the barrel while contacting the outer peripheral surface of the barrel to remove toner, and the control unit rotates the brush during the stopped period to change the part of the brush that contacts the barrel.

[0012] An image forming apparatus of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, 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 recesses include a first recess provided in the transfer cylinder and a second recess provided in the fixing cylinder, the circulating member is wrapped around the transfer cylinder and the fixing cylinder, and the control unit switches between a first control mode that controls the rotation of the transfer cylinder so that the first cleaning member is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder and a second control mode that controls the rotation of the fixing cylinder so that the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder during the stop period.

[0013] An image forming apparatus of a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, wherein the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during the stop period so that 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 longer 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.

[0014] An image forming apparatus of a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, wherein the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode so that, during the stop period, the time during which the first cleaning member is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than the time during which the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0015] An image forming apparatus of an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, wherein, when the stop period begins, the control unit executes the first control mode before the second control mode.

[0016] An image forming apparatus of a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus of any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the stop period of image formation includes an idle period of the apparatus, and during the idle period, the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode. Effect of the Invention

[0017] In the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, deterioration of the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation of the cylinder is controlled so that the cleaning member is positioned in the areas on both sides of the recess in the rotation direction of the cylinder during periods when image formation is stopped.

[0018] In the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, soiling of the rear surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the cleaning member continues to be in contact with the transfer cylinder during the stopped period.

[0019] In the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, compared to a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during the stop period, it is possible to prevent the cleaning member from soiling the rear surface of the recording medium.

[0020] In the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, staining of the rear surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the cleaning member continues to be in contact with the fixing cylinder during the stopped period.

[0021] In the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the part of the brush that contacts the fixing cylinder is not changed during a stopped period, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being soiled by the cleaning member.

[0022] In the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during the stop period, it is possible to prevent the cleaning member from soiling the rear surface of the recording medium.

[0023] In the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, compared to a configuration in which the part of the brush that contacts the body is not changed during a stopped period, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being soiled by the cleaning member.

[0024] In the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, compared to a configuration having only either the first control mode or the second control mode, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being soiled by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member, and to reduce the number of replacement operations associated with deterioration of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member.

[0025] In the image forming apparatus of the ninth embodiment, deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration 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.

[0026] In the image forming apparatus of the tenth embodiment, deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the time during which 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 time during which the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder.

[0027] In the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, when the image forming apparatus enters a stopped period, deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the second control mode is executed before the first control mode.

[0028] In the image forming apparatus of the 12th aspect, compared to a configuration in which the first control mode and the second control mode are switched between when a print job is completed while the apparatus is running, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being soiled by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member, and to reduce the number of replacement operations required due to deterioration of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the chain gripper according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an opposing roll and a secondary transfer roll according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the fixing device according to the embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by an arrow 5X in FIG. 1, and is a diagram showing a schematic positional relationship between a recess of a transfer cylinder during printing and a cleaning brush of a first cleaning device. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 5, and is a diagram showing a schematic positional relationship between a recess of the transfer cylinder and a cleaning brush of the first cleaning device during a stop period. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 5 and is a view for explaining the self-cleaning operation of the first cleaning device during an idle period. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by an arrow 8X in FIG. 1, and is a diagram showing a schematic positional relationship between a recess of the fixing cylinder and a cleaning member of a second cleaning device during printing. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 8, and is a diagram showing a schematic positional relationship between a recess of the fixing cylinder and a cleaning member of the second cleaning device during a stopped period. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating the operation of changing the cleaning surface of the cleaning member of the second cleaning device during an idle period. [Figure 11] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart showing the rotational operation of the fixing cylinder and the transfer cylinder during a rest period. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart showing the rotational operation of the fixing cylinder and the transfer cylinder during a rest period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] An example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0031] A fixing device and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In each figure, arrow H indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the device, arrow W indicates the width direction (horizontal direction) of the device, and arrow D indicates the depth direction (horizontal direction) of the device.

[0032] In addition, components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same or similar components. Note that duplicated explanations and reference numerals in the embodiments described below may be omitted. In addition, all drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships of each element, the ratios of each element, etc. shown in the drawings do not necessarily match the actual ones. In addition, the dimensional relationships of each element, the ratios of each element, etc. between multiple drawings do not necessarily match.

[0033] [Image forming apparatus 10] The configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view showing an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 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. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage section 50, a paper feed mechanism 48, an image forming section 12, a transfer section 30, a fixing section 100, and a paper discharge mechanism 56. The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a control device 110 that outputs control information based on the image information input to the apparatus and the detection results of sensors, and controls the operation of each section. The control device 110 is an example of a control section.

