Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To increase the amount of conveyance of powder that is removed from an image holding body by a cleaning member, compared with a configuration where conveyance of powder performed by conveying means is stopped in accordance with stop of the cleaning member and the image holding body.SOLUTION: Even when an intermediate transfer belt 41 and an upstream side cleaning member 62 are stopped, a powder conveying member 64 is actuated and powder is conveyed. A CPU controls the powder conveying member 64 to convey powder while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stopped and the upstream side cleaning member 62 is stopped. In this case, the powder conveying member 64 is rotated while there is no supply of new powder into a powder storage unit 45A from the intermediate transfer belt 41. Consequently, the amount of powder in the powder storage unit 45A is gradually reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a configuration including a first image forming unit that forms an image using toner of a first particle size, a second image forming unit that forms an image using a second toner having a particle size larger than the first particle size, and a transport path for transporting toner recovered from the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit. Patent document 2 discloses a configuration in which recovered toner from an image carrier cleaning means and recovered toner from an intermediate transfer body cleaning means are introduced into a relay transport means from different directions, and then stored in a recovered toner storage section via the relay transport means. Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration including a static electricity removing member that is arranged so as to come into contact with the blades of the transport member and removes static electricity from the developer by coming into contact with the developer adhering to the blades. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-21388 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-219372 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2010-217413 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An image forming apparatus may be provided with an image carrier that holds and moves an image that is formed, a cleaning member that cleans the image carrier, and a transport unit that transports powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member. Here, if the conveyance of the powder by the conveying means also stops in response to the stopping of the cleaning member or the image carrier, a situation may occur in which the powder is not conveyed even though there is powder to be conveyed. The object of the present invention is to increase the amount of powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member, compared to a configuration in which the powder transport by the transport means stops in response to the stopping of the cleaning member or image carrier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising an image carrier that holds and moves an image to be transferred to a recording medium, a cleaning member that moves while in contact with the image carrier and cleans the image carrier, a transport means that transports powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member, and a processor that controls the transport of powder by the transport means when the cleaning member is stopped or when the output of the cleaning member is reduced. The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the processor controls the transport of powder by the transport means when the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced and when the image carrier is stopped or the movement speed of the image carrier is reduced. The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the processor controls the movement of the cleaning member and controls the transportation of powder by the transport means when a process of forming an image on the moving image carrier is performed. The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 3, wherein the processor stops the cleaning member when the image carrier stops, and controls the conveying means so that the conveying means operates. The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the conveying means is provided in a storage section that stores powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member, and when the amount of powder stored in the storage section exceeds a predetermined amount, the processor stops the moving image carrier or reduces the movement speed of the moving image carrier, stops the cleaning member or reduces the output of the cleaning member, and controls the conveying means so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 5, wherein the processor controls the image holder and the cleaning member to stop when the amount of powder contained in the storage section exceeds the predetermined amount, and controls the conveying means to convey the powder by the conveying means. The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the processor acquires quantity information, which is information about the amount of material constituting the image held by the image carrier, and if the amount specified by the quantity information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, stops the moving image carrier or reduces the movement speed of the moving image carrier, stops the cleaning member or reduces the output of the cleaning member, and controls the conveying means so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 7, wherein the processor stops the image carrier and the cleaning member when the amount identified by the quantity information is greater than the predetermined threshold value, and controls the conveying means so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein when the motor rotates in one direction, the cleaning member moves and the conveying means operates, and when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the cleaning member stops and the conveying means operates, and the processor controls the motor to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby controlling the conveying means to convey powder while the movement of the cleaning member is stopped. The invention described in claim 10 is an image forming apparatus comprising an image carrier that holds and moves an image to be transferred to a recording medium, a cleaning member that cleans the image carrier, a transport means that transports powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member, and a processor that controls the transport of powder by the transport means when the image carrier is stopped or the movement speed of the image carrier is reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member can be increased compared to a configuration in which the powder transport by the transport means stops in response to the stopping of the cleaning member or the image carrier. According to the invention of claim 2, compared to a configuration in which the powder is transported by the transporting means without the movement speed of the image carrier being reduced, it is possible to prevent the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member from accumulating without being transported by the transporting means. According to the invention of claim 3, when a process of forming an image on a moving image carrier is performed, the quality of the image formed on the image carrier can be improved compared to a case where control is performed to stop the cleaning member. According to the invention of claim 4, deterioration in the quality of the image carrier can be suppressed compared to a case in which the cleaning member is not stopped when the image carrier is stopped. According to the invention of claim 5, even if the amount of powder contained in the storage section exceeds a predetermined amount, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier and directed into the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image carrier is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the invention of claim 6, even if the amount of powder contained in the storage section exceeds a predetermined amount, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier and directed into the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image carrier is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the invention of claim 7, even if the amount identified by the quantity information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier and directed toward the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image carrier is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the invention of claim 8, even if the amount identified by the quantity information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier and directed toward the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image carrier is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to control the transportation of powder by the transportation means while the movement of the cleaning member is stopped, without providing motors corresponding to each of the cleaning member and the transportation means. According to the invention of claim 10, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member can be increased compared to a configuration in which the powder transport by the transport means stops in response to the stopping of the cleaning member or the image carrier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the belt cleaner seen from the rear side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one state of the belt cleaner. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another state of the belt cleaner. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a drive mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper feed unit 1A, a printing unit 1B, and a paper discharge unit 1C. The paper feed unit 1A includes a first paper storage section 11 to a fourth paper storage section 14 for storing paper P as an example of a recording medium. The paper feed unit 1A also has feed rolls 15-18 that correspond to the first paper storage section 11 to the fourth paper storage section 14, respectively, and feed the paper P stored in each paper storage section to a transport path connected to the printing unit 1B.

