Cleaning assisting device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a cleaning assisting device that can aggregate impurities attached to a surface of an image carrier into lumps to prevent the occurrence of a failure in cleaning performed by a cleaning unit, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A cleaning assisting device comprises: a heating unit 22 that is arranged on the upstream side of a cleaning unit 25 in the direction of rotation of an image carrier (intermediate transfer belt 132) and heats the image carrier; and a control unit 11 that controls heating performed by the heating unit 22. In executing control of cleaning the image carrier during a non-image forming period, the control unit 11 controls heating performed by the heating unit 22 so as to adjust the temperature of a surface of the image carrier to a predetermined temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning auxiliary device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses that form images on paper are known. Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner, transfer the toner image to paper in a transfer unit, and fix the toner image in a fixing unit.

[0003] Some electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are configured to apply a lubricant (slip agent) to an image carrier (such as a photoreceptor or intermediate transfer body) to improve toner cleaning performance. The lubricant supplying device is, for example, a brush or sponge. Because the lubricant particles used in the lubricant supplying device are small, uneven application of the lubricant occurs on the image carrier. This is particularly true when the same image is printed repeatedly. Consequently, impurities (wax, toner components, lubricant, discharge products) adhere to and accumulate on the image carrier. The impurities accumulated on the image carrier create uneven steps on the image carrier. This causes uneven contact between the image carrier and the tip of the blade, which serves as the cleaning device. This results in poor cleaning and image noise.

[0004] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a heating unit and a cooling unit are used to control the temperature of the cleaning blade so that it remains within a predetermined range. The configuration described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to improve the performance of collecting impurities accumulated on the image carrier even when environmental changes occur. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which resin or wax adhering to the surface of an endless belt is cooled and solidified with cooling air from a blower mechanism. According to the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the solidified resin or wax can be effectively removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-091152 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-253117 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 involves heating the cleaning blade, which causes melted impurities to accumulate on the edge of the blade, resulting in problems such as a decrease in the contact force of the blade and a decrease in cleaning performance. Furthermore, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 cools and solidifies impurities adhering to the belt surface, so the solidified impurities accumulate on the belt, resulting in unevenness on the cleaning surface of the belt and a problem of reduced cleaning performance.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning auxiliary device and an image forming apparatus that can suppress the occurrence of poor cleaning by a cleaning unit by agglomerating impurities adhering to the surface of an image carrier into clumps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In the cleaning auxiliary device, a heating section disposed upstream of the cleaning section in the rotation direction of the image carrier and configured to heat the image carrier; a control unit that controls heating by the heating unit; Equipped with The control unit controls heating by the heating unit so that the surface of the image carrier reaches a predetermined temperature when controlling cleaning of the image carrier during non-image formation.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The control unit controls heating by the heating unit based on at least one of information on the number of sheets that the image forming unit can handle and a belt running distance.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The heating unit is disposed at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the image carrier in a non-contact manner.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The image forming apparatus is characterized by including a detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the heating unit and the surface of the image carrier.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The heating unit is characterized by comprising a movement mechanism that moves the heating unit closer to or further away from the image carrier.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, when controlling the heating by the heating unit, the control unit makes the rotation speed of the image carrier slower than that during image formation.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The heating unit is provided in plurality, The plurality of heating units are arranged side by side in the rotation direction, The heating section disposed upstream in the direction of rotation among the plurality of heating sections is characterized in that the heating amount is set to be lower than that of the heating section disposed downstream in the direction of rotation.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, Equipped with a fan to lower the temperature inside the aircraft, The control unit controls the output of the fan to be higher than that during image formation when controlling the heating by the heating unit.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The impurities that are coagulated on the image carrier by the heating of the image carrier by the heating unit are at least one of wax, toner components, and lubricants.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is the cleaning auxiliary device described in claim 1, The heating unit is characterized by being a non-contact heating means.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is In the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium via the image carrier; a cleaning unit that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove impurities adhering to the image carrier; a cleaning auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which assists the cleaning unit in cleaning the image carrier; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, impurities adhering to the surface of the image carrier can be aggregated into clumps, thereby suppressing the occurrence of poor cleaning by the cleaning unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in the vicinity of an intermediate transfer belt. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of a moving mechanism. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the heating unit is moved closer to the intermediate transfer belt from the state shown in FIG. 4; FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sequence control during normal operation (image formation); [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of sequence control during non-image formation according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contact angle of impurities aggregated in a lump form relative to the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt; [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of impurities on the intermediate transfer belt before heating by the heating unit. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of lump-like impurities on the intermediate transfer belt after heating by a heating unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of an intermediate transfer belt of an image forming apparatus according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a memory unit 14, an operation panel 15, and a communication unit 16.

