JP2000330438A - Cleaning blade assembly in which lubricant for cleaning blade is stored - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user unfamiliar with handling of a machine to exchange an imaging unit or cleaning blade and to easily apply (supply) a lubricant by as much as an adequate amount between a toner image carrying member and the cleaning blade. SOLUTION: The cleaning blade assembly has the cleaning blade 73 for cleaning a photoreceptor drum 1 that an image forming device of an electrophotographic type possesses by its edge. The cleaning blade 73 is in a substantially rectangular planar form and consists of an elastic resin. This cleaning blade assembly has a blade holder 71 for holding the cleaning blade 73, a release seal 74 which is stuck to the surface of the cleaning blade 73 different from the surface in contact with the blade holder 71 and can be peeled when the cleaning blade assembly is mounted to the image forming device and a lubricant 75 which is sealed into a lubricant storage part 72 formed of the release seal 74 and the cleaning blade 73.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and further relates to a toner cleaning device for cleaning a toner image carrier such as a photosensitive member used in the image forming apparatus. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a small amount of toner is left on a toner image carrier even after the toner is transferred to a sheet or another toner image carrier through a transfer process. The remaining toner has an adverse effect on the next image formation and is therefore cleaned by the cleaning device.

When a paper jam occurs during image formation, the paper has already been formed (adsorbed) on the toner image carrier and has not yet been transferred to the paper (or the next toner image carrier). Since the toner is present on the toner image carrier, also at this time, for reprinting or printing the next original,
The adsorbed toner is removed from the toner image carrier by the cleaning device.

A cleaning blade is often used in the above-mentioned cleaning device. The cleaning blade is, for example, a plate member made of polyurethane rubber having substantially the same width as the toner image carrier such as a photosensitive drum,
The edge of the toner image carrier is pressed against the toner image carrier in a posture facing the movement direction of the toner image carrier.

Therefore, when the coefficient of friction between the surface of the toner image carrier and the edge of the cleaning blade is high (the resistance is large), the cleaning blade is lifted up as shown in FIG.

When such a scraping phenomenon occurs, the cleaning blade is instantaneously pressed against the toner image carrier (photosensitive drum or the like) with an excessive force, and as a result, the surface of the precisely finished toner image carrier is removed. It will hurt. When an image is formed using a damaged toner image carrier, a defective image appears at a corresponding portion in the formed image. This is something that must be avoided.

[0007] Toner is a powder (fine particles) for forming a visible image on paper, but also functions as a solid lubricant. That is, an appropriate amount of toner is left on the surface of the toner image carrier once used and the surface of the edge portion of the toner blade, and the remaining toner is interposed between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade. In addition, because of the movement like a roller, the coefficient of friction between the two is greatly reduced.

Therefore, during normal use, the frictional resistance between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade is kept at an appropriate value by an appropriate amount of residual toner.

However, when a new image forming apparatus is installed or when the cleaning blade is replaced (the toner blade is always in sliding contact with the toner image carrier, wear and deterioration occur. Therefore, the toner blade is periodically used. Since the toner does not exist on the toner blade, an installer or a supplier for applying (or supplying) an appropriate amount of lubricant between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade as shown in FIG. 8 or , Management companies and others rely on their senses.

In recent years, a toner image carrier (photosensitive drum),
An imaging unit in which a developing device and a cleaning device are integrated has been developed, and a user himself has replaced an imaging unit without relying on an installer or an administrator.

Further, even if the image forming apparatus is not a unitized image forming apparatus as described above, it is expected that the user can replace the cleaning blade from the viewpoints of cost, time, and the like.

However, it is not always easy to apply (supply) an appropriate amount of lubricant between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade, and it is practically difficult for a user who cannot handle the machine to do this. there were.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-10941 discloses a technique in which fine unevenness is formed on an edge portion of a cleaning blade, and a lubricant is attached to the concave portion in advance to provide lubricity at the time of first use. ing.

Since the lubricant only adheres to the concave portion, the lubricant may drop due to vibration applied during the transportation or the like. Therefore, there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of lubricant is no longer supplied when the cartridge or the like is mounted.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention allows a user who cannot handle a machine to replace an imaging unit or a cleaning blade, and easily replaces an imaging unit or a cleaning blade with a proper amount of toner between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology that can apply (supply) only a lubricant.

