JP2005326764A - Adjusting apparatus, adjusting method and adjusting program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately adjust the toner quantity, even if the reflected components of light are reflected on the detected density of a reference patch mark. <P>SOLUTION: The reference patch mark is formed on an intermediate transfer body by an image forming apparatus, the density values at a plurality of different positions on the reference patch mark are detected, and among the density values at the positions (1) to (5) on the reference patch image PGK, from the density values at the the positions (2), (3) and (5) other than the positions where the maximum value and the minimum value are detected, base density values, respectively stored corresponding to the positions (2), (3) and (5), and the base density when the power source is turned off, the toner quantity, is adjusted based on an average value of the values, corresponding to the ratio of the density of the reference patch image to the base density. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an adjustment apparatus and method, and an adjustment program, and in particular, forms a toner image on an image carrier using toner stored in a development apparatus, and records the formed toner image via an intermediate transfer body. The present invention relates to an adjusting device and method for adjusting at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring to a medium, and an adjusting program.

  Conventionally, various types of image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers to which an electrophotographic system is applied have been proposed and have already been commercialized. Among the image forming apparatuses described above, color image forming apparatuses that form full-color images can be roughly divided into a type using an intermediate transfer member and a type not using an intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member temporarily transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive member onto the intermediate transfer member, so that the primary transfer can be performed regardless of the material of the recording medium. It has the feature that it is advantageous for high image quality.

  As the color image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member, there are a so-called “4-cycle method” and a so-called “tandem method”. A “4-cycle” color image forming apparatus is a primary image in which toner images of each color such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, which are sequentially formed on a single photoconductor, are superimposed on each other on an intermediate transfer body. After the transfer, a toner image of yellow, magenta, cyan, black, etc. transferred in multiple layers onto the intermediate transfer member is secondarily transferred onto a recording medium by a secondary transfer roll so as to form a color image. It is configured.

  Conventionally, in view of the fact that the density of the reference patch mark and the toner amount of each color in the developing device have a correlation, a reference patch mark for each color is formed on the intermediate transfer member, and the density of the reference patch mark is increased. By detecting toner, the amount of stored toner is stabilized by replenishing or discharging toner to each color developing device in the developing device (see Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2). . Hereinafter, this toner amount adjustment by supplying or discharging the toner amount is referred to as “TC density adjustment control”.

  In the TC density adjustment control, a reference patch mark is formed when a series of jobs are completed. Conventionally, as in the case of actual image formation, reference patch marks are formed in the order of Y color → M color → C color → K color, and each reference patch mark is provided along the movement locus of the intermediate transfer member. The concentration is detected by a concentration sensor (ADC sensor).

  The detected density value is compared with a preset threshold value (having a predetermined width, that is, having an upper threshold value and a lower threshold value). If the detected density value exceeds the upper limit value, the density is judged to be high. Then, an operation of discharging the toner stored in the developing device is executed. If the density is lower than the lower limit, it is determined that the density is low, and an operation of supplying toner from the toner cartridge to the toner stored in the developing device is executed.

  However, the surface of the intermediate transfer body on which the reference patch mark is formed is not a smooth surface. Rather, it is affected by repeated use and is rough or dirty due to toner components or paper dust adhering to it. There are many cases. When the density is detected by irradiating the reference patch mark formed on the rough or dirty surface of the intermediate transfer member and detecting the reflected light, the light irradiated by the rough or dirty surface is diffusely reflected. In some cases, the amount of light detected does not correspond to the original density. That is, the influence of irregular reflection of light is reflected as an error component in the density value.

  Even if the TC density is adjusted based on the density value in which the error component is reflected in this way, the density value does not correspond to the original density, and thus the toner amount cannot be set to an appropriate amount.

Therefore, by detecting the density of the intermediate transfer body on which the reference patch is not formed and calculating the ratio between the density of the intermediate transfer body and the density of the reference patch, the density of the intermediate transfer body and the density of the reference patch are calculated. It is considered to cancel the error component reflected in each of the above.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-98064 Japanese Patent No. 2565882

  However, even if the ratio between the density of the intermediate transfer member and the density of the reference patch is calculated, the state of irregular reflection of light in each of the intermediate transfer member and the reference patch where the reference patch is not formed is equivalent to the amount of the reference patch image. , Different. In addition, when an elastic intermediate transfer member made of a rubber material or the like is used, the surface of the intermediate transfer member becomes remarkably rough due to repeated use, and toner components, paper dust, and the like are likely to adhere and become significantly dirty. . Therefore, it is difficult to cancel the error component reflected in each of the intermediate transfer member density and the reference patch density by the ratio between the intermediate transfer member density and the reference patch density.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and even when the diffuse reflection component of light is reflected in the detected density of the reference patch mark, at least one of the toner amount and the image density can be adjusted with higher accuracy. It is a first object of the present invention to provide an adjustment apparatus and method, and an adjustment program.

  Conventionally, a reference patch is formed for each color, and at least one of the toner amount and the image density in the developing device for each color is adjusted based on the density of the formed reference patch for each color. At this time, when the detection of the density of one reference patch is completed, the reference patch is scraped off from the intermediate transfer member, and the next reference patch is formed at the same position as the reference patch.

  However, when the detection of the density of one reference patch is completed and the reference patch is rubbed off from the intermediate transfer member, it may not be completely rubbed off. That is, a newly formed reference patch may be formed on the reference patch before remaining. Therefore, the density of the reference patch before remaining is reflected in the detected value of the density of the newly formed reference patch. Therefore, it is impossible to adjust at least one of the toner amount and the image density with high accuracy.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and is an adjustment capable of more accurately adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density even when the reference patch cannot be completely rubbed off from the intermediate transfer member. The second object is to provide an apparatus and method, and an adjustment program.

  Further, conventionally, even when a normal image different from the reference patch mark is formed, toner images are formed in the order of Y color → M color → C color → K color, and superimposed to form an image. Then, when TC density adjustment control is performed thereafter, the reference patch marks are formed in the order of Y color → M color → C color → K color as described above. For this reason, it is necessary to rotate the developing device four times in the order of K → Y, Y → M, M → C, and C → K until the TC density adjustment control is completed. Therefore, it took a long time to complete the TC density adjustment control for all the colors.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and even when an image other than the reference patch mark is formed and a reference patch mark is created in order for each of a plurality of colors, at least one of toner amount and image density is provided. A third object is to provide an adjustment apparatus and method, and an adjustment program that can quickly start the adjustment.

  In order to achieve the above object, an adjustment device according to the present invention includes an image carrier, a charger that uniformly charges the image carrier, and a charging bias voltage application that applies a bias voltage to the charger. Means, a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the image carrier with a light beam corresponding to image data, and developing the electrostatic latent image using a developer containing at least toner. A developing device, a developing bias voltage applying unit that applies a bias voltage to the developing device, a toner supplying unit that supplies toner to the developing device, and a toner discharge unit that discharges toner by developing toner on the image carrier An image forming engine comprising: an image forming engine; a primary transfer unit that primarily transfers an image formed on the image carrier by the image forming engine to an intermediate transfer member; And a secondary transfer unit that secondary-transfers an image to a recording medium, and an adjustment device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in the image forming apparatus, Instructing means for instructing the transfer body to create a reference patch mark, density detecting means for detecting the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and a plurality of positions at a plurality of different positions detected by the density detecting means. Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the density value.

  That is, the adjusting device of the present invention adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density in the developing device in the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus records an image forming engine, a primary transfer unit that primarily transfers an image formed on the image carrier by the image forming engine to an intermediate transfer member, and an image that is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer member. Secondary transfer means for secondary transfer to the medium.

