JP2012155348A5 - Lubricant coating apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Lubricant coating apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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本発明は、潤滑剤塗布装置、プロセスカートリッジおよび画像形成装置に関し、詳しく は、複写機、ファクシミリ、プリンタ、プロッタ等またはそれら複数の機能を備えた複合機等の画像形成装置に備えられる潤滑剤塗布装置において、特に像担持体の表面に塗布・供給される潤滑剤の寿命を検知する構成を有する潤滑剤塗布装置、プロセスカートリッジ および画像形成装置に関する。The present invention relates to a lubricant application device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly , to a lubricant application provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a plotter, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions thereof. In particular , the present invention relates to a lubricant application device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus having a configuration for detecting the life of a lubricant applied and supplied to the surface of an image carrier.
特許文献１記載の技術では、ブロック・固形状の潤滑剤が導電体・導電性材料で形成された加圧部材当接板（以下、「潤滑剤保持部材」ともいう）に固設されており、潤滑剤保 持部材上の潤滑剤の大半が消耗した時点で、潤滑剤保持部材が潤滑剤の当接対象方向への移動を規制する移動規制手段（以下、「規制部材」ともいう）に当接するよう構成されている。規制部材が導電性部材からなることで、潤滑剤保持部材の規制部材への当接により、潤滑剤保持部材と規制部材とが導通状態となり、この導通状態を検知する検知手段を設けたことにより、潤滑剤の寿命を検知することができるようになっている。In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a block / solid lubricant is fixed to a pressure member contact plate (hereinafter also referred to as “lubricant holding member”) formed of a conductor / conductive material. , when the majority of the lubricant retained member on the lubricant is depleted, movement restricting means lubricant holding member to restrict movement of the abutment target direction of the lubricant (hereinafter, also referred to as "regulating portion") to It is comprised so that it may contact | abut. By regulating member made of a conductive member, by abutment against the regulating member of the lubricant holding member, and the lubricant holding member and the regulating member becomes conductive, by providing the detecting means for detecting the conductive state The life of the lubricant can be detected.
しかしながら、特許文献１記載の技術では、段落「００７４」〜「００７５」、図２、 図３に記載されているように、加圧部材による加圧力が潤滑剤に対して局所的に加わり、 潤滑剤の破損や局部磨耗を発生するようなことがないよう、潤滑剤保持部材を両面粘着テ ープによって加圧部材の当接面側に貼り付けている構成であるため、例えば、潤滑剤がそ の長手方向の各端部（左右端部）で偏差を起こして消費された場合では、潤滑剤が所定量 消費されたこと、すなわち潤滑剤の寿命を正確に検知できなくなってしまう。これにより 、潤滑剤が枯渇した端部側では潤滑剤の供給ができなくなり、像担持体である感光体など の磨耗や、トナーフィルミング等が発生して感光体などの像担持体を損傷させるという問題点がある。However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, as described in paragraphs “0074” to “0075” and FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressure applied by the pressurizing member is locally applied to the lubricant , and lubrication is performed. as there is no such thing as to generate damage or local abrasion of the agent, for the lubricant holding member by a double-sided adhesive tape is configured to have adhered to the contact surface of the pressure member, for example, lubricant If consumed causing the deviation at each end in the longitudinal direction of its (left and right ends) is the lubricant is a predetermined amount consumed, i.e. no longer possible to accurately detect the life of the lubricant. As a result , the lubricant cannot be supplied on the end side where the lubricant is depleted, and the image carrier such as the photoconductor is damaged due to wear of the photoconductor as the image carrier or toner filming. There is a problem.