[0009] The printing unit 1B includes an image forming section 20 that forms an image on a sheet P. The printing unit 1B also includes a control section 21 that controls each section of the image forming apparatus 1. The printing unit 1B also includes an image processing section 22. The image processing section 22 performs image processing on image data transmitted from the image reading device 4 and the personal computer (PC) 5. The printing unit 1B is also provided with a UI (User Interface) 23, which is configured with a touch panel or the like and notifies the user of information and receives information input from the user.

[0010] Image forming section 20, as an example of an image forming means, is provided with six image forming units 30T, 30P, 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "image forming units 30") arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Each image forming unit 30 includes a photosensitive drum 31 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed while rotating in the direction of arrow A, a charging roll 32 which charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31, a developing device 33 which develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31, and a drum cleaner 34 which removes toner and the like from the surface of the photosensitive drum 31.

[0011] The image forming section 20 is also provided with an exposure device 26 that exposes the photoconductor drum 31 of each image forming unit 30 to laser light. The exposure of the photoconductor drum 31 by the exposure device 26 is not limited to using laser light. For example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be provided for each image forming unit 30, and the photoconductor drum 31 may be exposed to light emitted from the light source.

[0012] Each image forming unit 30 is configured similarly, except for the toner contained in the developer 33. The image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Further, the image forming units 30T and 30P form toner images using toner corresponding to a corporate color, foaming toner for Braille, fluorescent color toner, toner for improving gloss, etc. In other words, the image forming units 30T and 30P form toner images using toner of a special color.

[0013] The image forming section 20 is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt 41 onto which the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 31 of the image forming units 30 are transferred. The image forming section 20 is also provided with a primary transfer roll 42 that transfers the respective color toner images of the respective image forming units 30 onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 at a primary transfer portion T1. The image forming unit 20 is also provided with a secondary transfer roll 40 that transfers the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 onto the paper P at a secondary transfer portion T2. Furthermore, the image forming section 20 is provided with a belt cleaner 45 that removes toner and the like from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 41, and a fixing device 80 that fixes the secondarily transferred image onto the paper P.

[0014] The image forming unit 20 performs an image forming operation based on a control signal from the control unit 21 . Specifically, in the image forming unit 20, first, image processing is performed on the image data input from the image reading device 4 or the PC 5 by the image processing unit 22, and the image data after image processing is supplied to the exposure device 26. Then, for example, in a magenta (M) image forming unit 30M, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is charged by the charging roll 32, the exposure device 26 irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 with laser light modulated by image data obtained from the image processing unit 22.

[0015] As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 31 . The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 33, and a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31. Similarly, yellow, cyan and black toner images are formed in the image forming units 30Y, 30C and 30K, and special color toner images are formed in the image forming units 30T and 30P.

[0016] The respective color toner images formed in each image forming unit 30 are electrostatically transferred sequentially by a primary transfer roll 42 onto an intermediate transfer belt 41 rotating in the direction of arrow C in Figure 1, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41. The superimposed toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transported to a secondary transfer portion T2 constituted by a secondary transfer roll 40 and a backup roll 49 as the intermediate transfer belt 41 moves.

[0017] On the other hand, the paper P is taken out from the first paper storage unit 11 by, for example, the delivery roll 15, and then transported to the position of the registration roll 74 via the transport path. When the superimposed toner image is transported to the secondary transfer portion T2, a sheet of paper P is supplied from the registration roll 74 to the secondary transfer portion T2 in accordance with the transport timing. Then, in the secondary transfer portion T2, the superimposed toner images are electrostatically transferred onto the paper P all at once by the action of a transfer electric field formed between the secondary transfer roll 40 and the backup roll 49.

[0018] Thereafter, the paper P onto which the superimposed toner images have been electrostatically transferred is transported to a fixing device 80. In the fixing device 80, pressure and heat are applied to the paper P on which the unfixed toner image has been formed, and the toner image is fixed to the paper P. Then, the sheet P on which the fixing process has been performed passes through a curl correction section 81 provided in the sheet discharge unit 1C, and is then conveyed to a sheet stacking section (not shown).

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 21. The control unit 21 is realized by a computer. The control unit 21 includes an arithmetic processing unit 110 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 91 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 91 is realized by an existing information storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0020] The arithmetic processing unit 110 includes a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 110 is also provided with a RAM 11b used as a working memory for the CPU 11a, and a ROM 11c in which programs executed by the CPU 11a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 110 is also provided with a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0021] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. In the secondary storage unit 91, various types of information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 110 are stored. In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the arithmetic processing unit 110 reads programs stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91, whereby various processes performed in the image forming apparatus 1 are executed.