  The image forming engine includes an image carrier, a charger for uniformly charging the image carrier, charging bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to the charger, and image data on the image carrier. A latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating a light beam, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image using a developer containing at least toner, and applying a bias voltage to the developing device. Development bias voltage applying means.

  Then, the instruction means of the adjusting device according to the present invention instructs the creation of a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member by the image forming apparatus.

  The density detection means detects the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark.

  The adjustment unit adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on a plurality of density values at a plurality of different positions detected by the density detection unit. When adjusting the toner amount, the adjusting means includes a toner supplying means for supplying toner to the developing device, a toner discharging means for discharging toner by developing the toner on the image carrier, and the toner supplying means or And a control unit that controls the toner discharge unit.

  As described above, since at least one of the toner amount and the image density is adjusted based on the density values at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, the component of irregular reflection of light is reflected as compared with the case of using a single density value. However, the component of irregular reflection of light can be suppressed to a small value by obtaining the average value of the density values, and at least one of the toner amount and the image density can be adjusted with higher accuracy.

  Here, the adjusting unit may adjust at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value among the plurality of densities. Good.

  Further, the density detection means further detects the density of the position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark, and the adjustment means The density values at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark detected by the detection means, and the positions on the intermediate transfer body where the patch marks are not formed at the same positions as the plurality of different positions of the patch mark Based on the density value, at least one of the toner amount and the image density may be adjusted. That is, a ratio between the density value of the reference patch mark and the density value on the intermediate transfer member may be used.

  In this case, the adjusting means may be arranged on the intermediate transfer body on which the density values at different positions of the reference patch mark and the patch marks at the same positions as the different positions of the patch mark are not formed. At least one of the toner amount and the image density may be adjusted based on the density value of the position and a plurality of density values excluding at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value.

  Further, the density detecting means detects the density by irradiating light and detecting reflected light reflected from the detection target, and detects the density of the intermediate transfer member in advance without irradiating the light, The adjusting means is configured to detect the density of the intermediate transfer member detected without irradiating the light, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the same position at a plurality of different positions of the patch mark. At least one of the toner amount and the image density may be adjusted based on the density at the position on the intermediate transfer member where the patch mark is not formed. That is, a value obtained by subtracting the density of the intermediate transfer body detected without light from the density value of the reference patch mark and a density value on the intermediate transfer body were detected without light irradiation. A ratio of a value obtained by subtracting the density of the intermediate transfer member may be used.

  In this case, the adjusting means includes the density of the intermediate transfer member detected in a state where the light is not irradiated, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the plurality of different positions of the patch mark. A toner amount and an image based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the density on the intermediate transfer member where the patch mark is not formed at the same position. At least one of the densities may be adjusted.

  In the above case, the adjusting unit may adjust at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the average value calculated using the plurality of density values.

  The image forming apparatus may form a single color image. For example, the image forming engine may include the developing device, the developing bias voltage applying unit, the toner replenishing unit, and the toner for each of a plurality of colors. An ejection unit may be provided to form a toner image for each color, and the primary transfer unit may superimpose the toner image formed for each color by the image forming engine on an intermediate transfer member.

  In this case, the instructing unit instructs generation of a reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order, and the density detecting unit is configured to determine the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors. And the adjusting means adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density corresponding to each color based on the densities at a plurality of different positions detected by the density detecting means.

  Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus includes a removing unit that removes the reference patch mark whose density is detected by the density detecting unit from the intermediate transfer member. That is, the image forming apparatus forms a reference patch mark for each color, and adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density in the developing device for each color based on the density of the formed reference patch mark for each color.

  In this case, when the detection of the density of one reference patch mark is completed, the reference patch mark is removed from the intermediate transfer member, and when the next reference patch mark is formed at the same position as the reference patch mark, the previous reference patch mark is formed. When the patch mark is not completely removed from the intermediate transfer member, the density of the reference patch mark before remaining is reflected in the detected value of the density of the newly formed reference patch mark.

  Therefore, when the instruction means instructs the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order, the creation position of the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors is determined by the removal means. It may be instructed to create it outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch mark, which is expected when it is not completely removed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the density of the remaining reference patch from being reflected in the detected value of the density of the reference patch.

  In addition, when the normal image is formed in the order of the predetermined color and the reference patch is created by the image forming apparatus, after forming the normal image different from the reference patch mark, the reference patch image is formed. In order to form a normal image, after the toner image of the last color is formed, the developing device corresponding to the color must be moved so that the reference patch of the first color can be generated.

  Therefore, when an image other than the reference patch mark is formed by the image forming engine and a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors, the first color of the reference patch mark is other than the reference patch mark. When the image is formed, it may be instructed to have the same color as that of the last image superimposed on the intermediate transfer member. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly shift from the formation of an image other than the reference patch mark to the adjustment of at least one of the toner amount and the image density.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjusting device for forming a toner image on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and transferring the formed toner image to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. An adjustment device that adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density in the developing device in the image forming apparatus that forms an image, and controls the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member. Instructing means for instructing, density detecting means for detecting densities at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and at least one of toner amount and image density based on a plurality of different densities detected by the density detecting means Adjusting means for adjusting.

  That is, the adjustment device of the present invention forms a toner image on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and transfers the formed toner image to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image.

  The instruction unit of the adjustment device according to the present invention instructs the image forming engine to create a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member.

  The density detection means detects the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark.

  The adjusting unit adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on a plurality of density values at a plurality of different positions detected by the density detecting unit.

  As described above, since at least one of the toner amount and the image density is adjusted based on the density values at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, the light reflection component is reflected as compared with the case of using a single density value. However, the light reflection component can be suppressed to a small value by obtaining the average value of the density values, and at least one of the toner amount and the image density can be adjusted more accurately.

  Here, the adjusting unit may adjust at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value among the plurality of densities. Good.

  Further, the density detection means further detects the density of the position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark, and the adjustment means The density values at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark detected by the detection means, and the positions on the intermediate transfer body where the patch marks are not formed at the same positions as the plurality of different positions of the patch mark Based on the density value, at least one of the toner amount and the image density may be adjusted. That is, a ratio between the density value of the reference patch mark and the density value on the intermediate transfer member may be used.

  In this case, the adjusting means may be arranged on the intermediate transfer body on which the density values at different positions of the reference patch mark and the patch marks at the same positions as the different positions of the patch mark are not formed. At least one of the toner amount and the image density may be adjusted based on the density value of the position and a plurality of density values excluding at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value.

  Further, the density detecting means detects the density by irradiating light and detecting reflected light reflected from the detection target, and detects the density of the intermediate transfer member in advance without irradiating the light, The adjusting means is configured to detect the density of the intermediate transfer member detected without irradiating the light, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the same position at a plurality of different positions of the patch mark. At least one of the toner amount and the image density may be adjusted based on the density at the position on the intermediate transfer member where the patch mark is not formed. That is, a value obtained by subtracting the density of the intermediate transfer body detected without light from the density value of the reference patch mark and a density value on the intermediate transfer body were detected without light irradiation. A ratio of a value obtained by subtracting the density of the intermediate transfer member may be used.

  In this case, the adjusting means includes the density of the intermediate transfer member detected in a state where the light is not irradiated, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the plurality of different positions of the patch mark. A toner amount and an image based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the density on the intermediate transfer member where the patch mark is not formed at the same position. At least one of the densities may be adjusted.

  In the above case, the adjusting unit may adjust at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the average value calculated using the plurality of density values.

