JP2004240075A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which removes foreign matter represented by residual toner on an image carrier while securing high cleaning property without causing complication of the structure of the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is composed by being provided with an image carrier 1 carrying out a rotating movement, a cleaning blade 11 brought into a pressurized contact with the surface of the image carrier 1, a recovery box 12 to recover the removed matter removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning blade 11 and a driving unit 20 to reciprocate the cleaning blade 11 and the recovery box 12 integrally in the axial direction of the rotation of the image carrier. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus used for a copier, a printer, a facsimile, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic technique, a toner image is formed on a surface of an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum or an intermediate transfer belt, and then the toner image is transferred onto recording paper. In some cases, some of the toner is not transferred to the recording paper and remains on the surface of the image carrier as residual toner. Such foreign matter on the image carrier typified by residual toner needs to be removed from the image carrier in order to form a good image.
[0003]
Generally, foreign matter on the image carrier is removed by, for example, bringing a cleaning blade made of urethane into contact with the surface of the image carrier. In this case, it is necessary to apply a certain contact pressure in order to ensure the cleaning property when removing the foreign matter. However, when the contact pressure is increased, the cleaning performance is improved accordingly, but the aggressiveness of the half-surface image carrier and the cleaning blade is increased, and there is a possibility that the abrasion, generation of scratches and the like may be promoted. . For this reason, in the related art, not only the cleaning blade is brought into contact with the surface of the image carrier, but also the cleaning blade is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction) of the image carrier in this state. It has been proposed to perform so-called cleaning oscillation by discharging foreign matter from between the cleaning blade and the cleaning blade to prevent the foreign matter serving as an accelerator such as abrasion and scratch generation from being fixed. 4).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-62-105181 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-64-40875 [Patent Document 3]
JP-A-11-223977 [Patent Document 4]
JP-A-2002-91254 [0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional image forming apparatuses that perform cleaning oscillation, only the cleaning blade is reciprocated. Therefore, it is essential that the reciprocating cleaning blade itself has a certain degree of rigidity. If there is no rigidity, the cleaning blade is deformed during the reciprocating motion, and the cleaning performance, the positional accuracy and the like are deteriorated. Therefore, if only the cleaning blade is reciprocated, the structure of the apparatus is complicated to secure the rigidity of the cleaning blade itself, and as a result, the cost of the image forming apparatus may be increased.
[0006]
When only the cleaning blade is reciprocated, it is necessary to secure a space for the reciprocation around the cleaning blade, a space for disposing a mechanism for the reciprocation, and the like. Such a space makes it difficult to ensure the sealing performance around the cleaning blade, and may cause blowout or spillage of foreign matter removed from the surface of the image carrier. In order to avoid this, it is conceivable to dispose, for example, a seal member in a space around the cleaning blade. However, in this case, the seal member to be disposed must be compatible with the reciprocating motion of the cleaning blade, and the structure of the seal member must be complicated. In addition, due to the complicated structure, poor sealing is likely to occur, and as a result, blowing out or spilling of foreign substances cannot always be avoided.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of ensuring high cleaning performance without removing a foreign substance typified by residual toner on an image carrier without complicating the structure. And
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is directed to an image forming apparatus devised to achieve the above object, wherein an image carrier that performs a rotating operation, a cleaning blade pressed against the surface of the image carrier, and the cleaning blade are supported. A collection box for collecting the removed material removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning blade, and a drive unit for integrally reciprocating the cleaning blade and the collection box in the rotation axis direction of the image carrier. It is characterized by having.
[0009]
According to the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the drive unit reciprocates the cleaning blade and the collection box integrally, so that the collection box can function as a reinforcing material for the cleaning blade, and the cleaning blade itself has rigidity. Even if the cleaning blade is not provided, the insufficient rigidity of the cleaning blade can be solved. In addition, since the cleaning blade and the collection box are integrated, there is no need to provide a seal member between the cleaning blade and the collection box corresponding to the reciprocation thereof. That is, since the reciprocating movement is performed integrally, the removed matter removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning blade is collected in the collection box without providing the seal member.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus described here is used for, for example, a copier, a printer, or a facsimile machine, and has a function of printing out an image on recording paper (including an OHP sheet) using electrophotographic technology. It was done. Further, here, a so-called tandem type, which has a plurality of image carriers on which a latent image is formed and transfers a toner image on each image carrier onto recording paper via an intermediate transfer belt, is taken as an example. I will. However, it goes without saying that the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to these types.
[0011]
[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example around one image carrier as a main configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a configuration example around one image carrier. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example around one image carrier.