そこで、本発明は、上述した課題・事情に鑑みてなされたものであって、潤滑剤の長手 方向の各端部（左右端部）で偏差を起こして潤滑剤が消費された場合であっても、潤滑剤 が所定量消費されたことを確実に検知可能、すなわち潤滑剤の寿命を確実に検知可能な構 成とすることで、ひいては潤滑剤の枯渇によって像担持体の磨耗や像担持体にトナーフィルミング等が発生して像担持体を損傷させてしまうことを未然に防止できる潤滑剤塗布装置、プロセスカートリッジおよびこれらを備えた画像形成装置を実現し提供することを主な目的とする。Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems and circumstances, and is a case where the lubricant is consumed by causing a deviation at each end portion (left and right end portions) in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant. also reliably it detect allow the lubricant is a predetermined amount consumed, i.e. by the life of the lubricant reliably detectable configuration, hence the wear of the image carrier by the depletion of the lubricant and the image bearing member The main object is to realize and provide a lubricant coating device , a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus including these, which can prevent toner filming and the like from damaging the image carrier. .
上述した課題を解決するとともに上述した目的を達成するために、本発明では、以下のような特徴ある手段・発明特定事項（以下、「構成」という）を採っている。
請求項１記載の発明は、像担持体の長手方向に延在して設けられ、前記像担持体の表面 に供給されるにしたがって外形形状が小さくなる潤滑剤と、該潤滑剤を前記像担持体の表面へ供給する潤滑剤供給手段と、前記潤滑剤を前記潤滑剤供給手段と接触する向きに加圧する加圧手段とを具備する潤滑剤塗布装置において、前記潤滑剤の寿命を検知する潤滑剤寿命検知手段を有し、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段は、前記潤滑剤における前記長手方向の一 端部が、非接触状態から接触状態となることにより、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知される構成 であることを特徴とする。In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the above-described object, the present invention adopts the following characteristic means / invention specific items (hereinafter referred to as “configuration”).
First aspect of the present invention, provided to extend in the longitudinal direction of the image bearing member, a lubricant is outer shape becomes smaller as is supplied to the surface of the image bearing member, said image bearing said lubricant a lubricant supply means for supplying to the surface of the body, the lubricant applying device comprising a pressurizing means for pressurizing in a direction of the lubricant in contact with said lubricant supply means, detect the life of the lubricant have or lubricants life detection means, the lubricant life detection means, one end of the longitudinal direction of the lubricant by the contact state from the non-contact state, the life of the lubricant is detected It is the structure .
請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の潤滑剤塗布装置において、前記潤滑剤における 前記長手方向の少なくとも両端部を支持する潤滑剤支持手段を有し、前記潤滑剤支持手段 における前記長手方向の一端部が、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段に接触することにより、前記 潤滑剤の寿命が検知される構成であることを特徴とする。The invention according to claim 2 is the lubricant application apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising lubricant support means for supporting at least both ends of the longitudinal direction of the lubricant, and the longitudinal direction of the lubricant support means . One end portion of the lubricant is in contact with the lubricant life detecting means, whereby the life of the lubricant is detected .
請求項３記載の発明は、請求項２記載の潤滑剤塗布装置において、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段は、前記潤滑剤の前記長手方向の両端部に配置されており、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段の何れかの端部が、前記潤滑剤支持手段と接触状態となった場合に、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知されることを特徴とする。According to a third aspect of the invention, the lubricant applying device according to claim 2, wherein the lubricant life detection means is disposed in said longitudinal ends of the lubricant, the lubricant life detection means The life of the lubricant is detected when any of the end portions comes into contact with the lubricant support means.
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２または３記載の潤滑剤塗布装置において、前記潤滑剤支持手段は導電性材料で、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段は検知電極でそれぞれ構成されており、前記潤滑剤支持手段と前記検知電極との間に流す電流の通電量が増加することにより、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知されることを特徴とする。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the lubricant application device according to the second or third aspect , the lubricant supporting means is composed of a conductive material, and the lubricant life detecting means is composed of a detection electrode, The life of the lubricant is detected by increasing the amount of current flowing between the agent support means and the detection electrode.