  In order to achieve the second object, the adjustment device of the invention described in claim 18 uses a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices to sequentially form a plurality of color toner images on an image carrier, An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring sequentially formed toner images to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. An instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark in order for each of the plurality of colors, a density detection means for detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors, and the density detection Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of a toner amount and an image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the means; and the density detection Removing means for removing the reference patch mark whose density is detected by a stage from the intermediate transfer member, and the instruction means instructs the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order. Instruct to create the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch mark, which is expected when the already created reference patch mark is not completely removed by the removing means. It is characterized by doing.

  The adjustment device of the present invention sequentially forms toner images of a plurality of colors on an image carrier using toners of a plurality of colors accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and transfers the toner images formed in order to an intermediate transfer member. An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density in the developing device in the image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring the image to a recording medium.

  The adjustment device according to the present invention detects the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors, and an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors. A density detecting unit; an adjusting unit that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density corresponding to each color based on a density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detecting unit; Removing means for removing the reference patch mark whose density has been detected by the density detecting means from the intermediate transfer member.

  Then, when the instruction means instructs the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order, the creation position of the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors is completely changed by the removal means. It is instructed to create it outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch mark, which is expected when it is not removed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the density of the remaining reference patch from being reflected in the detected value of the density of the reference patch.

  In order to achieve the third object, the adjustment device according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention sequentially forms a plurality of color toner images on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring sequentially formed toner images to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. An instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark in order for each of the plurality of colors, a density detection means for detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors, and the density detection Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of a toner amount and an image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the means; and the density detection Removing means for removing the reference patch mark whose density is detected by the means from the intermediate transfer member, and the instruction means is configured to remove the plurality of reference patches after an image other than the reference patch mark is formed by the image forming apparatus. When instructing the creation of a reference patch mark for each of the colors in order, the first color of the reference patch mark is the image of the image that was last superimposed on the intermediate transfer member when an image other than the reference patch mark was formed. It is characterized by instructing to be the same as the color.

  In other words, the adjustment device of the present invention sequentially forms toner images of a plurality of colors on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and sequentially forms the toner images formed on the intermediate transfer. An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring the image to a recording medium via a body.

The adjustment device according to the present invention detects the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors, and an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors. A density detecting unit; an adjusting unit that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density corresponding to each color based on a density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detecting unit; Removing means for removing the reference patch mark whose density has been detected by the density detecting means from the intermediate transfer member. ,
When the instruction unit instructs the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors after the image forming apparatus forms an image other than the reference patch mark, the first color of the reference patch mark is: When an image other than the reference patch mark is formed, it is instructed to be the same as the color of the image finally superimposed on the intermediate transfer member. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly shift from the formation of an image other than the reference patch mark to the adjustment of the toner amount.

  In order to achieve the first object, according to the adjustment method of the present invention, a toner image is formed on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and the formed toner image is transferred to an intermediate transfer member. An adjustment method for adjusting at least one of toner amount and image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus for forming an image by transferring to a recording medium via the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus applies the image on the intermediate transfer member. Instructing creation of a reference patch mark, detecting densities at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and adjusting at least one of a toner amount and an image density based on the detected plurality of different densities.

  In order to achieve the first object, a program according to claim 24 forms a toner image on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and the formed toner image is passed through an intermediate transfer member. An adjustment processing program for causing a computer to execute an adjustment process for adjusting at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring to a recording medium. Instructing the creation of a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member, detecting the density of a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and determining the toner amount and the image density based on the detected plurality of different densities At least one of them is adjusted.

  In addition, since the effect | action and effect of invention of Claim 21 and 24 are the same as that of invention of Claim 11 mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In order to achieve the second object, the adjustment method of the invention according to claim 22 is to form a plurality of color toner images on an image carrier in order using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, The toner images formed in sequence are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member to control an image forming apparatus that forms an image, and a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors. The density of the reference patch mark for each of a plurality of colors is detected, and based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit, the toner amount and image density corresponding to each color The reference patch mark is removed from the intermediate transfer member after the density is detected, and the reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors. Creating position of the reference patch marks 2 and subsequent colors, already be expected if the reference patch marks created not completely removed, the residual prediction area outside of the reference patch marks, created.

  In order to achieve the second object, the adjustment program of the invention described in claim 25 forms a plurality of color toner images on the image carrier in order using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices. Then, the toner images formed in sequence are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member, thereby controlling the image forming apparatus that forms the image, and creating a reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order. Detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors, and based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit, the amount of toner corresponding to each color and An adjustment processing program for causing a computer to execute an adjustment process for adjusting at least one of image density, wherein the reference patch mark is removed from the intermediate transfer member after the density is detected. When generating reference patch marks in order for each of the plurality of colors, the reference patch marks that are expected when the reference patch marks that have already been generated are not completely removed are determined as the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors. The mark is created outside the expected remaining region of the mark.

  In addition, since the effect | action and effect of invention of Claim 22 and 25 are the same as that of invention of Claim 18 mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In order to achieve the third object, the adjustment method of the invention according to claim 23 forms a plurality of color toner images on the image carrier in order using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, The toner images formed in sequence are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member to control an image forming apparatus that forms an image, and a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors. The density of the reference patch mark for each of a plurality of colors is detected, and based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit, the toner amount and image density corresponding to each color An adjustment method for adjusting at least one of the reference patch mark and the reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors after an image other than the reference patch mark is formed by the image forming apparatus. The first color Chimaku, when an image other than the reference patch mark is formed, is the same as the color of the image superimposed finally to an intermediate transfer member.

  In order to achieve the third object, an adjustment processing program according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to sequentially applying a plurality of color toner images on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices. The toner images formed and transferred in sequence are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member, thereby controlling the image forming apparatus that forms the image and creating reference patch marks in order for each of the plurality of colors. And detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors, and based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detecting means, the amount of toner corresponding to each color And an adjustment processing program for causing the computer to execute an adjustment process for adjusting at least one of the image density, and after the image other than the reference patch mark is formed by the image forming apparatus, When a reference patch mark is created in order for each of a plurality of colors, the first color of the reference patch mark is the color of the image that is finally superimposed on the intermediate transfer member when an image other than the reference patch mark is formed. It is characterized by being the same.

  In addition, since the effect | action and effect of invention of Claim 23, 26 are the same as that of invention of Claim 19 mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, according to the present invention, at least one of the toner amount and the image density is adjusted based on the density values at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark. Even if the reflection component is reflected, there is an effect that at least one of the toner amount and the image density can be adjusted with higher accuracy.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the reference patch marks are created in order for each of a plurality of colors, the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors are created in the case where the already created reference patch marks are not completely removed. Since it is created outside the expected remaining expected area of the reference patch mark, it is possible to prevent the density of other remaining reference patches from being reflected in the detected density value of the reference patch. .

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, when a reference patch mark is created in order for each of a plurality of colors after an image other than the reference patch mark is formed, the first color of the reference patch mark is changed to an image other than the reference patch mark. When the toner image is formed, it is the same as the color of the image superimposed on the intermediate transfer member at the end, so that it is possible to quickly shift from the formation of an image other than the reference patch mark to the adjustment of the toner amount. is there.

  Hereinafter, an adjustment apparatus and method, and an adjustment program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 shows a main body of a full-color printer 1, and an engine unit 1A as an image forming engine is disposed inside the full-color printer main body 1.