Further, the present invention provides a technique that enables a user who cannot handle the machine to easily apply (supply) a proper amount of lubricant between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade. The task is to

Further, by vibration applied in the course of transportation or the like,
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of applying (supplying) a lubricant easily and in an appropriate amount without the lubricant falling.

[0018]

The above object is achieved by a cleaning blade assembly as described below.

In a cleaning blade assembly provided with a cleaning blade for cleaning a toner image carrier provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by an edge thereof, a blade holder for holding the cleaning blade, A peel seal attached to a surface different from the surface in contact with the blade holder and capable of peeling when the cleaning blade assembly is attached to the image forming apparatus; and a lubrication formed by the peel seal and the cleaning blade. A cleaning blade assembly comprising: a lubricant sealed in the inside of the agent reservoir.

Further, in the cleaning blade assembly, the lubricant reservoir may be formed by the peel seal, the cleaning blade, and a part of the surface of the blade holder.

Further, in the cleaning blade assembly, the lubricant reservoir is formed by the peeling seal, an inclined surface formed on the cleaning blade, and a partial surface of the blade holder. be able to.

Further, in the cleaning blade assembly, the lubricant reservoir may be formed by the peel seal and a recess provided in the cleaning blade.

In the cleaning blade assembly, the lubricant reservoir may be formed by the inside of a curved portion where the peeling seal is curved, and the cleaning blade.

Further, in the cleaning blade assembly, when the cleaning blade assembly is attached to the image forming apparatus, the lubricant reservoir is located above a portion where the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade come into contact with each other. May be formed at a location.

Further, in the cleaning blade assembly, the lubricant stored in the lubricant storage section may be:
When the release sheet is peeled off with the cleaning blade assembly attached to the image forming apparatus, the cleaning blade assembly can be dropped onto a portion where the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade come into contact.

Further, since the imaging cartridge is obtained by integrating the cleaning blade assembly, the photosensitive drum, and the developing device, the above problem can be solved by the imaging cartridge.

Further, the cleaning blade assembly,
In addition, since the imaging cartridge can be provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the above problem can be solved by such an image forming apparatus.

[0028]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus in which the present invention is applied to a photosensitive drum, which is common to the first to fourth embodiments. . Hereinafter, description will be made mainly with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum 1 rotates around its axis, and a charging unit 2, an exposure unit 3, a developing unit 4, a transfer unit 5, and a cleaning unit 7 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1 as desired. Have been.

The imaging cartridge 10 is a cartridge in which the photosensitive drum 1, the developing unit 4, and the cleaning unit 7 are integrated as indicated by a dotted line.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on an image forming apparatus using the imaging cartridge 10. However, the present invention is not limited to such an image forming apparatus, and an image which is not formed into a cartridge as described above. It is also possible to apply to a forming apparatus.

The photosensitive drum 1 has a cylindrical portion whose surface is made of a photosensitive material. The charging unit 2 sequentially and uniformly charges the surface of a portion passing therethrough as the photosensitive drum 1 rotates.

The exposure unit 3 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with light according to the density of an image to be formed. The exposure unit 3 has a different configuration between an analog image forming apparatus and a digital image forming apparatus.

That is, in an analog type image forming apparatus (analog type copying machine), light is irradiated on a document placed on a document table (not shown), and light reflected by the document is converted into some lenses and some lenses. The light is guided to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1 by the reflecting mirror and forms an image thereon.

Further, a digital image forming apparatus, for example,
In digital copiers or printers, lasers, LEDs, or others are used.

In the type using a laser, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is linearly scanned along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 by a rotating polygon mirror.

In the type using LEDs, the number of LEDs corresponding to the pixels is provided.
Irradiates each point on the line of the photosensitive drum 1 with light.

When the photosensitive drum 1 is irradiated with light, the photosensitive portion on the surface becomes conductive, and the charged charge flows toward the base (not shown) of the photosensitive drum 1 to charge the surface. Is lost. As a result, a difference in charged state occurs between a portion irradiated with light and a portion not irradiated with light. In the present invention, it can be used regardless of the type of the exposure unit 3.

