Image forming system and method for using photoreceptor

Abstract

To obtain an image forming system with which, when the internal developer of a developing device is changed to a developer containing a toner of different color, it is possible to continue to use a photoreceptor without replacing.SOLUTION: An image forming system 10 comprises a plurality of photoreceptors 22, a plurality of developing devices 100, a plurality of tabular cleaning blades 28A brought into contact with the photoreceptor 22 for cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor 22, and at least one processor. When a developer G inside of the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of different color, the processor rotates in inverse the photoreceptor 22 at a position facing the developing device 100 with respect to the direction of an arrow A and then forms a toner band on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by the developing device 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to imaging systems and methods for using photoreceptors. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a method for operating a machine, which comprises preparing a replaceable subassembly that is separable from the machine and has a memory, with the memory storing executable instruction software code related to the operation of the machine; placing the replaceable subassembly in the machine; reading the memory; placing the stored executable instruction software code in the machine as new software code; and operating the machine in accordance with the new software code.

[0003] The following Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming device to which multiple types of cartridges can be detachably attached, each having multiple process components used for image formation and a storage medium for storing information, and which has a memory unit that stores multiple setting information for setting image formation conditions according to multiple characteristics of the cartridges, and a control unit that sets the image formation conditions based on information related to the usage amount of each of the multiple types of cartridges and information for selecting the setting information stored in the storage medium of the cartridges. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-046808 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-106692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an image forming system and a method for using a photoconductor that can continue to be used without replacing the photoconductor when the developer inside the development device is changed to a developer containing a toner of a different color. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming system according to the first aspect comprises a plurality of photosensitive drums that rotate in a predetermined direction and on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charging potential; a plurality of developing devices that are arranged opposite the photosensitive drums, each containing a developer containing toner of a different color, and that develop the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; a plurality of cleaning members that are plate-shaped and contact the photosensitive drums and clean the surface of the photosensitive drums, and at least one processor; when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the processor rotates the photosensitive drum located opposite the developing device in the predetermined direction in the reverse direction, and then uses the developing device to form a band-shaped toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0007] An image forming system according to a second aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor changes the band-shaped toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive element according to the type of toner in the changed developer.

[0008] An image forming system according to a third aspect is the image forming system according to the second aspect, further comprising a storage unit that stores the type of toner, and the processor acquires the type of toner from the storage unit.

[0009] The image forming system according to the fourth aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, in which when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to a developer containing toner of a special color other than the normal color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of the normal color, or the developer containing toner of the special color is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color special color.

[0010] In the image forming system of the fifth aspect, in the image forming system of the second aspect, if the toner after the change is toner of a special color other than one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the amount of toner in the strip toner image is made less than the amount of toner in the strip toner image with toner of the normal color.

[0011] The image forming system of the sixth aspect is the image forming system of the fifth aspect, in which the amount of toner in the strip toner image is reduced by reducing the toner concentration of the strip toner image or by shortening the length of the strip toner image in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive body.

[0012] An image forming system according to a seventh aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, further comprising a charging roll downstream of the cleaning member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and upstream of the developing device, which charges the surface of the photosensitive member by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage.

[0013] An image forming system according to an eighth aspect is the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the change of the developer occurs by interchanging a normal color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the normal color toner to be supplied to the developing device with a special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the special color toner, or by replacing a special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the special color toner with another special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing a special color toner of a different color.

[0014] An image forming system according to a ninth aspect is the image forming system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the processor reversely rotates the photosensitive member at a position opposite the developing device after new developer is supplied to the developing device from the normal color developer storage unit, the special color developer storage unit, or the other special color developer storage unit, the toner contained in the old developer inside the developing device is expelled onto the surface of the photosensitive member, and the surface of the photosensitive member is cleaned by the cleaning member.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for using a photoconductor in an image forming system having a plurality of photoconductors that rotate in a predetermined direction and on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charging potential; a plurality of developing devices that are disposed opposite the photoconductors, each containing a developer containing a toner of a different color, and that develop the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; and a plurality of cleaning members that are plate-shaped and in contact with the photoconductors and that clean the surface of the photoconductor, and that are disposed downstream of the developing devices in the rotation direction of the photoconductors and downstream of a transfer position of the toner image, the method comprising: a first step of rotating the photoconductor located opposite the developing device in the predetermined direction when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing a toner of a different color; and a second step of forming a band-shaped toner image on the surface of the photoconductor using the developing device after the first step.

[0016] A photoconductor usage method according to an eleventh aspect is the photoconductor usage method according to the tenth aspect, wherein the band-shaped toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor is changed depending on the type of toner in the changed developer.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the photosensitive member usage method is the photosensitive member usage method described in the tenth aspect, wherein when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to a developer containing toner of a special color other than the normal color, or the developer containing toner of the special color is changed to a developer containing toner of the normal color, or the developer containing toner of the special color is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color special color.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the photosensitive member usage method is the photosensitive member usage method described in the eleventh aspect, wherein, when the toner after the change is a toner of a special color other than one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the amount of toner in the strip toner image is made less than the amount of toner in the strip toner image in the normal color toner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the image forming system of the first aspect, when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the photosensitive member can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0020] According to the image forming system of the second aspect, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured, compared to when similar band-shaped toner images are formed on the photosensitive member when different types of toner are used.

[0021] According to the image forming system of the third aspect, the cleaning performance of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured, compared to when the color of the toner is detected by a sensor.

[0022] According to the image forming system of the fourth aspect, when the developer inside the developing device is changed from a developer containing normal color toner to a developer containing special color toner, or from a developer containing special color toner to a developer containing normal color toner, or from a developer containing special color toner to a developer containing a different color special color toner, the image forming system can continue to be used without replacing the photosensitive body.

[0023] According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured, compared to when similar band-shaped toner images are formed using special color toner and normal color toner.

[0024] According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, the amount of toner in the strip-shaped toner image can be easily reduced.

[0025] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, even in a configuration in which discharge products tend to increase on the surface of the photoreceptor due to the charging roll, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoreceptor can be ensured.

[0026] According to the image forming system of the eighth aspect, when the developer in the developing device is changed, it can be continuously used without replacing the photosensitive body by swapping the normal color developer storage unit with the special color developer storage unit, or by replacing the special color developer storage unit with another special color developer storage unit.

[0027] According to the image forming system of the ninth aspect, after the toner contained in the old developer is cleaned by the cleaning member, the photosensitive member is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby breaking up the toner accumulation at the contact point between the cleaning member and the photosensitive member.

[0028] According to the photoconductor usage method of the tenth aspect, when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the photoconductor can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0029] According to the method of using a photoconductor of the eleventh aspect, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoconductor can be ensured compared to when similar band-shaped toner images are formed on the photoconductor using different types of toner.