  A photosensitive drum 2 as an image carrier is rotatably disposed at an upper right part slightly from the center of the engine part 1A. As this photosensitive drum 2, for example, a drum made of a conductive cylinder having a diameter of about 47 mm whose surface is coated with a photosensitive layer made of OPC or the like is used. It is rotationally driven at a process speed of about 150 mm / sec. As shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined potential by a charging roll 3 as a charger disposed almost immediately below the photosensitive drum 2. Image exposure by a laser beam (LB) is performed by a ROS (Raster Output Scanner) 4 serving as an exposure unit disposed at a position immediately below 2 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 passes through the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in the circumferential direction. The toner is developed by a rotary developing device 5 arranged along the toner image to be a toner image of a predetermined color.

  At this time, charging, exposure and development processes are repeated a predetermined number of times on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 in accordance with the color of the image to be formed. The rotary developing device 5 is rotationally driven at a predetermined timing, and the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K corresponding to the color to be developed move to a developing position facing the photosensitive drum 2.

  For example, when a full-color image is formed, the charging, exposure, and development processes are performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 in yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors. The toner image corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. . The number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 2 when the toner image is formed varies depending on the size of the image. For example, in the case of an A4 size, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated three times so that one color image is obtained. Is formed.

  That is, each time the photosensitive drum 2 rotates three times, toner images corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors are sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. It is formed. As will be described later, the toner images sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 2 are primarily transferred in a state of being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 when passing through the primary transfer position.

  The yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 2 are arranged on the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 2 as intermediate transfer bodies. At the primary transfer position around which the transfer belt 6 is wound, the primary transfer is performed by the primary transfer roll 7 while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 6. The yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images transferred in multiple onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 are fed by the secondary transfer roll 8 at a predetermined timing. The recording sheet 9 is secondarily transferred in a lump. The secondary transfer roll 8 may be configured to follow the intermediate transfer belt 6, but may be configured to be rotationally driven via a gear from a driving source (not shown).

  At this time, the secondary transfer roll 8 rotates idly when the rotational speed of the secondary transfer roll 8 becomes faster so that there is no difference in moving speed with the intermediate transfer belt 6. In addition, it is desirable to be configured to be driven to rotate through a torque limiter.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper 9 is fed by a pickup roll 11 from a paper feeding unit 10 arranged at the lower part of the full-color printer main body 1 and is rolled one by one by a feed roll 12 and a retard roll 13. In this state, the sheet is fed to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 in synchronization with the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 by the registration roll 14. The secondary transfer roll 8 is configured to contact and separate from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 at a predetermined timing. The secondary transfer roll 8 as the load unit is disposed at a position where the distance on the circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 6 is close to the downstream side of the photosensitive drum, and the load unit is the intermediate transfer belt as will be described later. 6 is configured to reduce or increase the driving speed of the photosensitive member in response to the timing of contact with the photosensitive member 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer belt 6 is stretched by a plurality of rolls, and rotates along with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2 so as to circulate at a predetermined process speed (about 150 mm / sec). It is configured to be driven. As the intermediate transfer belt 6, a belt made of an elastic belt having elasticity such as chloroprene, urethane rubber, silicon rubber or the like whose Young's modulus of the elastic layer is 30 MPa or less is used.

  The intermediate transfer belt 6 also includes a wrap-in roll 15 that specifies the wrap position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 2 and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2. A primary transfer roll 7 to be transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6, a wrap-out roll 16 for specifying the wrap position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 on the downstream side of the wrap position, and the secondary transfer roll 8 via the intermediate transfer belt 6. It is stretched at a predetermined tension by a backup roll 17 that abuts, a first cleaning backup roll 19 that faces the cleaning device 18 of the intermediate transfer belt 6, and a second cleaning backup roll 20.

  Further, as described above, the intermediate transfer belt 6 is stretched by a plurality of rolls 7, 15-17, 19, and 20. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the size of the full-color printer body 1, The stretched cross-sectional shape is configured to be a flat and elongated substantially trapezoidal shape.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the entire full color printer is miniaturized as much as possible, but the rotary developing device 5 occupies a large space of the full color printer main body 1. Therefore, the full-color printer main body 1 is designed to improve the maintainability of the intermediate transfer belt 6 and the rotary developing device 5 while achieving downsizing of the device. Specifically, the intermediate transfer belt 6 includes the photosensitive drum 2, the charging roll 3, and the secondary transfer roll 8, and integrally constitutes an image forming unit 21, and the upper cover 22 of the full-color printer main body 1. By opening, the entire image forming unit 21 is configured to be detachable from the full-color printer main body 1. Further, on the upper portion of the intermediate transfer belt 6, a density sensor 23 composed of a reflection type photosensor for detecting the density of a reference patch image of toner formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is disposed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 18 for the intermediate transfer belt 6 includes a scraper 24 disposed so as to abut on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 stretched by a first cleaning backup roll 19; And a cleaning brush 25 disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 stretched by the second cleaning backup roll 20. Residual toner and paper dust removed by removing means such as the scraper 24 and the cleaning brush 25 are collected in the cleaning device 18. The cleaning device 18 is supported so as to be able to swing counterclockwise around the swing shaft 26, and is retracted to a position away from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6. It is configured to contact the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 at a predetermined timing.

  Further, the recording paper 9 onto which the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 6 is conveyed to a fixing device 27 as shown in FIG. 1, and the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 9 by heat and pressure by the fixing device 27. In the case of single-sided printing, the paper is discharged as it is onto a discharge tray 29 provided at the top of the printer body 1 by a discharge roll 28.

  On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing, the recording paper 9 on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 27 is not discharged as it is onto the discharge tray 29 by the discharge roll 28, but the rear end portion of the recording paper 9 by the discharge roll 28. In a state where the discharge roll 28 is reversed, the conveyance path of the recording paper 9 is switched to the double-sided paper conveyance path 30, and the conveyance roll 31 disposed in the double-sided paper conveyance path 30 With the recording paper 9 turned upside down, the recording paper 9 is conveyed again to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 to form an image on the back surface of the recording paper 9.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, a manual feed tray 32 can be attached to the side surface of the printer main body 1 so as to be freely opened and closed in the full color printer. An arbitrary size and type of recording paper 9 placed on the manual feed tray 32 is fed by a paper feed roll 33, and a secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 via a transport roll 31 and a registration roll 14. As a result, the image can be formed on the recording paper 9 of any size and type.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after the toner image transfer process is completed is cleaned by a cleaning blade 35 of a cleaning device 34 disposed obliquely below the photosensitive drum 2 every time the photosensitive drum 2 rotates once. As a result, residual toner and the like are removed to prepare for the next image forming process.

  In the full-color printer according to the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (about 150 mm / sec) directly or via a plurality of gears or the like by a drive source (not shown) such as a stepping motor. It is configured to be driven. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 6 is configured to be driven and rotated by the photosensitive drum 2 while being wound around the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a rectangular reference position mark 41 for detecting the rotation period of the intermediate transfer belt 6 is synthesized on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 at one end portion in the width direction. It is provided so as to reflect light by fusion of resin and aluminum.

  The reference position mark 41 is a reference position detecting means (a light emitting element or a light receiving element) composed of a reflective optical sensor or the like disposed near the lower surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 along the circulation path of the intermediate transfer belt 6. (Configuration) 42 is detected.

  Further, the secondary transfer roll 8 is configured to come in contact with and separate from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 at a predetermined timing. Further, the cleaning device 18 is configured to come into contact with and separate from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 at a predetermined timing.