[0022] The program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 11a may also be provided to the image forming apparatus 1 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0023] In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor may not only be performed by one processor, but may be performed by multiple processors in physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0024] [Configuration of belt cleaner 45] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the belt cleaner 45 as seen from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a belt cleaner 45 is provided at a position facing the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41. At the location facing the belt cleaner 45, the intermediate transfer belt 41 moves in one direction 2A, which is the upper left direction in the figure.

[0025] The belt cleaner 45 is provided with a powder containing section 45A as an example of a containing section that contains powder. The belt cleaner 45 removes powder such as toner and paper dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41, which is an example of an image carrier, from the outer peripheral surface 41A. The powder removed by the belt cleaner 45 is temporarily stored in a box-shaped powder storage section 45A provided in the belt cleaner 45.

[0026] A downstream cleaning member 61 for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 41 is provided in the powder container 45A. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is a moving body that moves while holding the above-mentioned toner image, which is an example of an image to be transferred to paper P (see FIG. 1). The intermediate transfer belt 41 moves while holding the toner images of each color formed by each of the image forming units 30 (see FIG. 1). As the intermediate transfer belt 41 moves, the toner image held by the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transported to a secondary transfer portion T2 (see FIG. 1), and is transferred onto a sheet of paper P at the secondary transfer portion T2.

[0027] The downstream cleaning member 61 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer portion T2 (see FIG. 1) in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The downstream cleaning member 61 comes into contact with a portion of the intermediate transfer belt 41 that is located downstream of the secondary transfer portion T2, and cleans the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The downstream cleaning member 61 is made of a plate-shaped member and is made of rubber and has elasticity.

[0028] The downstream cleaning member 61 is disposed in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 41 moving in one direction 2A, and cleans the intermediate transfer belt 41. More specifically, the downstream cleaning member 61 is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41, and scrapes off and removes powder such as toner and paper dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface 41A. The downstream cleaning member 61 is disposed at an angle to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41. In addition, the downstream cleaning member 61 is provided so as to gradually move away from the intermediate transfer belt 41 toward the downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an upstream cleaning member 62 arranged in contact with the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is provided upstream of the downstream cleaning member 61 in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The upstream cleaning member 62 is provided inside the powder container 45A. The upstream cleaning member 62 is disposed below the downstream cleaning member 61.

[0030] The upstream cleaning member 62 moves while contacting the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41 to clean the intermediate transfer belt 41. More specifically, the upstream cleaning member 62 is a rotating member that rotates. The upstream cleaning member 62 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the figure while maintaining a state of contact with the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41. In this way, the upstream cleaning member 62 cleans the intermediate transfer belt 41. The upstream cleaning member 62 is provided with a rotary shaft 62A that is rotated by a motor (described later), and a brush-like cleaning portion 62B that is provided around the rotary shaft 62A.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cleaning unit 62B comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41, so that the powder adhering to the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is removed. In this embodiment, the peripheral speed of the upstream cleaning member 62 is greater than the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 . The peripheral speed of the upstream cleaning member 62 is not limited to this, and may be slower than the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 .

[0032] In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the upstream cleaning member 62 is counterclockwise. In this case, at the contact point where the upstream cleaning member 62 and the intermediate transfer belt 41 come into contact with each other, the contact portion of the upstream cleaning member 62 that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the intermediate transfer belt 41 move in the same direction. The rotation direction of the upstream cleaning member 62 is not limited to the counterclockwise direction, but may be the clockwise direction.

[0033] A contact portion 63 with which the cleaning portion 62B of the upstream cleaning member 62 comes into contact is further provided within the powder container 45A. In this embodiment, the powder adhering to the cleaning portion 62B of the upstream cleaning member 62 is removed from the cleaning portion 62B by the contact portion 63. The powder removed by the contact portion 63 moves downward. The powder removed from the intermediate transfer belt 41 by the downstream cleaning member 61 also moves downward via the upstream cleaning member 62 located below the downstream cleaning member 61 and the contact portion 63 .

[0034] Below the upstream cleaning member 62 and the contact portion 63, a powder transport member 64 as an example of a transport means for transporting powder is provided. The powder transport member 64 is provided inside the powder container 45A. The powder removed from intermediate transfer belt 41 by downstream cleaning member 61 and the powder removed from intermediate transfer belt 41 by upstream cleaning member 62 are transported by this powder transport member 64. The powder transport member 64 transports the powder to a powder storage container (not shown) located outside powder storage unit 45A.

[0035] The powder transporting member 64 is provided along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Fig. 3. In other words, the powder transporting member 64 extends in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is also the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41 , and the powder transport member 64 extends in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41 . Although not described above, the downstream cleaning member 61 and the upstream cleaning member 62 are also provided in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.

