Image forming apparatus, image forming system, cleaning method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily check whether a recording medium becomes dirty with a color material.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 comprises: a paper feed tray 21 (storage unit) that stores sheets (recording media); an image forming unit 10 that forms an image on the stored sheet by using toner (color material); and conveyance paths R1-R4 for conveying the sheet on which the image is formed. The control unit of the image forming apparatus 100 recovers the toner attached to the conveyance paths R1-R4 through conveyance of the sheets stored in the paper feed tray 21 to execute cleaning of the conveyance paths R1-R4. When executing the cleaning, the control unit selects a sheet to be used for the cleaning on the basis of color information of the sheets stored in the paper feed tray 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a cleaning method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, image forming devices that form color images use four color materials (toner, ink, etc.): yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. In addition to these four colors, image forming devices that use special color materials are also known. The use of special colors adds vividness, gloss, etc. to the image. For example, printing that uses white as a special color is called whiteout printing. Whiteout printing is used to express the background of a design in white when printing on transparent materials, thin materials, colored paper, etc.

[0003] In image forming devices, coloring materials may adhere to the transport path of the recording medium (paper, etc.) during image formation. For this reason, image forming devices are equipped with a function to collect coloring materials that have adhered to the transport path by passing the recording medium through the transport path (paper passing cleaning). In paper passing cleaning, coloring materials that have adhered to the transport path are transferred onto the recording medium, and dirt on the transport path is removed.

[0004] For example, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that selects the paper to be used for paper passing cleaning based on the size, basis weight, etc. of the paper (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-154192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into consideration the color of the recording medium used in the paper cleaning. During paper cleaning, the user visually checks whether or not the ejected recording medium is stained with coloring material. When forming an image using a white coloring material, even if paper cleaning is performed using a white recording medium, the user may find it difficult to detect the stain. Therefore, even if the stain is severe, the user may overlook the stain. In particular, since white coloring material is often used more than other coloring materials, it can be a major cause of staining of the transport path. If the user continues image formation without noticing this stain, relatively expensive recording media, such as transparent materials, will be wasted. Thus, depending on the combination of coloring material and recording medium used in image formation, the staining of the coloring material on the recording medium can be difficult to see.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and has as its object to make stains of coloring material on a recording medium more visible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores recording media; an image forming unit that forms an image on the stored recording media using coloring material; a transport path that transports the recording media on which the image has been formed; and a control unit that cleans the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording media stored in the storage unit, wherein when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects the recording media to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording media stored in the storage unit.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, which is provided with a memory unit that stores color information of the colorant used by the image forming unit and color information of the recording medium contained in the storage unit, and when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects the recording medium to be used for the cleaning based on the color information of the colorant and the color information of the recording medium contained in the storage unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms an image using a special color colorant, and when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects a recording medium of a color different from the special color as the recording medium to be used for the cleaning.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, in which the image forming unit forms an image using a white colorant, and when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects a recording medium of a color different from white as the recording medium to be used for the cleaning.

[0012] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the control unit performs the cleaning based on the amount of color material used in the image forming unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects a recording medium of a color different from the color of the colorant used most in the image forming unit as the recording medium to be used for the cleaning.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided with a notification unit that notifies the user to store the selected recording medium in the storage unit if the selected recording medium is not stored in the storage unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, which is provided with a detection unit that detects the characteristics of the recording medium stored in the storage unit, and the detection unit acquires color information of the recording medium stored in the storage unit.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is an image forming system comprising: a storage unit that stores recording media; an image forming unit that forms an image on the stored recording media using coloring material; a transport path that transports the recording media on which the image has been formed; and a control unit that cleans the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording media stored in the storage unit, wherein when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects the recording media to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording media stored in the storage unit.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is a cleaning method for an image forming device having a storage section that stores recording media, an image forming section that forms an image on the stored recording media using coloring material, and a transport path that transports the recording media on which the image has been formed, and includes a step of cleaning the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording media stored in the storage section, and a step of selecting the recording media to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording media stored in the storage section when performing the cleaning.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is a program for enabling a computer of an image forming device having a storage unit for storing recording media, an image forming unit for forming an image on the stored recording media using coloring material, and a transport path for transporting the recording media on which the image has been formed, to realize the following functions: cleaning the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording media stored in the storage unit; and, when performing the cleaning, selecting the recording media to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording media stored in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, stains of coloring material on a recording medium can be made more visible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 shows an example of the data configuration of a paper management table. [Figure 4] 10 shows an example of the data configuration of a toner management table. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a first sheet-passing cleaning process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a second sheet-passing cleaning process executed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Advantages and features provided by the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below or the examples shown in the drawings.

