JP2000329814A - Photosensitive body drum withstand voltage test device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact photosensitive body drum withstand voltage test device capable of conducting a withstand voltage test between a basic body of a photosensitive body drum and a surface of a photosensitive layer speedily and with high precision. SOLUTION: This photosensitive body drum withstand voltage test device 1 is constituted in such a way that a photosensitive body drum 6 on a pallet 4 at a test stage 2 is gripped by a drum conductive chuck 14 of a robot 3 and is conveyed to the vicinity of a pole of a recessed part 8a of a conducting-flexible-structural body 8, aconducting-flexible-structural body 10 is rotated and moved in the direction of the conducting-flexible-structural body 8 by a rotary cylinder 9 so that they approach mutually, gas supplied into the conducting- flexible-structural bodies 8, 10 from a gas pipe 12 is blown on the photosensitive body drum 6 to remove dust on a surface of the photosensitive body drum 6, and then the photosensitive body drum 6 is stored in the recessed part 8a and a recessed part 10a. In this condition, the drum electricity conducting chuck 14 is energized, and a high voltage is applied between the conducting-flexible-structural bodies 8 and 10 to conduct a withstand voltage test of the photosensitive body drum 6. Upon completion of the withstand voltage test, the light transmitted into the conducting-flexible-structural bodies 8, 10 through a fiber cable 11 is applied on the surface of the photosensitive body drum 6 to eliminate electricity from the photosensitive body drum 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photoreceptor drum pressure resistance tester, and more particularly, to a photoreceptor drum pressure resistance tester for performing a pressure resistance test between a photosensitive drum substrate and a photosensitive layer surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a printer, and a copying apparatus using an electrophotographic system, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum based on image data to be formed. An image is formed by developing the electrostatic latent image on the drum with a developer such as toner. The photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image is formed has a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a substrate, and the substrate and the surface of the photosensitive layer are required to have a certain breakdown voltage.

Conventionally, a withstand voltage test between the substrate of the photosensitive drum and the surface of the photosensitive layer is carried out by conducting the conduction of the substrate by holding the substrate of the photosensitive drum with a conductive holding tool such as a conductive chuck. The photosensitive drum is rotated while the brush portion (brush body) of the brush contacts the photosensitive layer surface of the photosensitive drum, and a high voltage is applied between the conductive grip and the conductive brush. At this time, if a current equal to or more than a predetermined value flows between the conductive gripper and the conductive brush, it is determined that the withstand voltage has been broken, and the product is determined to be defective (see Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-29732 and the like). ).

[0004]

However, in such a conventional withstand voltage test apparatus, the withstand voltage test of the surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is performed by rotating the photosensitive drum. In addition, there is a problem that a mechanism for rotating the photosensitive drum is required, the apparatus is enlarged, the cost is increased, and the time required for the pressure test (tact time) is increased. Further, in the conventional pressure resistance test apparatus, since a high voltage is applied between the substrate of the photosensitive drum and the surface of the photosensitive layer, the conductive brush that is in contact with the photosensitive layer surface of the photosensitive drum, The base of the conductive brush and the base of the conductive brush that are electrically repelled from the surface of the photosensitive layer of the charged photosensitive drum, and the brush tip of the conductive brush moves up, down, left, and right, and is exposed at both axial ends of the photosensitive drum. There is a possibility that a discharge may occur between the exposed end of the photosensitive drum and the end of the brush near the end of the photoreceptor drum, making it impossible to accurately perform a pressure resistance test.

In view of the above, the first aspect of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum through a photosensitive drum base having a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of a conductive cylindrical or cylindrical base. Holding detachably with the conductive holding member
The outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is wrapped in a conductive flexible structure having conductivity and flexibility so that the photosensitive drum can be put in and out of the photosensitive drum in a contact or non-contact manner. A predetermined high voltage is applied between the base of the photosensitive drum and the conductive flexible structure, and a value of a current flowing between the conductive holding member and the conductive flexible structure at this time is detected. By conducting a pressure test of the photosensitive layer of the drum, the entire outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is wrapped in a contact or non-contact state with the conductive flexible structure without rotating the photosensitive drum during the pressure test. Therefore, without causing damage such as scratches on the surface of the photoconductor drum, a withstand voltage test is simultaneously performed on all the regions of the photoconductor layer of the photoconductor drum, thereby improving the test accuracy and reducing the tact time. Small And its object is to provide a photosensitive drum pressure test device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the conductive flexible structure is provided with a mesh-like structure or a lattice-like structure having a predetermined thickness in which fine holes through which gas can pass are formed, or a gas-passable structure. When the conductive flexible structure is brought into contact with the photosensitive layer, the adhesiveness between the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive layer is improved by forming it into a sheet-like structure with fine micro holes, thereby improving test accuracy. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoreceptor drum withstand pressure test device that can be improved and lightened.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the conductive flexible structure is sealed with a predetermined sealing member except for a surface facing the photosensitive drum in contact with or not in contact with the photosensitive drum. When the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive layer are further contacted with each other to further improve the test accuracy, and when the gas is supplied to the conductive flexible structure and blown onto the photosensitive drum, It is another object of the present invention to provide a photoconductor drum withstand pressure test apparatus capable of preventing gas in a conductive flexible structure from leaking in a direction other than the photoconductor drum and more appropriately removing dust from the photoconductor drum.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a seal member for sealing a surface other than a surface facing the photosensitive drum in contact or non-contact with the photosensitive drum is formed of an insulating material. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device capable of preventing abnormal discharge and improving test accuracy and improving safety.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the light from the light source is transmitted into the conductive flexible structure by the insulating light transmitting means, and the light transmitted by the light transmitting means is irradiated on the photosensitive drum to irradiate the photosensitive drum. By removing the charge from the drum, the photosensitive drum that has undergone the withstand voltage test is removed from the conductive flexible structure by light introduced into the conductive flexible structure before being removed from the conductive flexible structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device capable of performing static elimination in a photoconductor drum transporting process, performing a more rapid test, and further improving the test accuracy.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the conductive flexible structure, at least a portion facing the photoreceptor drum has a light transmitting structure for transmitting predetermined light, and the light transmitting means uses the conductive flexible structure. By transmitting the light transmitted into the body and irradiating the photosensitive drum, the light introduced into the conductive flexible structure is more efficiently transmitted through the conductive flexible structure and irradiates the photosensitive drum. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoreceptor drum pressure test apparatus capable of performing a pressure test more efficiently and quickly and further improving test accuracy.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the conductive flexible structure is sealed with a sealing member having a low light transmittance or a non-light transmitting seal member except for a surface which is in contact with or non-contact with the photosensitive drum. A photosensitive drum that can prevent light from hitting an untested photosensitive drum waiting around the conductive flexible structure, thereby preventing light fatigue of the photosensitive drum. It is intended to provide a withstand voltage test method.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test apparatus, comprising: a photoconductive drum having a photosensitive layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of a conductive cylindrical or cylindrical substrate. A photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus for performing a pressure test between a substrate and the photosensitive layer, wherein a conductive holding member having a predetermined conductivity for detachably holding the photoconductor drum through the substrate; A conductive flexible structure having conductivity and flexibility enclosing the photosensitive drum so as to be able to be taken in and out of the photosensitive drum, with or without contacting the outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum, and the photosensitive member via the conductive holding member High voltage applying means for applying a predetermined high voltage between the base of the drum and the conductive flexible structure, and a current for detecting a current value flowing between the conductive holding member and the conductive flexible structure Value detection And a step, by performing a withstand voltage test of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum based on the current value detected by the current value detection means when the high voltage is applied from the high voltage application means, The above objective has been achieved.