[0023] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. First, the CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM in response to an instruction signal and loads the programs into the RAM. The instruction signal is received as an operation signal input from the operation unit 152 or via the communication unit 16. Next, the CPU comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM.

[0024] The image reading unit 12 reads an image of a document placed on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF), not shown, and obtains an image signal. Specifically, the image reading unit 12 scans and exposes the image of the document using the optical system of a scanning exposure device, reads the reflected light using a line image sensor, and obtains an image signal. The image signal is subjected to processes such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression, and then input to the control unit 11 as image data. Note that the image data input to the control unit 11 is not limited to that read by the image reading unit 12. For example, it may be image data received from an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 16.

[0025] The image forming unit 13 forms an image made up of four colors, C, M, Y, and K, on ​​a sheet of paper in accordance with the pixel values ​​of the four colors of each pixel of the image-processed original image. The image forming unit 13 includes four writing units 131, an intermediate transfer belt 132, a secondary transfer roller 133, a fixing unit 134, etc. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a recording medium (paper) via the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0026] The four writing units 131 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 and form images of the respective colors of C, M, Y, and K. The writing units 131 have the same configuration except for the colors of the images they form. Each writing unit 131 includes an optical scanning unit 131a, a photosensitive member 131b, a developing unit 131c, a charging unit 131d, a cleaning unit 131e, and a primary transfer roller 131f.

[0027] When forming an image, each writing unit 131 first charges the photoconductor 131b using the charging unit 131d. Next, each writing unit 131 scans the photoconductor 131b with a light beam emitted from the optical scanning unit 131a based on the original image, forming an electrostatic latent image. Next, each writing unit 131 supplies a color material such as toner using the developing unit 131c to develop the image. This forms an image (toner image) on the photoconductor 131b. The images formed on the photoconductor 131b by each writing unit 131 are sequentially superimposed and primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 132 by the respective primary transfer rollers 131f. As a result, images of each color are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 132. The intermediate transfer belt 132 is an image carrier that rotates while being wound around multiple rollers. After the primary transfer, each writing unit 131 removes color material remaining on the photoconductor 131b using the cleaning unit 131e.

[0028] Paper is fed to the image forming unit 13 in time with the image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 132 reaching the position of the secondary transfer roller 133. Paper is fed to the image forming unit 13 from the manual feed tray T1 or the paper feed tray T2. One of the pair of secondary transfer rollers 133 is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 132. The other roller of the pair constitutes one of the multiple rollers that wrap around the intermediate transfer belt 132. The image is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 132 onto the paper fed to the image forming unit 13 by the pressure of the secondary transfer roller 133. The paper with the secondarily transferred image is transported to the fixing unit 134, where it is fixed, and then discharged to the paper output tray T3. The fixing process is a process in which the fixing roller 134a applies heat and pressure to the paper to fix the image to the paper. When forming images on both sides of the paper, the paper is conveyed to the reversing path R1 and reversed, and then the paper is fed again to the position of the secondary transfer roller 133.

[0029] The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile storage means configured by an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 14 stores various programs, various setting data, etc. in a manner that allows the control unit 11 to read and write the data.

[0030] The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 151 that displays various information to the user, and an operation unit 152 that accepts operation inputs from the user.

[0031] The display unit 151 is configured with a color liquid crystal display or the like, and displays an operation screen and the like in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 11. The operation screen includes, for example, various setting screens, various buttons, and the operating status of each function.

[0032] The operation unit 152 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 151 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 151. When a button displayed on the screen is pressed with a finger, a touch pen, or the like, the operation unit 152 first detects the X and Y coordinates of the pressed point of force as a voltage value. Next, the operation unit 152 outputs an operation signal associated with the detected position to the control unit 11. Note that the touch panel is not limited to a pressure-sensitive type and may be, for example, an electrostatic type or an optical type. When a hard key is pressed, the operation unit 152 outputs an operation signal associated with the pressed key to the control unit 11. The user can operate the operation unit 152 to make settings related to image formation, issue paper transport instructions, and stop the device. Settings related to image formation include, for example, image quality settings, magnification settings, application settings, output settings, and paper settings.