[0022] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem color image forming apparatus that forms full-color images by electrophotography. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 10, a paper feed unit 20, a paper transport unit 30, a document reading unit 40, a paper type sensor 51, remaining toner sensors 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K, and 52W, an inspection sensor 53, and the like.

[0023] The image forming unit 10 forms an image on a recording medium, using toner as a color material, based on image data. The image forming unit 10 includes four sets of normal color (process color) image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, a spot color image forming unit 1W, an intermediate transfer belt 7, a secondary transfer roller 8, a fixing unit 9, etc.

[0024] Imaging unit 1Y forms a yellow (Y) image. Imaging unit 1M forms a magenta (M) image. Imaging unit 1C forms a cyan (C) image. Imaging unit 1K forms a black (K) image. Imaging unit 1W forms a white (W) image. Here, white is used as the special color.

[0025] The image forming unit 1Y includes a photosensitive drum 2Y, a charging unit 3Y, an exposure unit 4Y, a developing unit 5Y, and a primary transfer roller 6Y. The charging unit 3Y uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y. The exposure unit 4Y scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y to light, forming an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 5Y supplies yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2Y to develop it. The primary transfer roller 6Y transfers the yellow toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 7 (primary transfer). The configurations of the image forming units 1M, 1C, 1K, and 1W are the same as that of the image forming unit 1Y except for the colors they handle, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] Toner images of at least one of yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and white are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 by the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, and 1W. Toner images of one color each of yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and white may be formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7, or toner images of all five colors may be stacked.

[0027] The secondary transfer roller 8 transfers (secondary transfer) the toner images of each color formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto a sheet of paper being transported by the paper transport unit 30. The secondary transfer roller 8 is disposed in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7. The pressure contact between the secondary transfer roller 8 and the intermediate transfer belt 7 forms a nip portion (transfer nip portion).

[0028] The fixing unit 9 applies heat and pressure to the toner image transferred onto the paper, thereby fixing the toner image onto the paper.

[0029] The paper feed unit 20 supplies paper to the image forming unit 10. The paper feed unit 20 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 21 (storage units). Each paper feed tray 21 stores paper of a predetermined paper type and size.

[0030] The paper transport unit 30 includes a first transport path R1, a second transport path R2, a third transport path R3, a fourth transport path R4, a switching gate G, etc. The first transport path R1 transports paper from the paper feed unit 20 to the image forming unit 10. The second transport path R2 ejects paper to the outside after image formation. The third transport path R3 and the fourth transport path R4 are used when forming images on both sides of paper. The transport paths R1 to R4 are provided with multiple rollers that transport paper. The paper transport unit 30 transports paper along the transport paths R1 to R4.

[0031] The first transport path R1 is a transport path that transports paper from each paper feed tray 21 to the switching gate G. Paper stored in the paper feed tray 21 is sent out to the first transport path R1. An image forming unit 10 is provided on the first transport path R1. Paper passing through the first transport path R1 passes through a transfer nip formed by an intermediate transfer belt 7 and a secondary transfer roller 8, and a fixing unit 9. The sheets are sequentially transported and proceed along the first transport path R1. When the leading edge of the sheet abuts against the registration roller 31, the timing at which the sheet is transported toward the transfer nip is adjusted. When the registration rollers 31 start rotating at a predetermined timing so as to be synchronized with the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 7, the paper is transported to the transfer nip portion of the image forming unit 10 and further to the fixing unit 9. After the fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 9, the paper is transported to the switching gate G.

