Image forming system and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming system and program that can set the charging voltage of a photoreceptor to a specified voltage, regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor. [Solution] The voltage applied to the charged member is corrected using both information on the film thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the photoreceptor's driving frequency derived from the most recent set time range of the photoreceptor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that appropriately controls the surface potential of a photoreceptor drum in image formation, corresponding to both long-term and short-term use of the photoreceptor drum.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an electrophotographic method that efficiently reduces the residual potential generated in a photoreceptor having a thin film composed mainly of carbon or carbon as a surface protective layer and its accumulation, while making it difficult for the charging potential to decrease due to charge fatigue and for image quality to deteriorate, and that can maintain stable electrophotographic characteristics.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an electrophotographic image forming system, an accurate image cannot be printed unless the charging voltage of the photoreceptor is set to a specified voltage. Charging of the photoreceptor is performed by applying a voltage to a charging member disposed close to the photoreceptor.

[0006] However, the sensitivity of the photoreceptor to the charging member varies depending on the usage conditions such as the cumulative usage time. As a result, even when a voltage is applied to the charging member, the photoreceptor cannot be charged to a predetermined voltage.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image forming system and program that can set the charging voltage of a photoreceptor to a specified voltage, regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment of the image forming system comprises a photoreceptor having a film including a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate, a charging member that charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage, an exposure apparatus that exposes the surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing apparatus that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor as a toner image, and a processor, wherein the processor corrects the voltage applied to the charging member using both information on the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor in the most recent set time width.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the image forming system, the processor corrects the effect of the driving frequency as the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor decreases.

[0010] In the third embodiment of the image forming system, the processor estimates the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor from the cumulative usage time of the photoreceptor.

[0011] The fourth embodiment of the image forming system is an image forming system of the first embodiment, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature around the photoreceptor and a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity around the photoreceptor, wherein the processor corrects the voltage applied to the charged member using the information on the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor.

[0012] In the fifth embodiment of the image forming system, the processor derives the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor from the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor, and corrects the voltage applied to the charging member using the derived absolute humidity information around the photoreceptor.

[0013] The program of the sixth embodiment is a program for controlling an image forming system comprising: a photoreceptor having a film including a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate; a charging member that charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage; an exposure device that exposes the surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image; and a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor as a toner image, wherein the program causes the computer to perform a step of correcting the voltage applied to the charging member using both information on the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor in the most recent set time width. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the image forming system of the first embodiment, the charging voltage of the photoreceptor can be set to a specified voltage regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor.

[0015] According to the image forming system of the second embodiment, even when the film thickness is reduced, fluctuations in the charging voltage can be suppressed compared to the case where the effect of the driving frequency is reflected to the same degree.

[0016] According to the third embodiment of the image forming system, the film thickness can be derived without using a sensor for measuring the film thickness.

[0017] According to the image forming system of the fourth embodiment, fluctuations in the charging voltage of the photoreceptor caused by the ambient temperature and relative humidity of the photoreceptor can be corrected.

[0018] According to the image forming system of the fifth embodiment, fluctuations in the charging voltage of the photoreceptor caused by the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor can be corrected.

[0019] According to the program of the sixth embodiment, the charging voltage of the photoreceptor can be set to a specified voltage regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1]This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming unit in the above image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of the layer configuration of a photoreceptor in the above image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the above image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This is a graph showing the relationship between the continuous use time of an image forming unit in the above image forming apparatus and the change amount of the discharge start voltage. [Figure 6] This is a graph showing the relationship between the applied voltage to a charging member in the above image forming apparatus and the charging voltage of the photoreceptor. [Figure 7] This is a graph showing the relationship between the film thickness of a photoreceptor and the change amount of the discharge start voltage. [Figure 8] This is a graph showing the relationship between the driving rate for one hour and the discharge start voltage in the above image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] This is a graph showing the relationship between the volumetric absolute humidity and the correction ratio in the above image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] This is a graph showing the relationship between the driving state and the charging voltage of the photoreceptor in the above image forming apparatus. [[ID=2*]]

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] An example of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 to 10. The arrow H shown in each figure is in the vertical direction and indicates the up and down direction of the apparatus, the arrow D is in the horizontal direction and indicates the depth direction of the apparatus, and the arrow W is in the horizontal direction and indicates the width direction of the apparatus. [[ID=*6]]

[0022] [Image Forming Apparatus] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus *0 according to an embodiment includes a storage unit 14 that stores a sheet material P as a recording medium, a conveyance unit 16 that conveys the sheet material P stored in the storage unit 14, an image forming unit 20 that forms an image on the sheet material P conveyed by the conveyance unit 16, and a temperature / humidity sensor 70.