[0033] The communication unit 16 has a communication IC, a communication connector, etc., and is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 10 to a communication network. The communication unit 16 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 11. The communication unit 16 can also input and output various information via USB.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 132. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a lubricant application mechanism 21, a heating unit 22, a moving mechanism 23, a temperature detection unit 24, and a cleaning unit 25.

[0035] The lubricant application mechanism 21 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer roller 133 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The lubricant application mechanism 21 supplies a lubricant (lubricant) to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. As shown in FIG. 3 , the lubricant application mechanism 21 includes an application brush 211 and a lubricant rod 212.

[0036] The application brush 211 is a roll-shaped brush member that rotates in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 132. The application brush 211 transports and supplies the lubricant scraped from the lubricant bar 212 to the intermediate transfer belt 132. Note that an application roller may be used instead of the application brush 211. Furthermore, the application brush 211 may not be provided, and the lubricant may be applied directly by the lubricant bar 212.

[0037] The lubricant rod 212 is a powder lubricant solidified into a rod shape. The lubricant is selected from materials that can be applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 and that can reduce the surface energy of the intermediate transfer belt 132 and thereby reduce the adhesive force between the toner and the intermediate transfer belt 132. The lubricant is, for example, zinc stearate. The lubricant rod 212 is used after being shaped so that it can be scraped off by the application brush 211. The lubricant rod 212 is biased by a biasing member 212a in a direction in which it presses the application brush 211. This allows the lubricant rod 212 to be in contact with the application brush 211 at all times.

[0038] The heating unit 22 is disposed downstream of the lubricant application mechanism 21 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 22 is disposed upstream of the cleaning unit 25 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 22 heats the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 22 is a non-contact heating means, such as a halogen heater (100 W). The heating unit 22 may also be a laser irradiation means, for example. The heating unit 22 is disposed in a non-contact manner with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 132. The control unit 11 controls heating by the heating unit 22. Specifically, when performing control to clean the intermediate transfer belt 132 during non-image formation, the control unit 11 controls heating by the heating unit 22 so that the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0039] The movement mechanism 23 is a mechanism that moves the heating unit 22 closer to or further away from the intermediate transfer belt 132. The movement mechanism 23 includes a biasing member 231, an eccentric cam 232, and a motor 233, as shown in FIGS.

[0040] A biasing member 231 is attached to the end of the heating unit 22 farther from the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 22 is biased by the biasing member 231 in a direction away from the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 22 moves toward or away from the intermediate transfer belt 132 as an eccentric cam 232 driven by a motor 233 rotates. When the heating unit 22 is not pressed by the eccentric cam 232, the biasing member 231 pulls the heating unit 22 in a direction away from the intermediate transfer belt 132 (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when the heating unit 22 is pressed by the eccentric cam 232, the heating unit 22 is pushed toward the intermediate transfer belt 132 against the biasing force of the biasing member 231 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the heating unit 22 is positioned at a predetermined distance H1 from the intermediate transfer belt 132 without contacting the intermediate transfer belt 132. The control unit 11 controls the motor 233 to rotate the eccentric cam 232 , thereby moving the heating unit 22 closer to or farther away from the intermediate transfer belt 132 . For example, during normal operation (image formation), there is no need for the heating unit 22 to heat the intermediate transfer belt 132, so the heating unit 22 is spaced apart from the intermediate transfer belt 132 (see FIG. 4). For example, the heating unit 22 is spaced apart from the intermediate transfer belt 132 by about 30 mm. This prevents the heating unit 22 from interfering with removal of components around the heating unit 22. On the other hand, when no image is formed, the heating unit 22 is brought close to the intermediate transfer belt 132 (see FIG. 5). This allows the heating unit 22 to heat the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0041] The temperature detection unit 24 is disposed downstream of the heating unit 22 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The temperature detection unit 24 functions as a detection unit of the present invention that detects the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The temperature detection unit 24 is disposed in a non-contact state with the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0042] The cleaning unit 25 is disposed downstream of the temperature detection unit 24 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The cleaning unit 25 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 132 to remove deposits (impurities) adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 132. The impurities include, for example, wax, toner components (residual toner after transfer), lubricants, and discharge products. The cleaning unit 25 is, for example, a flat (sheet-like) blade made of an elastic body (for example, polyurethane rubber).