According to the above construction, the photosensitive drum is held on the conductive drum via the photosensitive drum base having the photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive cylindrical or cylindrical base. It is detachably held by a member, and the outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is wrapped with a conductive flexible structure having conductivity and flexibility so that the photosensitive drum can be taken in and out of contact or non-contact. A predetermined high voltage is applied between the base of the photosensitive drum and the conductive flexible structure from the applying means via the conductive holding member, and a current flowing between the conductive holding member and the conductive flexible structure at this time. The value is detected and the pressure resistance test of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is performed, so the entire outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is contacted with the conductive flexible structure without rotating the photosensitive drum during the pressure test. Or in a non-contact In this way, it is possible to simultaneously perform a withstand voltage test on all areas of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum without damaging the surface of the photosensitive drum, such as a scratch, etc., thereby improving test accuracy and shortening the tact time. In addition to this, the photoreceptor drum pressure test apparatus can be made inexpensive and small.

In this case, for example, as described in claim 2, the conductive flexible structure has a mesh-like structure or a lattice-like structure having a predetermined thickness in which fine holes through which gas can pass are formed. Alternatively, it may be formed in a sheet-like structure in which minute holes through which gas can pass are formed.

According to the above configuration, the conductive flexible structure is
Since it is formed in a mesh-like structure or a lattice-like structure having a predetermined thickness in which gas-passable microholes are formed and a sheet-like structure in which gas-passable microholes are formed, it is conductive. When the conductive flexible structure is brought into contact with the photosensitive layer, the adhesion between the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive layer can be improved, so that the test accuracy can be further improved and the weight can be further reduced.

Further, for example, as described in claim 3, the conductive flexible structure may be sealed with a predetermined seal member except for a surface facing the photosensitive drum in contact or non-contact. .

According to the above configuration, the conductive flexible structure is
Since the surface other than the surface that is in contact with or not in contact with the photosensitive drum is sealed with a predetermined sealing member, when the conductive flexible structure is brought into contact with the photosensitive layer, the adhesion between the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive layer is reduced. Can be further improved, the test accuracy can be further improved, and when the gas is supplied to the conductive flexible structure and blown onto the photosensitive drum, the gas in the conductive flexible structure is Leakage in directions other than the direction can be prevented, and dust on the photosensitive drum can be more appropriately removed.

Further, for example, as described in claim 4, the seal member may be formed of an insulating material.

According to the above construction, the sealing member for sealing the surface other than the surface facing the photosensitive drum in contact or non-contact with the photosensitive drum is formed of an insulating material. Abnormal discharge can be prevented, test accuracy can be improved, and safety can be improved.

Further, for example, the image forming apparatus further includes an insulating light transmitting means for transmitting light from a predetermined light source into the conductive flexible structure. The light transmitted by the transmission means may be irradiated on the photosensitive drum to remove electricity from the photosensitive drum.

According to the above construction, the light from the light source is transmitted into the conductive flexible structure by the insulating light transmitting means, and the light transmitted by the light transmitting means is irradiated on the photosensitive drum to cause the photosensitive drum to emit light. Since the static electricity is removed, the photosensitive drum that has been subjected to the withstand voltage test is removed from the conductive flexible structure by light introduced into the conductive flexible structure before being removed from the conductive flexible structure. The static elimination can be performed in the transporting process of the drum, a more rapid test can be performed, and the test accuracy can be further improved.

Further, for example, as described in claim 6, the conductive flexible structure has at least a light transmission structure for transmitting predetermined light at a portion facing the photosensitive drum, and The light transmitted into the conductive flexible structure by means may be transmitted to irradiate the photosensitive drum.

According to the above configuration, the conductive flexible structure is
Since at least a portion facing the photoconductor drum has a light transmission structure that transmits predetermined light, light transmitted to the conductive flexible structure by the light transmission means is transmitted to the photoconductor drum and irradiated to the photoconductor drum. The light introduced into the conductive flexible structure can be more efficiently transmitted through the conductive flexible structure to irradiate the photosensitive drum, and the pressure test can be performed more efficiently and quickly. The test accuracy can be further improved.

For example, as described in claim 7, the conductive flexible structure has a low light transmittance sealing member or a non-light transmitting member except for a surface facing the photosensitive drum in contact or non-contact. It may be sealed with a flexible seal member.

According to the above configuration, the conductive flexible structure is
Since the surface other than the surface that is in contact with or non-contact with the photoconductor drum is sealed with a sealing member having a low light transmittance or a non-light transmitting seal member, it stands by around the conductive flexible structure. Light can be prevented from hitting the untested photosensitive drum, and light fatigue of the photosensitive drum can be prevented.

[0026]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, various technically preferable limitations are added. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description. The embodiments are not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum is electrically conductive and flexible. And performs a pressure resistance test, and corresponds to claims 1 and 3 to 6.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1 to which a first embodiment of a photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. It is.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1 has at least a robot 3, a pallet 4, a conductive flexible structure unit 5 and the like mounted on a test stage 2, and the pallet 4 A plurality of photosensitive drums 6 to be tested are mounted.

The conductive flexible structure unit 5 includes a fixing base 7
And a conductive flexible structure 10 attached to the arm 9a of the rotary cylinder 9. The fixed base 7 is fixed on the test stage 2. The rotating cylinder 9 is fixed on the test stage 2, and rotates the arm 9 a in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 8 and in the opposite direction to oppose the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10. The surfaces are brought into close contact and separated.
On the opposing surfaces of the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10, semicylindrical recesses 8a and 10a capable of tightly storing the photosensitive drum 6 are formed.
That is, the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 are provided with
a, the photoconductor drum 6 is inserted into and taken out of the photoconductor drum 10a.

The conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10 are formed of a material having a predetermined conductivity and a predetermined flexibility, for example, sponge, rubber, or the like. 10a are formed with a material having a predetermined air permeability and light transmissivity, or formed with a material having a predetermined gas permeability and light transmissivity, or a gas permeable and light transmissive structure.