(Developing device 5)
As shown in FIG. 3, the developing device 5 includes a developing device main body 40 that is rotatably arranged in a vertical plane. The developing device main body 40 includes a cylindrical rotating shaft member 41 disposed along the longitudinal direction at the center thereof, and a front side disposed at an end portion on the near side in the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft member 41. Formed by a flange member 42, a rear flange member 43 disposed at the end in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft member 41, and the rotary shaft member 41 and front and rear flange members 42, 43. And a partition member 44 that divides the cylindrical space S into four sections every 90 °.

  The developing device main body 40 is attached to the engine unit 1A so as to be rotatable along the counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the developing device main body 40 includes four developer cartridges 45Y and 45M of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) along the clockwise direction. 45C and 45K are mounted along the circumferential direction.

  Since these developing units 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are all configured in the same manner, here, the yellow (Y) developing unit 5Y will be described as an example. 5, a developing device main body 46 is provided, and a new developer is supplied to the developing device main body 46 from a corresponding developer cartridge 45Y.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the developing device main body 46 is disposed so that a part thereof is exposed in an opening 47 provided facing the outer periphery of the developing device main body 46, and in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. A long developing roll 48 and two spiral augers 49 and 50 that are positioned obliquely below the developing roll 48 and extend in parallel with the developing roll 48 are disposed.

  In the developing unit 5Y, when the developing roll 48 rotates, the spiral auger 49 on the back side conveys the developer 51 accommodated in the developing unit main body 46 while stirring in one direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

  On the other hand, the spiral auger 50 conveys the developer 51 while stirring the developer 51 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the spiral auger 49 and supplies the developer 51 evenly to the developing roll 48.

  In this embodiment, a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is used as the developer 51. However, the developer 51 only needs to contain at least toner, and is composed only of toner. Component developers may be used.

  The developing roll 48 adsorbs a carrier contained in the developer 51 with a magnetic force by a magnet roll 48a disposed in a fixed state inside, and forms a magnetic brush of the developer 51 on the surface of the developing roll 48, thereby providing a carrier. The toner adsorbed on the toner is conveyed to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 2. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is visualized by the toner formed on the surface of the developing roll 48.

(Image formation control system)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system for image formation in the engine unit 1A.

  The main power management unit 100 is connected to a commercial power source (not shown), generates a low voltage power source and a high voltage power source, and supplies power to each unit via a power supply line.

  A user interface 104 is connected to the main controller 102, and an instruction regarding image formation or the like is given by a user's operation, and information on the image formation or the like is notified to the user.

  The main controller 102 is connected to a network line with an external host computer (not shown) so that image data is input.

  When the image data is input, the main controller 102, for example, analyzes the print instruction information included in the image data and the image data, and converts them into a format (for example, bitmap data) suitable for the engine unit 1A. Image data is sent to the image formation processing control unit 106.

  The image forming process control unit 106 controls each of the optical scanning system control unit 108, the drive system control unit 110, the charger control unit 112, the developing device control unit 114, and the fixing device control unit 116 based on the input image data. Synchronous control is performed to execute image formation.

  The drive system control unit 110 is connected to the density sensor 23 and the reference position detection means 42. The density detected by the density sensor 23 and the reference position detected by the reference position detection means 42 are controlled by the image forming process control. Also output to the main controller 102 via the unit 106.

  For example, the density sensor 23, the developing device main body 40, the main controller 102, the developing device control unit 114, and the like constitute an adjusting device, and further, the adjusting device is configured by including the scraper 24 and the cleaning brush 25.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

(Normal print operation)
In the full color printer according to the present embodiment, a color image printing operation is performed as follows.

  In the full-color printer, the photosensitive drum 2 is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed (about 150 mm / sec) during the printing operation, and the intermediate transfer belt 6 is driven while being wound around the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. .

  Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roll 3 and then subjected to image exposure corresponding to the first yellow image by the ROS 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. The The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed by the yellow developing device 5Y of the rotary developing device 5, and a yellow toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. .

  At this time, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 has been in contact with the cleaning device 18 before the first yellow image exposure is performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 is cleaned by a cleaning device 18. That is, in the first yellow image exposure on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, the cleaning device 18 remains in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 that is wound around the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and driven. It is performed in the state.

  When the yellow image exposure on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is completed, the cleaning device 18 is separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6. At this time, the yellow toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is in a state of being primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 at the primary transfer position.

  Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roll 3 and then subjected to image exposure corresponding to, for example, a second magenta image by the ROS 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. The The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed by a magenta developer 5M of the rotary developing device 5, and a magenta toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The magenta toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred in a superimposed state on the intermediate transfer belt 6 on which the yellow toner image has already been transferred at the primary transfer position.

  Next, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roll 3 and then subjected to image exposure corresponding to the third cyan image by the ROS 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. The The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed by a cyan developing device 5C of the rotary developing device 5, and a cyan toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. . The cyan toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred in a state of being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 on which the yellow and magenta toner images have already been transferred at the primary transfer position. Is done.

  Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roll 3 and then subjected to image exposure corresponding to the black image of the fourth color by the ROS 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed by the black developing device 5K of the rotary developing device 5, and a black toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the black toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt on which the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images have already been transferred at the primary transfer position. The primary transfer is performed in a superposed state.

  At this time, the secondary transfer roll 8 contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 prior to the black image exposure.

  When the black image exposure on the photosensitive drum 2 is completed, the cleaning device 18 comes into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

  Thus, the secondary transfer roll 8 has been in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 before the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is exposed to the black image of the final color. In other words, the black image exposure of the final color on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is performed while the secondary transfer roll 8 is in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 that is wound around the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and driven. It is performed in the state.

  When the secondary transfer roll 8 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 6, the image on which the four colors are superimposed is transferred onto the recording paper 9, fixed by passing through the fixing device 27, and discharged.

Thereafter, residual toner, paper dust, and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 6 are removed by a removing unit such as a scraper 24 and a cleaning brush 25, and are collected inside the cleaning device 18.
(TC concentration adjustment)
Next, a toner amount adjustment method and a toner amount adjustment program will be described.

  When printing is completed as described above, step 150 of the toner amount adjustment program shown in FIG. 7 is determined to be affirmative.

  Here, when printing is completed as described above, the toner image finally superimposed on the intermediate transfer member is a black toner image, and corresponds to the photosensitive drum 2 as shown in FIG. The black developing device 5K is located at the position. In this state, in step 200, as shown in FIG. 12B, TC density adjustment control of the K color toner in the developing device 5K is performed. For example, for TC density adjustment control of the Y color toner, There is no need to wait until the developing device rotates, such as when the developing device 5Y reaches a position corresponding to the photosensitive drum 2, and the normal printing can be quickly shifted to the toner amount adjustment.

  Next, details of step 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In step 210 of FIG. 8, a base density that is the density of the intermediate transfer belt 6 on which the reference patch image is not formed is detected (details will be described later), and in step 250, the reference patch image density is detected (details will be described later). . In step 270, toner is replenished or discharged based on an average value S described later (details will be described later). The base density may be detected after detecting the reference patch image density.

  Next, details of step 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 212, it is determined whether a reference position has been detected. That is, even after the printing is completed, the intermediate transfer belt 6 continues to be conveyed. As shown in FIG. 2, whether or not the reference position mark 41 on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is detected by the reference position detecting unit 42. Determine whether.

  In step 214, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T (= T1 + t0 + T2) has elapsed since the reference position was detected.