[0036] The powder conveying member 64 includes a rotating shaft 64A that rotates by receiving a driving force from a motor (described later), and a protruding portion 64B that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 64A. The protrusion 64B is provided around the rotation shaft 62A in a spiral shape. In other words, the protrusion 64B is provided around the rotation shaft 62A in a screw shape. In this embodiment, when the powder transporting member 64 rotates, the powder moves in the axial direction of the powder transporting member 64 due to the spiral protrusion 64B. As a result, the powder is transported by the powder transport member 64, and the powder in the powder storage portion 45A moves to a powder storage container (not shown).

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an amount detection sensor 66 for detecting the amount of powder in the powder container 45A is provided in the powder container 45A. In this embodiment, there is also provided a drive mechanism 70 that drives the powder conveying member 64 and the upstream cleaning member 62. The drive mechanism 70 is disposed on the rear side of the belt cleaner 45 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. Furthermore, in this embodiment, contact members 68 and 69 that come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41 are provided downstream of the downstream cleaning member 61 in the movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 41.

[0038] [Drive control of the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one state of the belt cleaner 45. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, control is performed such that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder while the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped. In this embodiment, a CPU 11a as an example of a processor controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1. In this control, the CPU 11a controls the powder transport member 64 to transport the powder while the rotation of the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped.

[0039] In other words, the CPU 11a performs control so that the powder transporting member 64 is rotated while the rotation of the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped. 4, the rotation of the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped, and the powder conveying member 64 is rotated. In this state shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate transfer belt 41 is also stopped.

[0040] Here, a configuration is assumed in which the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are linked together. In the case where the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are configured to move in conjunction with each other, when the rotation of the upstream cleaning member 62 stops, the rotation of the powder transport member 64 also stops. In this case, the transport of the powder by the powder transport member 64 also stops. In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as described above, control is performed so that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder while the rotation of the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped.

[0041] In this case, while the movement of the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped, the powder in the powder storage unit 45A is sequentially transported to the powder storage container located outside the powder storage unit 45A. When the powder in the powder container 45A is transported to the powder container while the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped, the powder in the powder container 45A gradually decreases.

[0042] In this embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 41 stops in response to the end of the image forming process, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in response to the stop of the intermediate transfer belt 41, the upstream cleaning member 62 stops. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the rotating upstream cleaning member 62 from scratching the outer circumferential surface 41A of the intermediate transfer belt 41, the upstream cleaning member 62 is also stopped in response to the stopping of the intermediate transfer belt 41.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, even when the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the upstream cleaning member 62 are stopped, the powder transport member 64 operates to transport the powder. In this embodiment, the CPU 11a performs control so that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder while the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the upstream cleaning member 62 are both stopped. In this case, the powder transport member 64 rotates without any new powder being supplied to the powder container 45A from the intermediate transfer belt 41. This causes the powder in the powder container 45A to gradually decrease.

[0044] When a process of forming a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is being performed, the CPU 11a performs control to move the upstream cleaning member 62, and also performs control to transport the powder by the powder transport member 64. In other words, during an image formation mode in which a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41, the CPU 11a controls the movement of the upstream cleaning member 62, and also controls the transportation of powder by the powder transport member 64. As a result, the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 41 that reaches the belt cleaner 45 is sequentially cleaned, and the powder produced by this cleaning is transported by the powder transport member 64 .

[0045] For example, when the intermediate transfer belt 41 stops, the CPU 11a sets the mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the discharge promotion mode. When the intermediate transfer belt 41 stops, the CPU 11a stops the upstream cleaning member 62. Furthermore, when the intermediate transfer belt 41 stops, the CPU 11a controls the powder transport member 64 to operate. In other words, the CPU 11a controls the powder transport member 64 to continue to operate even after the intermediate transfer belt 41 stops.

[0046] As a result, the powder transport member 64 rotates without any new powder being supplied from the intermediate transfer belt 41 to the powder container 45A, and the powder transport member 64 transports the powder. As a result, the discharge of the powder from powder containing portion 45A to the outside of powder containing portion 45A is promoted. In addition, when controlling the powder transporting member 64 in the discharge promotion mode, the powder transporting member 64 may be stopped once in synchronization with the stop of the intermediate transfer belt 41, and then the operation of the powder transporting member 64 may be resumed. Alternatively, even if the intermediate transfer belt 41 stops, the powder transport member 64 may continue to operate without being stopped, so that the operation of the powder transport member 64 continues.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the belt cleaner 45 in another state. As another process, as shown in FIG. 5, while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is moving, the upstream cleaning member 62 may be stopped and the powder transport member 64 may be operated. When the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is moving, the amount of powder newly supplied from the intermediate transfer belt 41 to the powder storage section 45A is reduced because the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped. In this case, the discharge of the powder from the powder containing portion 45A to the outside of the powder containing portion 45A is promoted compared to when the upstream cleaning member 62 is operating.

[0048] In this embodiment, when at least the upstream cleaning member 62, out of the upstream cleaning member 62 and the intermediate transfer belt 41, is stopped and powder is transported by the powder transport member 64, the discharge of powder from the powder storage section 45A is promoted. This makes it possible to prevent problems caused by an increase in the amount of powder contained in powder containing portion 45A.