A fiber cable (light transmitting means) 11 and a gas pipe 12 are connected to the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10, and the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10 are connected to each other. Inside, an irradiation lens 13 is disposed so as to cover the inner rear portions of the semicylindrical depressions 8a and 10a in the longitudinal direction. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 have the irradiation lens 1 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 6.
3 are provided. Light from a light source (not shown) is introduced into the fiber cable 11.
Is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 6 through the concave portion 8a of the conductive flexible structure 8 and the concave portion 10a of the conductive flexible structure 10 after being reflected by the irradiation lens 13, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 To remove electricity.

The gas pipe 12 is provided with a predetermined gas (not shown),
For example, the gas is connected to a compressor that supplies air, and the gas is supplied to the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10.
And an ultrasonic wave is applied to the gas to be supplied from an ultrasonic generator, or ions are applied from an ionizer.

The robot 3 has a drum conductive chuck (conductive holding member) 14 attached to the tip of an arm 3a. 6 is gripped. The robot 3 holds the photosensitive drum 6 on the pallet 4 with the drum conductive chuck 14, and the recess 8 a of the conductive flexible structure 8 of the conductive flexible structure unit 5 and the recess 10 a of the conductive flexible structure 10. Then, the photosensitive drum 6 is subjected to a pressure resistance test, and the photosensitive drum 6 having undergone the pressure resistance test is returned from the conductive flexible structure unit 5 onto the pallet 4.

Although not shown in detail, the photosensitive drum 6 is formed by forming a photosensitive layer with a predetermined thickness on the outer peripheral surface of a conductive metal cylindrical or cylindrical base. The drum pressure test apparatus 1 performs a pressure test between the substrate and the surface of the photosensitive layer.

Although not shown, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1 includes a drum conductive chuck 14 and a conductive flexible structure 8.
And a power supply for high-voltage test (high-voltage applying means) for applying a predetermined high voltage (voltage required for a high-voltage test) to the drum 3.
In the state in which the photosensitive drum 6 is gripped and contacted with the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 in the recesses 8a of the conductive flexible structure 8 and the recesses a of the conductive flexible structure 10, A high voltage is applied between the drum conductive chuck 14 and the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 between the base of the photosensitive drum 6 and the photosensitive layer from a power supply for the withstand voltage test to perform the withstand voltage test.

Although not shown, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 is configured such that when a predetermined high voltage is applied between the drum conductive chuck 14 and the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10,
A current detector (current detecting means) for detecting a current value flowing between the base of the photosensitive drum 6 and the photosensitive layer, that is, between the drum conductive chuck 14 and the conductive flexible structures 8, 10.
It has.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 includes a conductive flexible structure 8, 10 around the photosensitive drum 6 in a state where the photosensitive drum 6 is gripped and fixed by a drum conductive chuck 14 attached to the arm 3a of the robot 3. And apply a high voltage between the base of the photosensitive drum 6 and the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 so that a current of a predetermined value or more flows between the base of the photosensitive drum 6 and the photosensitive layer. The feature is that a pressure test of the photosensitive drum 6 is performed depending on whether or not it is determined.

That is, photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus 1
In the state where a large number of photosensitive drums 6 to be tested are placed on the pallet 4 on the test stage 2, when the start instruction operation of the pressure resistance test is performed, the robot 3 is driven to One of the photosensitive drums 6 is gripped by the drum conductive chuck 14 of the arm 3a. The robot 3 transports the photosensitive drum 6 gripped by the drum conductive chuck 14 in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 8 fixed to the fixed base 7 of the conductive flexible structure unit 5, and The photosensitive drum 6 is stopped immediately in the vicinity of the concave portion 8a and is held as it is.

Next, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 drives the rotating cylinder 9 on which the conductive flexible structure 10 is mounted to move the conductive flexible structure 10 in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 8. Then, the conductive flexible structure 10 is brought closer to the photosensitive drum 6. At this time, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 includes the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 1.
The rotary cylinder 9 is temporarily stopped before the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 and the photosensitive drum 6 are completely sealed, and the gas containing the ultrasonic waves and ions generated from the ultrasonic generator and the ionizer is supplied from the gas pipe 12 to the conductive flexible member. The gas is supplied to the structures 8 and 10, and the gas is blown from the recesses 8 a and 10 a to the photosensitive drum 6 to remove dust on the surface of the photosensitive drum 6.

When the dust removal is completed, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1 drives the robot 3 to press the photosensitive drum 6 against the recess 8a of the conductive flexible structure 8, and then rotates the rotary cylinder 9. When the conductive flexible structure 10 is driven,
Is moved in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 8, and the recess 8 a of the conductive flexible structure 8 and the recess 1 of the conductive flexible structure 10 are moved.
In a state in which the photosensitive drum 6 is housed in Oa, the photosensitive drum 6 is sandwiched between the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10, and the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 6 is hermetically fixed. Then, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 applies a current to the drum conductive chuck 14 from a withstand voltage test power supply (not shown), and applies a high voltage between the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10. At this time, if a current equal to or greater than a preset threshold current value flows through the drum conductive chuck 14 and the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 determines that the withstand voltage test is defective.

Upon completion of the withstand voltage test, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 1 stops applying a voltage from the withstand voltage test power supply and emits light from a light source (not shown) in order to remove the charge on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 6. The light is transmitted by the fiber cable 11 and expanded by the irradiation lens 13 in the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10. The light expanded by the irradiation lens 13 is transmitted to the concave portion 8 a of the conductive flexible structure 8 and the concave portion 1 of the conductive flexible structure 10.
Irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 through Oa, thereby discharging the photosensitive drum 6.

Thereafter, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1
By rotating the rotary cylinder 9 to release the photosensitive drum 6 from being sandwiched between the conductive flexible structure 8 and the conductive flexible structure 10, the robot 3 returns the photosensitive drum 6 to the pallet 4, The next photosensitive drum 6 is held from the pallet 4 by the drum conductive chuck 14, and a pressure resistance test is performed in the same manner as described above.

The photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1
While the robot 3 returns the photosensitive drum 6 to the pallet 4 and goes to get the next photosensitive drum 6, the gas pipe 12
Supplies a gas containing ultrasonic waves and ions generated from an ultrasonic generator or an ionizer to the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10, and urges the gas from the recessed portions 8a and 10a to vigorously discharge the gas. The bodies 8, 10 are self-cleaned.