  Here, the predetermined times T, T1, t0, and T2 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, in order to perform TC density adjustment control of each color toner of K to C, reference patch images PGK to PGC of each color are sequentially formed as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the K-color reference patch image PGK is scheduled to be formed at a position Pk that is separated from the reference position by a distance Lk to the upstream side in the transport direction F of the intermediate transfer belt 6. ing. Similarly, the Y-C color reference patch images PGY-PGC are scheduled to be formed at positions Py, Pm, Pc that are separated from the reference position by distances Ly, Lm, Lc. Note that Lk, Ly, Lm, and Lc have a relationship of Lk> Ly> Lm> Lc. As will be described later, the Y to C reference patch images PGY to PGC are positions of the reference patch image PGK. In order from Pk, it is scheduled to be formed so as not to overlap with the downstream side in the transport direction F of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

  When the reference position is detected, the position Pk where the reference patch image PGK is to be formed is located at a position separated by a distance Lk on the upstream side in the transport direction F of the intermediate transfer belt 6. From this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the time until the position Pk where the reference patch image PGK is to be formed reaches the primary transfer position is T0.

  Further, the time from when the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 2 until the electrostatic latent image is developed and the toner image Tk generated by the development is positioned at the primary transfer position is defined as t0.

  The time T1 is a time obtained by subtracting the time t0 from the time T0. Accordingly, when the formation of the reference patch image is started when the time T1 has elapsed since the detection of the reference position, the toner image Tk arrives and at the primary transfer position, the toner image Tk is just scheduled to form the reference patch image PGK. Is transferred to the position Pk.

  The time from when the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6 and the reference patch image PGK is generated in this way until the reference patch image PGK reaches the position detected by the density sensor 23 is T2. To do.

  If it is determined in step 214 that the predetermined time T (= T1 + t0 + T2) has elapsed since the reference position was detected, it is determined that the planned formation position of the reference patch image PGK has reached the position detected by the density sensor 23. it can. In this case, the reference patch image is not yet formed.

  In step 216, a variable i indicating the number of density detections is initialized to 0. In step 218, the variable i is incremented by 1. In step 220, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t has elapsed, and it is determined that the predetermined time t has elapsed. If so, in step 222, the concentration is detected. That is, as described above, the reference patch image is not formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6. In this step, the density of the intermediate belt 6, that is, the base density is detected.

  In step 224, the i-th detection position and the density (base density) are stored correspondingly.

  In step 226, it is determined whether or not the variable i is equal to or greater than the total number of detections I (for example, 5). If the variable i is not determined to be greater than or equal to the total number of detections I, the density (base density) at the position to be detected has not yet been detected, so the process returns to step 218 to perform the above processing (step 128 to step 128). 226). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14B, the base concentrations at the positions (1) to (5) to be detected of the intermediate belt 6 are detected. That is, the base density at positions (1) to (5) is determined by the density sensor 23 every time a predetermined time t has elapsed since the scheduled formation position of the reference patch image PGK has reached the position detected by the density sensor 23. Detected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the variable i is equal to or greater than the total number of detections I, since the density (base density) at the position to be detected has been detected, the process proceeds to step 250 (FIG. 8).

  Next, details of step 210 will be described with reference to FIG. In step 252 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the reference position has been detected as described above. If it is determined that the reference position has been detected, it is determined in step 254 whether the predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

  When the formation of the reference patch image is started when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the toner image Tk is located at the position Pk where the reference patch image PGK is to be formed at the primary transfer position where the toner image Tk has arrived. Thus, a K-color reference patch image PGK is formed. Note that the formation of the reference patch image PGK requires the predetermined time t0 as described above. Therefore, as described above, the formation of the reference patch image is started when it is determined that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, and when the toner image Tk reaches the primary transfer position, it is exactly at the position Pk where the reference patch image PGK is scheduled to be formed. Therefore, the toner image Tk is transferred to the position Pk where the reference patch image PGK is to be formed, and the reference patch image PGK is created.

  In step 258, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the predetermined time T (= T1 + t0 + T2) has elapsed since the reference position was detected. That is, the formation position Pk of the reference patch image PGK has reached the position detected by the density sensor 23.

  In step 260, the variable i is initialized to 0. In step 262, the variable i is incremented by 1. In step 264, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time t has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time t has elapsed, In step 266, the density of the K reference patch image PGK is detected.

  In step 268, the i-th detection position and the density of the reference patch image PGK are stored correspondingly.

  In step 270, it is determined whether the variable i is equal to or greater than the total number of detections I. If the variable i is not determined to be greater than or equal to the total number of detections I, the density at the position to be detected has not yet been detected, so the process returns to step 262 and the above processing (steps 262 to 270) is executed. To do. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14A, the densities of the positions (1) to (5) to be detected of the K reference patch image PGK are detected. That is, the density of the reference patch image PGK at positions (1) to (5) is increased by the density sensor 23 every time a predetermined time t has elapsed since the reference patch image PGK has reached the position detected by the density sensor 23. Detected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the variable i is equal to or greater than the total number of detections I, the density of the position to be detected has been detected, so in step 272, the density value of the reference patch image PGK at positions (1) to (5). Among these, the positions of detected values other than the maximum value and the minimum value are determined. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the positions of the detected values of the maximum value and the minimum value are the positions (4) and (1), respectively, so the positions (2), (3), and (5) are determined.

  In step 274, the reference patch images PGK at the positions (2), (3), (5) of the detected values other than the maximum and minimum values among the density values of the reference patch images PGK at the positions (1) to (5). , The base concentration stored in correspondence with the positions (2), (3), and (5), and the base concentration when the illumination is interrupted, that is, when the illumination is not turned on, for example. The base density when the illumination is not lit is a density value when the density (base density) of the intermediate transfer belt 6 on which the reference patch image is not formed is detected in a state where the illumination of the density sensor 23 is not lit. It is. Alternatively, it is a detection value of the concentration sensor alone in a state where the illumination of the concentration sensor is not turned on.

  In step 276, the average value is calculated. That is, among the density values of the reference patch images PGK at the positions (1) to (5), the positions (2), (3), and (5) of the detected values other than the maximum value and the minimum value of each reference patch image PGK. Concentrations are stored as Vpatch (2), (3), (5), and base concentrations stored corresponding to positions (2), (3), (5), respectively, Vcln (2), (3), (5) , And the base density when the illumination is not lit is Vdrk. In this step 276, the average value S is calculated from the following equation. Α is a coefficient.

[Equation 1]
S = ((Vpatch (2) -Vdrk) / (Vcln (2) -Vdrk)
+ (Vpatch (3) -Vdrk) / (Vcln (3) -Vdrk)
+ (Vpatch (5) -Vdrk) / (Vcln (5) -Vdrk)) * (1/3) * α
As described above, since the average value is obtained using the density values at a plurality of positions of the reference patch image PGK, the influence can be suppressed even if the irregular reflection states of light on the intermediate transfer belt and the reference patch image are different. it can.

  In addition, as described above, the density Vpatch (2), (3), (5), and the position (2), (3), (5) of the detected value other than the maximum value and the minimum value of each reference patch image PGK. Since the average value is obtained using the base concentrations Vcln (2), (3), (5) stored corresponding to the positions (2), (3), (5), the irregular reflection state of the light The influence can be further suppressed.

  Thus, the processing in step 250 (see FIG. 8) is completed, and in step 270, toner is replenished or discharged. That is, the calculated average value S is compared with a preset threshold value (having a predetermined width, that is, an upper threshold value and a lower threshold value). It is determined that the toner is high, and an operation of discharging the toner stored in the developing device 5K is executed. If the density is lower than the lower limit, it is determined that the density is low, and an operation of supplying toner from the toner cartridge to the toner stored in the developing device 5K is executed.