[0012]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier that rotates in the direction of an arrow in FIG. A non-contact type or contact type charger 2 for charging the surface (photosensitive layer), and a latent image forming apparatus for irradiating the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1 with light based on image information to form an electrostatic latent image (however, (Not shown), a developing device 3 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 with toner as a developer to form a toner image, and a foreign substance on the photosensitive drum 1 represented by residual toner. And a cleaning unit 10 for removal.
[0013]
The cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning blade 11, a collection box 12, a brush 13, an auger 14, and seals 15 and 16.
[0014]
The cleaning blade 11 is made of, for example, a urethane plate-shaped member, and is for removing foreign matter from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. For this purpose, the cleaning blade 11 is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 so as to extend along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1, and the pressure contact amount and the pressure contact angle with respect to the photosensitive drum 1 are optimized. , On the cleaning unit 10.
[0015]
The collection box 12 is made of a metal material or a resin material, and is formed in a box-shaped container shape having an opening facing the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The collection box 12 supports the cleaning blade 11 at the opening thereof and removes foreign matter (hereinafter, simply referred to as “removed material”) removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 11 to the container-like portion. It is designed to be collected inside.
[0016]
The brush 13 is formed of a brush-like member disposed at the opening of the collection box 12 so as to be in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and functions as an auxiliary means for removing foreign matter by the cleaning blade 11. The brush 13 may be formed by a roll, a film, or the like other than the brush-like member. Even in this case, the cleaning blade 11 is assisted to improve the cleaning property for the photosensitive drum 1 as in the case of the brush-like member. Can be done. However, the brush 13 does not necessarily need to be provided including the case of a roll or a film.
[0017]
The auger 14 is disposed inside the container-like portion of the collection box 12 and functions as a collection unit for the removed matter sent into the collection box 12. That is, the auger 14 is configured so that the cleaning blade 11 or the brush 13 removes the removed material from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and the removed material sent into the collection box 12 is collected in the collection box 12.
[0018]
The seals 15 and 16 are disposed so as to cover a gap between the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and the collection box 12, and the removed material removed by the cleaning blade 11 or the brush 13 is outside the collection box 12. This is to prevent spouting. Note that the seals 15 and 16 may be formed using a generally widely used seal material.
[0019]
By the way, with respect to the cleaning unit 10 thus configured, the cleaning unit 10 as a whole, that is, the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 constituting the cleaning unit 10 are integrally formed in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1. A drive unit 20 for reciprocating is provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the drive unit 20 supports the entire cleaning unit 10 movably in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 with respect to a drum housing 4 that supports and fixes the photosensitive drum 1. A guide pin 21, an elastic member 22 such as a spring for urging the cleaning unit 10 supported by the guide pin 21 in one direction, and a reciprocating face for reciprocating the cleaning unit 10 along the guide pin 21. A cam 23, a drive source (not shown) of the reciprocating face cam 23, and a clutch (not shown) disposed between the reciprocating face cam 23 and the drive source. It is configured.
[0021]
According to the drive unit 20 configured as described above, when the drive by the drive source is transmitted to the reciprocating face cam 23 via the clutch, the cleaning unit 10 moves along the guide pins 21, that is, the photosensitive drum 1. Reciprocate along the rotation axis direction. As a result, the cleaning blade 11 of the cleaning unit 10 slides back and forth along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 while being pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The reciprocating sliding width at this time varies depending on the material of the cleaning blade 11, the disposition condition such as the pressure contact amount and the pressure contact angle, the toner type, the type of the photosensitive drum 1, and the like, but is sufficient for performing the cleaning oscillation. The distance may be about 1.0 mm to about 5.0 mm, for example.
[0022]
The drive unit 20 does not use the reciprocating face cam 23 as described above as long as the drive unit 20 can reciprocate the entire cleaning unit 10. For example, other types of cams or solenoids are used. May be moved directly.
[0023]
Subsequently, a configuration for controlling the reciprocating movement of the cleaning unit 10 by the drive unit 20 as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the control system of the image forming apparatus described here includes a control panel 31, a drum cartridge information storage unit 32, a reciprocating motion transmitting clutch 33, and a main body CPU (Central Processing).
(Unit) 34.
[0024]
The control panel 31 is operated by an operator of the image forming apparatus. From the control panel 31, in the setting mode of the cleaning operation, the operation timing, that is, the reciprocating operation timing of the cleaning unit 10 by the drive unit 20 can be set. The operation timing includes, for example, an operation start timing (at which time the operation starts), an operation cycle (at what interval the operation is performed), the number of operations (how many times reciprocation is performed in one operation), and the like. .