[0035] The storage section 50 has a function of storing the sheet material P. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with the storage section 50. The sheet material P is sent out from the storage section 50. As the sheet material P, for example, a sheet of paper (so-called cut paper) having a predetermined size (i.e., dimensions) is used. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be provided with a plurality of storage sections 50. In this case, the sheet material P is selectively sent out from the plurality of storage sections 50.

[0036] The sheet feeding mechanism 48 has a function of transporting the sheet material P stored in the storage unit 50 to a chain gripper 66 described later. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the sheet feeding mechanism 48 includes a delivery roll 62 and a plurality of transport rolls 64 that transport the sheet material P along the sheet feeding path 40 along which the sheet material P is transported.

[0037] 1, the delivery roll 62 is a roll that delivers the sheet material P stored in the storage unit 50 to the paper feed path 40. The multiple transport rolls 64 are rolls that transport the sheet material P delivered to the paper feed path 40 by the delivery roll 62 to a chain gripper 66.

[0038] The chain gripper 66 has a function of conveying the sheet material P conveyed from the paper feed mechanism 48 to the paper discharge path 42 via the transfer unit 30 and the fixing unit 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the chain gripper 66 holds the front end of the sheet material P (i.e., the downstream end in the conveying direction of the sheet material P) and conveys the sheet material P to the paper discharge path 42 via the transfer unit 30 and the fixing unit 100. The sheet material P conveyed to the paper discharge path 42 is conveyed to a discharge unit (not shown) outside the device body by a plurality of conveying rolls 54 provided in the paper discharge mechanism 56. The chain gripper 66 is an example of a conveying unit. As shown in FIG. 1, the chain gripper 66 includes a pair of chains 72, sprockets 71, 73, and 96, and a gripping unit 68 (see FIG. 2) having a gripper 76 that grips the leading end of the sheet material P. The chain 72 of this embodiment is an example of a rotating member in the present disclosure. Moreover, the gripper 76 of the present embodiment is an example of a holding member in the present disclosure.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of chains 72 are disposed at an interval in the device depth direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the pair of chains 72 are each formed in an endless shape. The pair of chains 72 are wound around a pair of sprockets 71, 73, 96 disposed at an interval in the device depth direction. FIG. 3 shows the pair of sprockets 73 disposed at an interval in the device depth direction, and FIG. 4 shows the pair of sprockets 71 disposed at an interval in the device depth direction. When any one of the pair of sprockets 71, 73, 96 rotates, the chain 72 rotates in the direction of the arrow C (see FIG. 1). In some drawings, the teeth provided on the outer circumference of the sprockets 71, 73, 96 are omitted.

[0040] 2, a gripping unit 68 having a gripper 76 attached thereto is hung between the pair of chains 72 in 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 of the chains 72 (circumferential direction C).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of grippers 76 are attached to the gripping unit 68 at predetermined intervals along the device depth direction. The grippers 76 have a function of holding (grabbing) the front end of the sheet material P. The grippers 76 are an example of a holding member. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the grippers 76 have a claw 76A and a claw base 76B. The grippers 76 are configured to hold the sheet material P by pinching the front end of the sheet material P between the claws 76A and the claw base 76B. For example, the claws 76A of the grippers 76 are pressed against the claw base 76B by a spring or the like, and the claws 76A are opened and closed relative to the claw base 76B by the action of a cam or the like. In this way, in this embodiment, the grippers 76 arranged downstream of the sheet material P in the conveying direction hold the front end of the sheet material P from the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet material P.

[0042] 2, the chain gripper 66 conveys the sheet material P with one side facing upward as the chain 72 rotates in the direction of the arrow C with the gripper 76 holding the front end of the sheet material P. At this time, the chain gripper 66 conveys the sheet material P without holding the rear end portion of the sheet material P. In other words, the rear end portion of the sheet material P is not restrained and is conveyed in a free state. In this way, the sheet material P passes through the transfer unit 30 and the fixing unit 100 with one side facing upward.

[0043] [Image forming unit 12] The image forming section 12 has a function of forming an image to be transferred onto the sheet member P by an electrophotographic method. The image forming section 12 includes a plurality of image forming units 20 that form a toner image.

[0044] 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 in the circulation path of a chain 72 described later. Specifically, the image forming section 12 has a function of forming an image on the surface (outer 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. The image forming section 12 has, as an example, 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).

[0045] The image forming unit 20 has a photoconductor drum 21. The photoconductor drum 21 is an example of an image carrier, and rotates while holding on its outer circumferential surface a toner image to be transferred to the sheet member P. The image forming unit 20 has a function of forming a toner image on the photoconductor drum 21 of each color, and transferring the toner image to the transfer belt 31 at a primary transfer position NT1 formed between the photoconductor drum 21 and a primary transfer roll 33.

[0046] The image forming unit 20 also has a charging device that charges the photoconductor drum 21, an exposure device that forms a latent image on the charged photoconductor drum 21, and a developing device that develops the latent image with toner.