As described above, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes the photoreceptor drum 6 with the photoconductive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive base. A conductive flexible member having conductivity and flexibility so that the photosensitive drum 6 is detachably held by a conductive drum conductive chuck 14 so that the outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 6 can be brought into and out of the photosensitive drum 6. A high voltage is applied between the base of the photoreceptor drum 6 and the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 via the drum conductive chuck 14, and the drum conductive chuck 14 and the conductive The value of the current flowing between the flexible structures 8 and 10 is detected, and a withstand voltage test of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 6 is performed.

Therefore, at the time of the pressure resistance test, the entire outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 6 is wrapped in contact with the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 without rotating the photosensitive drum 6, and the photosensitive drum 6 A pressure test can be performed simultaneously on all areas of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 6 without damaging the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 with scratches or the like, thereby improving test accuracy.
The takt time can be reduced, and the photoconductor drum pressure resistance test apparatus 1 can be made inexpensive and small.

Further, in the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 are formed into a mesh structure or a lattice structure in which minute holes through which gas can pass are formed. Since they are formed, the conductive flexible structures 8, 10
When the conductive layer is brought into contact with the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 6, the adhesion between the conductive flexible structures 8, 10 and the photosensitive layer can be improved, and the test accuracy can be further improved, and the weight can be further reduced. be able to.

Further, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 1 of the present embodiment transmits the light from the light source to the conductive flexible structures 8, 1.
0, the light is transmitted through the insulating optical fiber 11 and the light transmitted through the optical fiber 11 is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 6 to remove the electricity from the photosensitive drum 6, so that the conductive flexible structure 8,
After removing the photoconductor drum 6 housed in the pressure-resistant test from the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 after the pressure-resistant test, the photosensitive drum 6 is neutralized by light introduced into the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10, and the conductive flexibility is applied after completion of the pressure-resistant test. The static elimination can be performed in the process of transporting the photosensitive drum 6 to the outside of the structures 8 and 10, so that a more rapid test can be performed and the test accuracy can be further improved.

Further, in the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a gas is introduced into the conductive flexible structures 8 and 10 through the gas pipe 12 to
0, the photosensitive drum 6 is dust-removed, so that the photosensitive drum 6 housed in the conductive flexible structures 8, 10 is neutralized by light introduced into the conductive flexible structures 8, 10 before the pressure resistance test. Drum 6 into conductive flexible structures 8, 10
The static elimination can be performed in the process from the storage of the battery to the withstand voltage test, and a more rapid test can be performed.
The test accuracy can be further improved.

Further, since ultrasonic waves and ions are contained in the gas introduced into the conductive flexible structures 8, 10, the photosensitive drum 6 can be more cleanly dusted, and the test accuracy can be further improved. be able to.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 20 is arranged on a test stage (not shown) with a pair of conductive flexible structures 21 and conductive flexible structures 22 facing each other. Is attached to a linear motion unit 23 fixed to a test stage. The linear motion unit 23 moves the conductive flexible structure 22 toward the conductive flexible structure 21 until the opposing surfaces are in close contact with each other. The other conductive flexible structure 21 is fixed to a fixing plate 24 fixed to a test stage.

A photosensitive drum 25 gripped by a drum conductive chuck of a robot (not shown) is disposed between the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22, and as shown in FIG. When the conductive flexible structure 22 is moved in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 21 by 23, the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22 are deformed,
The photosensitive drum 25 is wrapped in the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22 without gaps. That is, the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22 are formed in a sponge structure in which the fine holes 21 a and 22 a are formed, and are flexible so that the periphery of the photosensitive drum 25 can be sealed with the photosensitive drum 25 interposed therebetween. And has electrical conductivity, air permeability and light transmittance.

Although not shown, the conductive flexible structure 2
As in the first embodiment, an optical fiber connected to a light source (not shown) and a gas pipe connected to a compressor (not shown) are connected to the first flexible conductive member 22 and the conductive flexible structure 22. A power source for a withstand voltage test for applying a predetermined high voltage is provided between the drum conductive chuck for gripping the drum and the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22.

When a pressure test of the photosensitive drum 25 is performed, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 20 of the present embodiment holds the photosensitive drum 25 by a drum conductive chuck attached to a robot (not shown), The photosensitive drum 25 is conveyed between the flexible conductive structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22, stopped at a position very close to the conductive flexible structure 21 on the fixed side, and held as it is.

Next, the photoreceptor drum pressure tester 20
By driving the linear motion unit 23 to which the conductive flexible structure 22 is attached, the conductive flexible structure 22 is moved in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 21, and the conductive flexible structure 22 is moved to the photosensitive drum 25. Get closer. At this time, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 20 temporarily stops the linear motion unit 23 before the surfaces of the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22 and the photosensitive drum 25 are completely sealed, and A gas containing ultrasonic waves or ions generated from an ultrasonic generator or an ionizer is supplied from a gas pipe connected to the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22,
22, and the gas is supplied to the conductive flexible structures 21, 22.
Sprays the photosensitive drum 25 from the
Remove dust from the surface.

When the dust removal is completed, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 20 drives the robot to press the photosensitive drum 25 against the fixed-side conductive flexible structure 21, and then drives the linear motion unit 23. Then, the conductive flexible structure 22 is moved in the direction of the conductive flexible structure 21, and the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22 sandwich the photosensitive drum 25 in a state of being wrapped therein. Close and fix in the circumferential direction. At this time, the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22 are deformed according to the shape of the photosensitive drum 25, and wrap the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 25 without gaps.
Then, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test device 20 applies a high voltage between the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22 by applying a current to the drum conductive chuck from a power supply for withstand voltage test (not shown).
At this time, if a current equal to or greater than a preset threshold current value flows through the drum conductive chuck and the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test device 20 determines that the withstand voltage test is defective.

Upon completion of the withstand voltage test, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 20 stops applying a voltage from the withstand voltage test power supply and emits light from a light source (not shown) in order to remove electricity from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 25. The light is transmitted by a fiber cable and is expanded in the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22 by an illumination lens (not shown). The light expanded by the irradiation lens is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 25 through the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22, and the charge of the photosensitive drum 25 is eliminated.

Thereafter, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 20
Rotates the linear motion unit 23 to release the photosensitive drum 25 from the state sandwiched between the conductive flexible structure 21 and the conductive flexible structure 22, and returns the photosensitive drum 25 to a pallet or the like by a robot. At the same time, the next photosensitive drum 25 is gripped from the pallet by the drum conductive chuck, and a pressure resistance test is performed as described above.

Then, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 20
While the robot returns the photoreceptor drum 25 and goes to get the next photoreceptor drum 25, the gas containing the ultrasonic waves and ions generated from the ultrasonic generator and the ionizer from the gas pipe becomes conductive. The gas is supplied to the flexible structures 21 and 22 to release the gas vigorously and the conductive flexible structures 21 and 2 are supplied.
2 self-clean.