[0030] According to the method of using a photoconductor of the twelfth aspect, when the developer inside the developing device is changed from a developer containing normal color toner to a developer containing special color toner, or from a developer containing special color toner to a developer containing normal color toner, or from a developer containing special color toner to a developer containing a different color special color toner, the photoconductor can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0031] According to the photoreceptor usage method of the thirteenth aspect, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoreceptor can be ensured compared to when similar band-shaped toner images are formed using special color toner and normal color toner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a developing device used in an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a developer cartridge and a supply path used in an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of replacing a developer cartridge containing a developer containing a special color toner with a developer cartridge containing a developer containing a yellow toner in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] (A) is a diagram showing the state in which toner accumulates at the contact point between the tip of the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member when the photosensitive member is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and (B) is a diagram showing the result of breaking up the toner accumulation by rotating the photosensitive member in the reverse direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a state in which a toner band made of a specific color toner is formed on the surface of a photosensitive member, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which a toner band made of yellow toner is formed on the surface of a photosensitive member. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram showing an example in which a developer cartridge containing a developer including a toner of a first special color is replaced with a developer cartridge containing a developer including a toner of a second special color in an image forming system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow X in the drawings will be referred to as the device width direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Y will be referred to as the device height direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to each of the device width direction and device height direction (arrow Z direction) will be referred to as the device depth direction.

[0034] [First embodiment] 1 shows an image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. First, the image forming system 10 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment will be described. Next, the developing device 100 and the developer replenishing device 150 will be described.

[0035] <Overall configuration of image forming system> As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 is an electrophotographic device including a recording medium storage unit 12, a toner image forming unit 14, a transfer device 16, a recording medium transport device 18, a fixing device 20, and a control unit 70.

[0036] The recording medium storage unit 12 has a function of storing paper P as an example of a recording medium. Although not shown in the drawings, the recording medium storage unit 12 may be configured to have multiple storage units that store multiple types of paper P.

[0037] The toner image forming unit 14 performs the processes of charging, exposing, and developing to form a toner image held by an intermediate transfer belt 30 (described later) that constitutes the transfer device 16. The toner image forming unit 14 includes, for example, monochromatic units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S that form toner images on the photoconductors 22 using toners of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and special color (S)). The toner image forming unit 14 is also capable of forming toner images composed of multiple colors according to image data, for example. The Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) toners are examples of normal color toners. The special color (S) toner is an example of a special color toner and is a toner of a color other than Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). As the special color (S) toner, for example, white (W), clear color (CR, transparent color), gold, silver, etc., toner is used.

[0038] The monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S have the same configuration except for the color of the toner images they form. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT and their components, the alphabets (Y, M, C, K, and CT) of the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT will be omitted. Each monochrome unit 21 includes a photoconductor 22, a charging roll 24, an exposure device 26, a developing device 100, and a cleaning device 28.

[0039] During image formation, the photoreceptor 22 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A. The direction indicated by arrow A is an example of a predetermined direction. The charging roll 24 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage. The charging roll 24 is disposed downstream of the cleaning blade 28A in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 22 and upstream of the developing device 100.

[0040] The cleaning device 28 is disposed downstream of the developing device 100 in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 22 and downstream of the toner image transfer position. The cleaning device 28 is plate-shaped and includes a cleaning blade 28A that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 22. The cleaning blade 28A is an example of a cleaning member. The tip of the cleaning blade 28A faces upstream in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 22 indicated by arrow A (i.e., faces the opposite side of the rotation direction), and the cleaning blade 28A contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 22. The cleaning device 28 also includes a cleaning brush 28B that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 22 upstream of the cleaning blade 28A. As the photoreceptor 22 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B remove toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 22.

[0041] The transfer device 16 holds the toner images of each color formed by each monochromatic unit 21 and transfers them to the transported paper P. The transfer device 16 includes an intermediate transfer belt 30, five transfer rolls 32, a drive roll 38, a secondary transfer section 36, a tension roll 34, and a cleaning device 80. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is endless. Each of the five transfer rolls 32 forms a nip with each of the photoconductors 22, sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 30 between them. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow by the drive roll 38. As an example, the monochromatic units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, the toner images formed on the photoconductors 22 by the monochromatic units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 by the transfer roll 32 in a superimposed manner.

[0042] The secondary transfer unit 36 ​​includes a transfer roll 54 that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 on which the toner image is held, and an opposing roll 56 that is disposed opposite the transfer roll 54 with the intermediate transfer belt 30 sandwiched therebetween. In the secondary transfer unit 36, the toner images of each color held on the intermediate transfer belt 30 are transferred to the paper P being conveyed. The cleaning device 80 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 30. The cleaning device 80 includes a cleaning blade 80A that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 30, and a cleaning brush 80B that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 30 upstream of the cleaning blade 80A. The cleaning blade 80A and cleaning brush 80B remove toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0043] The recording medium transport device 18 has a function of transporting the paper P so that the paper P passes through the nip N1 of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​and the nip N2 of the fixing device 20. The recording medium transport device 18 includes a plurality of transport rolls 44 and a transport belt 46. The transport rolls 44 are configured as a pair of rolls. The transport rolls 44 transport the paper P stored in the recording medium storage unit 12 along a transport path 18A.

[0044] The conveyor belt 46 is configured such that an endless belt is wound around a pair of rolls that are spaced apart from each other. The conveyor belt 46 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​in the conveying direction of the paper P and upstream of the fixing device 20. The conveyor belt 46 conveys the paper P, onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer unit 36, to the fixing device 50 along a conveying path 18A.

[0045] The fixing device 20 has a function of fixing the toner image transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper P by the transfer device 16 at the nip N2. The fixing device 20 includes a heating section 62 having an endless belt that moves around, and a pressure roll 64 that is pressed against the heating section 62. When the paper P is transported to the nip N2 between the heating section 62 and the pressure roll 64, the toner image on the paper P is fixed by heat and pressure.

[0046] The control unit 70 has a function of controlling each unit of the image forming system 10. For example, the control unit 70 controls each unit of the image forming system 10 (causes each unit to perform its respective operation) in accordance with image formation data received from an external device (not shown). Here, the image formation data includes image data (image information) that causes each monochrome unit 21 to form a toner image, and other data necessary for the image forming operation.

[0047] The image forming system 10 also includes a density sensor 72 that detects the density of the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, downstream of the single-color units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K in the rotational movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30. As an example, the density sensor 72 is a reflective optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0048] <Operation of the image forming system> Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0049] The control unit 70 receives image formation data from an external device (not shown) and operates the toner image forming unit 14, the transfer device 16, the recording medium transport device 18, and the fixing device 20. In the toner image forming unit 14, each photoconductor 22 is charged by each charging roll 24, and each photoconductor 22 is exposed by each exposure device 26, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 22 due to the difference in charge potential. Furthermore, each developing device 100 develops the electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor 22 into a toner image. As a result, each toner image is formed on each photoconductor 22.