請求項５記載の発明は、請求項４記載の潤滑剤塗布装置において、前記潤滑剤支持手段と前記検知電極との間の導通状態として、非導通状態から導通状態に変化した状態が一定 期間連続して検知された場合に、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知されることを特徴とする。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the lubricant application device according to the fourth aspect, a state in which the state between the lubricant support means and the detection electrode is changed from a non-conductive state to a conductive state is continuous for a certain period. When it is detected , the life of the lubricant is detected.
請求項６記載の発明は、請求項１ないし５の何れか一つに記載の潤滑剤塗布装置において、前記潤滑剤は、少なくともステアリン酸亜鉛を含むことを特徴とする。A sixth aspect of the present invention is the lubricant application device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the lubricant includes at least zinc stearate .
請求項７記載の発明は、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱自在に設けられたプロセスカー トリッジにおいて、前記プロセスカートリッジは、少なくとも、請求項１ないし６の何れ か一つに記載の、静電潜像が形成される像担持体と、該像担持体の表面を一様に帯電する 帯電手段と、前記像担持体上の静電潜像を現像する現像手段と、前記像担持体上の転写残 トナーをクリーニングするクリーニング手段と、請求項１ないし６の何れか一つに記載の 潤滑剤塗布装置とを具備していることを特徴とする。 Invention of claim 7, freely in a process cartridge provided detachably with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, said process cartridge, at least, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an electrostatic latent An image carrier on which an image is formed, a charging unit that uniformly charges the surface of the image carrier, a developing unit that develops an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, and a transfer on the image carrier A cleaning means for cleaning residual toner and the lubricant application device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are provided.
請求項８記載の発明は、像担持体を有する画像形成装置において、請求項１ないし７の 何れか一つに記載の潤滑剤塗布装置を備えたことを特徴とする。According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having an image carrier, the lubricant application device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is provided .
請求項９記載の発明は、請求項８記載の画像形成装置において、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検 知された場合には、画像形成動作を禁止し、前記潤滑剤が寿命であることを報知することを特徴とする。The invention of claim 9, wherein, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 8, when the life of the lubricant is tested knowledge prohibits an image forming operation, notifying that the lubricant is a life It is characterized by that.
本発明によれば、上記構成により、上記課題を解決して上記目的を達成できる新規な潤 滑剤塗布装置、プロセスカートリッジおよびこれらを備えた画像形成装置を実現し提供することができる。主な請求項ごとの効果を挙げれば以下のとおりである。According to the present invention, the above structure, it is possible to provide realize an image forming apparatus having solved novel or lubricants coating apparatus which can realize the above object, the process cartridge and these aforementioned problems. The effects of each main claim are as follows.
請求項１ないし４記載の発明によれば、潤滑剤の寿命を検知する潤滑剤寿命検知手段は 、潤滑剤における長手方向の一端部が非接触状態から接触状態となることにより、潤滑剤 の寿命が検知される構成、換言すれば潤滑剤がその長手方向の両端部で偏差を起こして消 費された場合であっても潤滑剤の寿命を検知することが可能な構成であることにより、ひいては潤滑剤の枯渇によって像担持体の磨耗やトナーフィルミング等が発生して像担持体 を損傷させてしまうことを未然に防止できる潤滑剤塗布装置を実現し提供することができ る。 According to claims 1 to 4 the invention described, the lubricant life detection means for detecting the life of the lubricant, by one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant is contact with a non-contact state, the life of the lubricant configuration but sensed by a lubricant in other words it is configured to be capable of detecting the life of the lubricant even in a case where the extinction spent causing the deviation in the longitudinal direction of the both end portions, thus the depletion of the lubricant Ru can provide to achieve a lubricant coating apparatus it is possible to prevent the abrasion and toner filming of the image bearing member will be allowed to damage the image bearing member occurs.