[0023] The storage section 14 has a storage member 26 that can be pulled out from the main body 10A of the image forming apparatus 10 towards the front in the depth direction of the apparatus, and the sheet material P is loaded onto the storage member 26. Furthermore, the main body 10A has a delivery roll 30 that sends the sheet material P loaded onto the storage member 26 to the delivery path 28 that constitutes the delivery section 16.

[0024] The conveying unit 16 has a plurality of conveying rolls (not shown) that convey the sheet material P along the conveying path 28 on which the sheet material P is conveyed.

[0025] The image forming unit 20 is equipped with four image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, Y, M, C, and K may be omitted when it is not necessary to distinguish between them. Furthermore, each color image forming unit 18 is detachable from the main body 10A of the device.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, each color image forming unit 18 includes a photoreceptor 36, a charging member 38, an exposure device 40, and a developing device 42.

[0027] The photoreceptor 36 rotates in the direction of arrow B in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the photoreceptor 36 has a structure in which an undercoat layer 36b, a charge generation layer 36c, a charge transport layer 36d, and a surface protection layer 36e are formed on the surface of the base material roll 36a, in order from the surface side of the base material roll 36a.

[0028] The charging member 38 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 36 by applying a voltage. The exposure device 40 irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 42 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 36 as a toner image.

[0029] Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 includes an endless belt 22 that circulates in the direction of arrow A in Figure 1, an auxiliary roll 52 around which the endless belt 22 is wound, a tensioning roll 54, and a drive roll 56. In addition, the image forming unit 20 has a primary transfer roll 44 that transfers the toner images formed by each color image forming unit 18 onto the endless belt 22.

[0030] Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 has a secondary transfer roll 46 that transfers the toner image transferred to the endless belt 22 to the sheet material P. The transfer device 32 is composed of the endless belt 22, auxiliary roll 52, tensioning roll 54, drive roll 56, and primary transfer roll 44. In addition, the image forming unit 20 has a fixing device 50 that heats and pressurizes the sheet material P to which the toner image has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner image to the sheet material P.

[0031] The temperature / humidity sensor 70 is a sensor that detects the temperature and relative humidity inside the device body 10A.

[0032] [Control Unit] Next, the control unit 60 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described using Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 60 comprises a processor 60a, a memory 60b, and a storage unit 60c. The processor 60a executes predetermined processing based on a program read from the storage unit 60c and expanded into the memory 60b. The storage unit 60c is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Various programs and data are stored in the storage unit 60c.

[0033] In this embodiment, the processor 60a has been described as reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 60c, but it is not limited to this. This program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium as described above. Alternatively, this program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line.

[0034] The control unit 60 is interconnected with the transport unit 16, the image forming unit 20, and the temperature / humidity sensor 70 via the control bus 80.

[0035] The control unit 60 performs various controls on the transport unit 16 for transporting the sheet material P. The control unit 60 also performs various controls on the image forming unit 20 for image formation.

[0036] [Outline of the image formation process] Next, an overview of the image forming process in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0037] First, the control unit 60 applies a voltage to the charging member 38 for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black image forming units 18, and charges the surface of the photoreceptor 36 to a predetermined potential using the voltage-charged charging member 38. Next, based on the image data to be printed, the control unit 60 uses the exposure device 40 to irradiate the surface of the photoreceptor 36, which has been charged by the charging member 38, with exposure to form an electrostatic latent image. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 36.

[0038] Next, the control unit 60 develops the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure unit 40 using the developing unit 42 and visualizes it as a toner image. Then, the control unit 60 sequentially transfers the toner images formed on the surface of each color photoreceptor 36 to the endless belt 22 that circulates around it using the primary transfer roll 44.

[0039] Meanwhile, the control unit 60 transports the sheet material P from the storage member 26 to the transport path 28 by the delivery roll 30, and then to the transfer position T where the endless belt 22 and the secondary transfer roll 46 come into contact. Next, at the transfer position T, the control unit 60 transports the sheet material P between the endless belt 22 and the secondary transfer roll 46, thereby transferring the toner images of each color on the outer surface of the endless belt 22 to the sheet material P.