[0050] Next, a voltage (primary transfer voltage) is applied from a power source (not shown) to each transfer roll 32. Furthermore, a drive roll 38 driven by a drive source (not shown) rotates the intermediate transfer belt 30 in the direction of the arrow. As a result, toner images of each color are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 in a superimposed manner.

[0051] Furthermore, the recording medium transport device 18 feeds the paper P into the nip N1 in time with the arrival of the toner images of each color held on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 30 at the nip N1. In the secondary transfer section 36, a voltage (secondary transfer voltage) is applied from a power source (not shown) to a power supply roll (not shown) that contacts the outer periphery of the opposing roll 56, thereby secondarily transferring the toner images of each color onto the paper P that passes through the nip N1.

[0052] Next, the recording medium conveying device 18 sends the paper P onto which the toner images of each color have been secondarily transferred into the nip N2, and the fixing device 20 fixes the toner images of each color onto the paper P passing through the nip N2, forming an image on the paper P. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged to the discharge section 66 by the conveying rolls 44.

[0053] <Developing device> Next, the developing device 100 will be described.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 100 is disposed opposite the photoconductor 22. The developing device 100 includes a housing 102 that accommodates the developer G, a developing roll 106 that holds the developer G, a trimmer 108 that regulates the thickness of the layer of the developer G on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roll 106, and a developer stirring and transporting unit 125. As an example, the developer stirring and transporting unit 125 includes a first stirring and transporting chamber 123 and a second stirring and transporting chamber 124 adjacent to the first stirring and transporting chamber 123. The first stirring and transporting chamber 123 is provided with a first auger 109, and the second stirring and transporting chamber 124 is provided with a second auger 111.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the developer G is composed of, for example, a two-component developer containing toner T as an example of negatively charged particles and carrier CA as an example of positively charged magnetic particles.

[0056] The housing 102 is configured to include a container body 103 and a cover member 104 that closes the top of the container body 103. The container body 103 has a partition wall 103A that separates the first stirring and transfer chamber 123 and the second stirring and transfer chamber 124. The container body 103 is provided with inlets (not shown) that connect to the first stirring and transfer chamber 123 and the second stirring and transfer chamber 124 at both ends of the partition wall 103A in the Z direction. In the first stirring and transfer chamber 123 and the second stirring and transfer chamber 124, the first auger 109 and the second auger 111 rotate in opposite directions, thereby stirring and transferring the developer G.

[0057] The cover member 104 is provided with a developer supply port 136. As an example, the developer supply port 136 is provided in the upper part of the second mixing and transport chamber 124. The developer supply port 136 is connected to the lower end of a supply path 154 (see FIG. 3) described later for supplying new toner T.

[0058] The developing roll 106 has a magnet roll 106A fixedly supported on the container body 103 via a shaft 106C, and a cylindrical developing sleeve 106B supported so as to be rotatable outside the magnet roll 106A. The magnet roll 106A has a plurality of magnetic poles provided along its outer circumferential surface (circumferential direction).

[0059] The developer G in the first stirring and transporting chamber 123 is transported by the rotation of the developing sleeve 106B in the +R direction while being held on the developing sleeve 106B. The developer G held on the developing sleeve 106B enters between the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 106B and the tip 108A of the trimmer 108, thereby restricting the thickness of the layer, and is transported to the development area facing the photosensitive member 22.

[0060] <Developer supply device> Next, the developer supply device 150 will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S that supply developers G containing toner T of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and special color (S)) to the developing devices 100 of the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT. The developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S each include a plurality of developer cartridges 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K, and 152S, each containing developers G containing toner of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and special color (S)). The developer G contains the toner T of each color and a carrier CA. The developer cartridges 152Y, 152M, 152C, and 152K, which accommodate developer G containing normal color toner T, are examples of normal color developer storage units. The developer cartridge 152S, which accommodates developer G containing special color (S) toner T, is an example of a special color developer storage unit.

[0062] The developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S have the same configuration except for the color of the toner they store or transport. Hereinafter, the developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S will be described without the letters (Y, M, C, K, S) when it is not necessary to distinguish between the toner colors.

[0063] 3, the developer replenishing device 150 includes a supply path 154 connected to the bottom of the developer cartridge 152. The supply path 154 supplies the developer G from the developer cartridge 152 to the developing device 100. The supply path 154 includes a cylindrical horizontal transport path 154A connected to the developer cartridge 152, and a cylindrical vertical transport path 154B connected to the end of the horizontal transport path 154A opposite to the developer cartridge 152.

[0064] The developer cartridge 152 is cylindrical and includes an agitator 162 therein for transporting the developer G. The agitator 162 is, for example, configured to rotate a spiral member.

[0065] The horizontal transport path 154A is disposed along the horizontal direction, i.e., the horizontal direction, of the image forming system 10. The upstream end of the horizontal transport path 154A in the transport direction of the developer G is connected to the axial end 152A of the developer cartridge 152. A transport member 164 that transports the developer G along the axial direction of the horizontal transport path 154A is provided inside the horizontal transport path 154A.

[0066] The transport member 164 has a rotary shaft 164A disposed along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the horizontal transport path 154A, and a spiral transport blade 164B supported on the outer periphery of the rotary shaft 164A. The transport member 164 transports the developer G introduced into the horizontal transport path 154A from the developer cartridge 152 toward the vertical transport path 154B by the rotation of the rotary shaft 164A.

[0067] The vertical transport path 154B is arranged along the vertical direction, and the downstream end of the vertical transport path 154B in the transport direction of the developer G is connected to the cover member 104 of the developing device 100 (see FIG. 2). The vertical transport path 154B supplies the developer G to the developing device 100 by dropping the toner transported from the horizontal transport path 154A.

[0068] In the developer replenishing device 150, the developer cartridge 152 is configured to be detachable from the supply path 154. For example, when the developer G in the developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of a normal color (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black)) or a special color (S) runs low, the old developer cartridge 152 is replaced with a new developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of the same color. In this case, the old developer cartridge 152 is removed from the horizontal conveying path 154A of the supply path 154, and a new developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of the same color is attached to the horizontal conveying path 154A of the supply path 154.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the developer cartridge 152 containing the toner T of a specific color can be replaced with a developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a different color. The case where the developer cartridge 152 containing the toner T of a specific color is replaced with a developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a different color will be described later.

[0070] <Control configuration of image forming system> Next, a description will be given of a control configuration, which is an electrical configuration of the image forming system 10. FIG.

[0071] 4, the control unit 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, a storage 214, and an input / output interface 215. These components are connected to each other via a bus 219 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0072] The CPU 211 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The CPU 211 is an example of a processor. The CPU 211 reads a program from the ROM 212 or the storage 214, and executes the program using the RAM 213 as a work area. In this embodiment, the processing program is stored in the ROM 212 or the storage 214. The CPU 211 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the processing program recorded in the ROM 212 or the storage 214.

[0073] The ROM 212 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 213 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 214 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.