[0047] [Transfer unit 30] 1, the transfer unit 30 has a function of transferring an image (toner image) formed on the surface of the transfer belt 31 to a sheet member P. Specifically, the transfer unit 30 includes the transfer belt 31 as an example of a transfer body, a primary transfer roll 33, a plurality of rolls 32, a secondary transfer roll 34, an opposing roll 36 as an example of a cylinder, and a cleaner 15.

[0048] 1, the transfer belt 22 is endless and is wound around and stretched around a plurality of rolls 32 and a secondary transfer roll 34 so as to assume an inverted triangular shape when viewed from the front (when viewed from the front side in the depth direction of the device). The transfer belt 31 rotates in the direction of arrow B as at least one of the plurality of rolls 32 is rotated c. The image forming units 20 for each color and a cleaner 15 are disposed on the outer periphery of the transfer belt 31.

[0049] A plurality of primary transfer rolls 33 are arranged on the inner side of the transfer belt 31. Each primary transfer roll 33 corresponds to a respective color of the image. That is, in this embodiment, four primary transfer rolls 33 are arranged corresponding to each color. Each primary transfer roll 33 is arranged on the opposite side of the photoconductor drum 21 of each color with the transfer belt 31 sandwiched therebetween.

[0050] The secondary transfer roll 34 is disposed on the inner side of the transfer belt 31 .

[0051] (opposing roll 36) The opposing roll 36 is disposed on the opposite side of the secondary transfer roll 34 across the transfer belt 31. The opposing roll 36 extends in the depth direction of the apparatus, as shown in FIG.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the opposing roll 36 has a shaft portion 36A extending in the device depth direction, and a roll portion 36B as a cylindrical portion provided at the axial middle portion of the shaft portion 36A. The above-mentioned sprockets 73 are attached to both axial ends of the shaft portion 36A. In other words, the roll portion 36B of the opposing roll 36 is disposed between the pair of sprockets 73. The sprocket 73 rotates integrally with the opposing roll 36. The sprocket 73 of this embodiment is an example of a rotating member in the present disclosure.

[0053] In this embodiment, a drive source (not shown) is connected to the shaft portion 36A of the opposing roll 36. The opposing roll 36 is rotated by the driving force from the drive source. The rotation of the opposing roll 36 causes the chain 72 of the chain gripper 66 to rotate via a sprocket 73 that rotates integrally with the opposing roll 36. The rotation of the opposing roll 36 is synchronized with the rotation of the pressure roll 140, which will be described later.

[0054] A recess 37 capable of accommodating the gripper 76 therein is formed in the roll portion 36B of the opposing roll 36. The recess 37 has a groove shape extending in the axial direction (the same direction as the device depth direction) from one end to the other end of the roll portion 36B. The recess 37 of this embodiment is an example of the recess and the first recess in the present disclosure.

[0055] The opposing roll 36 forms a nip area between itself and the secondary transfer roll 34, which pushes out the transfer belt 31 and presses it against the opposing roll 36. In other words, the nip area is formed between the opposing roll 36 and the transfer belt 31. The opposing roll 36, which rotates by the driving force from the driving source, rotates the transfer belt 31 in the nip area. The opposing roll 36 transfers the toner image formed on the transfer belt 31 to the sheet member P while rotating the transfer belt 31 in the nip area, with the sheet member P conveyed by the chain 72 and the gripper 76 sandwiched between the outer periphery and the transfer belt 31. The nip area formed between the opposing roll 36 and the transfer belt 22 is a secondary transfer position NT2, which is an example of an image forming position. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10 of this 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 roll 36 at the secondary transfer position NT2.

[0056] The opposing roll 36 in this embodiment is an example of a transfer cylinder.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, a first cleaning device 80 is disposed on the outer periphery of the opposing roll 36. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the first cleaning device 80 is disposed on the outer periphery of the opposing roll 36 so as to be located inside the sprocket 73 in a front view and in an area where the chain 72 of the sprocket 73 does not wind around. As shown in FIG. 5, the first cleaning device 80 has a function of cleaning the surface (outer periphery) of the opposing roll 36. Specifically, the first cleaning device 80 includes a cleaning member that comes into contact with the outer periphery of the opposing roll 36 to clean the outer periphery, and a brush 82 as an example of a first cleaning member. The brush 82 is roll-shaped and rotates in a direction opposite to the opposing roll 36 with a speed difference, and comes into contact with the outer periphery of the opposing roll 36 to remove deposits (for example, toner, paper powder, and other foreign matter) that have adhered to the outer periphery. More specifically, at the contact portion between the brush 82 and the opposing roll 36, the brush 82 and the opposing roll 36 rotate in the forward direction, and since there is a speed difference between the rotation speed of the brush 82 and the rotation speed of the opposing roll 36, the brush 82 can easily remove deposits from the outer peripheral surface of the opposing roll 36. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the opposing roll 36 corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the roll portion 36B. In addition, it is preferable that the length of the brush 82 in the axial direction (depth direction) is longer than the area to be cleaned of the roll portion 36B. In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the brush 82 is set to be slower than the rotation speed of the opposing roll 36, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. In addition, the start, stop, and rotation speed of the drive source (not shown) that rotates the brush 82 are controlled by the control device 110.