[0032] The switching gate G is provided downstream of the fixing unit 9 in the paper transport direction. The switching gate G switches the transport destination of the paper that has been transported on the first transport path R1. Specifically, the switching gate G causes the paper to go straight when the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 9 is transported to the second transport path R2. Furthermore, when the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 9 is transported to the third transport path R3, the switching gate G guides the paper downward (to the inversion path).

[0033] The second transport path R2 is a transport path for discharging the paper that has been subjected to the fixing process by the fixing unit 9 onto a paper discharge tray 32 attached to the outer side surface of the housing.

[0034] The third transport path R3 and the fourth transport path R4 are transport paths for inverting the paper that has been subjected to fixing processing by the fixing unit 9 and returning it to the first transport path R1. The third transport path R3 branches off from the first transport path R1 downstream of the image forming unit 10 in the paper transport direction (at the position of the switching gate G) and guides the paper toward the reversing roller 33. The fourth transport path R4 branches off midway as it transports the paper that has passed the reversing roller 33 in the reverse direction, and is provided so as to reach a junction 34 provided midway along the first transport path R1.

[0035] The document reading unit 40 scans and exposes the image of the document, reads the light reflected by the document using a line image sensor, and obtains an image signal. The document reading unit 40 performs various processes on this image signal and then outputs it to the control unit 11 (see FIG. 2) as image data. These processes include A / D conversion, shading correction, compression, etc.

[0036] A paper type sensor 51 is provided in each paper feed tray 21. The paper type sensor 51 detects the characteristics of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21. The paper characteristics include the physical properties of the paper. For example, the paper type sensor 51 detects the color, basis weight, etc. of the paper. The paper type sensor 51 acquires color information of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21.

[0037] The remaining toner sensors 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K, and 52W detect the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridges (not shown) corresponding to each color. The remaining amount of toner is expressed, for example, as a percentage (%) of the toner relative to the total capacity of the toner cartridge. The toner cartridges corresponding to each color supply toner to the developing units 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5W corresponding to each color.

[0038] The inspection sensor 53 reads both sides of the paper passing through the second transport path R2 and generates read image data. The read image data generated by the inspection sensor 53 is subjected to image processing and used in the inspection process.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 2, image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, an image forming unit 10, a paper feed unit 20, a paper transport unit 30, a document reading unit 40, a detection unit 50, etc. Note that a description of the functional units that have already been described will be omitted.

[0040] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 12 and loads them into the RAM. The CPU performs centralized control of the operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the loaded programs. For example, the control unit 11 controls the image forming unit 10 to form an image on a sheet based on image data received by the communication unit 13 or image data obtained by the document reading unit 40.

[0041] The storage unit 12 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage unit 12 stores various programs executed by the control unit 11 as well as parameters, data, etc. required by each unit. The storage unit 12 stores a paper management table 121 and a toner management table 122.

[0042] 3 shows an example of the data configuration of the paper management table 121. In the paper management table 121, for each paper feed tray 21, identification information of the paper feed tray 21 and color information of the paper contained in the paper feed tray 21 are stored in association with each other. In other words, the storage unit 12 stores color information of the paper (recording medium) contained in the paper feed tray 21. For example, the name of a color is used as the paper color information. The paper color information is also stored in the L * a * b * The color value may be a color value such as a color value.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows an example of the data configuration of the toner management table 122. The toner management table 122 stores, for each color of toner used in the image forming unit 10, the toner color information and the amount of toner remaining at the time of the previous cleaning in association with each other. In other words, the storage unit 12 stores color information of the toner (color material) used by the image forming unit 10. For example, the name of the color is used as the toner color information. The toner color information is also stored in the form of L * a * b * The color value may be a color value such as a color value.

[0044] The communication unit 13 includes various interfaces such as a network interface card (NIC), a modulator-demodulator (MODEM), and a universal serial bus (USB). The communication unit 13 connects to an external device such as a personal computer and transmits and receives data to and from the external device. For example, the communication unit 13 receives job information from the external device that describes instructions for forming an image. The job information includes image data for the image to be formed as well as various setting information.

[0045] The operation unit 14 includes various operation buttons and a touch screen, and outputs operation signals based on user operations to the control unit 11. The various operation buttons include numeric buttons, a start button, etc. The touch screen is formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 15.