[0043] A heat insulating member 26 is provided between the heating unit 22 and the lubricant application mechanism 21. The heat insulating member 26 is, for example, a surface-treated reflective aluminum material. The heat insulating member 26 blocks the heating of the lubricant application mechanism 21 by the heating unit 22. This configuration can prevent the lubricant rod 212 from melting and losing its shape, or from being excessively scraped off by the application brush 211. Similarly, a heat insulating member 26 is provided between the heating unit 22 and the temperature detecting unit 24. The heat insulating member 26 blocks the heating of the temperature detecting unit 24 by the heating unit 22. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the heating unit 22 from adversely affecting the detection results of the temperature detecting unit 24.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a fan 40. The fan 40 is disposed inside the image forming apparatus 10 (inside the apparatus) and has the function of lowering the temperature inside the apparatus. The fan 40 cools the entire inside of the apparatus by discharging the air inside the apparatus to the outside. The fan 40 is disposed, for example, near the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0045] The cleaning auxiliary device of the present invention includes at least a heating unit 22 and a control unit 11. The cleaning auxiliary device assists the cleaning unit 25 in cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0046] Next, the control of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. The control of Fig. 6 is started when the control unit 11 detects that the job has ended.

[0047] First, the control unit 11 acquires usage history information and belt travel distance (step S101). The usage history information includes information such as the replacement history of the image forming unit and the number of sheets that the image forming unit has lasted since it was replaced. The image forming unit is a unit related to image formation, such as the writing unit 131, intermediate transfer belt 132, and secondary transfer roller 133. The belt travel distance is the travel distance of the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0048] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the number of sheets that can be printed since the image forming unit was last replaced is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S102). The predetermined number is the number of sheets at which impurities accumulated on the intermediate transfer belt 132 may cause unevenness on the intermediate transfer belt 132, and is, for example, 200 kp. When the control unit 11 determines that the durable number of sheets is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of sheets (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the durable number of sheets is less than the predetermined number (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S103.

[0049] In step S103, the control unit 11 determines whether the belt travel distance since the last image forming unit was replaced is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is a distance at which impurities accumulated on the intermediate transfer belt 132 may cause unevenness on the intermediate transfer belt 132, such as 100 km. When the control unit 11 determines that the belt running distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S104. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the belt running distance is less than the predetermined distance (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0050] In step S104, the control unit 11 executes a cleaning sequence during non-image formation. The cleaning sequence during non-image formation is a control for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 132 during non-image formation. Specifically, first, the control unit 11 separates the primary transfer roller 131f and the secondary transfer roller 133 from the intermediate transfer belt 132 and drives the intermediate transfer belt 132 to rotate. Next, the control unit 11 controls the movement mechanism 23 to move the heating unit 22 closer to the intermediate transfer belt 132 to a position 5 mm away. Next, the control unit 11 energizes the heating unit 22 for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) to heat the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 by radiant heat. At this time, the control unit 11 controls the heating by the heating unit 22 so that the surface temperature of the intermediate transfer belt 132 reaches a predetermined temperature (40 to 60°C). The temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 is detected by the temperature detection unit 24. Next, after energizing the heating unit 22 for the predetermined time, the control unit 11 drives the intermediate transfer belt 132 to rotate until the heated portion passes the cleaning unit 25. Note that when controlling the heating by the heating unit 22, the control unit 11 increases the output of the fan 40 to a value higher than that during image formation.

[0051] As described above, the control unit 11 controls the heating by the heating unit 22 based on at least one piece of information about the number of sheets that the image forming unit can withstand and the belt travel distance.

[0052] An example of sequence control during normal operation (when an image is formed) is shown in Fig. 7. An example of sequence control during non-image formation according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 8. 7, during normal operation (image formation), control is performed to clean the intermediate transfer belt 132 while image formation is being performed. Then, when image formation is completed, the cleaning control of the intermediate transfer belt 132 also ends. 8, the cleaning control during non-image formation (see symbol G1) of the present invention is performed after the normal cleaning control is completed. In the cleaning control during non-image formation, the heating unit 22 is energized. The rotational driving of the intermediate transfer belt 132 continues even after the normal cleaning control is completed, and continues until the control during non-image formation is completed.