[0040] Next, the control unit 60 fixes the toner image transferred to the surface of the sheet material P to the sheet material P using the fixing device 50. Then, the control unit 60 discharges the sheet material P with the toner image fixed to it to the outside of the main body 10A.

[0041] [Correction process for the voltage applied to the charged member 38] Next, the correction process for the voltage applied to the charged member 38 will be described. Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the continuous operating time of the image forming unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment and the amount of change in the discharge start voltage Vα. Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the charged member 38 Vbcr and the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36 in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment.

[0042] In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 10, the charging voltage of the photoreceptor 36 becomes the voltage of the bright areas during exposure. Therefore, unless the charging voltage of the photoreceptor 36 is set to a specified voltage, an accurate image cannot be printed. The photoreceptor 36 is charged by applying a voltage to a charging member 38 located in close proximity to the photoreceptor 36.

[0043] However, when the image forming unit 18 is used continuously, electrons accumulated at the interface between the charge generation layer 36c and the undercoat layer 36b of the photoreceptor 36 strengthen the internal electric field, reducing the amount of charge transfer within the film of the photoreceptor 36. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the absolute value of the discharge initiation voltage Vα of the photoreceptor 36 increases.

[0044] Here, the discharge initiation voltage Vα is the voltage at which the photoreceptor 36 begins to charge when the absolute value of the voltage applied to the charging member 38 is increased. In other words, the discharge initiation voltage Vα is the difference between the voltage Vbcr applied to the charging member 38 and the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, when the voltage Vbcr applied to the charging member 38 is constant, an increase in the absolute value of the discharge start voltage Vα leads to a decrease in the absolute value of the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36. This decrease in the absolute value of the cleaning potential (i.e., the difference between the charging voltage VH and the development output) increases background fringing, resulting in poor image quality. Furthermore, the increased background fringing leads to increased toner consumption, shortening the lifespan of the toner cartridge.

[0046] To resolve these problems, the control unit 60 of this embodiment corrects the voltage applied to the charging member 38 using both information on the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor 36 and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor 36 derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor 36 in the most recent set time width.

[0047] In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 may be configured to correct the effect of the driving frequency as the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor 36 decreases.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 60 may estimate the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor 36 from the cumulative usage time of the photoreceptor 36.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 60 may correct the voltage applied to the charging member 38 using information on the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor 36. In this case, the control unit 60 may derive the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor 36 from the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor 36, and use the derived information on the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor 36 to correct the voltage applied to the charging member 38.

[0050] The correction process for the voltage applied to the charged member 38 in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0051] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 performs a correction process for the voltage applied to the charged member 38 by following the procedures in steps 1 to 5 below.

[0052] Step 1: Calculate a reference value for the change in discharge initiation voltage Vα according to the film thickness of the surface protective layer 36e, which is the outermost layer of the photoreceptor 36.

[0053] Step 2: Calculate a correction coefficient corresponding to the driving frequency of the photoreceptor 36, derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor 36 in the most recent set time range.

[0054] Step 3: Calculate a correction factor according to the ambient temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor 36.

[0055] Step 4: Multiply the values ​​calculated in Steps 1 to 3 to calculate the correction amount corresponding to the characteristics of the photoreceptor 36 in the most recent set time range.

[0056] Step 5: The correction amount calculated in Step 4 is further adjusted according to the long-term usage data of the photoreceptor 36.

[0057] First, let's explain step 1. Step 1 involves calculating the change in the discharge initiation voltage Vα according to the film thickness of the surface protective layer 36e, which is the outermost layer of the photoreceptor 36. Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the film thickness of the photoreceptor 36 and the change in the discharge initiation voltage Vα of the photoreceptor 36.

[0058] Over the long term, as the outermost surface protective layer 36e of the photoreceptor 36 wears down due to friction with the blade, discharge stress, and abrasion with the developer, the distance between the charge generating layer 36c and the surface of the surface protective layer 36e changes, altering the capacitance between them. This causes the absolute value of the discharge initiation voltage Vα to decrease, making the photoreceptor more susceptible to static charge.

[0059] On the other hand, when the image forming unit 18 is used continuously, the absolute value of the discharge initiation voltage Vα of the photoreceptor 36 increases, as shown in Figure 5 above. The amount of change in the discharge initiation voltage Vα at this time is taken as the reference value r for the difference in the correction of the voltage applied to the charged member 38. The reference value r can be expressed as a linear function with the film thickness ft of the photoreceptor 36 as the variable, as shown in Figure 7 and equation (1) below. In equation (1), A and B are constants determined by the characteristics of the film. r = A × ft + B (1)

[0060] The usage data of the image forming unit 18 is recorded in a memory tag (not shown) provided by the image forming unit 18. The film thickness of the photoreceptor 36 is thought to decrease in inverse proportion to the cumulative usage time of the photoreceptor 36.