[0058] The first cleaning device 80 also includes a housing 84 and a contact member 86. The housing 84 accommodates the brush 82 and the contact member 86 therein. The housing 84 is also configured to accommodate the toner removed from the opposing roll 36 by the brush 82. The contact member 86 is provided around the brush 82, and its base end is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 84 so that its tip end comes into contact with the brush 82. The length of the contact member 86 in the depth direction is preferably approximately the same as the length of the brush 82 so that the toner adhering to the brush 82 can be removed. When the brush 82 rotates and hits the contact member 86, the toner adhering to the brush 82 is removed (drops) from the brush 82.

[0059] [Fixing unit 100] The fixing unit 100 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer position NT2 in the transport direction of the sheet member P. The fixing unit 100 has a function of fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet member P by the transfer unit 30 onto the sheet member P.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing section 100 includes a heating roll 130 as a heating section that contacts the transported sheet member P to heat the sheet member P, and a pressure roll 140 as a pressure section that sandwiches the sheet member P between the heating roll 130 and pressurizes the sheet member P toward the heating roll 130.

[0061] (Pressure roll 140) The pressure roll 140 has a function of pressing the sheet member P by sandwiching the sheet member P between the pressure roll 140 and the heating roll 130. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure roll 140 has a shaft portion 140A extending in the device depth direction, a roll portion 140B as a cylindrical portion provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 140A, and a recessed portion 142 provided on the outer surface of the roll portion 140B. The sprockets 71 described above are attached to both ends of the shaft portion 140A. The sprockets 71 rotate integrally with the pressure roll 140. The recessed portion 142 of this embodiment is an example of the recessed portion and the second recessed portion in this disclosure. The sprockets 71 of this embodiment are an example of the rotating member in this disclosure.

[0062] In this embodiment, a driving source (not shown) is connected to the shaft portion 140A of the pressure roll 140. The pressure roll 140 rotates due to the driving force from the driving source. The rotation of the pressure roll 140 causes the chain 72 of the chain gripper 66 to rotate via the sprocket 71 which rotates integrally with the pressure roll 140. The rotation of the pressure roll 140 is synchronized with the rotation of the counter roll 36.

[0063] 4, the recess 142 is a recess capable of accommodating the gripper 76 and the gripping unit 68 therein, and is a groove extending in the device depth direction from one end to the other end of the roll portion 140B. The recess 142 opens to the outside in the radial direction of the pressure roll 140.

[0064] The pressure roll 140 of the present embodiment is an example of a fixing cylinder.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, a second cleaning device 90 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure roll 140. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the second cleaning device 90 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure roll 140 so as to be located inside the sprocket 71 in a front view and in an area where the chain 72 of the sprocket 71 is not wound around. As shown in FIG. 8, the second cleaning device 90 has a function of cleaning the surface (outer periphery) of the pressure roll 140. Specifically, the second cleaning device 90 includes a cleaning member that contacts the outer periphery of the pressure roll 140 to clean the outer periphery, and a brush 92 as an example of a second cleaning member. The brush 92 is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and contacts the outer periphery of the pressure roll 140 with a rotational position fixed relative to the pressure roll 140 to remove foreign matter (toner, etc.) attached to the outer periphery. The outer periphery of the pressure roll 140 in this embodiment corresponds to the outer periphery of the roll portion 140B. Moreover, it is preferable that the length of the brush 92 in the axial direction (depth direction) is longer than the area to be cleaned of the roll part 140B. Even if the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the outer peripheral surface becomes worn due to cleaning of the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roll 140, the cleaning ability of the brush 92 can be restored by rotating the brush 92 by a predetermined angle to change the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the pressure roll 140. The start and stop of the drive source (not shown) that rotates the brush 92 is controlled by the control device 110.

[0066] (Heating roll 130) The heating roll 130 has a function of heating the sheet member P. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the heating roll 130 has a shaft portion (not shown) and a roll portion 130B formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion.

[0067] The heating roll 130 forms a nip region in which the sheet member P is sandwiched between the pressure roll 140 and the roll portion 130B by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the roll portion 140B of the pressure roll 140 with the pressure roll 140.