[0046] The display unit 15 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 15 displays various screens in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 11.

[0047] The detection unit 50 has a paper type sensor 51, remaining toner amount sensors 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K, and 52W, and an inspection sensor 53. Each sensor of the detection unit 50 outputs the detection result to the control unit 11.

[0048] The control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21 to the image forming unit 10. The control unit 11 controls the image forming unit 10 to form an image on the paper transported from the paper feed tray 21 using toner (color material).

[0049] The control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21. The control unit 11 cleans the transport paths R1 to R4 (paper passing cleaning) by collecting toner that has adhered to the transport paths R1 to R4 as the paper is transported.

[0050] When performing cleaning, the control unit 11 selects the paper to be used for cleaning based on color information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21. The control unit 11 uses the selected paper to perform cleaning of the transport paths R1 to R4.

[0051] When performing cleaning, the control unit 11 selects the paper to be used for cleaning based on color information of the toner used by the image forming unit 10 and color information of the paper accommodated in the paper feed tray 21.

[0052] The control unit 11 performs cleaning based on the amount of toner used in the image forming unit 10. For example, the control unit 11 performs cleaning when the amount of toner used since the previous cleaning is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0053] When performing cleaning, the control unit 11 selects, as the paper to be used for cleaning, a paper of a color different from the color of the toner that has been used the most in the image forming unit 10. For example, the control unit 11 performs cleaning using a paper of a color different from the color of the toner that has been used the most since the previous cleaning was performed.

[0054] If the selected paper is not accommodated in the paper feed tray 21, the control unit 11 (notification unit) notifies the user to accommodate the selected paper in the paper feed tray 21.

[0055] The control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21 from the paper type sensor 51. The control unit 11 stores the acquired paper color information in the paper management table 121 in association with the identification information of the paper feed tray 21.

[0056] The control unit 11 inspects the paper based on the read image data obtained by the inspection sensor 53. For example, the control unit 11 inspects whether the paper is dirty or whether there are any abnormalities in the image.

[0057] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment will be described. 5 is a flowchart showing the first paper-passing cleaning process executed by the image forming apparatus 100. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 11 and a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0058] First, the control unit 11 acquires the current remaining amount of each color toner from the remaining toner amount sensors 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K, and 52W (step S1).

[0059] Next, control unit 11 obtains the "amount of remaining toner at the time of the previous cleaning" for each toner color from toner management table 122 stored in storage unit 12. Control unit 11 calculates the amount of toner used since the previous cleaning for each toner color from the difference between the "amount of remaining toner at the time of the previous cleaning" and the current amount of remaining toner obtained in step S1 (step S2).

[0060] Here, the control unit 11 determines whether the amount of toner used since the previous cleaning is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S3). For example, the control unit 11 may determine whether the total amount of toner used for each color since the previous cleaning is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine whether the amount of toner used for the color with the largest usage since the previous cleaning is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the amount of toner used since the previous cleaning is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S3; NO), the process returns to step S1.

[0061] In step S3, if the amount of toner used since the previous cleaning is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S3; YES), the control unit 11 determines that it is time to perform paper-passing cleaning. Then, the control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper contained in each paper feed tray 21 (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper contained in each paper feed tray 21 from each paper type sensor 51 provided in each paper feed tray 21. The control unit 11 associates the identification information of the paper feed tray 21 with the paper color information, and stores the association information in the paper management table 121.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the color of the toner with the largest usage amount among the usage amounts calculated in step S2 is white (step S5). If the color of the toner used most frequently is white (step S5; YES), the control unit 11 selects colored paper as the paper to be used for cleaning (step S6). Colored paper is paper of a color other than white. It is desirable that the color of the colored paper is a color that is significantly different from white.

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether any of the paper feed trays 21 contains colored paper, based on the paper color information acquired in step S4 (step S7). If colored paper is stored in any of the paper feed trays 21 (step S7; YES), the control unit 11 performs paper passing cleaning using the colored paper (step S8). The control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the colored paper from the paper feed tray 21 that stores the colored paper to the first transport path R1. The control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the colored paper from the first transport path R1 through the third transport path R3 and the fourth transport path R4, and back to the first transport path R1 at the junction 34. The control unit 11 then controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the colored paper to the second transport path R2 and eject the colored paper to the paper output tray 32.