[0061] Therefore, the control unit 60 obtains the cumulative usage time from the usage data of the image forming unit 18 recorded in the memory tag, and estimates the film thickness from the obtained cumulative usage time. Next, the control unit 60 substitutes the estimated film thickness into equation (1) and obtains a reference value for the change in the discharge start voltage Vα.

[0062] Next, we will explain step 2. Step 2 involves calculating a correction coefficient corresponding to the driving frequency of the photoreceptor 36, which is derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor 36 in the most recent set time range. Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the hourly driving rate t and the discharge start voltage Vα in the image forming apparatus 10. The denominator of the hourly driving rate t is the number of rotations of the photoreceptor 36 when it is driven continuously for one hour, and the numerator is the number of rotations the photoreceptor 36 actually made in the most recent hour.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the lower the driving rate t of the photoreceptor 36 when the most recently set time interval is 1 hour, the lower the absolute value of the discharge start voltage Vα is compared to the reference value r calculated in step 1. Also, the thinner the film thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor 36, the greater the effect of the driving frequency. If the ratio of the change from the reference value r at this time is taken as the first correction coefficient c1, then the first correction coefficient c1 can be expressed as a quadratic function with respect to the 1-hour driving rate t of the photoreceptor 36, as shown in equation (2) below. In equation (2), C, D, and E are constants determined by the characteristics of the film. c1 = -Ct 2 +Dt+E (2)

[0064] Therefore, the control unit 60 obtains the 1-hour drive rate t of the photoreceptor 36 from the usage data of the image forming unit 18 recorded in the memory tag, substitutes the obtained 1-hour drive rate t into equation (2), and obtains the first correction coefficient c1.

[0065] Next, we will explain step 3. Step 3 involves calculating a correction coefficient according to the ambient temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor 36. Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between volumetric absolute humidity and the correction ratio in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0066] The photoreceptor 36 is weak in high temperature and high humidity environments, but its characteristics improve when used in low temperature and low humidity environments. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the characteristics of the photoreceptor 36 remain constant when the absolute humidity is 7 or higher, and change linearly when the absolute humidity falls below 7.

[0067] Therefore, the control unit 60 acquires information on the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor 36 from the temperature / humidity sensor 70, and derives the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor 36 from the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor 36. Next, the control unit 60 uses the derived absolute humidity to obtain a correction ratio as the second correction coefficient c2 from the characteristics shown in the graph of Figure 9.

[0068] Next, we will explain step 4. Step 4 involves multiplying the values ​​calculated in steps 1 through 3 to calculate a correction amount that corresponds to the characteristics of the photoreceptor 36 in the most recent set time range.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 60 multiplies the reference value r obtained in step 1, the first correction coefficient c1 obtained in step 2, and the second correction coefficient c2 obtained in step 3, as shown in equation (3) below, to obtain the correction amount v. v = r × c1 × c2 (3)

[0070] Next, we will explain step 5. Step 5 involves further correcting the correction amount v calculated in step 4 according to the long-term usage data of the photoreceptor 36. Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the driving state in the image forming apparatus 10 and the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, continuous use of the image forming unit 18 reduces the absolute value of the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36. On the other hand, if the image forming unit 18 is left unused, the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36 recovers. There is a difference between the rate at which the charging potential VH decreases and the rate at which it recovers.

[0072] Therefore, the control unit 60 obtains data on the usage status from immediately after the start of use to the present from the usage data of the image forming unit 18 recorded in the memory tag, and obtains the value of the current charging voltage VH. Next, the control unit 60 obtains the change amount v1 of the current discharge start voltage Vα from the obtained value of the current charging voltage VH, and adds the correction amount v obtained in step 4 to the change amount v1 of the current discharge start voltage Vα as shown in equation (4) below, to obtain the final correction amount vf. vf = v1 + v (4)

[0073] The control unit 60 corrects the voltage applied to the charged member 38 by adding the correction amount vf obtained by the processing in steps 1 to 5 to the voltage applied to the charged member 38. This makes it possible to correct fluctuations in the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36 caused by the recent driving frequency of the photoreceptor 36, which varies depending on the film thickness of the photoreceptor 36, compared to the case where correction is made using information on either the film thickness of the photoreceptor 36 or the most recent driving frequency of the photoreceptor 36. Therefore, it is possible to set the charging voltage VH of the photoreceptor 36 to a specified voltage regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor 36.