[0068] The fixing section 100 further includes a heat source roll 150. The heat source roll 150 has a function of heating the heating roll 130. Specifically, the heat source roll 150 comes into contact with the heating roll 130 to heat the heating roll 130.

[0069] In this embodiment, the pressure roll 140 rotates, and the heating roll 130 and the heat source roll 150 are driven by the pressure roll 140, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the heating roll 130 may be driven, and the pressure roll 140 and the heat source roll 150 may be driven by the heating roll 130. In this case, the chain 72 of the chain gripper 66 rotates due to the rotational force of the pressure roll 140 driven by the heating roll 130.

[0070] In the fixing section 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the sheet member P is sandwiched between the heating roll 130 and the pressure roll 140, and the sheet member P is heated and pressurized, so that the toner image formed on the sheet member P is fixed to the sheet member P.

[0071] (Control device 110) As described above, the control device 110 has a function of controlling the image information input to the image forming apparatus 10 and the operations of each part (the storage unit 50, the paper feed 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 apparatus 10. The control device 110 of the present embodiment is an example of a control unit in the present disclosure.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the control device 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, and a storage 114.

[0073] The CPU 111 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 111 reads a program from the ROM 112 or the storage 114, and executes the program using the RAM 113 as a working area. The CPU 111 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 112 or the storage 114.

[0074] The ROM 112 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 113 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 114 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0075] The control device 110 has a first control mode in which the rotation of the counter roll 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at the position of the recess 37 in the rotation direction of the counter roll 36 as shown in FIG. 6 during the stop period of image formation, and a second control mode in which the rotation of the pressure roll 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at the position of the recess 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140 as shown in FIG. 9, and is configured to be able to switch between these modes. Specifically, in the first control mode, the control device 110 controls the rotation of the chain 72 so that the rotation of the counter roll 36 is stopped at a position (rotation position) where the recess 37 of the counter roll 36 faces the brush 82. On the other hand, in the second control mode, the control device 110 controls the rotation of the chain 72 so that the rotation of the pressure roll 140 is stopped at a position (rotation position) where the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 faces the brush 92.

[0076] The rotational position of the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 facing the brush 82 may be obtained, for example, from the number of rotations of the opposing roll 36, or the position of the recess 37 may be obtained by a sensor or the like. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotational position of the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 facing the brush 82 is stored in the ROM 112 or the RAM 113 in advance, and when the first control mode is selected, the control device 110 reads out the rotational position of the opposing roll 36 and controls the rotation of the opposing roll 36 so that the recess 37 and the brush 82 face each other. In this embodiment, since the pressure roll 140 is connected to a drive source, the control device 110 controls the rotation of the opposing roll 36 to make the recess 37 and the brush 82 face each other. In addition, in this embodiment, when the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 is in a position facing the brush 82, the brush 82 is in a non-contact state with the opposing roll 36 (see FIG. 6).

[0077] The rotational position of the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 facing the brush 92 may be obtained, for example, from the number of rotations of the pressure roll 140, or the position of the recess 142 may be obtained by a sensor or the like. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotational position of the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 facing the brush 92 is stored in the ROM 112 or the RAM 113 in advance, and when the second control mode is selected, the control device 110 reads out the rotational position of the pressure roll 140 and controls the rotation of the pressure roll 140 so that the recess 142 and the brush 92 face each other. In this embodiment, since the pressure roll 140 is connected to a drive source, the control device 110 controls the rotation of the pressure roll 140 to make the recess 142 and the brush 92 face each other. In addition, in this embodiment, when the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 is in a position facing the brush 92, the brush 92 is in a non-contact state with the pressure roll 140 (see FIG. 9).

[0078] The period during which image formation is stopped in the image forming apparatus 10 is the period during which image formation is stopped, i.e., the period during which the chain 72 is not rotating, and includes waiting periods between print jobs and pause periods during which part of the power supply to the apparatus is turned off (for example, pause periods at night).

[0079] 7, when the recessed portion 37 of the opposing roll 36 is in a rotational position facing the brush 82 during a period when image formation is stopped, the control device 110 may rotate the brush 82 to remove the toner adhering to the brush 82. That is, the toner adhering to the brush 82 may be removed by rotating the brush 82 and bringing the tip of the contact member 86 into contact with the brush 82.

[0080] 10, when the recessed portion 142 of the pressure roll 140 is in a rotational position facing the brush 92 during a period when image formation is stopped, the control device 110 may rotate the brush 92 to change the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the pressure roll 140. That is, the brush 92 may be rotated by a predetermined angle to bring an unused portion of the brush 92 into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roll 140.