[0064] In step S7, if colored paper is not stored in any of the paper feed trays 21 (step S7; NO), the control unit 11 prompts the user to store colored paper in the paper feed tray 21 (step S9). For example, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 15 to display a message instructing the user to store colored paper in the paper feed tray 21.

[0065] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether colored paper has been stored in any of the paper feed trays 21 (step S10). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21 from each paper type sensor 51 provided in each paper feed tray 21. The control unit 11 determines whether colored paper has been stored in any of the paper feed trays 21 based on the detection results of each paper type sensor 51. If colored paper is stored in any of the paper feed trays 21 (step S10; YES), the control unit 11 performs paper passing cleaning using the colored paper (step S8).

[0066] In step S10, if none of the paper feed trays 21 contains colored paper (step S10; NO), the control unit 11 changes the paper used for cleaning to white paper (step S11). Then, the control unit 11 performs paper-passing cleaning using the white paper (step S12). The control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the white paper from the paper feed tray 21 containing the white paper to the first transport path R1. The control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the white paper from the first transport path R1 through the third transport path R3 and the fourth transport path R4, and back to the first transport path R1 at the junction 34. Thereafter, the control unit 11 controls the paper transport unit 30 to transport the white paper to the second transport path R2 and discharge the white paper to the paper output tray 32.

[0067] In step S5, if the color of the toner used in the largest amount is not white (step S5; NO), the control unit 11 selects white paper as the paper to be used for cleaning (step S13).Then, the control unit 11 performs paper passing cleaning using the white paper (step S12).

[0068] After step S8 or step S12, the control unit 11 stores the current remaining toner amount obtained in the most recent step S1 as the "remaining toner amount at the time of the previous cleaning" for each toner color in the toner management table 122 of the memory unit 12, and overwrites it (step S14). This completes the first paper passing cleaning process.

[0069] In step S8 or step S12 of the first paper-passing cleaning process, when paper-passing cleaning is performed, control unit 11 acquires read image data from inspection sensor 53 at the timing when paper passes through inspection sensor 53. Control unit 11 detects toner stains on the paper from the read image data acquired by inspection sensor 53. Control unit 11 repeats paper-passing cleaning until toner stains are no longer detected from the read image data acquired by inspection sensor 53. Alternatively, the user may visually confirm that the toner stains on the ejected paper have disappeared. For example, if the user determines that toner remains on the ejected paper, the user issues an instruction to perform paper-passing cleaning again through operation unit 14. The user repeats the instruction to perform paper-passing cleaning until toner no longer remains on the ejected paper.

[0070] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 100 selects the paper to be used for cleaning based on color information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21. Therefore, the control unit 11 can make toner (color material) stains on the paper (recording medium) more visible.

[0071] The control unit 11 selects the paper to be used for cleaning based on color information of the toner used by the image forming unit 10 and color information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21. For example, by the control unit 11 selecting paper of a color different from the color of the toner used, the user can easily check toner stains on the paper that has been passed through during cleaning.

[0072] The control unit 11 performs cleaning based on the amount of toner used in the image forming unit 10. For example, the control unit 11 performs cleaning when the amount of toner used since the previous cleaning is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The control unit 11 can determine the timing to perform cleaning based on the degree of contamination of the transport paths R1 to R4 estimated according to the amount of toner used.

[0073] The control unit 11 selects, as the paper to be used for cleaning, a paper of a color different from the color of the toner that has been used most in the image forming unit 10. For example, if the color of the toner that has been used most since the previous cleaning was performed is white, the control unit 11 selects, as the paper to be used for cleaning, a paper of a color different from white (colored paper). This allows the control unit 11 to make toner stains on the paper easier to see.

[0074] If the selected paper is not stored in the paper feed tray 21, the control unit 11 notifies the user to store the selected paper in the paper feed tray 21. This allows the control unit 11 to prompt the user to replenish the selected paper.