  On the other hand, even when toner is being replenished or discharged, the intermediate transfer belt 6 continues to be conveyed, and the reference patch image PGK is removed by the tip 24A (see FIG. 2) of the scraper 24 or the like. If the reference patch image PGK is not completely removed by the tip 24A of the scraper 24 or the like, the remaining area of the reference patch image PGK is considered to be an area M shown in FIGS. That is, the remaining area of the reference patch image PGK is a predetermined area on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

  When the above processing ends, the K color TC density adjustment control in step 200 in FIG. 7 ends. In the next step 300, Y color TC density adjustment control is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in step 205, the developing device 5 is rotated by a predetermined angle (90 degrees). For example, at the time of K color TC density adjustment control, as shown in FIG. 12A, since the K color developing device 5K is located at a position corresponding to the photosensitive drum 2, Y color TC density adjustment control is performed. For this purpose, the developing device 5 is rotated by a predetermined angle (90 degrees) so that the Y-color developing device 5K is positioned at a position corresponding to the photosensitive drum 2.

  Thereafter, steps 210 to 270 are executed. Since these steps 210 to 270 are the same as the processing at the time of K color TC density adjustment control, the description thereof is omitted. However, the predetermined time T0 in the Y color TC density adjustment control is determined based on the time from when the reference position is detected until the position Py where the reference patch image PGY is to be formed reaches the primary transfer position.

  Note that the TC density adjustment control for the M color and the C color in subsequent steps 400 and 500 is substantially the same as in step 300 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, for a predetermined time T0 in the TC density adjustment control for each of the M color and the C color, the positions Pm and Pc scheduled to form the reference patch images PGM and PGC reach the primary transfer position from the time when the reference position is detected. It is determined based on the time until.

  Further, in the C color TC density adjustment control in step 500, after the toner replenishment or ejection in step 270 is completed, the development position is set to the home position. Note that the home position is a position where the Y developing device 5Y corresponds to the photosensitive drum 2 in consideration of, for example, the next printing and the formation of a Y toner image (see FIG. 12C). ).

  By the way, when the TC density adjustment control for the K color to the TC density adjustment control for the C color are executed in order, as shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the Y color to the C color after the K reference patch image PGK. The reference patch images PGY to PGC are sequentially formed from the position Pk of the reference patch image PGK on the downstream side in the transport direction F of the intermediate transfer belt 6 at distances Ly, Lm, and Lc.

  The reason for this will be described with reference to FIG. The reference patch image PGK is removed by the tip 24A of the scraper 24 (see FIG. 2). If the reference patch image PGK is not completely removed, the remaining area of the reference patch image PGK is an area M shown in FIG. it is conceivable that. That is, the remaining area of the reference patch image PGK is a predetermined area on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt 6. When the reference patch image PGY is formed in this area M and the density thereof is detected, the density value of the reference patch PGK before remaining is reflected in the detected density value of the reference patch image PGY. Therefore, the toner amount cannot be adjusted with high accuracy.

  Therefore, the reference patch image PGY is formed in a region other than the region M1 where the reference patch image PGK remains, that is, on the downstream side in the transport direction of the intermediate transfer belt 6 from the reference patch image PGK, as shown in FIG. To do.

  In the same manner, the reference patch image PGM is transferred from the reference patch image PGY to the region other than the region MM2 (and M1) where the reference patch image PGY remains, that is, as shown in FIG. The reference patch image PGC is formed on the downstream side in the transport direction 6, and the reference patch image PGC is converted into an area other than the remaining area M3 (and M1, M2) of the reference patch image PGM, that is, as shown in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 6 is formed downstream of the PGM in the conveyance direction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reference patch images are generated in order for each of a plurality of colors, the already created reference patch images are completely scraped off with respect to the generation positions of the second and subsequent color reference patch images. Since it is created outside the expected remaining region of the reference patch image, which is expected when it is not possible, it is possible to prevent the density of other remaining reference patch images from being reflected in the detected density value of the reference patch. .

  In the above example, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 (A), it is assumed that the already created reference patch image is not completely scraped off and is outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch image. However, the present invention is not limited to this in the intermediate transfer belt conveyance direction downstream side of the already created reference patch image. As shown in FIG. The region side may be used. In this case, the already created reference patch image may be downstream or upstream of the intermediate transfer belt conveyance direction.

  In the TC density adjustment control described above, after calculating the average value S of each color and calculating the toner replenishment amount and discharge amount for each color, the toner replenishment / discharge control is performed during the next printing operation. Also good.

  In the example described above, the TC density adjustment has been described, but the image density adjustment can also be performed by the above processing. That is, after detecting the base density and detecting the patch image density, the average value S is calculated, and the image density is adjusted by adjusting the developing bias and the light beam quantity based on the average value S.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a full-color printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a development view of an intermediate transfer belt. It is a perspective view of a developing device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis of the developing device. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating details of a developing unit taking Y color as an example. It is a block diagram of the control system for image formation in an engine part. It is a flowchart which shows a TC density | concentration control program. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of step 200 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of step 210 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of step 250 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of step 300 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a moving state of the developing device when shifting to TC density control from the end of printing. It is a figure which shows the timing in TC density | concentration control. It is a figure which shows detecting the density | concentration of the same position in each of a reference | standard patch and a reference | standard patch position. It is a figure which shows the arrangement position of the reference | standard patch image of K color-C color. It is a figure which shows the flow of preparation of the reference patch image of K color-C color. It is a figure which shows the modification of the arrangement position of a reference | standard patch image.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Full color printer 1A Engine part 2 Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
3 Charging roll (charger)
4 ROS (image forming means)
5 Developing Device 6 Intermediate Transfer Belt 7 Primary Transfer Roll 8 Secondary Transfer Roll 9 Recording Paper (Recording Medium)
18 Cleaning device 23 Concentration sensor (concentration detection means)
24 Scraper (removal means)
25 Cleaning brush (removal means)
27 Fixing device 40 Developing device main body (toner supply means, toner discharge means)
42 Reference position detecting means 48 Developing roll 49 Spiral auger 50 Spiral auger 51 Developer 102 Main controller (indicating means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 User interface 106 Image formation process control part 108 Optical scanning system control part 110 Drive system control part 112 Charger control part (charging bias voltage application means)
114 Developing device control section (developing bias voltage applying means, toner amount forced adjustment controlling means)
116 Fixing unit control unit 124 Process control unit PGK K color reference patch image PGY Y color reference patch image PGM M color reference patch image PGC C color reference patch image

Claims (26)