Therefore, the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus 20 of the present embodiment can obtain the same effects as the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
In particular, the minute holes are formed in the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22, so that the weight can be reduced and the introduced gas can be appropriately blown to the photosensitive drum 25.

In the present embodiment, the conductive flexible structures 21 and 22 surround the photosensitive drum 25 by being deformed by sandwiching the photosensitive drum 25, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. On the opposing surfaces of the conductive flexible structures 26 and 27, a semi-cylindrical recess 2 is formed in the longitudinal direction in advance.
6a and 27a may be formed. The conductive flexible structures 26 and 27 also have pores 26b and 27b.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 9, when the photosensitive drum 23 is wrapped with the conductive flexible structure 26 and the conductive flexible structure 27, the conductive flexible structure 26 and the conductive flexible structure 27 does not need to be deformed, and the pressure resistance test can be performed efficiently.

In the above embodiment, the conductive flexible structures 21 and 26 are fixed to the fixing plate 24 and only the conductive flexible structures 22 and 27 are moved. The conductive flexible structure 22 or both the conductive flexible structure 26 and the conductive flexible structure 27 may be moved.

FIGS. 10 to 12 are views showing a third embodiment of the photoreceptor drum pressure test apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 10, the photoconductor drum pressure resistance test apparatus 30 is disposed on a test stage (not shown) in a state where a pair of conductive flexible structure units 31 and conductive flexible structure units 32 face each other. As shown in FIG. 11, the flexible structural units 31 and 32 have housings 31a and 32a formed in a gutter shape or a rectangular box shape.
And sheet-like conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b stretched on opposing surfaces of the housings 31a and 32a. Housing (seal member) 31a, 32a
Are formed of a member having a predetermined insulating property and a light blocking property (non-light transmitting property), and the conductive flexible structures 31b, 32b
Has a predetermined hole, not shown, and has predetermined conductivity, flexibility, air permeability, and light transmittance.

One conductive flexible structure unit 31 is
The housing 31a is fixed to a fixing plate 33 fixed to the test stage, and the other conductive flexible structure unit 32 is connected to the linear motion unit 3 fixed to the test stage.
4 attached. The linear motion unit 34 connects the conductive flexible structure unit 32 to the conductive flexible structure unit 3.
It is moved in one direction until the opposing surfaces are in close contact.

A photosensitive drum 35 gripped by a drum conductive chuck (not shown) of the robot is disposed between the conductive flexible structure unit 31 and the conductive flexible structure unit 32. As shown in FIG. When the conductive flexible structure unit 32 is moved in the direction of the conductive flexible structure unit 31 by the moving unit 34, the sheet-shaped conductive flexible structure 31b and the conductive flexible structure 32b are deformed, and the conductive flexible structure 32b is deformed. The photosensitive drum 35 is wrapped by the structure 31b and the conductive flexible structure 32b without gaps.

Although not shown, the housing 31a of the conductive flexible structure unit 31 and the housing 32a of the conductive flexible structure unit 32 are connected to a light source (not shown) as in the first embodiment. The optical fiber is connected to a gas pipe connected to a compressor (not shown), and a drum conductive chuck for holding the photosensitive drum and conductive flexible structure units 31 and 22, particularly conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b. And a withstand voltage test power supply for applying a predetermined high voltage between the power supply and the power supply.

When performing a pressure test of the photosensitive drum 35, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 30 of the present embodiment grips the photosensitive drum 35 with a drum conductive chuck attached to a robot (not shown) and conducts the conductive test. The photosensitive drum 35 is conveyed between the conductive flexible structure unit 31 and the conductive flexible structure unit 32, stops at a position very close to the fixed conductive flexible structure unit 31, and holds the photosensitive drum 35 as it is.

Next, the photoreceptor drum pressure tester 30
By driving the linear motion unit 34 to which the conductive flexible structure unit 32 is attached, the conductive flexible structure unit 32 is moved in the direction of the conductive flexible structure unit 31, and the conductive flexible structure unit 32 is exposed to light. Body drum 35
Approach. At this time, the photoconductor drum pressure resistance test device 3
0 is the conductive flexible structure 31b and the conductive flexible structure 32
The linear motion unit 34 is temporarily stopped before b is completely sealed with the photosensitive drum 35, and the conductive flexible structure unit 3
A gas containing ultrasonic waves or ions generated from an ultrasonic generator or an ionizer is supplied to the conductive flexible structure units 31 and 22 from a gas pipe connected to the conductive flexible structure unit 1 and the conductive flexible structure unit 32, and The conductive flexible structure 31
The surface of the photosensitive drum 35 is dusted by spraying the photosensitive drum 35 from b and 32b.

When the dust removal is completed, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 30 drives the robot to press the photosensitive drum 35 against the conductive flexible structure 31b of the fixed conductive flexible structure unit 31. The linear motion unit 34 is driven to move the conductive flexible structure unit 32 in the direction of the conductive flexible structure unit 31 so that the conductive flexible structure 31b and the conductive flexible structure 32b are used to form the photosensitive drum 35.
Is sandwiched in a state of wrapping, and the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 35 is hermetically sealed and fixed. At this time, the conductive flexible structure 31b and the conductive flexible structure 32b are deformed according to the shape of the photosensitive drum 35, and wrap the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 35 without gaps. Then, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 30 applies a high voltage between the conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b by applying a current to the drum conductive chuck from a power supply for withstand voltage test (not shown). At this time, the photoconductor drum pressure resistance testing device 30
Are the drum conductive chuck and the conductive flexible structure 31b, 3
When a current equal to or greater than the threshold current value preset in 2b flows, it is determined that the breakdown voltage test is defective.

Upon completion of the withstand voltage test, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 30 stops applying a voltage from the withstand voltage test power supply and emits light from a light source (not shown) in order to remove electricity from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 35. The light is transmitted by a fiber cable and enlarged by an irradiation lens (not shown) in the conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b. The light expanded by the irradiation lens is irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 through the conductive flexible structure 31b and the conductive flexible structure 32b, and the photosensitive drum 35
To remove electricity.

Then, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 30
Drives the linear motion unit 34 so that the photosensitive drum 35
Is released from the state sandwiched between the conductive flexible structure unit 31 and the conductive flexible structure unit 32, the photosensitive drum 35 is returned to a pallet or the like by a robot, and the next photosensitive drum 35 is transferred from the pallet to the drum conductive chuck. And perform a pressure resistance test in the same manner as described above.

Then, the photosensitive drum pressure resistance test apparatus 30
While the robot returns the photosensitive drum 35 and retrieves the next photosensitive drum 35, the gas containing ultrasonic waves and ions generated from the ultrasonic generator and the ionizer from the gas pipe is conductive. The gas is supplied to the flexible structure units 31 and 32 to release the gas vigorously, and the conductive flexible structure 31b of the conductive flexible structure unit 31 and the conductive flexible structure 32b of the conductive flexible structure unit 32 are self-contained. Clean.