[0049] If the amount of powder in the powder storage section 45A increases, the load acting on the powder transport member 64 increases, which may result in damage to the powder transport member 64 or a decrease in the performance of the belt cleaner 45 in cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 41. In contrast, when the powder conveying member 64 conveys the powder while at least the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped, the discharge of the powder from the powder containing portion 45A is promoted. In this case, the above-mentioned problem caused by an increase in the amount of powder contained in the powder containing portion 45A is less likely to occur.

[0050] [Description of Drive Mechanism 70] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a drive mechanism 70 that drives the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 is provided. The drive mechanism 70 is provided with one motor M, and in this embodiment, the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are driven by this single common motor M.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in one direction, the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are driven. More specifically, when the rotor inside the motor M rotates in one direction, the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are driven. In addition, in this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in the opposite direction, the upstream cleaning member 62 stops and the powder transport member 64 starts to drive. More specifically, when the rotor inside the motor M rotates in the opposite direction, the upstream cleaning member 62 stops and the powder transport member 64 starts to drive.

[0052] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a performs the above-mentioned control such that the motor M rotates in the opposite direction, and the powder transport member 64 transports the powder while the movement of the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped. In this embodiment, in an image forming mode in which a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41, the CPU 11a rotates the motor M in one direction. Moreover, in a discharge promotion mode for promoting the discharge of powder toner from the powder containing portion 45A, the CPU 11a rotates the motor M in the opposite direction.

[0053] The drive mechanism 70 will now be described in detail. 6(A) to (C) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the drive mechanism 70. As shown in Fig. 6(A), the drive mechanism 70 of this embodiment is provided with a motor gear 101 that receives a driving force from a motor M (see Fig. 3) to rotate. Further, a drive force input gear 102 that receives a driving force from the motor gear 101 to rotate is provided. Further, there is provided a branch gear 103 that rotates by receiving the driving force from the driving force input gear 102. In this embodiment, the driving force is transmitted from this branch gear 103 to each of the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64.

[0054] A cleaning side interlocking gear 105 is connected to the branch gear 103 via a cleaning side transmission gear 104 . In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in one direction, a driving force is transmitted from the branch gear 103 to the cleaning-side interlocking gear 105, and the upstream cleaning member 62 arranged coaxially with the cleaning-side interlocking gear 105 is driven. In this embodiment, when a driving force is transmitted from the branch gear 103 to the cleaning-side interlocking gear 105 and the cleaning-side interlocking gear 105 rotates, the upstream cleaning member 62 rotates.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(A), a first transport side interlocking gear 121 is connected to the branch gear 103 via two transport side transmission gears 111. In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in one direction, a driving force is transmitted from the branch gear 103 to the first transport side interlocking gear 121 via the two transport side transmission gears 111. As a result, the powder transport member 64, which is disposed coaxially with the first transport side interlocking gear 121, is driven.

[0056] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the drive mechanism 70 shown in FIG. 6A when viewed from the side. It should be noted that FIGS. 6(A) to (C) are diagrams for explaining the force transmission path, and the positions of the gears in FIGS. 6(A) to (C) are different from the actual positions of the gears. 6B, in this embodiment, the branch gear 103 is supported by a rotating shaft 131. A receiving gear 132 that receives the driving force from the driving force input gear 102 is attached to this rotating shaft 131. In this embodiment, the receiving gear 132 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the driving force input gear 102, and in response to this, the rotating shaft 131 and the branch gear 103 rotate. When the branch gear 103 rotates, as described above, the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 rotate.

[0057] A one-way clutch 141 is provided between the branch gear 103 and the rotating shaft 131. In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in one direction, the branch gear 103 rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft 131. As a result, when the motor M rotates in one direction, a driving force is transmitted from the branch gear 103 to the cleaning side interlocking gear 105 and the first transport side interlocking gear 121, and the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are driven.

[0058] On the other hand, when the motor M rotates in the reverse direction, the branch gear 103 does not move in conjunction with the rotary shaft 131 . In this case, no driving force is transmitted to the cleaning side interlocking gear 105 and the first transport side interlocking gear 121, and the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are not driven. When the motor M rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the powder conveying member 64 via another transmission path.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in addition to the branch gear 103, a powder conveying gear 151 is attached to the rotation shaft 131. A one-way clutch 141 is provided between the powder conveying gear 151 and the rotating shaft 131 . In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in one direction, the driving force is not transmitted from the rotating shaft 131 to the powder conveying gear 151. In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted from the rotating shaft 131 to the powder conveying gear 151.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6(B), the powder transport gear 151 is provided with a first meshing gear 161 that meshes with the powder transport gear 151. The first meshing gear 161 is disposed coaxially with the conveying side transmission gear 111 that is located adjacent to the branch gear 103 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 6(A) and 6(C), a second meshing gear 162 and a third meshing gear 163 that mesh with the first meshing gear 161 are provided. The second meshing gear 162 and the third meshing gear 163 shown in FIG. 6(C) are provided at the location indicated by reference symbol 6X in FIG. 6(B).