[0081] Furthermore, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the total time during which the brush 82 is located at the position of the recess 37 in the rotation direction of the counter roll 36 during a stop period of image formation is longer than the total time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recess 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140. For example, the control device 110 may perform control to switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the total time during which the recess 37 of the counter roll 36 remains in a rotation position facing the brush 82 is longer than the total time during which the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 remains in a rotation position facing the brush 92 during a pause period of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0082] Furthermore, 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 recess 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roll 36 during a stop period of image formation is longer than the time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recess 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140. For example, the control device 110 may perform control to switch between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the time (time per cycle) during which the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 remains in a rotation position facing the brush 82 is longer than the time (time per cycle) during which the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 remains in a rotation position facing the brush 92 during a stop period of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0083] Furthermore, 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 execute the second control mode.

[0084] Furthermore, the control device 110 may switch between the first control mode and the second control mode during a pause in image formation.

[0085] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment during a period when image formation is stopped will be described.

[0086] For example, when the recess 37 of the counter roll 36 is in a position facing the brush 82, and the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 is in a position facing the brush 92, the control device 110 determines the operation of the chain 72 during the stop period of image formation according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, when printing is completed in the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 rotates the pressure roll 140 and the counter roll 36 (step S300). Next, the control device 110 checks the positions of the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 and the recess 37 of the counter roll 36 (step S302). Then, it is determined whether the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 faces the brush 92 and whether the recess 37 of the counter roll 36 faces the brush 38 (step S304). If the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 faces the brush 92 and the recess 37 of the counter roll 36 faces the brush 38, the process proceeds to step S306, and if they do not face each other, the process proceeds to step S300. In step S306, the rotation of the pressure roll 140 and the opposing roll 36 is terminated. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped. In the example of Fig. 12, since the recess 142 is in a position facing the brush 92 when the recess 37 is in a position facing the brush 82, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotation of either the pressure roll 140 or the opposing roll 36 is controlled.

[0087] For example, when the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 is in a position facing the brush 82, and the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 is not in a position facing the brush 92, the control device 110 determines the operation of the opposing roll 36 and the pressure roll 140 during the stop period of image formation according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, when printing is completed in the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 rotates the pressure roll 140 and the opposing roll 36 (step S310). Next, the position of the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 is confirmed (step S312). Then, it is determined whether the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 faces the brush 38 (step S314). If the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 faces the brush 82, the process proceeds to step S316, and if not, the process proceeds to step S310. In step S316, the rotation of the pressure roll 140 and the opposing roll 36 is terminated. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped (step S318). Next, it is determined whether the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S320). If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S316, and if the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S322. In step S322, the control device 110 rotates the pressure roll 140 and the counter roll 36. Next, the position of the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 is confirmed (step S324). Then, it is determined whether the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 faces the brush 92 (step S326). If the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 faces the brush 92, the process proceeds to step S328, and if not, the process proceeds to step S322. In step S328, the rotation of the pressure roll 140 and the counter roll 36 is terminated. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped (step S330). Next, it is determined whether the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S332). If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S328, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S310. In this manner, during an image formation stop period, the control device 110 suppresses deterioration over time (sagging) of the brushes 82 and 92 by switching between the first control mode (steps S310 to S316) and the second control mode (steps S322 to S328) after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0088] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10, the rotation of the opposing roll 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 roll 36 during a period when image formation is stopped. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, deterioration (sagging) of the brush 82 can be suppressed, for example, compared to a configuration in which the rotation of the opposing roll 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at portions on both sides of the recessed portion 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roll 36. Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, contamination of the rear surface of the sheet member P by the brush 82 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the brush 82 continues to be in contact with the opposing roll 36 during a period when image formation is stopped.

[0089] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 rotates the brush 82 during a period when image formation is stopped to remove toner adhering to the brush 82. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to a configuration in which the brush 82 continues to be stopped during a period when image formation is stopped, the toner adhering to the brush 82 can be removed more effectively, and the back surface of the sheet member P can be prevented from being soiled by the brush 82.

[0090] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the rotation of the pressure roll 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 roll 140 during a period when image formation is stopped. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, deterioration (sagging) of the brush 92 can be suppressed, for example, compared to a configuration in which the rotation of the pressure roll 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at portions on both sides of the recessed portion 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, contamination of the rear surface of the sheet member P by the brush 92 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the brush 92 continues to be in contact with the pressure roll 140 during a period when image formation is stopped.

[0091] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 rotates the brush 92 during a period when image formation is stopped to change the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the pressure roll 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the sheet member P from being soiled by the brush 92, compared to a configuration in which the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the pressure roll 140 is not changed during a period when image formation is stopped.

[0092] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between a first control mode in which the rotation of the opposing roll 36 is controlled so that the brush 82 is located at the position of the recess 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roll 36, and a second control mode in which the rotation of the pressure roll 140 is controlled so that the brush 92 is located at the position of the recess 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140, during a period when image formation is stopped. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, deterioration of each of the brushes 82 and 92 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the control device 110 has only one of the first control mode and the second control mode. This makes it possible to prevent the rear surface of the sheet member P from being soiled and to reduce the number of replacement operations associated with deterioration of each of the brushes 82 and 92.