As described above, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 30 of the present embodiment includes the conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b.
Are formed in a sheet shape, so that the photoconductor drum pressure resistance test apparatus 30 can be made smaller and lighter.

The conductive flexible structure units 31, 3
2, since the housings 31a and 32a are formed of insulating members, it is possible to prevent abnormal discharge from the conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b to the surroundings during the withstand voltage test, thereby improving the test accuracy. And safety can be improved.

Further, since the housings 31a and 32a are formed of a member having a low light transmittance or a non-light-transmitting member, an untested photosensitive member which stands by around the conductive flexible structures 31b and 32b. Light can be prevented from hitting the drum 35, and light fatigue of the photosensitive drum 35 can be prevented.

FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 are views showing a fourth embodiment of the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 13, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 40 is arranged on a test stage (not shown) with a pair of conductive flexible structure units 41 facing each other.
The conductive flexible structure unit 41 includes a housing 41a formed in a rectangular box shape, and a conductive flexible structure 41b housed in the housing 41a. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the housing 41a has a semi-cylindrical concave portion 41c for accommodating the photosensitive drum on a surface where the pair of conductive flexible structure units 41 face each other. The recess 41c is provided inside the conductive flexible structure 41.
b is opened so as to face the outside.

The housing (seal member) 41a is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a gas pipe 42 is formed, and a tube or the like connected to a compressor (not shown) is connected to the gas pipe 42. As shown by an arrow in FIG. Introduce gas. The housing 41a is formed of a member having a predetermined insulating property and a light blocking property (non-light transmitting property).

As shown in FIG. 16, the conductive flexible structure 41b is formed in a sponge structure in which communicating pores (micro holes) 43 are formed.
The gas introduced into the housing 41a from the gas pipe 42 into the housing 41a from the portion facing the recess 41c of b is released through the pores 43, and has predetermined conductivity, flexibility, air permeability, and light transmittance.

In the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 40, of the pair of conductive flexible structure units 41, both the conductive flexible structure units 41 are attached to a movable mechanism (not shown), and both are separated from each other by the movable mechanism. Or one of the conductive flexible structure units 41 is fixed to a test stage (not shown), the other is attached to a movable mechanism (not shown), and the other conductive flexible structure unit 41 is moved by the movable mechanism. Is moved in a direction in which the conductive flexible structure unit 41 on the fixed side is separated from and brought into contact with.

Although not shown, the conductive flexible structure unit 41 is connected to an insulative optical fiber (light transmitting means) connected to a light source (not shown), as in the first embodiment. A drum conductive chuck for holding the photosensitive drum and a conductive flexible structure unit 4
1, in particular, a power supply for high-voltage test (high-voltage applying means) for applying a predetermined high voltage to the conductive flexible structure 41b.

In the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 40 of the present embodiment, when a pressure test of the photosensitive drum is performed, the photosensitive drum is gripped by a drum conductive chuck attached to a robot (not shown), and a pair of conductive drums are used. The photosensitive drum is transported between the flexible conductive structure units 41 and stopped in the vicinity of the conductive flexible structure unit 41, and the photosensitive drum is held as it is.

Next, the photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus 40
At least one conductive flexible structure unit 41 is moved to approach the photosensitive drum. At this time, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test device 40 is connected to the conductive flexible structure unit 4.
Before the opposed surfaces of the two are completely sealed, a gas containing ultrasonic waves or ions generated from an ultrasonic generator or an ionizer is conducted from a gas pipe 42 connected to the conductive flexible structure unit 41. Is supplied into the housing 41a of the conductive flexible structure unit 41, and the gas is supplied to the conductive flexible structure 4
By passing through the pores 43 of 1b and spraying the photosensitive drum from the recessed portion 41c, dust on the surface of the photosensitive drum is removed.

When the dust removal is completed, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 40 moves at least one of the conductive flexible structure units 41 to move the photosensitive drums into the recesses 41 c of both the conductive flexible structure units 41. And the conductive flexible structure 4 facing the recess 41c.
1b so as to seal and fix the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum. Then, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 40 applies a high voltage between the conductive flexible structures 41b of the pair of conductive flexible structure units 41 by supplying electricity to the drum conductive chuck from a power supply for withstand voltage test (not shown). At this time, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 40 determines that the withstand voltage test is defective if a current equal to or greater than a preset threshold current value flows through the drum conductive chuck and the conductive flexible structure 41b.

Upon completion of the withstand voltage test, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 40 stops applying a voltage from the withstand voltage test power supply and transmits light from a light source (not shown) to the surface of the photoreceptor drum. The light is transmitted by a cable and is enlarged in the conductive flexible structure unit 41 by an irradiation lens (not shown). The light expanded by the irradiation lens is irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum through the concave portion 41c of the conductive flexible structure unit 41, and removes electricity from the photosensitive drum.

Thereafter, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 40
Moves at least one of the photosensitive drum units 41 so that the photosensitive drums are electrically conductive flexible structure units 41.
Then, the photosensitive drum is returned to a pallet or the like by a robot, and the next photosensitive drum is gripped from the pallet by a drum conductive chuck, and a pressure resistance test is performed in the same manner as described above.

Then, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 40
While the robot returns the photoreceptor drum and goes to get the next photoreceptor drum, the gas containing the ultrasonic waves and ions generated from the ultrasonic generator and the ionizer from the gas pipe 42 is conductively flexible. Housing 4 of structural unit 41
1a, the gas is vigorously released from the recess 41c, and the conductive flexible structure 41b is self-cleaned.

As described above, in the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus 40 of the present embodiment, the conductive flexible structure 41b
Since the sponge structure 3 is formed, the weight can be further reduced, and the housing 4
The gas introduced into 1a can be appropriately blown to the photosensitive drum to remove dust, and the test accuracy can be further improved.

Since the portion of the conductive flexible structure 41b other than the portion facing the photoreceptor drum is covered with the housing 41a as a sealing member, abnormal discharge from the conductive flexible structure 41b to the periphery during the pressure resistance test may occur. Can be prevented, test accuracy can be further improved, and safety can be improved.

Further, since the housing 41a is formed of a member having a low light transmittance or a member having no light transmittance,
It is possible to prevent light from hitting the untested photoconductor drum waiting around the conductive flexible structure 41b,
Light fatigue of the photosensitive drum can be prevented.

FIGS. 17 to 20 are views showing a photosensitive drum pressure resistance testing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 17, the photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus 50 is arranged on a test stage (not shown) with a pair of conductive flexible structure units 51 facing each other.
The conductive flexible structure unit 51 has a housing 51a formed in a rectangular box shape. Housing 51
In FIG. 18A, as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, a pair of conductive flexible structure units 51 are opposed to each other, and a semi-cylindrical concave portion 51b for accommodating a photosensitive drum is formed on the surface.