[0061] The third meshing gear 163 meshes with the second transport side interlocking gear 122 which is interlocked with the powder transport member 64, as shown in FIG. 6(C). The second conveying side interlocking gear 122 is disposed coaxially with the powder conveying member 64 , and is also disposed coaxially with the first conveying side interlocking gear 121 . In this embodiment, when the motor M rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the powder transport member 64 via the rotating shaft 131 (see FIG. 6(B)), the powder transport gear 151, the first meshing gear 161, the second meshing gear 162 (see FIGS. 6(A) and (C)), the third meshing gear 163, and the second transport side interlocking gear 122. This drives the powder transport member 64.

[0062] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the motor M rotates in one direction or the opposite direction, the powder conveying member 64 rotates in one direction, which is a common direction. In this embodiment, the number of gears provided between the branch gear 103 and the first transport side interlocking gear 121 is an even number. Also, the number of gears provided between the powder transport gear 151 and the second transport side interlocking gear 122 is an odd number. In this case, regardless of whether the motor M rotates in one direction or the opposite direction, the powder conveying member 64 rotates in one direction, which is a common direction.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(B), two conveying side transmission gears 111 are provided between the branch gear 103 and the first conveying side interlocking gear 121, and an even number of gears are provided between the branch gear 103 and the first conveying side interlocking gear 121. In addition, as shown in Figures 6 (B) and (C), three gears, a first receiving gear 161 to a third receiving gear 163, are provided between the powder conveying gear 151 and the second conveying side interlocking gear 122, and an odd number of gears are provided between the powder conveying gear 151 and the second conveying side interlocking gear 122. In this case, regardless of whether the motor M rotates in one direction or the opposite direction, the powder conveying member 64 rotates in one direction, which is a common direction.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 (B) and (C), a one-way clutch 141 is provided between the powder conveying member 64 and the first conveying side interlocking gear 121, and between the powder conveying member 64 and the second conveying side interlocking gear 122. Here, it is assumed that one of the first transport side interlocking gear 121 and the second transport side interlocking gear 122 rotates to rotate the powder transport member 64. In this case, in this embodiment, the driving force is not transmitted from the rotating powder transport member 64 to the other transport side interlocking gear.

[0065] [Processing Timing] The above process of stopping at least the upstream cleaning member 62 and then operating the powder transport member 64 (hereinafter referred to as the "powder transport process") is performed, for example, in response to the end of the image forming process. In other words, the image forming mode is switched to the discharge promotion mode upon completion of the image forming process. The powder transport process may be performed at other times, and may be performed when other conditions are satisfied, not just when the condition that the image formation process is completed is satisfied.

[0066] Specifically, the powder transport process may be performed, for example, when the amount of powder contained in powder container 45A (see FIG. 3) exceeds a predetermined amount. When the amount of powder contained in the powder container 45A exceeds a predetermined amount, the CPU 11a stops the intermediate transfer belt 41, stops the upstream cleaning member 62, and causes the powder transport member 64 to transport the powder.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the output from the quantity detection sensor 66 (see FIG. 3) indicates that the amount of powder exceeds a predetermined amount, the CPU 11a performs control to stop the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the upstream cleaning member 62. At this time, the CPU 11a performs control so that the powder transport member 64 continues transporting the powder. As described above, the process may be performed to stop the movement of the upstream cleaning member 62 while the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the powder transport member 64 are operating.

[0068] Alternatively, the powder transport process may be performed based on amount information, which is information about the amount of toner, which is a material that constitutes the toner image held by intermediate transfer belt 41. When performing this process, the CPU 11a obtains amount information, which is information about the amount of toner that constitutes the toner image held by the intermediate transfer belt 41.

[0069] Specifically, in this case, every time a toner image is formed, the CPU 11a analyzes the image data that is the source of the toner image, and obtains information about the density of the toner image. Then, based on the acquired density information, the CPU 11a acquires amount information which is information on the amount of toner constituting the toner image held by the intermediate transfer belt 41. In other words, the CPU 11a acquires amount information which is information on the amount of toner which is a material constituting the toner image placed on the intermediate transfer belt 41. Then, the CPU 11a adds this acquired amount information to each of the amount information acquired so far that is stored in an information storage unit such as the secondary storage unit 91, to acquire the sum of the amount information.

[0070] In this embodiment, every time the CPU 11a obtains new quantity information, the CPU 11a stores the obtained quantity information in the information storage unit. As a result, each of the quantity information obtained by the CPU 11a up to that point is stored in the information storage unit. When the CPU 11a acquires new quantity information in association with the formation of a new toner image, the CPU 11a adds the acquired quantity information to each of the quantity information acquired up to that point that is stored in the information storage unit, and acquires the sum of the quantity information.

[0071] Then, the CPU 11a judges whether this sum exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the CPU 11a determines that the sum exceeds a predetermined threshold, it sets the mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the discharge promotion mode. As a result, the powder is transported by the powder transport member 64 while at least the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped.