[0025]
The drum cartridge information storage unit 32 is configured by a memory that stores information relating to the operation of the photosensitive drum 1. The information on the operation of the photoconductor drum 1 includes, for example, information on how many sheets of recording paper have been used by the photoconductor drum 1 to form a latent image, develop a toner image, and transfer the toner image.
[0026]
The reciprocating motion transmission clutch 33 is a clutch in the drive unit 20 described above, and is used for switching the driving by the driving source to the reciprocating face cam 23.
[0027]
The main body CPU 34 determines whether or not to perform the reciprocating movement of the cleaning unit 10 by the drive unit 20 based on the setting information on the control panel 31 and the information stored in the drum cartridge information storage unit 32 while following a preset operation program. The reciprocating motion transmission clutch 33 is instructed to perform an operation (drive intermittent) instruction according to the result of the judgment.
[0028]
Next, an operation example of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described. In this image forming apparatus, when the main body CPU 34 determines that the cleaning unit 10 is to be reciprocated by the drive unit 20, the drive by the drive source is transmitted to the reciprocating face cam 23 via the reciprocating motion transmitting clutch 33. The entire unit 10 reciprocates along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1. That is, the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 constituting the cleaning unit 10 reciprocate integrally in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1.
[0029]
Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, since the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 reciprocate integrally, the collection box 12 can function as a reinforcing material for the cleaning blade 11. In other words, even if the cleaning blade 11 itself does not have rigidity, it is possible to solve the insufficient rigidity of the cleaning blade 11, and it is possible to prevent the cleaning blade 11 from being deformed to deteriorate the cleaning performance and the positional accuracy. can do. In addition, since the cleaning blade 11 does not need to have rigidity, the structure of the apparatus is not complicated, and the cost of the apparatus is not increased.
[0030]
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, since the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 reciprocate integrally, the seal 15 is formed so as to cover the gap between the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and the collection box 12. , 16 are sufficient, and there is no need to provide a seal member between the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 corresponding to these reciprocating movements. That is, since the reciprocating movement is performed integrally, the removed matter removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 11 is collected in the collection box 12 without providing the seal member. If the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 reciprocate integrally as described above, it is easy to ensure the sealing performance around the cleaning blade 11, and the structure from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 can be easily obtained without complicating the structure. It is possible to prevent the removal object from blowing out or spilling.
[0031]
That is, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 are reciprocated as one body, removing the foreign matter typified by the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 1 complicates the structure. Therefore, high cleaning performance can be ensured without any problem.
[0032]
Such reciprocating movement of the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12, that is, cleaning oscillation by the entire cleaning unit 10 may be performed at the timing described below. For example, the cleaning operation is performed when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when a cleaning oscillation operation is instructed from the control panel 31.
[0033]
When the operation timing is set from the control panel 31, the cleaning operation is performed according to the set operation timing. Specifically, if the cleaning operation is performed after 1000 copies are detected as an initial setting, for example, after the cleaning operation is performed when the main power is turned on, the cleaning operation is performed based on the storage information in the drum cartridge information storage unit 32. When the photosensitive drum 1 forms a latent image, develops a toner image, and transfers the toner image for 1,000 sheets of recording paper, the cleaning operation is performed again at the end of the image forming operation. It is possible to repeat.
[0034]
Further, the number of reciprocating movements of the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 in one cleaning operation may be set from the control panel 31. For example, the number of reciprocating movements can be set between 0.5 and 10 cycles, where one cycle is one cycle, and a control panel such that the operator of the image forming apparatus selects 0.5 cycles. 31 can be selected arbitrarily.
[0035]
As described above, when the operation timing of the cleaning operation (including the number of reciprocating movements) can be set from the control panel 31, it is possible to perform the cleaning operation reflecting the individual differences of the image forming apparatuses, the usage status, and the like. Therefore, the cleaning performance can be further improved, and as a result, the image quality deterioration in forming an image by the image forming apparatus can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0036]
The operation timing of the cleaning operation may correspond to a variable timing whose operation cycle changes over time. The operation timing in this case is based on information stored in the drum cartridge information storage unit 32. For example, at the beginning of operation, a foreign substance such as residual toner hardly adheres to the cleaning blade 11, so that an operation cycle (timing interval) is set long, and It is conceivable that the operation cycle is gradually shortened as the number of processed recording sheets increases.
[0037]
As described above, if the operation timing of the cleaning operation is changed over time, it is possible to perform the cleaning operation more efficiently while reflecting the usage state of the image forming apparatus and the like. In addition, flexibility and versatility of the cleaning operation can be ensured.