[0074] The input / output interface 215 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from peripheral devices of the control unit 70. The input / output interface 215 is connected to each of the image forming unit drive unit 221, the paper transport motor 222, the developing device drive unit 223, the developer replenishment drive unit 224, the operation and display unit 225, the developer sensor 226, and the photosensitive member drive unit 227, and can transmit and receive information to and from each of these components. Note that, instead of this configuration, the image forming system 10 of the present disclosure may have at least one of the image forming unit drive unit 221, the paper transport motor 222, the developing device drive unit 223, the developer replenishment drive unit 224, the operation and display unit 225, the developer sensor 226, and the photosensitive member drive unit 227 directly connected via the bus 219.

[0075] The image forming unit drive section 221 is connected to each of the monochrome units 21 of the toner image forming section 14 and each of the parts of the transfer device 16. The image forming unit drive section 221 receives instructions from the CPU 211 of the control section 70 and drives each of the monochrome units 21 and each of the parts of the transfer device 16.

[0076] The paper transport motor 222 is connected to the transport rolls 44 and the transport belt 46 via a drive mechanism such as gears, and the transport rolls 44 rotate and the transport belt 46 moves in a circular motion as the paper transport motor 222 is driven. The paper transport motor 222 controls the transport of the paper P in accordance with the timing of image formation by each monochrome unit 21 and the transfer device 16.

[0077] The developing device drive unit 223 is connected to each part of the developing device 100. The developing device drive unit 223 receives instructions from the CPU 211 and drives each part of the developing device 100. For example, the developing device drive unit 223 controls the rotation of the developing roll 106, the first auger 109, and the second auger 111.

[0078] The developing device drive unit 223 drives the developing device 100 based on an operation command from the CPU 211, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 22. For example, when forming an image based on image data, the developing device drive unit 223 drives the developing device 100 of each color in accordance with the image data, thereby forming a toner image of each color on the surface of the photoconductor 22. Furthermore, for example, if the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, the developing device drive unit 223 drives the developing device 100 to form a toner band, which is an example of a band-shaped toner image, on the surface of the photoconductor 22. The toner band will be described later.

[0079] The developer supply drive unit 224 is connected to each part of the developer supply device 150. The developer supply drive unit 224 receives instructions from the CPU 211 and drives each part of the developer supply device 150. For example, the developer supply drive unit 224 controls the rotation of the agitator 162 of the developer cartridge 152 and the rotation of the conveying member 164 of the developer supply device 150, thereby supplying the developer G to the developing device 100.

[0080] The operation display unit 225 accepts instructions from a user of the image forming system 10 and notifies the user of various information relating to the operating status of the image forming system 10. The operation display unit 225 includes, for example, a display button that realizes the acceptance of operation instructions by a program, a touch panel display that displays various information, and hardware keys such as a numeric keypad and a start button.

[0081] The developer sensor 226 detects information about the developer G, such as the color of the toner T in the developer G inside the developing device 100 and the toner concentration in the developer G. As an example, the developer sensor 226 detects the type of toner T. For example, the developer sensor 226 detects that the developer G containing toner T of a specific color inside the developing device 100 has been replaced with a developer G containing toner T of a different color. The CPU 211 acquires information about the developer G detected by the developer sensor 226. As an example, the storage 214 stores information about the developer G inside the developing device 100 and the developer G inside the developer cartridge 152. The storage 214 is an example of a storage unit.

[0082] Photoconductor driving unit 227 controls the rotation of photoconductor 22. When an image is formed by image forming system 10 based on image data, photoconductor driving unit 227 rotates photoconductor 22 in the direction indicated by arrow A based on an operation command from CPU 211. Furthermore, when developer G inside developing device 100 is changed to developer G containing toner T of a different color, photoconductor driving unit 227 rotates photoconductor 22 at a position facing developing device 100 in the reverse direction to the direction indicated by arrow A based on an operation command from CPU 211. That is, photoconductor driving unit 227 rotates photoconductor 22 in the direction indicated by arrow B (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0083] <Replacing the developer cartridge> Next, replacement of the developer cartridge 152 in the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows an example in which a developer cartridge 152Y containing developer G including yellow (Y) toner T and carrier CA is replaced with a developer cartridge 152S containing developer G including special color (S) toner T and carrier CA. As shown in FIG. 5, at the position where the developer cartridge 152Y is disposed relative to the photoconductor 22 and the developing device 100 (see FIG. 1), the developer cartridge 152Y is replaced with a new developer cartridge 152S. Similarly, at the position where the developer cartridge 152S is disposed relative to the photoconductor 22 and the developing device 100 (see FIG. 1), the developer cartridge 152S is replaced with a new developer cartridge 152Y. The special color (S) toner T is an example of a toner of a color different from the yellow (Y) toner T. Furthermore, the yellow (Y) toner T is an example of a toner of a color different from the special color (S) toner T.

[0085] As an example, in the image forming system 10, only the developer cartridge 152Y and the developer cartridge 152S are subject to replacement (in this example, replacement), and replacement is not performed on the originally used supply path 154, developing device 100, and photoconductor 22. In other words, even when the developer cartridge 152Y and the developer cartridge 152S are replaced, the respective supply path 154, developing device 100, and photoconductor 22 continue to be used as they are.

[0086] In this case, as an example, instead of directly replacing the developer cartridge 152Y with the developer cartridge 152S, a cleaning developer cartridge (not shown) containing a cleaning developer containing a special color (S) toner T and a carrier CA may be used between the developer cartridge 152Y and the developer cartridge 152S. For example, the cleaning developer cartridge is attached to the supply path 154, and the cleaning developer expels the developer G containing the yellow (Y) toner T before replacement from the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100, and the contents of the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer. Thereafter, the cleaning developer cartridge attached to the supply path 154 may be replaced with the developer cartridge 152S to be replaced.

[0087] For example, the developer sensor 226 (see FIG. 4) detects that the developer G containing yellow (Y) toner T inside the developing device 100 has been replaced with a developer G containing special color (S) toner T. The CPU 211 (see FIG. 4) acquires information about the developer G containing special color (S) toner T detected by the developer sensor 226. As an example, the storage 214 (see FIG. 4) stores information about the developer G containing special color (S) toner T.

[0088] Similarly, instead of directly replacing the developer cartridge 152S with the developer cartridge 152Y, a cleaning developer cartridge (not shown) containing a cleaning developer containing yellow (Y) toner T and carrier CA may be used between the developer cartridge 152S and the developer cartridge 152Y. For example, the cleaning developer cartridge is attached to the supply path 154, and the cleaning developer expels the developer G containing the special color (S) toner T from the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 before replacement, and the contents of the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer. Thereafter, the cleaning developer cartridge attached to the supply path 154 may be replaced with the developer cartridge 152Y to be replaced.