請求項５記載の発明によれば、潤滑剤支持手段と検知電極との間の導通状態として、非 導通状態から導通状態に変化した状態が一定期間連続して検知された場合に、前記潤滑剤 の寿命が検知されることにより、潤滑剤にわずかな振動が発生したような場合であっても 、潤滑剤の寿命の誤検知を未然に防止できる。 According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the state of change from the non- conductive state to the conductive state is continuously detected as a conductive state between the lubricant support means and the detection electrode , the lubricant is detected. By detecting the service life of the lubricant, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the service life of the lubricant even when slight vibrations are generated in the lubricant.
請求項６記載の発明によれば、ステアリン酸亜鉛は固形に加工するのが容易であり、像担持体の表面に保護膜を形成しやすく、優れた潤滑、表面保護作用を有するので、像担持体の表面を保護して摩耗やフィルミングの発生を防止でき、クリーニング性を向上させることができる。According to the invention described in claim 6 , zinc stearate is easy to process into a solid, easily forms a protective film on the surface of the image carrier, and has excellent lubrication and surface protection functions. The body surface can be protected to prevent wear and filming, and the cleaning property can be improved.
請求項７記載の発明によれば、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱自在に設けられたプロセ スカートリッジにおいて、請求項１ないし６の何れか一つに記載の潤滑剤塗布装置による 効果を奏する。According to the invention of claim 7, wherein, freely in process cartridge provided detachably with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, demonstrating the effect of the lubricant coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
請求項８記載の発明によれば、請求項１ないし６の何れか一つに記載の潤滑剤塗布装置 による効果を画像形成装置で奏する。According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the effect of the lubricant applying device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is exhibited by the image forming apparatus .
請求項９記載の発明によれば、潤滑剤が寿命で枯渇した状態で動作させることにより、 像担持体が損傷・ダメージを受けてしまうのを未然に防止できる。According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image carrier from being damaged / damaged by operating in a state where the lubricant is exhausted .
まず、図５を参照して、本発明の一実施形態について説明する。本実施形態の潤滑剤塗 布装置（潤滑剤供給装置とも呼ばれる）は、同図に示すように、固形の潤滑剤７８を像担持体としての感光体（図示せず）の表面へ供給する潤滑剤供給手段としてのブラシローラ７４と、潤滑剤７８をブラシローラ７４と接触する向きに加圧する加圧手段としての加圧部材１と、潤滑剤７８を支持する潤滑剤支持手段としてのホルダ２とを具備する。First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Lubricant coating fabric apparatus (also referred to as a lubricant supply device), as shown in the drawing, lubrication and supplies the lubricant 78 of the solid photosensitive member as an image bearing member to the surface (not shown) A brush roller 74 as an agent supply means, a pressurizing member 1 as a pressurizing means for pressurizing the lubricant 78 in a direction in contact with the brush roller 74, and a holder 2 as a lubricant support means for supporting the lubricant 78. It comprises.
図７を参照して、本発明の一実施形態に係る潤滑剤寿命検知装置を説明する。
（本実施形態の潤滑剤寿命検知方法・装置）
図７は、本発明の一実施形態を示す潤滑剤寿命検知装置の説明図である。本実施形態の潤滑剤寿命検知方法・装置では、図１の装置本体１００に装着されている画像形成ユニット１８（図２や図３等参照）のケース１９において、潤滑剤７８の長手方向Ｘの両端部の位置に設置された検知電極１１、１２と、潤滑剤７８を保持する導電性のホルダ２と検知電極１１、１２との間の電気抵抗を検知する電気抵抗検知手段１３と、潤滑剤７８が寿命であることを報知・表示する報知手段としての表示手段８と、電気抵抗検知手段１３からの電気抵抗の変化（非導通→導通）信号に基づいて、潤滑剤７８の寿命と判断して、画像形成動作（作像動作）を禁止させると同時に、表示手段８にその旨の表示をさせる制御手段７’とを有する。この構成以外は、本実施形態は上述した画像形成装置と同様である。
検知電極１１、１２は、潤滑剤７８の寿命を検知する潤滑剤寿命検知手段として機能す る。ホルダ２は、潤滑剤７８における長手方向Ｘの少なくとも両端部を支持する潤滑剤支 持手段として機能する。 Referring to FIG. 7, which describes a lubricant life detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
(Lubricant life detection method and apparatus of this embodiment )
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a lubricant life detecting device showing an embodiment of the present invention . In the lubricant life detection method / apparatus of the present embodiment, in the case 19 of the image forming unit 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 etc.) attached to the apparatus main body 100 of FIG. Detection electrodes 11 and 12 installed at both end positions, electric resistance detection means 13 for detecting electric resistance between the conductive holder 2 holding the lubricant 78 and the detection electrodes 11 and 12, and a lubricant Based on the display means 8 for notifying and displaying that 78 is the life, and the change in electrical resistance (non-conducting → conducting) signal from the electrical resistance detecting means 13, the life of the lubricant 78 is determined. In addition, the image forming operation (image forming operation) is prohibited, and at the same time, the display unit 8 has a control unit 7 ′ for displaying that effect. Except for this configuration, the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus described above.