[0074] [Differentiation] Although an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0075] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0076] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0077] Furthermore, in the technology of this disclosure, a system includes both systems composed of multiple devices and systems composed of a single device.

[0078] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to programs and program products.

[0079] [Note] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0080] (((1))) A photoreceptor having a film containing a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate, A charging member that charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage, An exposure apparatus for exposing the surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image, A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor as a toner image, Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The voltage applied to the charging member is corrected using both information on the film thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor in the most recent set time range. Image forming system.

[0081] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, The effect of the driving frequency becomes greater as the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor decreases. The image forming system described in (((1))).

[0082] (((3))) The processor estimates the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor from the cumulative usage time of the photoreceptor. The image forming system described in (((1))) or (((2))).

[0083] (((4))) A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature around the photoreceptor, The system includes a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity around the photoreceptor, The processor corrects the voltage applied to the charging member using information on the temperature and relative humidity surrounding the photoreceptor. An image forming system as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((3))).

[0084] (((5))) The processor derives the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor from the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor, and uses the derived absolute humidity information around the photoreceptor to correct the voltage applied to the charging member. The image forming system described in (((4))).

[0085] (((6))) A photoreceptor having a film containing a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate, A charging member that charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage, An exposure apparatus for exposing the surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image, A program for controlling an image forming system comprising a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor as a toner image, A step of correcting the voltage applied to the charging member using both information on the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor in the most recent set time range. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0086] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0087] According to the image forming system (((1))), the charging voltage of the photoreceptor can be set to a specified voltage regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor.

[0088] According to the image forming system (((2))), even when the film thickness is reduced, fluctuations in the charging voltage can be suppressed compared to the case where the effect of the driving frequency is reflected to the same degree.

[0089] According to the image forming system of (((3))), the film thickness can be determined without using a sensor to measure the film thickness.

[0090] According to the image forming system of (((4))), fluctuations in the charging voltage of the photoreceptor caused by the ambient temperature and relative humidity of the photoreceptor can be corrected.

[0091] According to the image forming system of (((5))), fluctuations in the charging voltage of the photoreceptor caused by the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor can be corrected.

[0092] According to the program in (((6))), the charging voltage of the photoreceptor can be set to a specified voltage regardless of the usage conditions of the photoreceptor. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10 Image forming apparatus 10A Main Unit 14. Detention Unit 16 Conveying section 18 Image forming unit 20 Image forming unit 22 Endless belt 26. Housing member 28. Transport Route 30 delivery rolls 32 Transfer device 36 Photoreceptor 36a Base material roll 36b Lower layer 36c Charge generation layer 36d charge transport layer 36e Surface protective layer 38 Charged component 40 Exposure equipment 42 Developing equipment 44 Primary transfer roll 46 Secondary transfer roll 50 Fixing device 52 Auxiliary Rolls 54 Tension-applying rolls 56 Drive Roll 60 Control Unit 60a Processor 60b memory 60c storage section 70 Temperature / Humidity Sensor 80 Control Bus

Claims

1. A photoreceptor having a film containing a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate, A charging member that charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage, An exposure apparatus for exposing the surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image, A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor as a toner image, Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The voltage applied to the charging member is corrected using both information on the film thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor in the most recent set time range. Image forming system.

2. The aforementioned processor, The effect of the driving frequency becomes greater as the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor decreases. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The processor estimates the thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor from the cumulative usage time of the photoreceptor. The image forming system according to claim 2.

4. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature around the photoreceptor, The system includes a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity around the photoreceptor, The processor corrects the voltage applied to the charging member using information on the temperature and relative humidity surrounding the photoreceptor. The image forming system according to claim 1.

5. The processor derives the absolute humidity around the photoreceptor from the temperature and relative humidity around the photoreceptor, and uses the derived absolute humidity information around the photoreceptor to correct the voltage applied to the charging member. The image forming system according to claim 4.

6. A photoreceptor having a film containing a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate, A charging member that charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage, An exposure apparatus for exposing the surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image, A program for controlling an image forming system comprising a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor as a toner image, A step of correcting the voltage applied to the charging member using both information on the film thickness of the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and information on the driving frequency of the photoreceptor derived from the driving information of the photoreceptor in the most recent set time range. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images