[0089] For example, the developer sensor 226 (see FIG. 4) detects that the developer G containing the toner T of the special color (S) inside the developing device 100 has been replaced with the developer G containing the yellow (Y) toner T. The CPU 211 (see FIG. 4) acquires information about the developer G containing the yellow (Y) toner T detected by the developer sensor 226. As an example, the storage 214 (see FIG. 4) stores information about the developer G containing the yellow (Y) toner T.

[0090] In the image forming system 10, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, the photoconductor 22 located opposite the developing device 100 is rotated in the reverse direction indicated by the arrow A (see FIG. 6(A)) (first step). For example, the CPU 211 operates the photoconductor driving unit 227 to rotate the photoconductor 22 in the reverse direction indicated by the arrow B, as shown in FIG. 6(B).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the photoconductor 22 is rotated in the forward direction (the direction of arrow A), the cleaning blade 28A contacts the surface of the photoconductor 22, and toner T accumulates at the contact point between the tip of the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22. As a result, a toner puddle 310 forms at the contact point between the tip of the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22. For example, when the developer cartridge 152Y is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S (see FIG. 5), a toner puddle 310 forms at the contact point between the tip of the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22 at the position corresponding to the developer cartridge 152S. The toner puddle 310 may contain a mixture of yellow (Y) toner T from before the replacement and the special color (S) toner T from after the replacement. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the toner puddle 310 can be broken up by rotating the photoconductor 22 at the position corresponding to the developer cartridge 152S in the reverse direction (the direction of arrow B).

[0092] Similarly, when developer cartridge 152S is replaced with developer cartridge 152Y (see FIG. 5), as shown in FIG. 6(A), a toner puddle 310 is formed at the contact point between the tip of cleaning blade 28A and photosensitive member 22 at the position corresponding to developer cartridge 152Y. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the toner puddle 310 can be broken up by rotating the photosensitive member 22 at the position corresponding to developer cartridge 152Y in the opposite direction (the direction of arrow B).

[0093] The rotation of the photoconductor 22 in the reverse direction (arrow B direction) is preferably 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 7 mm, from the stop position. In the first embodiment, the photoconductor 22 is rotated about 4 mm in the reverse direction (arrow B direction) from the stop position.

[0094] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7A, the photoconductor 22 is rotated in the forward direction (the direction of arrow A) at a position corresponding to the developer cartridge 152S containing the special color (S) toner T, whereby the developing device 100 forms a toner band 320A on the surface of the photoconductor 22 (second step). The toner band 320A is an example of a band-shaped toner image. For example, the CPU 211 operates the image forming unit drive unit 221 and the developing device drive unit 223, etc., to form the toner band 320A on the surface of the photoconductor 22 by the developing device 100 (second step).

[0095] Similarly, at a position corresponding to the developer cartridge 152Y containing yellow (Y) toner T, as shown in Fig. 7(B), the photoconductor 22 is rotated in the forward direction (the direction of arrow A) to form a toner band 320B on the surface of the photoconductor 22 by the developing device 100. The toner band 320B is an example of a band-shaped toner image.

[0096] The toner bands 320A, 320B are formed in a band shape along the axial direction of the photoconductor 22. As an example, the longitudinal formation range of the toner bands 320A, 320B does not have to be the entire axial length of the photoconductor 22. Furthermore, the longitudinal formation range of the toner bands 320A, 320B preferably covers the entire axial length of the developing roll 106, but may be shorter than the axial length of the developing roll 106. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the toner bands 320A, 320B around the photoconductor 22 may be different between the longitudinal ends and the center.

[0097] The CPU 211 changes the toner bands 320A and 320B formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 according to the type of toner T in the changed developer G. For example, the type of toner T is stored in the storage 214, and the CPU 211 acquires the type of toner from the storage 214.

[0098] When the toner T after the change is the toner T with the characteristic (S), the amount of toner in the toner band 320A is made less than the amount of toner in the toner band 320B for the normal color toner T. For example, by making the length L1 of the toner band 320A in the circumferential direction of the photoreceptor 22 shorter than the length L2 of the toner band 320B (that is, L1 < L2), the amount of toner in the toner band 320A is made less. At this time, the widths in the axial direction of the toner bands 320A and 320B are equal.

[0099] Alternatively, although illustration is omitted, the shapes of the toner band 320B and the toner band 320B may be made the same, and the toner concentration of the toner band 320A may be decreased compared to the toner concentration of the toner band 320B.

[0100] The toner band 320A formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 is removed by the cleaning brush 28B and the cleaning blade 28A (see FIG. 1) of the cleaning device 28 due to the rotation of the photoreceptor 22 in the forward direction (arrow A direction). Similarly, the toner band 320B formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 is removed by the cleaning brush 28B and the cleaning blade 28A (see FIG. 1) of the cleaning device 28 due to the rotation of the photoreceptor 22 in the forward direction (arrow A direction).

[0101] [[ID= sixteen]]<Problems of the Image Forming System of the Comparative Example> Here, the problems of the image forming system of the comparative example will be described.

[0102] The image forming system of the comparative example is equipped with a charging roll that charges the surface of a photoconductor. The charging roll charges the surface of the photoconductor by applying a voltage consisting of a DC voltage superimposed on an AC voltage. In an image forming system equipped with a charging roll, discharge products on the surface of the photoconductor are more likely to occur than in a scorotron charging system, leading to poor cleaning and poor image quality. Therefore, cleaning performance is maintained by developing the surface of the photoconductor with toner and supplying the toner to a cleaning blade. Here, a scorotron refers to a corona charger configured with a grid electrode between a corona wire and a charged body. For example, because special color toners have different base materials and external additives than regular color toners, continued use of the photoconductor after replacing the special color toner is likely to result in poor cleaning and poor image quality. Therefore, in the image forming system of the comparative example, when replacing a color developer cartridge, the photoconductor of the corresponding color must also be replaced with a new one.

[0103] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0104] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing handled by the image forming system 10 of the first embodiment. In the image forming system 10, the CPU 211 reads a processing program from the ROM 212 or the storage 214, expands it in the RAM 213, and executes it to perform processing.

[0105] The CPU 211 determines whether the developer G inside the developing device 100 has been changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color (step S401). For example, when the developer sensor 226 detects the developer G containing a toner T of a different color, the CPU 211 determines that the developer G inside the developing device 100 has been changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color.

[0106] If the developer G inside the developing device 100 has not been changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color (step S401: NO), the CPU 211 waits until the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color.

[0107] When the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color (step S401: YES), the CPU 211 reversely rotates the photoconductor 22 at a position facing the developing device 100 that has been changed to the developer G containing a toner T of a different color (step S402). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the CPU 211 rotates the photoconductor 22 in the reverse direction (arrow B direction) relative to the forward direction (arrow A direction).

[0108] The CPU 211 determines whether the toner T of a different color is the toner T of a special color (S) (step S403). Specifically, inside the developing device 100, it determines whether the toner T contained in the changed developer G is the toner T of a special color (S).