Sensing electrodes 11 and 12, that acts as a lubricant life detection means for detecting the life of the lubricant 78. Holder 2 serves as a lubricant supporting lifting means for supporting at least both ends in the longitudinal direction X of the lubricant 78.
潤滑剤７８の残量が十分な場合には、ホルダ２と検知電極１１、１２との間の電気抵抗は非導通状態であるが、潤滑剤７８の消費が進行してどちらかの端部の消費量が所定量以上となると（図７の場合では潤滑剤７８の右端部側）、ホルダ２と検知電極１２とが接触して電気抵抗が導通状態となるので、電気抵抗の変化で潤滑剤７８の寿命を検知することができる。
例えば、潤滑剤７８の高さＨ（図６（ａ）参照）が１０ｍｍの場合、潤滑剤７８の消費量が９ｍｍになったところでホルダ２と検知電極１２とが接触するように構成しておけば、潤滑剤７８の枯渇が発生する以前に寿命を検知することができる。さらに、本実施形態によれば、長手方向Ｘで潤滑剤７８の消費量に偏差が生じた場合でも一つの電気抵抗検知手段１３で精度良く潤滑剤７８の寿命を検知することができる。
潤滑剤７８の寿命を検知した場合、制御手段７’は感光体が致命的なダメージを受けるのを防止するために作像動作を禁止すると同時に、潤滑剤の交換を促す表示を表示手段８にさせる。When the remaining amount of the lubricant 78 is sufficient, the electrical resistance between the holder 2 and the detection electrodes 11 and 12 is in a non-conductive state, but the consumption of the lubricant 78 proceeds and either end portion When the consumption amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (in the case of FIG. 7, the right end portion of the lubricant 78), the holder 2 and the detection electrode 12 come into contact with each other and the electrical resistance becomes conductive. 78 lifetimes can be detected.
For example, when the height H of the lubricant 78 (see FIG. 6A) is 10 mm, the holder 2 and the detection electrode 12 may be in contact with each other when the consumption amount of the lubricant 78 reaches 9 mm. For example, the lifetime can be detected before the depletion of the lubricant 78 occurs. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment , even when a deviation occurs in the consumption amount of the lubricant 78 in the longitudinal direction X, the lifetime of the lubricant 78 can be detected with high accuracy by the single electric resistance detection means 13.