[0075] The paper type sensor 51 acquires color information of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21. The control unit 11 can grasp color information of usable paper from the detection results of the paper type sensor 51, and can use this paper color information to select paper to use for cleaning.

[0076] In step S5, the control unit 11 determines whether the color of the toner used most frequently is white. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine whether the color of the toner used most frequently is a "pale color close to white." If the color of the toner used most frequently is a "pale color close to white," the control unit 11 selects colored paper as the paper to be used for cleaning. In this case, it is desirable that the color of the colored paper be a color that is significantly different from a "pale color close to white."

[0077] Furthermore, if the answer is "YES" in step S3, the control unit 11 may wait for a jam (paper jam) to occur. Then, after a jam occurs and is cleared, the control unit 11 proceeds to the processing of step S4 and subsequent steps.

[0078] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The image forming apparatus of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and illustrations and descriptions thereof are omitted. The configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0079] In the second embodiment, white may not be used as a spot color. That is, image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment may be provided with an image forming unit corresponding to another spot color instead of image forming unit 1W. Also, image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment may not be provided with image forming unit 1W for spot colors, and may be provided with only four sets of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0080] When performing cleaning, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 100 selects paper of a color different from the spot color as paper to be used for cleaning. In the image forming apparatus 100 that uses white as the spot color, the control unit 11 selects paper of a color different from white as paper to be used for cleaning when performing cleaning.

[0081] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user can manually instruct the execution of paper-passing cleaning by operating the operation unit 14.

[0082] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment will be described. 6 is a flowchart showing the second paper-passing cleaning process executed by the image forming apparatus 100. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 11 and a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0083] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a user has issued an instruction to perform paper-passing cleaning through operation of the operation unit 14 (step S21). If a user has not issued an instruction to perform paper-passing cleaning (step S21; NO), the process returns to step S21.

[0084] In step S21, if an instruction to perform paper passing cleaning has been issued (step S21; YES), the control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21 (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 21 from each paper type sensor 51 provided in each paper feed tray 21. The control unit 11 associates the identification information of the paper feed tray 21 with the color information of the paper, and stores the association information in the paper management table 121.

[0085] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the spot color of white is used in the image forming apparatus 100 (step S23). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the image forming unit 10 includes an image creating unit 1W corresponding to white. If the white spot color is used (step S23; YES), the process proceeds to step S24. The processes of steps S24 to S30 are the same as the processes of steps S6 to S12 in the first paper passing cleaning process (see FIG. 5), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In step S23, if the white spot color is not used (step S23; NO), the control unit 11 selects white paper as the paper to be used for cleaning (step S31). Then, the control unit 11 performs paper passing cleaning using the white paper (step S30). After step S26 or step S30, the second paper passing cleaning process ends.

[0087] In step S26 or step S30 of the second paper-passing cleaning process, when paper-passing cleaning is performed, control unit 11 acquires read image data from inspection sensor 53 at the timing when paper passes through inspection sensor 53. Control unit 11 detects toner stains on the paper from the read image data acquired by inspection sensor 53. Control unit 11 repeats paper-passing cleaning until toner stains are no longer detected from the read image data acquired by inspection sensor 53. Alternatively, the user may visually check that the toner stains on the discharged paper have disappeared.

[0088] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 100 selects the paper to be used for cleaning based on color information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21. Therefore, the control unit 11 can make toner (color material) stains on the paper (recording medium) more visible.

[0089] When white is used as the special color, the control unit 11 selects paper of a color other than white as the paper to be used for cleaning, thereby making it easier for the control unit 11 to see toner stains on the paper.

[0090] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The detailed configuration and operation of each part constituting the apparatus can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, characteristic processes in each embodiment may be combined and executed.

[0091] In the above embodiments, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been described. That is, the case where toner is used as a color material has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ink or the like may be used as a color material. In the above embodiments, the recording medium is paper, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a transparent material, a film, or the like may be used as the recording medium.

[0092] In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper contained in each paper feed tray 21 from each paper type sensor 51 provided in each paper feed tray 21. Alternatively, the user may register paper setting information for each paper feed tray 21 in advance. In this case, the control unit 11 accepts paper color information input by the user from the operation unit 14, associates the identification information of the paper feed tray 21 with the paper color information, and stores the association information in the paper management table 121 of the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 acquires color information of the paper contained in each paper feed tray 21 from the paper management table 121.