[0109] If the different color toner T is special color (S) toner T (step S403: YES), CPU 211 causes developing device 100 to form toner band 320A with a small amount of toner on the surface of photoconductor 22 (step S404). For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the case of special color (S) toner T, the toner amount of toner band 320A is made smaller than the toner amount of toner band 320B for normal color toner T. For example, the toner amount of toner band 320A is made smaller by making length L1 of toner band 320A in the circumferential direction of photoconductor 22 shorter than length L2 of toner band 320B.

[0110] If the different color toner T is not the special color (S) toner T (step S403: NO), the CPU 211 causes the developing device 100 to form a toner band 320B with a large amount of toner on the surface of the photoconductor 22 (step S405). The case where the different color toner T is not the special color (S) toner T refers to the case where the different color toner T is the normal color toner T. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the toner amount of the toner band 320B is made larger than the toner amount of the toner band 320A for the special color (S) toner T. For example, the toner amount of the toner band 320B is increased by making the length L2 of the toner band 320B in the circumferential direction of the photoconductor 22 longer than the length L1 of the toner band 320A. This completes the processing based on the processing program managed by the image forming system 10.

[0111] In the image forming system 10 described above, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, the CPU 211 rotates the photoconductor 22 facing the developing device 100 in the reverse direction of arrow A, and then the developing device 100 forms toner bands 320A and 320B on the surface of the photoconductor 22. For example, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), by rotating the photoconductor 22 in the reverse direction (arrow B direction) to the direction of arrow A, it is possible to break up the toner accumulation 310 formed at the contact portion between the tip of the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22.

[0112] 7(A) and 7(B), toner bands 320A and 320B are formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by the developing device 100, and the toner bands 320A and 320B are removed by the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B. This ensures the cleanability of the photoreceptor 22. The cleanability of the photoreceptor 22 includes the cleaning performance and cleaning maintenance of the photoreceptor 22 by the cleaning blade 28A.

[0113] Therefore, in the image forming system 10, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced. Therefore, the photoconductor 22 can be used to the end of its life without being replaced with a new one.

[0114] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, the CPU 211 changes the toner bands 320A, 320B to be formed on the surface of the photoconductor 22 in accordance with the type of toner T in the changed developer G. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoconductor 22 can be ensured compared to when similar toner bands are formed on the photoconductor when different types of toner are used.

[0115] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, the type of toner T is stored in the storage 214. The CPU 211 acquires the type of toner T from the storage 214. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the cleaning performance of the surface of the photoconductor 22 can be ensured more reliably than in the case where the color of the toner is detected by a sensor.

[0116] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, it is when the developer G containing a normal color (e.g., yellow) toner T is changed to a developer containing a special color (S) toner T (see FIG. 5). When the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, it is when the developer G containing a special color (S) toner T is changed to a developer G containing a normal color (e.g., yellow) toner T (see FIG. 5). Therefore, in the image forming system 10, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed from a developer G containing a normal color toner T to a developer containing a special color (S) toner T, or when the developer G containing a special color (S) toner T is changed to a developer G containing a normal color toner T, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without replacement.

[0117] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, when the changed toner T is toner T of a special color (S), the toner amount in toner band 320A is made smaller than the toner amount in toner band 320B for toner T of a normal color. For example, toner T of a special color (S) contains more lubricant than toner T of a normal color. For example, when the toner amount in a toner band is relatively large, lubricant components are likely to remain on the surface of the photoconductor 22, making cleaning defects more likely to occur. As a countermeasure, the toner amount in toner band 320A for toner T of the special color (S) is made smaller than the toner amount in toner band 320B for toner T of a normal color. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the cleaning performance of the surface of the photoconductor 22 can be ensured compared to when similar toner bands are formed using toners of special color and normal colors.

[0118] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, the amount of toner in the toner band 320A is reduced by shortening the length L1 of the toner band 320A in the circumferential direction of the photoconductor 22. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the amount of toner in the toner band 320A can be easily reduced.

[0119] The image forming system 10 also includes a charging roll 24 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage, downstream of the cleaning blade 28A in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 22 and upstream of the developing device 100. Therefore, the image forming system 10 can ensure the cleanability of the surface of the photoreceptor 22 even in a configuration in which the charging roll 24 is likely to increase discharge products on the surface of the photoreceptor 22.

[0120] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, a change of developer G occurs by interchanging the developer cartridge 152Y that contains developer G containing toner T of a normal color (for example, yellow) to be supplied to the developing device 100 with the developer cartridge 152S that contains developer G containing toner T of a special color (S). Therefore, in the image forming system 10, by interchanging the developer cartridge 152Y of a normal color (for example, yellow) with the developer cartridge 152S of a special color (S), when the developer G in the developing device 100 is changed, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0121] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, after new developer G is supplied to the developing device 100 from the developer cartridge 152Y of a normal color (for example, yellow), and the toner T of the special color (S) contained in the old developer G inside the developing device 100 is expelled onto the surface of the photoconductor 22 and the surface of the photoconductor 22 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A or the like, the CPU 211 reversely rotates the photoconductor 22 located opposite the developing device 100. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, by reversely rotating the photoconductor 22 after the toner T of the special color (S) contained in the old developer G is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A, the toner accumulation 310 accumulated at the contact portion between the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22 can be broken up.

[0122] Furthermore, after new developer G is supplied to the developing device 100 from the special color (S) developer cartridge 152S, and the toner T of a normal color (for example, yellow) contained in the old developer G inside the developing device 100 is expelled onto the surface of the photoconductor 22 and the surface of the photoconductor 22 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A or the like, the CPU 211 reversely rotates the photoconductor 22 located opposite the developing device 100. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, after the toner T of a normal color (for example, yellow) contained in the old developer G is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A, the toner accumulation 310 accumulated at the contact portion between the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22 can be broken up by reversely rotating the photoconductor 22.

[0123] Furthermore, the photoconductor usage method in the image forming system 10 includes a first step of rotating the photoconductor 22 facing the developing device 100 in the reverse direction of arrow A when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer containing toner T of a different color. Furthermore, the photoconductor usage method includes a second step of forming toner bands 320A and 320B on the surface of the photoconductor 22 by the developing device 100 after the first step. Therefore, in the photoconductor usage method, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing toner T of a different color, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0124] Furthermore, the photoreceptor usage method changes the toner bands 320A, 320B formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 depending on the type of toner T in the changed developer G. Therefore, the photoreceptor usage method can ensure the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoreceptor 22 compared to when similar toner bands are formed on the photoreceptor when different types of toner are used.