[0053] FIG. 9 shows an example of the contact angle (agglomerate contact angle) of impurities aggregated in agglomerates with respect to the surface temperature (belt temperature) of the intermediate transfer belt 132. Impurities (wax, toner components, lubricants) aggregate into clumps on the intermediate transfer belt 132 due to heating of the intermediate transfer belt 132 by the heating unit 22. The contact area of ​​the clumped impurities with the intermediate transfer belt 132 is reduced, and therefore the adhesive force between the clumped impurities and the intermediate transfer belt 132 is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of poor cleaning by the cleaning unit 25. The impurities that aggregate on the intermediate transfer belt 132 due to heating of the intermediate transfer belt 132 by the heating unit 22 are at least one of wax, toner components, and lubricants. 9 shows that the higher the belt temperature, the larger the agglomerate contact angle becomes. That is, it can be seen that the higher the belt temperature, the smaller the contact area between impurities and the intermediate transfer belt 132 becomes.

[0054] 10 shows an example of impurities on the intermediate transfer belt 132 before heating by the heating unit 22. FIG. 11 shows an example of lump-like impurities on the intermediate transfer belt 132 after heating by the heating unit 22. In the example shown in Fig. 10, it can be seen that the impurities do not aggregate into clumps. In the example shown in Fig. 11, it can be seen that the impurities aggregate into clumps (see symbol J1), and the contact area between the clumped impurities J1 and the intermediate transfer belt 132 is reduced.

[0055] In step S105, the control section 11 causes the image forming operation of the next job to be carried out.

[0056] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes the heating unit 22 and the control unit 11 that controls heating by the heating unit 22. The heating unit 22 is disposed upstream of the cleaning unit 25 in the rotation direction of the image carrier (intermediate transfer belt 132), and heats the image carrier. When controlling cleaning of the image carrier during non-image formation, the control unit 11 controls heating by the heating unit 22 so that the surface of the image carrier reaches a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can melt impurities adhering to the surface of the image carrier and aggregate them into clumps. The clumped impurities have a smaller contact area with the image carrier, which reduces their adhesion to the image carrier. This can prevent imperfect cleaning by the cleaning unit 25.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 11 controls the heating by the heating unit 22 based on the number of sheets that the image forming unit can withstand and the belt running distance. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 132 can be heated only when uneven steps occur on the intermediate transfer belt 132. For example, in the early stages of use, the surface of the image carrier is less uneven and impurities are less likely to accumulate, so it is not necessarily necessary to heat the intermediate transfer belt 132. In other words, if uneven steps do not occur, the intermediate transfer belt 132 can be prevented from being heated. This makes it possible to suppress wear on the heating unit 22 and the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0058] The heating unit 22 is a non-contact heating means and is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the image carrier. Therefore, the impurities adhering to the surface of the image carrier can be directly heated without contact, and the impurities can be efficiently aggregated into lumps.

[0059] The image carrier is also provided with a movement mechanism 23 that moves the heating unit 22 closer to or further away from the image carrier. Therefore, when the intermediate transfer belt 132 is not heated (normally (during image formation)), the heating unit 22 can be separated. Therefore, when removing the members around the heating unit 22, the heating unit 22 can be prevented from interfering.

[0060] The printer is also provided with a fan 40 for lowering the temperature inside the printer. When controlling the heating by the heating unit 22, the control unit 11 sets the output of the fan 40 to be higher than that during image formation. When the temperature inside the machine rises, it can adversely affect image formation due to factors such as toner adhesion in the developing unit 131c and fluctuations in the electrical resistance of the secondary transfer roller 133. By providing the above configuration, it is possible to improve heat dissipation performance when a rise in the temperature inside the machine is expected, thereby suppressing the rise in the temperature inside the machine.

[0061] Furthermore, the impurities that aggregate on the image carrier due to heating of the image carrier by the heating unit 22 are at least one of wax, toner components, and lubricants. Therefore, impurities adhering to the surface of the image carrier can be aggregated into clumps, reducing the adhesive force to the image carrier, thereby suppressing the occurrence of poor cleaning by the cleaning unit 25.