[0072] When the sum of the amount information exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is assumed that a large amount of powder is contained in powder containing portion 45A. In this case, when the discharge promotion mode is selected as in this embodiment, the discharge of powder from the powder containing portion 45A is promoted. In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the discharge promotion mode, each piece of the amount information stored in the information storage unit is erased, and the information storage unit is reset.

[0073] [Other configurations] Alternatively, a drive source for driving the upstream cleaning member 62 and a drive source for driving the powder transport member 64 may be provided separately. In the above, a case has been described in which the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transporting member 64 are driven by a single common motor M, but this is not limited thereto, and the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transporting member 64 may each be driven by a different motor.

[0074] When the upstream cleaning member 62 and the powder transport member 64 are driven by different motors, it is possible to perform not only a process to completely stop the upstream cleaning member 62 but also a process to reduce the output of the upstream cleaning member 62. In other words, it is possible to perform a process to reduce the rotation speed while maintaining the rotation of the upstream cleaning member 62. Although not described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a belt motor BM that drives the intermediate transfer belt 41 is provided.

[0075] In this embodiment, by reducing the output of the belt motor BM, it is possible to reduce the output of the intermediate transfer belt 41. In other words, it is possible to reduce the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41. 1, a drive roll 41R is provided on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The drive roll 41R is driven by a belt motor BM to provide a driving force to the intermediate transfer belt 41. When the output of the belt motor BM is reduced, the rotation speed of the drive roll 41R decreases, and the movement speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 decreases.

[0076] In the above, we have described a case where the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the upstream cleaning member 62 are stopped, or only the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped, and then the powder transport member 64 is driven. However, the manner in which the intermediate transfer belt 41, the upstream cleaning member 62, and the powder transport member 64 are driven is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 11a may perform control so that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is moving and the output of the upstream cleaning member 62 is reduced. In other words, the CPU 11a may perform control so that the powder transport member 64 transports powder while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is moving and the rotation speed of the upstream cleaning member 62 is reduced.

[0077] In this case as well, the amount of powder removed from intermediate transfer belt 41 decreases, and the amount of powder newly supplied to powder container 45A decreases. Meanwhile, the transport of powder by powder transport member 64 continues. In this case, the discharge of the powder from inside the powder containing portion 45A is promoted compared to when the output of the upstream cleaning member 62 is not reduced.

[0078] Additionally, the CPU 11a may perform control so that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder when the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stopped and the output of the upstream cleaning member 62 is reduced. Additionally, the CPU 11a may perform control so that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder when the movement speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is reduced and the upstream cleaning member 62 is stopped. In addition, the CPU 11a may perform control so that the powder transport member 64 transports powder when the movement speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is reduced and the output of the upstream cleaning member 62 is reduced.

[0079] In addition, the above mainly describes the upstream cleaning member 62 that moves while in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 41, but it is also possible that the belt cleaner 45 is not provided with a cleaning member that moves while in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 41. Specifically, a configuration is also envisaged in which the belt cleaner 45 is provided with only a stationary cleaning member, such as the downstream cleaning member 61 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the CPU 11a performs control so that the powder transport member 64 transports the powder while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stopped or while the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is reduced.

[0080] In this case, the powder is transported by the powder transport member 64 while the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stopped, or the powder is transported by the powder transport member 64 while the movement speed of the intermediate transfer belt 41 is reduced. In this case as well, the amount of powder newly supplied into powder container 45A is reduced, and the discharge of powder from powder container 45A is promoted.

[0081] 〔others〕 The above describes the configuration and processing for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 41 as an example of an image carrier, but the above configuration and processing of this embodiment may also be used for cleaning the photosensitive drum 31 as another example of an image carrier. When cleaning the photoconductor drum 31, the above-described configuration is adopted and the above-described process is performed, which promotes the discharge of powder from within the drum cleaner 34 (see FIG. 1).

[0082] Another example of a condition for switching the mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the discharge promotion mode is when the state specified by the environmental information becomes a predetermined specific state. For example, when the state specified by the environmental information is high temperature and high humidity, the process of switching to the discharge promotion mode may be performed. In addition, for example, the operating time of the image forming apparatus 1 and the number of sheets of paper P on which images have been formed may be counted, and if the operating time or the number of sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold, a process of switching to the discharge promotion mode may be performed.