The housing (seal member) 51a is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a gas pipe 52 is formed, and a tube or the like connected to a compressor (not shown) is connected to the gas pipe 52. As shown by an arrow in FIG. Introduce gas. The housing 51a is formed of a member having a predetermined insulating property and a light blocking property (non-light transmitting property).

A sheet-shaped conductive flexible structure 53 is provided in the recess 51b of the housing 51a. The conductive flexible structure 53 has communicating pores (micro holes) as shown in FIG. 54 are formed. The conductive flexible structure 53 emits a gas introduced into the housing 51a from the gas pipe 52 through the pores 54, and has predetermined conductivity, flexibility, air permeability, and light transmittance.

In the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 50, of the pair of conductive flexible structure units 51, both conductive flexible structure units 51 are attached to a movable mechanism (not shown), and both are separated from each other by the movable mechanism. Or one of the conductive flexible structure units 51 is fixed to a test stage (not shown), and the other is attached to a movable mechanism (not shown), and the other conductive flexible structure unit 51 is moved by the movable mechanism. Is moved in a direction in which the conductive flexible structure unit 51 is moved toward and away from the fixed flexible conductive unit 51.

Although not shown, an insulative optical fiber (light transmitting means) connected to a light source (not shown) is connected to the conductive flexible structure unit 51 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. A drum conductive chuck for holding the photosensitive drum and a conductive flexible structure unit 5
1, in particular, a power supply for withstand voltage test (high voltage applying means) for applying a predetermined high voltage to the conductive flexible structure 53 is provided.

In the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus 50 of the present embodiment, when a photoconductor drum pressure test is performed, a pair of conductive drums is gripped by a drum conductive chuck attached to a robot (not shown). The photosensitive drum is conveyed between the flexible conductive structure units 51, stopped at a position very close to the conductive flexible structure unit 51, and held as it is.

Next, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus 50
At least one of the conductive flexible structure units 51 is moved to approach the photosensitive drum. At this time, the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test device 50 is connected to the conductive flexible structure unit 5.
Before the opposing surfaces are completely sealed, a gas containing ultrasonic waves or ions generated from an ultrasonic generator or an ionizer is conducted from a gas pipe 52 connected to the conductive flexible structure unit 51. The gas is supplied into the housing 51 a of the conductive flexible structure unit 51 and the gas is supplied to the conductive flexible structure 5.
The dust is passed through the pores 54 and sprayed from the depressions 51b onto the photosensitive drum to remove dust on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

When the dust removal is completed, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 50 moves at least one of the conductive flexible structure units 51 to move the photosensitive drums into the recesses 51b of both conductive flexible structure units 51. And the conductive flexible structure 5 facing the depression 51b.
3 to fix the photosensitive drum in a circumferential direction. Then, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 50 applies a high voltage between the conductive flexible structures 53 of the pair of conductive flexible structure units 51 by supplying electricity to the drum conductive chuck from a power supply for the withstand voltage test (not shown). At this time, if a current equal to or greater than a preset threshold current value flows through the drum conductive chuck and the conductive flexible structure 53, the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 50 determines that the withstand voltage test is defective.

Upon completion of the withstand voltage test, the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test device 50 stops applying a voltage from the withstand voltage test power supply, and transmits light from a light source (not shown) to the surface of the photoreceptor drum. The light is transmitted by a cable and enlarged in the conductive flexible structure unit 51 by an irradiation lens (not shown). The light expanded by the irradiation lens is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum through the recess 51b of the conductive flexible structure unit 51, and the charge of the photosensitive drum is eliminated.

Thereafter, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 50
Moves at least one of the photosensitive drum units 41 to move the photosensitive drums to the conductive flexible structure unit 51.
Then, the photosensitive drum is returned to a pallet or the like by a robot, and the next photosensitive drum is gripped from the pallet by a drum conductive chuck, and a pressure resistance test is performed in the same manner as described above.

Then, the photosensitive drum pressure tester 50
While the robot returns the photoconductor drum and goes to get the next photoconductor drum, the gas containing the ultrasonic waves and ions generated from the ultrasonic generator and the ionizer is supplied from the gas pipe 52 to the conductive flexible member. Housing 5 of structural unit 51
1a, and the gas is vigorously discharged from the conductive flexible structure 53 in the depression 51b.
Self-cleaning.

As described above, in the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus 50 of the present embodiment, the conductive flexible structure 51b has the pore 5
4 is formed in the sponge structure, the weight can be further reduced, and the housing 5
The gas introduced into 1a can be appropriately blown to the photosensitive drum to remove dust, and the test accuracy can be further improved.

Also, since the portion of the conductive flexible structure 51b other than the portion facing the photoreceptor drum is covered by the housing 51a as a sealing member, abnormal discharge from the conductive flexible structure 51b to the surroundings during a pressure resistance test may occur. Can be prevented, test accuracy can be further improved, and safety can be improved.

Further, since the housing 51a is formed of a member having a low light transmittance or a member having no light transmittance,
It is possible to prevent light from hitting an untested photosensitive drum waiting around the conductive flexible structure 51b,
Light fatigue of the photosensitive drum can be prevented.

Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the conductive flexible structure is wrapped around the photosensitive drum in a state where the conductive flexible structure is in contact with the photosensitive drum at the time of performing the pressure resistance test. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. Alternatively, the conductive flexible structure may cover the periphery of the photoconductor drum in a non-contact manner in a very close vicinity.

[0111]

According to the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test apparatus of the present invention, the photosensitive drum is formed by forming a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a conductive cylindrical or cylindrical substrate. The photosensitive drum is detachably held by a conductive holding member having conductivity, and the outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is brought into contact with or not in contact with the photosensitive drum, so that the photosensitive drum can be taken in and out of the photosensitive drum. Wrapped by the conductive flexible structure having the conductive flexible structure, a predetermined high voltage is applied between the base of the photosensitive drum and the conductive flexible structure from the high voltage applying means via the conductive holding member. Since the current value flowing between the member and the conductive flexible structure is detected and the pressure resistance test of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is performed, the conductive flexible structure is not rotated during the pressure test without rotating the photosensitive drum. Of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum The entire surface can be wrapped in a contact or non-contact state, and the withstand pressure test can be performed simultaneously on all areas of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum without damaging the photosensitive drum surface. While improving
The takt time can be shortened, and the photoconductor drum pressure resistance test apparatus can be made inexpensive and small.