When the life of the lubricant 78 is detected, the control means 7 'prohibits the image forming operation in order to prevent the photoconductor from receiving fatal damage, and at the same time, displays on the display means 8 a prompt to replace the lubricant. Let
上述した特許文献１記載の技術では、加圧部材当接板の両端が移動規制手段に当接することにより導通させる構成であるため、潤滑剤の長手方向で消費量に偏差が生じた場合に、正確に寿命を検知することができない。そのため、偏差が生じ消費量の多い方の端部で潤滑剤が枯渇してしまった場合には、潤滑剤が枯渇した側では潤滑剤を供給できなくなり、感光体の磨耗やトナーフィルミング等が発生して感光体に致命的なダメージを与えてしまう。さらに、加圧部材当接板が像担持体などへ接触することで像担持体表面に損傷を与えてしまう。このような問題点と上記課題とを解決すべく上述した実施形態を創作した。 Above mentioned the technology described in Patent Document 1, for both ends of the pressing member contact plate is configured to be conductive by coming into contact with the movement restriction means, when the deviation occurs in the consumption in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant The life cannot be accurately detected. Therefore, if there is a deviation and the lubricant is depleted at the end where the amount of consumption is high, the lubricant cannot be supplied on the side where the lubricant is depleted, which may cause photoconductor wear, toner filming, etc. To cause fatal damage to the photoreceptor. Furthermore, the surface of the image carrier is damaged by the pressure member contact plate coming into contact with the image carrier or the like. In order to solve such problems and the above-mentioned problems, the above-described embodiment has been created.
潤滑剤７８を削るブラシローラ７４の回転に伴い、潤滑剤７８にわずかな振動が発生するので、誤検知を防止するために、制御手段７’は電気抵抗に変化が発生した場合にすぐに寿命と判断するのではなく、寿命状態が一定期間連続して検知された場合に寿命と判断するようにプログラムすることが望ましい（請求項５参照）。また、間欠的に導通、非導通状態を繰り返す状態のときは潤滑剤７８の寿命が近いと判断して、操作部等に潤滑剤７８の寿命が近いことを知らせる報知や表示をすることもできる。With the rotation of the brush roller 74 to shave the lubricant 78, so a slight vibration is generated in the lubricant 78, in order to prevent erroneous detection, the control unit 7 'is quickly when a change in electrical resistance occurs It is desirable not to determine the life, but to program so that the life is determined when the life state is detected continuously for a certain period of time (see claim 5). Further, in the state where the conduction and non-conduction states are intermittently repeated, it is determined that the life of the lubricant 78 is near, and a notification or display can be made to notify the operation unit or the like that the life of the lubricant 78 is near. .
上記実施形態例に限らず、電気抵抗検知手段１３に代えて、ホルダ２と検知電極１１、 １２との間に微電流を流してその通電量を検知する通電量検知手段を設け、ホルダ２と検知電極１１、１２との通電量が増加することを検知することで、潤滑剤７８の寿命を検知するものであってもよい（請求項４参照）。The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and instead of the electrical resistance detection means 13 , an energization amount detection means for detecting the energization amount by passing a small current between the holder 2 and the detection electrodes 11, 12 is provided. The life of the lubricant 78 may be detected by detecting an increase in the energization amount with the detection electrodes 11 and 12 (see claim 4).
上記の実施形態例では潤滑剤を塗布・供給する対象が感光体の場合について説明したが、潤滑剤の塗布・供給対象は感光体に限定されるものではなく、中間転写ベルトや中間転写ドラム等の中間転写体や、転写ローラや転写ベルト等の転写搬送体（転写材搬送体）等、画像形成装置の他の部材に潤滑剤を塗布する場合にも本発明の潤滑剤寿命検知方法・装置が適用ないし利用できることは言うまでもない。
例えば、潤滑剤の塗布・供給対象を中間転写ベルトとした場合、図１に示したフルカラー複写機では、中間転写ベルトクリーニング装置１７下流側の第２の支持ローラ１５と対向する中間転写ベルト１０付近に、潤滑剤塗布装置と共に上記実施形態例の潤滑剤寿命検知装置を配設すればよい。The implementation embodiment of the While the subject coating and supplying the lubricant has been described for the case of the photosensitive member, the coating-supply target of the lubricant is not limited to the photoreceptor, an intermediate transfer belt or an intermediate transfer drum The lubricant life detection method of the present invention is also applicable to the case where a lubricant is applied to other members of the image forming apparatus, such as an intermediate transfer member such as a transfer roller or transfer belt (transfer material carrier) such as a transfer belt. It goes without saying that the device can be applied or used.