[0083] (Additional Note) (((1))) an image carrier that carries and moves an image to be transferred to a recording medium; a cleaning member that moves while in contact with the image carrier and cleans the image carrier; a conveying means for conveying the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member; a processor that controls the conveying means to convey the powder while the cleaning member is stopped or while the output of the cleaning member is reduced; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((2))) The processor, performing control such that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means in a state in which the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced and in which the image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the image carrier is reduced; The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((3))) The processor, When an image is formed on the moving image carrier, the cleaning member is moved, and the powder is conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((4))) The processor, When the image carrier stops, the cleaning member is stopped, and the conveying unit is controlled so that the conveying unit operates. The image forming apparatus according to (((3))). (((5))) the conveying means is provided in a storage section that stores the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member, The processor, When the amount of powder contained in the container exceeds a predetermined amount, the moving image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the moving image carrier is reduced, and the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced, and the conveying means is controlled so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((6))) The processor, When the amount of powder contained in the container exceeds the predetermined amount, the control unit controls the image carrier and the cleaning member to stop, and the conveying unit controls the conveying unit to convey the powder. The image forming apparatus according to (((5))). (((7))) The processor, obtaining quantity information which is information about the amount of material constituting the image held by the image carrier; When the amount specified by the amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the moving image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the moving image carrier is reduced, and the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced, and the conveying means is controlled so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((8))) The processor, when the amount specified by the amount information is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the image carrier and the cleaning member are stopped, and the conveying unit is controlled so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming apparatus according to (((7))). (((9))) When the motor rotates in one direction, the cleaning member moves and the conveying means operates, and when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the cleaning member stops and the conveying means operates. The processor controls the motor to rotate in the opposite direction, and controls the conveying means to convey the powder while the movement of the cleaning member is stopped. The image forming apparatus according to (((1))). (((10))) an image carrier that carries and moves an image to be transferred to a recording medium; a cleaning member for cleaning the image carrier; a conveying means for conveying the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member; a processor that performs control so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means in a state where the image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the image carrier is reduced; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0084] According to the image forming apparatus of (((1))), the amount of powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member can be increased, compared to a configuration in which the powder transport by the transport means stops in response to the stopping of the cleaning member or the image carrier. According to the image forming apparatus of (((2))), compared to a configuration in which the powder is transported by the transport means without the movement speed of the image carrier being reduced, it is possible to prevent the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member from accumulating without being transported by the transport means. According to the image forming apparatus of (((3))), when a process of forming an image on a moving image carrier is performed, the quality of the image formed on the image carrier can be improved compared to a case where control is performed to stop the cleaning member. According to the image forming apparatus of (((4))), deterioration in the quality of the image carrier can be suppressed compared to a case in which the cleaning member is not stopped when the image carrier is stopped. According to the image forming apparatus of (((5))), even if the amount of powder contained in the storage section exceeds a predetermined amount, the amount of powder removed from the image holder and directed into the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image holder is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the image forming apparatus of (((6))), even if the amount of powder contained in the storage section exceeds a predetermined amount, the amount of powder removed from the image holder and directed into the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image holder is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the image forming apparatus of (((7))), even when the amount specified by the quantity information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier and directed toward the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image carrier is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the image forming apparatus of (((8))), even when the amount specified by the quantity information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the amount of powder removed from the image carrier and directed toward the storage section can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the moving speed of the image carrier is maintained and the output of the cleaning member is not reduced. According to the image forming apparatus of (((9))), it is possible to control the transport of powder by the transport means while the movement of the cleaning member is stopped, without providing motors corresponding to each of the cleaning member and the transport means. According to the image forming apparatus of (((10))), the amount of powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member can be increased, compared to a configuration in which the powder transport by the transport means stops in response to the stopping of the cleaning member or the image carrier. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1... image forming apparatus, 11a... CPU, 41... intermediate transfer belt, 45A... powder container, 62... upstream cleaning member, 64... powder transport member, M... motor, P... paper

Claims

1. an image carrier that carries and moves an image to be transferred to a recording medium; a cleaning member that moves while in contact with the image carrier and cleans the image carrier; a conveying means for conveying the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member; a processor that controls the conveying means to convey the powder while the cleaning member is stopped or while the output of the cleaning member is reduced; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The processor, performing control such that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means in a state in which the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced and in which the image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the image carrier is reduced; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, When an image is formed on the moving image carrier, the cleaning member is moved, and the powder is conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The processor, When the image carrier stops, the cleaning member is stopped, and the conveying unit is controlled so that the conveying unit operates. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the conveying means is provided in a storage section that stores the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member, The processor, When the amount of powder contained in the container exceeds a predetermined amount, the moving image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the moving image carrier is reduced, and the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced, and the conveying means is controlled so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. The processor, When the amount of powder contained in the container exceeds the predetermined amount, the control unit controls the image carrier and the cleaning member to stop, and the conveying unit controls the conveying unit to convey the powder. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. The processor, obtaining quantity information which is information about the amount of material constituting the image held by the image holder; When the amount specified by the amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the moving image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the moving image carrier is reduced, and the cleaning member is stopped or the output of the cleaning member is reduced, and the conveying means is controlled so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

8. The processor, When the amount specified by the amount information is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the image carrier and the cleaning member are stopped, and the conveying unit is controlled so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

9. When the motor rotates in one direction, the cleaning member moves and the conveying means operates, and when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the cleaning member stops and the conveying means operates. The processor controls the motor to rotate in the opposite direction, and controls the conveying means to convey the powder while the movement of the cleaning member is stopped. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. an image carrier that carries and moves an image to be transferred to a recording medium; a cleaning member for cleaning the image carrier; a conveying means for conveying the powder removed from the image carrier by the cleaning member; a processor that performs control so that the powder is conveyed by the conveying means in a state where the image carrier is stopped or the moving speed of the image carrier is reduced; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images