[0093] Furthermore, the timing of performing paper passing cleaning is not limited to being based on the amount of toner used in the image forming unit 10 or based on an operation instruction from the user. For example, the control unit 11 may perform cleaning when the number of sheets or faces of paper on which images have been formed since the previous cleaning was performed reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. Furthermore, sensors for detecting toner contamination may be provided on the transport paths R1 to R4, and the control unit 11 may determine the timing for performing cleaning based on the output results of the sensors.

[0094] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the processing performed by image forming apparatus 100 may be executed by an external device (such as a computer) that can communicate with image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, the processing performed by image forming apparatus 100 may be executed by multiple devices in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, in an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus, a paper feeder, a post-processing device, etc., the processing performed by image forming apparatus 100 in each of the above embodiments may be executed by one or multiple devices that constitute the image forming system.

[0095] The computer-readable medium for storing the program for executing each process is not limited to the above examples. A carrier wave may also be used as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail above, the disclosed embodiments are intended for purposes of illustration and example only, and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the terms of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1Y,1M,1C,1K,1W Image forming section 7 Intermediate transfer belt 8 Secondary transfer roller 9 Fixing section 10 Image forming unit 11 Control section 12 Storage section 15 Display 20 Paper feed section 21 Paper tray 30 Paper transport section 50 Detection unit 51 Paper type sensor 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K, 52W Toner remaining sensor 53 Inspection sensor 100 Image forming device 121 Paper Management Table 122 Toner Management Table R1 First transport path R2 Second transport path R3 Third transport path R4 4th transport path

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing a recording medium; an image forming unit that forms an image on the accommodated recording medium using a coloring material; a conveying path for conveying the recording medium on which the image is formed; a control unit that cleans the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording medium contained in the container; Equipped with When performing the cleaning, the control unit selects the recording medium to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording medium contained in the container unit.

2. a storage unit that stores color information of the color material used by the image forming unit and color information of the recording medium contained in the container unit; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects the recording medium to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the colorant and color information of the recording medium contained in the container unit.

3. the image forming unit forms an image using a color material of a particular color; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when performing the cleaning, selects a recording medium of a color different from the special color as the recording medium to be used for the cleaning.

4. the image forming unit forms an image using a white color material, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when performing the cleaning, selects a recording medium of a color different from the white color as the recording medium to be used for the cleaning.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the cleaning based on the amount of color material used in the image forming unit.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when performing the cleaning, the control unit selects a recording medium of a color different from the color of the color material used most in the image forming unit as the recording medium to be used for the cleaning.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit includes a notification unit that notifies the user to place the selected recording medium in the storage unit when the selected recording medium is not stored in the storage unit.

8. a detection unit that detects the characteristics of the recording medium contained in the container unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit acquires color information of the recording medium accommodated in the accommodation unit.

9. a storage unit for storing a recording medium; an image forming unit that forms an image on the accommodated recording medium using a coloring material; a conveying path for conveying the recording medium on which the image is formed; a control unit that cleans the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording medium contained in the container; Equipped with When performing the cleaning, the control unit selects the recording medium to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording medium contained in the container unit.

10. 1. A cleaning method for an image forming apparatus including a storage unit that stores recording media, an image forming unit that forms an image on the stored recording media using a coloring material, and a transport path that transports the recording media on which the image has been formed, comprising: a step of cleaning the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording medium contained in the container; When performing the cleaning, a step of selecting a recording medium to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording medium contained in the container; A cleaning method comprising:

11. A computer of an image forming apparatus including a storage unit for storing recording media, an image forming unit for forming an image on the stored recording media using a color material, and a transport path for transporting the recording media on which the image has been formed, a function of cleaning the transport path by collecting coloring material that has adhered to the transport path due to the transport of the recording medium contained in the container; a function of selecting a recording medium to be used for the cleaning based on color information of the recording medium contained in the container when the cleaning is performed; A program to achieve this.

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