[0038]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Here, only differences from the above-described first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a configuration example around one image carrier of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a configuration example around one image carrier. . In the drawings, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the image forming apparatus described in the second embodiment, the charger 2 is provided integrally with the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 to constitute the drum cartridge 10a. This is significantly different from the case of the first embodiment. The drum cartridge 10 a may be one in which the developing device 3 is integrally provided in addition to the charging device 2. That is, in addition to the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 (including the brush 13, the auger 14, the seals 15, 16 and the like), the drum cartridge 10a has the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 such as the charger 2 or the developing device 3. It is assumed that a functional unit for carrying an image is provided.
[0040]
The photosensitive drum 1 is also included as a component of the drum cartridge 10a. As shown in FIG. 5, the photosensitive drum 1 is driven by a photosensitive drive shaft 6 provided on a main body frame 5 of the image forming apparatus. Supported. Further, the drum cartridge 10a is also fixed to the main body frame 5 of the image forming apparatus by a front plate 24 located on the front side of the apparatus.
[0041]
With respect to the drum cartridge 10a thus configured, the drive unit 20a reciprocates the entire drum cartridge 10a except the photosensitive drum 1 in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The position of the photosensitive drum 1 itself is fixed. For this reciprocating movement, the drive unit 20a includes a guide pin 21 that supports the entire drum cartridge 10a movably in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1, and a drum cartridge 10a that is supported by the guide pin 21. An elastic member 22 such as a spring biasing in the direction, a reciprocating face cam 23 for reciprocating the drum cartridge 10a along the guide pin 21, and a drive source for the reciprocating face cam 23 (not shown) ), And a clutch (not shown) disposed between the reciprocating face cam 23 and its driving source.
[0042]
In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, as described in the first embodiment, when the main body CPU 34 determines that the driving unit 20 reciprocates the drum cartridge 10a, the driving by the driving source reciprocates. The power is transmitted to the reciprocating face cam 23 via the motion transmitting clutch 33, whereby the entire drum cartridge 10a reciprocates along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1. That is, the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 constituting the drum cartridge 10a reciprocate integrally in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1.
[0043]
Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, since the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 are reciprocated integrally, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In removing a representative foreign substance, high cleaning performance can be ensured without complicating the structure.
[0044]
That is, in the image forming apparatus according to the above-described first or second embodiment, the entire cleaning unit 10 or the drum cartridge 10a is reciprocated, and the cleaning blade 11 and the collection box 12 are integrally formed with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Because of the sliding, the following advantages can be obtained. In the case of the cleaning blade 11 in the cleaning system having the constant displacement structure, the cleaning blade 11 may be of a conventional structure, and does not require increased strength or a special shield. In addition, since the configuration around the cleaning blade 11 is simplified, the sealing performance in the cleaning unit 10 or the drum cartridge 10a can be ensured, and the unit can be moved to slide while maintaining the sealing performance. . Furthermore, the change in pressure is reduced by ensuring the sealing performance, and the environment in the cleaning unit 10 or the drum cartridge 10a is stabilized. In addition, even when the brush 13 (including the case of a roll or a film) is provided in the cleaning unit 10 or the drum cartridge 10a, the brush 13 moves together with the entire unit, so that the cleaning blade 11 The same effect (with respect to scratches and abrasion of the photoconductor) as in the case of oscillation can be obtained.
[0045]
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the present invention has been described with preferred specific examples. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the cleaning blade 11 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 has been described as an example. For example, the same cleaning and cleaning oscillation can be performed even for an intermediate transfer belt having an endless belt shape.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the driving unit integrally reciprocates the cleaning blade and the collection box. High cleaning performance can be ensured without complicating the process.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating an example of a main configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photoreceptor drum, 2 ... Charging device, 3 ... Developing device, 10 ... Cleaning unit, 10a ... Drum cartridge, 11 ... Cleaning blade, 12 ... Collection box, 20, 20a ... Drive unit, 31 ... Control panel, 32 ... Drum cartridge information storage unit, 33: reciprocating motion transmission clutch, 34: CPU of main unit

Claims (4)

An image carrier that performs a rotating operation;
A cleaning blade pressed against the surface of the image carrier,
While supporting the cleaning blade, a collection box for collecting the removed matter removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning blade,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a drive unit that integrally reciprocates the cleaning blade and the collection box in a rotation axis direction of the image carrier. A functional unit for carrying an image on the surface of the image carrier is provided integrally with the cleaning blade and the collection box to form a cartridge,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is configured to reciprocate the entire cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control panel for setting an operation timing of the driving unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit operates in response to a variable timing whose operation cycle changes over time.

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