[0093] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode so that the total time during which the brush 82 is located at the position of the recess 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roll 36 during the stop period of image formation is longer than the total time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recess 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, deterioration of the brush 82 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the total time during which the brush 82 is located at the position of the recess 37 in the rotation direction of the opposing roll 36 is shorter than the total time during which the brush 92 is located at the position of the recess 142 in the rotation direction of the pressure roll 140. In addition, since the outer circumferential surface of the opposing roll 36 is an environment in which toner is more likely to adhere than the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roll 140, it is preferable to suppress deterioration of the brush 82 from the viewpoint of suppressing contamination of the back surface of the sheet member P.

[0094] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during a period when image formation is stopped 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 roll 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 roll 140. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, deterioration of the brush 82 can be suppressed compared to 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 roll 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 roll 140.

[0095] In image forming apparatus 10, control device 110 executes the first control mode before the second control mode when the image formation is stopped. Therefore, in image forming apparatus 10, deterioration of brush 82 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the second control mode is executed before the first control mode when the image formation is stopped.

[0096] In the image forming apparatus 10, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during a pause in image formation. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first control mode and the second control mode are switched at the end of a print job while the image forming apparatus 10 is running, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the sheet member P from being soiled by the brushes 82 and 92, and to reduce the number of replacement operations associated with deterioration of the brushes 82 and 92.

[0097] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the control device 110 switches between the first control mode and the second control mode over time, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The control device 110 may execute only either the first control mode or the second control mode during a period when image formation is stopped.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the counter roll 36 and the pressure roll 140 are configured to rotate synchronously, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which a drive source is connected to either the counter roll 36 or the pressure roll 140 may be used. In this case, the roll to which the drive source is not connected rotates by following the revolution of the chain 72. That is, by controlling the rotation of the roll to which the drive source is connected, the rotation of the roll to which the drive source is not connected can be controlled so that the brush is located at a position facing the recess of the roll to which the drive source is not connected via the chain 72.

[0099] 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 disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using ink may be used as the image forming unit.