When the charged toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the developing unit 4, a portion where the toner particles are adsorbed and a portion where the toner particles are not adsorbed occur depending on the charged state of the photosensitive drum 1. , And development is performed.

The transfer unit 5 transfers the developed toner image to a sheet, a transfer drum, or a transfer belt.

When a transfer drum or a transfer belt is used, the toner image transferred thereto is further transferred from these to a sheet.

During the transfer process, all of the toner particles
Since the toner does not move to the transfer drum or the transfer belt, a small amount of toner remains on the photosensitive drum 1 (transfer drum or transfer belt) even after passing through the transfer unit 4.

In preparation for the next copy or print, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is cleaned in the cleaning section 7 in order to remove the residual toner.

After that, the charged state slightly remaining on the surface is removed before passing through the discharging lamp, the charged state is again charged by the charging unit 2, and the above-described process is repeated.

The cleaning section 7 is provided with a cleaning blade 73 and a blade holder 71 for holding the cleaning blade 73. Blade holder 7
1 is directly or indirectly supported by an imaging cartridge or an image forming apparatus.

The cleaning blade 73 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 with an appropriate force by the elasticity of the cleaning blade 73 itself or by applying an urging force by a spring or the like for urging the blade holder 71.

A large number of sheets are stored in the sheet cassette 11. Paper is taken out from the paper cassette 11 in order from the top, and each paper is transported by a transport roller or a transport belt and supplied between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer unit 5. While passing between the photoconductor drum 1 and the transfer unit 5, the toner adsorbed on the photoconductor drum 1 is transferred onto a sheet.

The toner adsorbed on the photosensitive drum 1 is moved onto the sheet by the electrostatic force by the transfer charger of the transfer unit 5, and the toner is adsorbed on the sheet.

The sheet on which the toner is adsorbed is transported to the fixing unit 13 by a transport roller or a transport belt, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the pressure and heat of the fixing unit 13.

The paper on which the toner is fixed is transported by a transport roller or a transport belt, and is stacked on a discharge tray. The user can pick up the paper on which copying or printing has been completed from the discharge tray 14.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the cleaning unit for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.

The blade holder 71 has a projection 77 higher than the thickness of the cleaning blade 73, and a corner is formed by the projection 77 and the cleaning blade 73. A peel seal 74 is adhered to the top of the protrusion 77 and a part of one surface of the cleaning blade 73. A lubricant reservoir 72 is formed in a space formed between the corner and the peeling seal 74, and a lubricant 75 (for example,
Vinylidene fluoride resin powder).

When the toner is empty, the old imaging cartridge 10 is removed from the image forming apparatus, a new imaging cartridge 10 is loaded, and the peeling seal 74 is peeled off by pulling a knob formed on the peeling seal. The lubricant 75 stored in the agent storage section 72 falls into a region formed between the photosensitive drum 1 and the cleaning blade 73.

Since the lubricant 75 is stored evenly and in a required amount in the lubricant storage section 72, the lubricant 75 is not a skilled person such as an installer or a manager, but is used for handling the machine. An unsuitable user can easily supply a proper amount of lubricant between the photosensitive drum 1 and the cleaning blade 73.

In an image forming apparatus that does not use the imaging cartridge 10, the cleaning blade 73 and the blade holder 71 are supplied to the user in an assembled state. When replacing the cleaning blade, loosen the set screw 76 to remove the old assembly,
Install a new assembly. Thereafter, the peeling seal 74 is peeled off in the same manner as in the image forming apparatus using the imaging cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning unit for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, an inclined surface is formed at the end of the cleaning blade 73 opposite to the side contacting the photosensitive drum 1. Further, the blade holder 71 has a protruding portion 77 having the same thickness as the cleaning blade 73.
And the protrusion 77 and the cleaning blade 73 are provided.
A corner is formed with the inclined surface. A peel seal 74 is adhered to the top of the protrusion 77 and a part of one surface of the cleaning blade 73. A lubricant reservoir 72 is formed in a space formed between the corner and the peel seal 74,
The lubricant 75 is stored here.