[0125] Furthermore, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, this is the case when the developer G containing a toner T of a normal color (for example, yellow) is changed to a developer containing a toner T of a special color (S). Therefore, in the photoconductor usage method, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed from a developer G containing a toner T of a normal color (for example, yellow) to a developer containing a toner T of a special color (S), the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0126] Furthermore, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, this is the case when the developer G containing a special color (S) toner is changed to a developer G containing a normal color (e.g., yellow) toner. Therefore, in the photoconductor usage method, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed from a developer G containing a special color (S) toner to a developer G containing a normal color (e.g., yellow) toner, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0127] Furthermore, if the toner after the change is a special color (S) toner, the amount of toner in toner band 320A is made less than the amount of toner in toner band 320B for a normal color (e.g., yellow) toner. Therefore, in this photoconductor usage method, the cleaning performance of the surface of photoconductor 22 can be ensured compared to when similar toner bands are formed using a special color toner and a normal color toner.

[0128] Second Embodiment Next, an image forming system according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] 9, in the image forming system 10 according to the second embodiment, a developer cartridge 152S1 containing developer G including toner T of a first special color (S1) and carrier CA is replaced with a developer cartridge 152S2 containing developer G including toner T of a second special color (S2) different from the first special color (S1) and carrier CA. The toner of the second special color (S2) is an example of a toner of a different color.

[0130] As an example, only the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced, and the originally used supply path 154, developing device 100, and photosensitive member 22 are not replaced. In other words, even when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2, the supply path 154, developing device 100, and photosensitive member 22 continue to be used as they are.

[0131] In this case, as an example, instead of directly replacing the developer cartridge 152S1 with the developer cartridge 152S2, a cleaning developer cartridge (not shown) containing a cleaning developer containing toner T of the second special color (S) and carrier CA may be used between the developer cartridge 152S1 and the developer cartridge 152S2. For example, the cleaning developer cartridge is attached to the supply path 154, and the cleaning developer is used to expel the developer G containing toner T of the first special color (S1) that was present in the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 before replacement, and the contents of the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer. Thereafter, the cleaning developer cartridge attached to the supply path 154 may be replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced.

[0132] Other configurations are the same as those of the image forming system 10 of the first embodiment. That is, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing toner T of a second special color (S2), the CPU 211 rotates the photoconductor 22, which is positioned opposite the developing device 100, in the reverse direction of the arrow A. After the reverse rotation of the photoconductor 22, the CPU 211 forms a toner band 320A on the surface of the photoconductor 22 by the developing device 100.

[0133] In addition to the effects of the same configuration as the image forming system 10 of the first embodiment, the image forming system 10 of the second embodiment has the following effects.

[0134] In the image forming system 10 of the second embodiment, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, this is when the developer G containing a toner of a first special color (S1) is changed to a developer G containing a toner of a second special color (S2). Therefore, in the image forming system 10, when the developer G containing a toner of the first special color (S1) is changed to a developer G containing a toner of the second special color (S2), the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0135] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, a change of developer G occurs by replacing the developer cartridge 152S1 that contains developer G containing toner of the first special color (S1) with a developer cartridge 152S2 that contains developer G containing toner of the second special color (S2). Therefore, in the image forming system 10, by replacing the developer cartridge 152S1 with the developer cartridge 152S2, when the developer G in the developing device 100 is changed, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0136] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, after new developer G is supplied from the developer cartridge 152S2 to the developing device 100, the toner T of the first special color (S1) contained in the old developer G inside the developing device 100 is expelled onto the surface of the photoconductor 22, and the surface of the photoconductor 22 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A, the CPU 211 reversely rotates the photoconductor 22 located at a position facing the developing device 100. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, after the toner of the first special color (S1) contained in the old developer G is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A, the toner accumulation 310 accumulated at the contact portion between the cleaning blade 28A and the photoconductor 22 can be broken up by reversely rotating the photoconductor 22.

[0137] Furthermore, in the photoconductor usage method, when the developer G inside the developing device 100 is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, it is changed from a developer containing a toner T of a first special color (S1) to a developer G containing a toner T of a second special color (S2). Therefore, in the photoconductor usage method, when the developer containing a toner T of a first special color (S1) is changed to a developer G containing a toner T of a second special color (S2), the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0138] 〔supplementary explanation〕 The information processing system of the present disclosure is not limited to the image forming system 10 described in the first and second embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the configuration of the developing device 100 and the configuration of the supply path 154 can be modified.

[0139] In the first embodiment, the developer cartridge 152Y containing yellow (Y) toner T is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S containing special color (S) toner T, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of a normal color other than yellow (Y) may be replaced with the developer cartridge 152S containing special color (S) toner T.

[0140] The processing of the image forming system 10 can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, the processing may be performed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0141] The program that operates the image forming system 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in a memory or storage device. The program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the image forming system 10 as a function thereof.

[0142] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0143] [Note] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0144] (((1))) a plurality of photoreceptors that rotate in a predetermined direction and on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charge potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a developer containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; a plurality of cleaning members each of which is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and downstream of a transfer position of the toner image, the cleaning members being plate-shaped and contacting the photosensitive member to clean the surface of the photosensitive member; at least one processor; Equipped with The processor: When the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the photosensitive member at a position facing the developing device is rotated in the reverse direction with respect to the predetermined direction, an image forming system in which a strip-shaped toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor by the developing device;

[0145] (((2))) The processor: The image forming system according to (((1))), wherein the belt-like toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member is changed according to the type of toner in the changed developer.

[0146] (((3))) a storage unit for storing the type of toner; The image forming system according to (((2))), wherein the processor acquires the type of toner from the storage unit.

[0147] (((4))) An image forming system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to a developer containing toner of a special color other than the normal color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of the normal color, or the developer containing toner of the special color is changed to a developer containing toner of a different special color.

[0148] (((5))) The image forming system described in (((2))) above, wherein if the toner after the change is a toner of a special color other than one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the amount of toner in the strip toner image is made less than the amount of toner in the strip toner image in the normal color toner.

[0149] (((6))) The image forming system described in (((5)))), wherein reducing the amount of toner in the strip toner image is achieved by reducing the toner concentration of the strip toner image or shortening the length of the strip toner image in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive body.

[0150] (((7))) The image forming system described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))) includes a charging roll that charges the surface of the photosensitive member by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage, downstream of the cleaning member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and upstream of the developing device.

[0151] (((8))) The change of the developer occurs by interchanging a normal color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the normal color toner to be supplied to the developing device with a special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the special color toner, or by replacing a special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the special color toner with another special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing a special color toner of a different color.

[0152] (((9))) The processor: The image forming system described in (((8))) further includes: a supply of new developer to the developing device from the normal color developer storage unit, the special color developer storage unit, or the other special color developer storage unit; a reverse rotation of the photosensitive body at a position opposite the developing device is performed after the toner contained in the old developer inside the developing device is expelled onto the surface of the photosensitive body and the surface of the photosensitive body is cleaned by the cleaning member.