[0100] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first cleaning device 80 is disposed on the outer periphery of the opposing roll 36, and as shown in FIG. 8, the second cleaning device 90 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure roll 140, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The second cleaning device 90 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the opposing roll 36, and the first cleaning device 80 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure roll 140. In this case, when the recess 37 of the opposing roll 36 is in a rotational position facing the brush 92 during a period when image formation is stopped, the control device 110 may rotate the brush 92 to change the portion of the brush 92 that contacts the opposing roll 36, or when the recess 142 of the pressure roll 140 is in a rotational position facing the brush 82 during a period when image formation is stopped, the control device 110 may rotate the brush 82 to remove the toner attached to the brush 82.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0102] <Additional Notes> (((1))) A rotating torso and A rotating member that rotates integrally with the body; an annular circumferential member that is wound around the rotating member and rotates with the rotation of the rotating member; a holding member attached to the rotating member, rotating together with the rotating member, and holding a front end of the recording medium when the front end of the recording medium reaches a holding position; a recess provided on an outer periphery of the body and configured to accommodate the holding member; a cleaning member that comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and cleans the outer peripheral surface; a control unit that controls the rotation of the cylinder so that the cleaning member is located at the position of the recess in the rotation direction of the cylinder during a period when image formation is stopped; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((2))) The image forming apparatus described in (((1))), wherein the cylinder is a transfer cylinder. (((3))) the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that rotates in the same direction as the transfer cylinder but at a different speed and that comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder to remove 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 adhering to the brush. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((4))) The image forming apparatus described in (((1))), wherein the cylinder is a fixing cylinder. (((5))) the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and that removes toner by contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing cylinder in a state where a rotational position of the cleaning member is fixed with respect to the fixing cylinder, The control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that comes into contact with the fixing drum. (((6))) the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that rotates in a direction opposite to that of the cylinder with a speed difference and comes into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder to remove 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 adhering to the brush. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((7))) the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and that removes toner by contacting an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder while its rotational position is fixed relative to the cylinder, The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein the control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that comes into contact with the body. (((8))) The cylinder includes a transfer cylinder and a fuser cylinder, the cleaning member includes a first cleaning member for the transfer cylinder and a second cleaning member for the fixing cylinder, the recessed portion includes a first recessed portion provided in the transfer cylinder and a second recessed portion provided in the fixing cylinder, The rotating member is wound around the transfer cylinder and the fixing cylinder, the control unit switches between a first control mode in which the rotation of the transfer cylinder is controlled so that the first cleaning member is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder, and a second control mode in which the rotation of the fixing cylinder is controlled so that the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder, during the stop period. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((9))) The image forming apparatus described in (((8))), wherein the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode so that, during the stop period, a total time during which the first cleaning member is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than a total time during which the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder. (((10))) The image forming apparatus described in (((8))), wherein the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode so that, during the stop period, the time during which the first cleaning member is located at the position of the first recess in the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder is longer than the time during which the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder. (((11))) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((10))), wherein the control unit, upon entering the stop period, executes the first control mode prior to the second control mode. (((12))) The period during which image formation is stopped includes a period during which the apparatus is idle. The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((11))), wherein during the pause period, the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0103] In the image forming apparatus (((1))), during periods when image formation is stopped, deterioration of the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation of the cylinder is controlled so that the cleaning member is positioned in the area on either side of the recess in the rotation direction of the cylinder. In the image forming apparatus (((2))), soiling of the rear surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the cleaning member continues to be in contact with the transfer cylinder during the stopped period. In the image forming apparatus of (((3))), soiling of the rear surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be prevented, compared to a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during a stopped period. In the image forming apparatus (((4))), soiling of the rear surface of the recording medium caused by the cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the cleaning member continues to be in contact with the fixing cylinder during a stopped period. In the image forming apparatus of (((5))), soiling of the rear surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be prevented, compared to a configuration in which the part of the brush that comes into contact with the fixing cylinder is not changed during a stopped period. In the image forming apparatus (((6))), soiling of the rear surface of the recording medium by the cleaning member can be prevented, compared to a configuration in which the brush continues to stop during a stop period. In the image forming apparatus (((7))), compared to a configuration in which the part of the brush that comes into contact with the body is not changed during a stopped period, it is possible to prevent the cleaning member from soiling the rear surface of the recording medium. In the image forming apparatus (((8))), compared to a configuration having only either the first control mode or the second control mode, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being soiled by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member, and to reduce the number of replacement operations required due to deterioration of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member. In the image forming apparatus of (((9))), deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration 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. In the image forming apparatus of (((10))), deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the time during which 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 time during which the second cleaning member is located at the position of the second recess in the rotation direction of the fixing cylinder. In the image forming apparatus of (((11))), when the stop period begins, deterioration of the first cleaning member can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the second control mode is executed before the first control mode. In the image forming apparatus of (((12))), compared to a configuration in which the first control mode and the second control mode are switched between when a print job is completed while the apparatus is running, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the recording medium from being soiled by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member, and it is also possible to reduce the number of replacement operations required due to deterioration of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 Image forming device 36 Opposing roll (cylinder, an example of a transfer cylinder) 37 Recess (recess, an example of a first recess) 38 Brush (cleaning member, an example of a first cleaning member) 71 Sprocket (an example of a rotating part) 72 Chain (an example of a rotating component) 73 Sprocket (an example of a rotating part) 76 Gripper (an example of a holding member) 82 Brush (cleaning member, an example of a first cleaning member) 86 Contact member (an example of a contact member) 92 Brush (cleaning member, an example of a second cleaning member) 110 Control device (an example of a control unit) 140 Pressure roll (cylinder, an example of a fixing cylinder) 142 Recess (an example of a recess, a second recess) P sheet member (an example of a recording medium)

Claims

1. A rotating torso and A rotating member that rotates integrally with the body; an annular circumferential member that is wound around the rotating member and rotates with the rotation of the rotating member; a holding member attached to the rotating member, rotating together with the rotating member, and holding a front end of the recording medium; a recess provided on an outer periphery of the body and configured to accommodate the holding member; a cleaning member that comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and cleans the outer peripheral surface; a control unit that controls the rotation of the cylinder so that the cleaning member is located at the position of the recess in the rotation direction of the cylinder during a period when image formation is stopped; An image forming apparatus comprising:

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

3. the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that rotates in a direction opposite to that of the transfer cylinder with a speed difference and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder to remove 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 adhering to the brush. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is a fuser cylinder.

5. the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and that removes toner by contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing cylinder in a state where a rotational position of the cleaning member is fixed with respect to the fixing cylinder, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that comes into contact with the fixing cylinder.

6. the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that rotates in a direction opposite to that of the cylinder with a speed difference and comes into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder to remove 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 adhering to the brush. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. the cleaning member is a roll-shaped brush that is rotatable and that removes toner by contacting an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder while its rotational position is fixed relative to the cylinder, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit rotates the brush during the stop period to change a portion of the brush that comes into contact with the body.

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

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

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

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit executes the first control mode before the second control mode when the stop period begins.

12. The period during which image formation is stopped includes a period during which the apparatus is idle.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit switches between the first control mode and the second control mode during the pause period.

Images