The procedure for replacing the imaging cartridge 10 or replacing the cleaning blade 73 (assembly with the blade holder 71 as in the first embodiment) is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning section for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, since a curved portion is formed in the peeling seal 74, a space formed between the inside of the curved portion and the surface of the cleaning blade 73 is used as the lubricant reservoir 72. It is adhered to a flat portion of the peeling seal 74, a vertex of the protrusion 77, and a part of one surface of the cleaning blade 73. It is also possible to bond the two flat portions of the peeling seal to the cleaning blade 73 together.

The procedure for replacing the imaging cartridge 10 or replacing the cleaning blade 73 (assembly with the blade holder 71 as in the first embodiment) is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning section for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the cleaning blade 7
By forming the curved concave portion 3, a space formed between the inside of the curved concave portion and the peeling seal 74 is used as the lubricant storing portion 72. A peel seal 74 is adhered to the top of the protrusion 77 and a part of one surface of the cleaning blade 73. In addition, the peeling seal is used together with the cleaning blade 7.
3 can be bonded.

The procedure for replacing the imaging cartridge 10 or replacing the cleaning blade 73 (assembly with the blade holder 71 as in the first embodiment) is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning section for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a recess is formed in the cleaning blade 73 except that the bottom surface of the recess is an inclined surface, and the space formed between the inside of the recess and the peeling seal 74 is a lubricant. The structure such as the storage section 72 and the procedure for replacing the imaging cartridge 10 or replacing the cleaning blade 73 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

By the inclined surface, when the peeling seal 74 is peeled off, the lubricant stored in the concave portion falls more reliably.

Although the vinylidene fluoride resin powder has been described as an example of the lubricant, the invention is not limited to this, and other solid lubricants may be used. In some cases, the lubricant may be the toner itself. is there.

[0069]

According to the present invention, a user who cannot handle the machine can replace the imaging unit or the cleaning blade, and easily apply a small amount of lubricant between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade. (Supply).

Further, the present invention has an effect that a user who cannot handle the machine can easily apply (supply) a proper amount of lubricant between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade. Play.

Further, according to the present invention, the separation between the toner image carrier and the cleaning blade can be easily performed only by peeling off the peeling seal after loading the imaging cartridge or mounting the cleaning blade assembly. Moreover, there is an effect that a proper amount of the lubricant can be applied (supplied).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus in which the present invention is applied to a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning unit for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning unit for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning unit for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning unit for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main part of a cleaning unit for describing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the cleaning blade is lifted up due to friction between the surface of the toner image carrier and the edge of the cleaning blade.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a very small amount of lubricant is supplied between a toner image carrier and a cleaning blade.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor drum 2 Charging unit 3 Exposure unit 4 Developing unit 5 Transfer unit 7 Cleaning unit 10 Imaging cartridge 11 Paper cassette 13 Fixing unit 14 Discharge tray 71 Blade holder 72 Lubricant storage unit 73 Cleaning blade 74 Peeling Seal 75 Lubricant 76 Set screw 77 Projection

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A cleaning blade assembly provided with a cleaning blade for cleaning a toner image carrier provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by an edge thereof, wherein: a blade holder for holding the cleaning blade; and the cleaning blade. A peel seal that is attached to a surface different from the surface in contact with the blade holder and that can be peeled when the cleaning blade assembly is attached to the image forming apparatus; and a peel seal formed by the peel seal and the cleaning blade. And a lubricant sealed inside a lubricant reservoir. 2. The cleaning blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir is formed by the peel seal, the cleaning blade, and a partial surface of the blade holder. A cleaning blade assembly characterized by: 3. The cleaning blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir is formed by the peel seal, an inclined surface formed on the cleaning blade, and a partial surface of the blade holder. A cleaning blade assembly, comprising: 4. The cleaning blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir is formed by the peel seal and a recess provided in the cleaning blade. . 5. The cleaning blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir is formed by an inside of a curved shape in which the peel seal is curved, and the cleaning blade. Cleaning blade assembly. 6. The cleaning blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein said lubricant reservoir is provided when said cleaning blade assembly is attached to an image forming apparatus. A cleaning blade assembly formed at a location above a portion where an image carrier and the cleaning blade come into contact with each other.