[0062] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0063] (Variation 1) Image forming apparatus 10A according to Modification 1 differs from image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment in that it is provided with two heating units, two moving mechanisms, and two temperature detection units. For the sake of simplicity, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 10A includes a lubricant application mechanism 21, two heating units 31 and 32, two moving mechanisms 33 and 34, two temperature detection units 35 and 36, and a cleaning unit 25.

[0064] The heating unit 31 is disposed downstream of the lubricant application mechanism 21 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 31 heats the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 31 is a non-contact heating means, such as a halogen heater (50 W). The heating unit 31 may also be a laser irradiation means, for example. The heating unit 31 is disposed in a non-contact manner with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0065] The heating unit 32 is disposed downstream of the heating unit 31 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 32 heats the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The heating unit 32 is a non-contact heating means, such as a halogen heater (100 W). The heating unit 32 may also be a laser irradiation means, for example. The heating unit 32 is disposed in a non-contact manner with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0066] As described above, the two heating units 31 and 32 are arranged side by side in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. Of the two heating units 31 and 32, the heating unit 31 arranged upstream in the rotation direction is set to generate less heat than the heating unit 32 arranged downstream in the rotation direction. If excessive heat is supplied locally to the intermediate transfer belt 132, the intermediate transfer belt 132 may burn and deform. With the above configuration, the upstream side is heated to a relatively low temperature, and impurities can be aggregated into clumps on the downstream side. This makes it possible to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 132 from burning and to prevent poor cleaning by the cleaning unit 25.

[0067] The moving mechanism 33 is a mechanism that moves the heating unit 31 closer to or away from the intermediate transfer belt 132. The moving mechanism 34 is a mechanism that moves the heating unit 32 closer to or away from the intermediate transfer belt 132. Note that the specific configurations of the moving mechanisms 33 and 34 are similar to those of the moving mechanism 23 in the embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The temperature detection unit 35 is disposed downstream of the heating unit 31 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The temperature detection unit 35 functions as a detection unit of the present invention that detects the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The temperature detection unit 35 is disposed in a non-contact state with the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0069] The temperature detection unit 36 ​​is disposed downstream of the heating unit 32 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The temperature detection unit 36 ​​functions as a detection unit of the present invention that detects the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. The temperature detection unit 36 ​​is disposed in a non-contact state with the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0070] A heat insulating member 26A is provided between the heating unit 31 and the lubricant application mechanism 21. The heat insulating member 26A is, for example, a surface-treated reflective aluminum material. The heat insulating member 26A blocks the heating of the lubricant application mechanism 21 by the heating unit 31. This configuration can prevent the lubricant rod 212 from melting and losing its shape, or from being excessively scraped off by the application brush 211. Similarly, a heat insulating member 26A is provided between the heating unit 31 and the temperature detecting unit 35. The heat insulating member 26A blocks the heating of the temperature detecting unit 35 by the heating unit 31. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the heating unit 31 from adversely affecting the detection results of the temperature detecting unit 35. Similarly, a heat insulating member 26A is provided between the heating unit 32 and the temperature detecting unit 35. The heat insulating member 26A blocks the heating of the temperature detecting unit 35 by the heating unit 32. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the heating unit 32 from adversely affecting the detection result by the temperature detecting unit 35. Similarly, a heat insulating member 26A is provided between the heating unit 32 and the temperature detecting unit 36. The heat insulating member 26A blocks the heating of the temperature detecting unit 36 ​​by the heating unit 32. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the heating unit 32 from adversely affecting the detection results of the temperature detecting unit 36.