An image carrier, a charger for uniformly charging the image carrier, charging bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to the charger, and irradiating the image carrier with a light beam corresponding to image data. A latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image using a developer containing at least toner, and a developing bias voltage applying means for applying a bias voltage to the developing device. An image forming engine comprising:
Primary transfer means for primarily transferring an image formed on the image carrier by the image forming engine to an intermediate transfer member;
Secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of the image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium;
An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density in the developing device in the image forming apparatus comprising:
Instruction means for instructing creation of a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member by the image forming apparatus;
Density detecting means for detecting the density of a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark;
Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of toner amount and image density based on a plurality of density values at a plurality of different positions detected by the density detecting means;
An adjustment device comprising:   The adjustment unit adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the plurality of densities. 1. The adjusting device according to 1. The density detection means further detects the density of the position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark;
The adjustment means includes a density value at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark and a density at a position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as the plurality of different positions of the patch mark. And adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the value,
The adjusting device according to claim 1.   The adjustment means includes a density value at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark and a density at a position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as the plurality of different positions of the patch mark. 4. The adjustment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the toner amount and the image density is adjusted based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of each of the values. . The concentration detection means detects the concentration by irradiating light and detecting reflected light reflected from the detection target, and detects the concentration of the intermediate transfer member in advance without irradiating light,
The adjusting unit is configured to detect the density of the intermediate transfer member detected in a state where the light is not irradiated, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark. Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the density of the position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed,
The adjusting device according to claim 1.   The adjusting unit is configured to detect the density of the intermediate transfer member detected in a state where the light is not irradiated, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark. Based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of each of the positions on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed, at least the toner amount and the image density The adjusting device according to claim 5, wherein one of the adjusting devices is adjusted.   7. The adjustment unit according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density based on an average value calculated using the plurality of density values. The adjustment device described in 1. The image forming engine includes the developing device, the developing bias voltage applying unit, the toner replenishing unit, and the toner discharging unit for each of a plurality of colors, and forms a toner image for each color.
The primary transfer unit superimposes a toner image formed for each color by the image forming engine on an intermediate transfer member,
The instructing means instructs to create a reference patch mark in order for each of the plurality of colors;
The density detection means detects the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
The adjusting unit adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density corresponding to each color based on the densities at a plurality of different positions detected by the density detecting unit;
The adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjusting device. Removing means for removing the reference patch mark whose density is detected by the density detecting means from the intermediate transfer member;
When instructing the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in sequence, the instruction means indicates the creation position of the reference patch mark for the second and subsequent colors, and the already created reference patch mark is completely removed by the removal means. Instruct to create outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch mark, which would be expected if not removed
The adjusting device according to claim 8.   When the instruction means instructs the creation of a reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order after the image forming engine forms an image other than the reference patch mark, the initial color of the reference patch mark is 10. The adjustment device according to claim 8, wherein when an image other than the reference patch mark is formed, an instruction is given so as to be the same as the color of the toner image finally superimposed on the intermediate transfer member. . Development in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by forming a toner image on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and transferring the formed toner image to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member An adjustment device that adjusts at least one of toner amount and image density in the device,
Instruction means for instructing creation of a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member by the image forming apparatus;
Density detecting means for detecting the density of a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark;
Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of toner amount and image density based on a plurality of different densities detected by the density detecting means;
An adjustment device comprising:   The adjustment unit adjusts at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the plurality of densities. 11. The adjusting device according to 11. The density detection means further detects the density of a position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark;
The adjustment means has the density values detected by the density detection means at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark and the patch marks at the same positions as the different positions of the patch mark are not formed. Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the density value of the position on the intermediate transfer member;
The adjustment device according to claim 11.   The adjustment means includes a density value at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark and a density at a position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed at the same position as the plurality of different positions of the patch mark. 14. The adjustment device according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the toner amount and the image density is adjusted based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of each value. . The concentration detection means detects the concentration by irradiating light and detecting reflected light reflected from the detection target, and detects the concentration of the intermediate transfer member in advance without irradiating light,
The adjusting unit is configured to detect the density of the intermediate transfer member detected in a state where the light is not irradiated, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark. Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the density of the position on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed,
The adjustment device according to claim 11.   The adjusting unit is configured to detect the density of the intermediate transfer member detected in a state where the light is not irradiated, the density at a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark, and the same position as a plurality of different positions of the patch mark. Based on a plurality of density values excluding at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of each of the positions on the intermediate transfer body where the patch mark is not formed, at least the toner amount and the image density 16. The adjusting device according to claim 15, wherein one of the adjusting devices is adjusted.   17. The adjustment unit according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density based on an average value calculated using the plurality of density values. The adjustment device described in 1. A plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and the sequentially formed toner images are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image,
Instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to create reference patch marks in order for each of the plurality of colors;
Density detecting means for detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of the toner amount and image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detecting means;
Removing means for removing the reference patch mark whose density is detected by the density detecting means from the intermediate transfer member;
With
When instructing the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in sequence, the instruction means indicates the creation position of the reference patch mark for the second and subsequent colors, and the already created reference patch mark is completely removed by the removal means. Instruct to create outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch mark, which would be expected if not removed
An adjusting device characterized by that. A plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and the sequentially formed toner images are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. An adjusting device that adjusts at least one of a toner amount and an image density in a developing device in an image forming apparatus that forms an image,
Instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to create reference patch marks in order for each of the plurality of colors;
Density detecting means for detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
Adjusting means for adjusting at least one of the toner amount and image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detecting means;
With
When the instruction unit instructs to create a reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in order after the image forming apparatus forms an image other than the reference patch mark, the first color of the reference patch mark is When an image other than the reference patch mark is formed, it is instructed to be the same as the color of the image superimposed on the intermediate transfer member at the end.
An adjusting device characterized by that. When instructing the creation of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors in sequence, the instruction means indicates the creation position of the reference patch mark for the second and subsequent colors, and the already created reference patch mark is completely removed by the removal means. Instruct to create outside the expected remaining area of the reference patch mark, which is expected if not scraped off.
The adjustment device according to claim 19. Development in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by forming a toner image on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and transferring the formed toner image to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member An adjustment method for adjusting at least one of toner amount and image density in the apparatus,
Control the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member,
Detecting the density of a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark,
Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the detected plurality of different densities,
An adjustment method characterized by that. A plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and the sequentially formed toner images are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. By controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image, a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors,
Detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit;
An adjustment method,
The reference patch mark is removed from the intermediate transfer member after the density is detected,
When generating reference patch marks in order for each of the plurality of colors, the reference patch marks that are expected when the reference patch marks that have already been generated are not completely removed are determined as the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors. Create it outside the expected remaining area of the mark,
An adjustment method characterized by that. A plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and the sequentially formed toner images are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. By controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image, a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors,
Detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit;
An adjustment method,
When an image other than the reference patch mark is formed by the image forming apparatus and the reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors, the first color of the reference patch mark is an image other than the reference patch mark. When formed, it is identical to the color of the image that was last superimposed on the intermediate transfer member,
An adjustment method characterized by that. Development in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by forming a toner image on an image carrier using toner contained in a developing device, and transferring the formed toner image to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member An adjustment processing program for causing a computer to execute adjustment processing for adjusting at least one of toner amount and image density in the apparatus,
Control the image forming apparatus to create a reference patch mark on the intermediate transfer member,
Detecting the density of a plurality of different positions of the reference patch mark,
Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density based on the detected plurality of different densities,
An adjustment program characterized by that. A plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and the sequentially formed toner images are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. By controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image, a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors,
Detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit;
An adjustment processing program for causing a computer to execute adjustment processing,
The reference patch mark is removed from the intermediate transfer member after the density is detected,
When generating reference patch marks in order for each of the plurality of colors, the reference patch marks that are expected when the reference patch marks that have already been generated are not completely removed are determined as the reference patch marks for the second and subsequent colors. Create it outside the expected remaining area of the mark,
An adjustment program characterized by that. A plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on an image carrier using a plurality of color toners accommodated in a plurality of developing devices, and the sequentially formed toner images are transferred to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member. By controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image, a reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors,
Detecting the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors;
Adjusting at least one of the toner amount and the image density corresponding to each color based on the density of the reference patch mark for each of the plurality of colors detected by the density detection unit;
An adjustment processing program for causing a computer to execute adjustment processing,
When an image other than the reference patch mark is formed by the image forming apparatus and the reference patch mark is created in order for each of the plurality of colors, the first color of the reference patch mark is an image other than the reference patch mark. When formed, it is identical to the color of the image that was last superimposed on the intermediate transfer member,
An adjustment program characterized by that.

Images