[0153] (((10))) a plurality of photoreceptors that rotate in a predetermined direction and on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charge potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a developer containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; a plurality of cleaning members each of which is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and downstream of a transfer position of the toner image, the cleaning members being plate-shaped and contacting the photosensitive member to clean the surface of the photosensitive member; 1. A method of using a photoreceptor in an image forming system having: a first step of rotating the photoconductor at a position facing the developing device in a reverse direction with respect to the predetermined direction when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing a toner of a different color; a second step of forming a belt-shaped toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member by the developing device after the first step; A method for using a photoreceptor having the above structure.

[0154] (((11))) The method for using a photoreceptor according to (((10))), further comprising changing the band-like toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor depending on the type of toner in the changed developer.

[0155] (((12))) The method of using a photoreceptor according to (((10))) or (((11))), wherein when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to a developer containing toner of a special color other than the normal color, or from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of the normal color, or from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of a different color.

[0156] (((13)) When the toner after the change is a toner of a special color other than any one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the amount of toner in the strip toner image is made less than the amount of toner in the strip toner image in the normal color toner.

[0157] According to the image forming system of (((1))), even if the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the photosensitive body can be continuously used without replacing it.

[0158] According to the image forming system of (((2))), the cleaning properties of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured compared to when similar strip-shaped toner images are formed on the photosensitive member when different types of toner are used.

[0159] According to the image forming system of (((3))), the cleaning performance of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured, compared to when the color of the toner is detected by a sensor.

[0160] According to the image forming system of (((4))), when the developer inside the developing device is changed from a developer containing normal color toner to a developer containing special color toner, or from a developer containing special color toner to a developer containing normal color toner, or from a developer containing special color toner to a developer containing a different color special color toner, the system can continue to be used without replacing the photosensitive body.

[0161] According to the image forming system of (((5))), the cleaning properties of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured compared to when similar strip-shaped toner images are formed using special color toner and normal color toner.

[0162] According to the image forming system of (((6))), the amount of toner in the strip-shaped toner image can be easily reduced.

[0163] According to the image forming system of (((7))), even in a configuration in which discharge products tend to increase on the surface of the photosensitive member due to the charging roll, the cleaning properties of the surface of the photosensitive member can be ensured.

[0164] According to the image forming system of (((8))), by interchanging the normal color developer storage unit with the special color developer storage unit, or by replacing the special color developer storage unit with another special color developer storage unit, even if the developer in the developing device is changed, it can be used continuously without replacing the photosensitive body.

[0165] According to the image forming system of (((9))), after the toner contained in the old developer is cleaned by the cleaning member, the photosensitive member is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby breaking up the toner accumulation at the contact point between the cleaning member and the photosensitive member.

[0166] According to the photoconductor usage method of (((10))), even if the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the photoconductor can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0167] According to the method of using a photoconductor according to (((11))), the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoconductor can be ensured compared to when similar band-shaped toner images are formed on the photoconductor when different types of toner are used.

[0168] According to the method of using a photoconductor according to (((12))), when the developer inside the developing device is changed from a developer containing a normal color toner to a developer containing a special color toner, or from a developer containing a special color toner to a developer containing a normal color toner, or from a developer containing a special color toner to a developer containing a different color special color toner, the photoconductor can be continuously used without being replaced.

[0169] According to the method of using a photoconductor according to (((13))), the cleaning properties of the surface of the photoconductor can be ensured compared to when similar band-shaped toner images are formed using special color toner and normal color toner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 10. Image forming system 22 Photoreceptor 24 Charging roll 28A Cleaning blade (an example of a cleaning material) 100 Developing device 152 Developer cartridge (developer 152S Developer Cartridge (Example of Special Color Developer Container) 152S1 Developer cartridge (example of special color developer storage unit) 152S2 Developer cartridge (an example of another special color developer storage unit) 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K Developer cartridge (an example of a normal color developer storage unit) 211 CPU (an example of a processor) 214 Storage (an example of a memory unit) 320 Toner Band 320A Toner band (example of a band-shaped toner image) 320B Toner band (an example of a band-shaped toner image) G Developer S Special color (example of special color) S1 First special color (example of special color) S2 Second special color (an example of a different special color) T Toner

Claims

1. a plurality of photoreceptors that rotate in a predetermined direction and on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charge potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a developer containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; a plurality of cleaning members each of which is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and downstream of a transfer position of the toner image, the cleaning members being plate-shaped and contacting the photosensitive member to clean the surface of the photosensitive member; at least one processor; Equipped with The processor: When the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the photosensitive member at a position facing the developing device is rotated in the reverse direction with respect to the predetermined direction, an image forming system in which a strip-shaped toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor by the developing device;

2. The processor:

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the belt-like toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member is changed according to the type of the toner in the changed developer.

3. a storage unit for storing the type of toner; The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the processor acquires the type of toner from the storage unit.

4. 2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to a developer containing toner of a special color other than the normal color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of the normal color, or the developer containing toner of the special color is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color.

5. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein, when the changed toner is a toner of a special color other than one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the amount of toner in the strip toner image is made less than the amount of toner in the strip toner image in the normal color toner.

6. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein the amount of toner in the strip toner image is reduced by reducing the toner density of the strip toner image or by shortening the length of the strip toner image in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive member.

7. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a charging roll, downstream of the cleaning member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and upstream of the developing device, for charging the surface of the photosensitive member by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage.

8. 5. The image forming system of claim 4, wherein the change in the developer occurs by interchanging a normal color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the normal color toner to be supplied to the developing device with a special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the special color toner, or by replacing a special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing the special color toner with another special color developer storage unit that stores developer containing a special color toner of a different color.

9. The processor:

9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein new developer is supplied to the developing device from the normal color developer storage section, the special color developer storage section, or the other special color developer storage section, the toner contained in the old developer inside the developing device is expelled onto the surface of the photosensitive body, and the surface of the photosensitive body is cleaned by the cleaning member, and then reverse rotation of the photosensitive body at a position opposite the developing device is performed.

10. a plurality of photoreceptors that rotate in a predetermined direction and on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charge potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a developer containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; a plurality of cleaning members each of which is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and downstream of a transfer position of the toner image, the cleaning members being plate-shaped and contacting the photosensitive member to clean the surface of the photosensitive member; 1. A method of using a photoreceptor in an image forming system having: a first step of rotating the photoconductor at a position facing the developing device in a reverse direction with respect to the predetermined direction when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color; a second step of forming a belt-shaped toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member by the developing device after the first step; A method for using a photoreceptor having the above structure.

11. 11. The method for using a photoreceptor according to claim 10, further comprising changing the type of toner in the changed developer to form a band-like toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor.

12. The method of using a photoreceptor according to claim 10, wherein when the developer inside the developing device is changed to a developer containing toner of a different color, the developer is changed from a developer containing toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to a developer containing toner of a special color other than the normal color, from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of the normal color, or from a developer containing toner of the special color to a developer containing toner of a different color.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein, when the changed toner is a toner of a special color other than one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the amount of toner in the strip toner image is made less than the amount of toner in the strip toner image in the normal color toner.

Images