[0071] The control of the image forming apparatus 10A according to the first modification is the same as the control of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. The cleaning sequence during non-image formation in the first modification will be described below. Specifically, first, the control unit 11 separates the primary transfer roller 131f and the secondary transfer roller 133 from the intermediate transfer belt 132 and drives the intermediate transfer belt 132 to rotate. Next, the control unit 11 controls the movement mechanisms 33 and 34 to move the heating units 31 and 32 closer to the intermediate transfer belt 132 to a position 5 mm away. Next, the control unit 11 energizes the heating units 31 and 32 for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) to heat the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 by radiant heat. At this time, the control unit 11 controls the heating by the heating unit 31 so that the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 heated by the heating unit 31 reaches a predetermined temperature (30 to 40°C). The temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 is detected by the temperature detection unit 35. The control unit 11 also controls the heating by the heating unit 32 so that the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 heated by the heating unit 32 reaches a predetermined temperature (50 to 60°C). The temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132 is detected by the temperature detection unit 36. Next, the control unit 11 energizes the heating units 31 and 32 for a predetermined time, and then rotates the intermediate transfer belt 132 until the heated portion passes the cleaning unit 25. When controlling the heating by the heating units 31 and 32, the control unit 11 sets the output of the fan 40 to be higher than that during image formation.

[0072] (Other variations) For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature detection unit 24 detects the temperature of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132, but this is not limited to this. For example, the temperature of the heating unit 22 may be detected instead of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132. In other words, the detection unit of the present invention may be configured to detect the temperature of at least one of the heating unit 22 and the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0073] In the above embodiment, heating by the heating unit 22 is controlled based on the durability of the image forming unit and the belt running distance, but this is not limiting. That is, heating by the heating unit 22 may be controlled based on at least one of the durability of the image forming unit and the belt running distance.

[0074] Furthermore, when controlling the heating by the heating unit 22, the control unit 11 may set the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer belt 132 to a lower speed than that during image formation. In some cases, such as when it is necessary to prevent a rise in the ambient temperature, it may not be possible to significantly increase the temperature of the heating unit 22. By providing the above configuration, it is possible to slowly heat the intermediate transfer belt 132 at a low speed while suppressing the amount of heat supplied by the heating unit 22. Therefore, even when it is not possible to significantly increase the temperature of the heating unit 22, it is possible to prevent poor cleaning by the cleaning unit 25.

[0075] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10, 10A Image forming device 11 Control section 12 Image reading unit 13 Image forming unit 131 Writing section 131a Optical scanning unit 131b Photoreceptor 131c Development section 131d Charging part 131e Cleaning Department 131f Primary transfer roller 132 Intermediate transfer belt (image carrier) 133 Secondary transfer roller 134 Fixing section 14 Storage section 15 Operation panel 151 Display section 152 Operation section 16 Communications Department 21 Lubricant application mechanism 211 Application Brush 212 Lubricant rod 22, 31, 32 Heating section 23, 33, 34 Movement mechanism 24, 35, 36 Temperature detection unit (detection unit) 25 Cleaning Department 26, 26A Heat insulating material 40 fans R1 Reversal Path T1 manual feed tray T2 Paper Tray T3 Output Tray

Claims

1. a heating section disposed upstream of the cleaning section in the rotation direction of the image carrier and configured to heat the image carrier; a control unit that controls heating by the heating unit; Equipped with The cleaning auxiliary device is characterized in that, when the control unit performs control to clean the image carrier during non-image formation, it controls heating by the heating unit so that the surface of the image carrier reaches a predetermined temperature.

2. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the control section controls the heating by the heating section based on at least one of information on the number of sheets that the image forming unit can print and a belt running distance.

3. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the heating section is disposed at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the image carrier in a non-contact manner.

4. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit for detecting the temperature of at least one of the heating unit and the surface of the image carrier.

5. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, further comprising a movement mechanism for moving the heating unit closer to or farther away from the image carrier.

6. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the control section, when controlling the heating by the heating section, makes the rotation speed of the image carrier slower than that during image formation.

7. The heating unit is provided in plurality, The plurality of heating units are arranged side by side in the rotation direction, 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the heating portion disposed upstream in the rotation direction among the plurality of heating portions is set to generate less heat than the heating portion disposed downstream in the rotation direction.

8. Equipped with a fan to lower the temperature inside the aircraft, 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when controlling the heating by the heating unit, sets the output of the fan higher than that during image formation.

9. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the impurities that are coagulated on the image carrier by the heating of the image carrier by the heating section are at least one of wax, toner components, and lubricants.

10. 2. The cleaning auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the heating section is a non-contact heating means.

11. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium via the image carrier; a cleaning unit that comes into contact with the image carrier to remove impurities adhering to the image carrier; a cleaning auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which assists the cleaning unit in cleaning the image carrier; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images