According to the photoreceptor drum withstand pressure test apparatus of the present invention, the conductive flexible structure is formed into a mesh-like structure or lattice having a predetermined thickness in which minute holes through which gas can pass are formed. Is formed in a sheet-like structure or a sheet-like structure in which minute holes through which gas can pass are formed, so that when the conductive flexible structure is brought into contact with the photosensitive layer, the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive layer adhere to each other. Performance can be improved, the test accuracy can be further improved, and the weight can be further reduced.

According to the photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the conductive flexible structure is sealed with a predetermined sealing member except for the surface facing the photoreceptor drum in contact or non-contact. Therefore, when the conductive flexible structure is brought into contact with the photosensitive layer, the adhesion between the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive layer can be further improved, and the test accuracy can be further improved. In the case where the gas is supplied to the body and blown to the photosensitive drum, the gas in the conductive flexible structure is prevented from leaking to a direction other than the photosensitive drum, and the photosensitive drum can be more appropriately dust-removed.

According to the photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus of the present invention, since the sealing member for sealing the surface other than the surface opposing the photoreceptor drum in contact or non-contact is formed of an insulating material, At the time of testing, abnormal discharge from the conductive flexible structure to the surroundings can be prevented, test accuracy can be improved, and safety can be improved.

According to the photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test apparatus of the present invention, the light from the light source is transmitted into the conductive flexible structure by the insulating light transmitting means, and the light transmitted by the light transmitting means is transmitted. Since the photosensitive drum is irradiated with electricity to remove the charge from the photosensitive drum, before removing the photosensitive drum from which the withstand voltage test has been completed from the conductive flexible structure, the charge is removed by light introduced into the conductive flexible structure, and the withstand voltage test is performed. After the completion, the static elimination can be performed in the process of transporting the photosensitive drum to the outside of the conductive flexible structure, so that a more rapid test can be performed and the test accuracy can be further improved.

According to the photoreceptor drum withstand voltage test apparatus of the invention, the conductive flexible structure has at least a portion facing the photoreceptor drum having a light transmission structure for transmitting predetermined light, Since the light transmitted to the conductive flexible structure by the light transmitting means is transmitted to the photosensitive drum, the light introduced into the conductive flexible structure is more efficiently transmitted through the conductive flexible structure. Irradiation to the photosensitive drum can be performed, and a pressure test can be performed more efficiently and quickly, and the test accuracy can be further improved.

According to the photoreceptor drum withstand pressure test apparatus of the present invention, the conductive flexible structure is made of a sealing member or a non-transparent member having a low light transmittance except for the surface that is in contact with or non-contact with the photoreceptor drum. Since it is sealed with a light-transmitting seal member, it is possible to prevent light from hitting the untested photosensitive drum waiting around the conductive flexible structure, and to prevent the light from the photosensitive drum. Fatigue can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus to which a first embodiment of a photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the photoconductor drum pressure resistance test apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the conductive flexible structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a main part of a photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus to which a second embodiment of the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus of the present invention is applied.

6 is a plan view of the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus of FIG. 5 in a state where a conductive flexible structure is closed.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus using a conductive flexible structure in which a concave portion is provided in the conductive flexible structure of the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive drum of FIG. 7;

9 is a plan view of the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus of FIG. 7 in a state where a conductive flexible structure is closed.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of a photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus to which a third embodiment of the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure and the photosensitive drum of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus of FIG. 10 in a state where a conductive flexible structure is closed.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a main part of a photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus to which a fourth embodiment of the photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the conductive flexible structure unit of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure unit of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a main part of a photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus to which a fifth embodiment of the photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus of the present invention is applied.

18 is a side view of the conductive flexible structure unit of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure unit of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the conductive flexible structure of FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 photoconductor drum pressure test device 2 test stage 3 robot 4 pallet 5 conductive flexible structure unit 6 photoconductor drum 7 fixing base 8 conductive flexible structure 8a recess 9 rotating cylinder 9a arm 10 conductive flexible structure 10a recess Part 11 Fiber cable 12 Gas pipe 13 Irradiation lens 14 Drum conductive chuck 20 Photoreceptor drum pressure resistance test device 21, 22, 26, 27 Conductive flexible structure 26a, 27a Depressed portion 26b, 27b Pores 23 Linear motion unit 24 Fixed plate 25 Photosensitive drum 30 Photosensitive drum pressure test device 31, 32 Conductive flexible structure unit 31a, 32a Housing 31b, 32b Conductive flexible structure 33 Fixing plate 34 Linear motion unit 35 Photosensitive drum 40 Photosensitive drum pressure test device 41 Conductive flexible structure unit 4 a housing 41b conductive flexible structure 41c recessed portion 42 a gas pipe 43 the pores 50 photosensitive drum pressure test device 51 conductive flexible structure unit 51a housing 51b recess 52 gas pipeline 53 conducting flexible structure 54 pores

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive drum withstand voltage test apparatus for performing a withstand voltage test between a photosensitive drum and a photosensitive drum in which a photosensitive layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical or cylindrical substrate having conductivity. A conductive holding member having a predetermined conductivity for detachably holding the photosensitive drum via the base, and an outer surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum in contact or non-contact with the photosensitive member. A conductive flexible structure having conductivity and flexibility that wraps the drum so that the drum can be taken in and out; and a predetermined high voltage between the base of the photosensitive drum and the conductive flexible structure via the conductive holding member. And a current value detecting means for detecting a current value flowing between the conductive holding member and the conductive flexible structure, and applying the high voltage from the high voltage applying means. Before Photosensitive drum pressure test apparatus on the basis of the current value to be detected and performing a pressure test of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum of the current value detecting means. 2. The conductive flexible structure has a mesh-like structure or a lattice-like structure having a predetermined thickness through which a gas-permeable small hole is formed, or a gas-permeable small hole. The photoconductor drum withstand pressure test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is formed in a sheet-like structure. 3. The conductive flexible structure according to claim 1, wherein a surface other than a surface facing the photosensitive drum in a contact or non-contact manner is sealed with a predetermined sealing member. Photoconductor drum pressure tester. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said seal member is formed of an insulating material. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating light transmitting means for transmitting light from a predetermined light source into the conductive flexible structure, and transmitting the light transmitted by the light transmitting means to the photosensitive member. The photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the photoconductor drum is discharged by irradiating the photoconductor drum. 6. The conductive flexible structure has at least a portion facing the photosensitive drum having a light transmitting structure for transmitting predetermined light, and is transmitted into the conductive flexible structure by the light transmitting means. 6. The photoconductor drum withstand voltage test apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the photoconductor drum irradiates the photoconductor drum with the transmitted light. 7. The conductive flexible structure, wherein a surface other than a surface facing or not in contact with the photosensitive drum is sealed with a sealing member having a low light transmittance or a non-light transmitting sealing member. Claim 5 or Claim 6
The photoconductor drum pressure test apparatus according to the above.