For example, when an intermediate transfer belt is used as a lubricant application / supply target, in the full-color copying machine shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 10 facing the second support roller 15 on the downstream side of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 17 are used. to, it may be arranged together lubricant life detection device of the above embodiment the lubricant applying device.
また、上記の実施形態例では潤滑剤７８をブラシローラ７４で削って塗布・供給対象に供給する方法を示したが、潤滑剤を塗布・供給対象の部材に直接押し当てて供給する方法もあり、その場合でも本発明の潤滑剤寿命検知方法・装置を準用ないし利用することができることは無論である。Also, in the implementation embodiments of the exhibited method for supplying lubricant 78 to the coating-supply target by scraping with a brush roller 74, but a method of supplying by pressing directly the lubricant member of coating and the object of supply Of course, even in that case, the lubricant life detection method and apparatus of the present invention can be applied mutatis mutandis or used.
画像形成装置としては、上述のように、現像装置が複数配置されたものを用い、複数の現像装置によって順次作製された色が異なる複数トナー像を一旦中間転写体上に順次転写した後、これを一括して紙や転写材あるいはプラスチックフィルムシートなどのようなシート状記録媒体に転写後に定着する「タンデム型中間転写方式」のものに限定されるものではなく、同様に作製された色が異なる複数トナー像を転写搬送ベルト等の転写搬送体上に担持保持された紙などのようなシート状記録媒体上へ順次重ねて転写した後、定着する「タンデム型直接転写方式」等であってもよい。
以上述べたとおり、本発明を特定の実施形態等について説明したが、本発明が開示する技術内容は、上述した実施例を含む実施形態等に例示されているものに限定されるものではなく、それらを適宜組み合わせて構成してもよく、本発明の範囲内において、その必要性および用途等に応じて種々の実施形態や変形例あるいは実施例を構成し得ることは当業者ならば明らかである。As described above, as the image forming apparatus, one having a plurality of developing devices is used, and a plurality of toner images with different colors sequentially produced by the plurality of developing devices are temporarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer member, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer member. Is not limited to the “tandem type intermediate transfer method” in which the image is fixed to a sheet-like recording medium such as paper, a transfer material, or a plastic film sheet after transfer, but similarly produced colors are different. Even in a “tandem type direct transfer system” in which a plurality of toner images are sequentially transferred onto a sheet-like recording medium such as paper held and held on a transfer conveyance body such as a transfer conveyance belt, and then fixed. Good.
As described above, the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, the technical contents disclosed by the present invention are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments including the above-described examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments, modifications, and examples can be configured in accordance with the necessity and application within the scope of the present invention. .
１ 加圧部材（加圧手段）
２ ホルダ（潤滑剤支持手段）
７’ 制御手段
８ 表示手段（報知手段）
１０ 中間転写ベルト（中間転写体、像担持体）
１１ 検知電極（潤滑剤寿命検知手段）
１２ 検知電極（潤滑剤寿命検知手段）
１３ 電気抵抗検知手段
１８ 画像形成ユニット（画像形成手段、プロセスカートリッジ）
１９ ケース（画像形成ユニットの本体筐体）
２０ タンデム画像形成部
４０ 感光体（像担持体）
５８ 現像装置
６３、６３Ａ クリーニング装置
７０ 帯電ローラ（帯電手段）
７４ ブラシローラ（潤滑剤供給手段、潤滑剤供給部材）
７８ 潤滑剤
８０ 潤滑剤塗布ブレード（潤滑剤塗布手段、潤滑剤塗布部材）
１００ 装置本体
２００ 給紙テーブル
３００ スキャナ
４００ ＡＤＦ1 Pressurizing member (pressurizing means)
2 Holder (lubricant support means)
7 ' control means 8 display means (notification means)
10 Intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member, image carrier)
11 detection electrode (lubricant life detection means)
12 detection electrodes (lubricant life detection means)
13 Electrical resistance detection means 18 Image forming unit (image forming means , process cartridge )
19 Case (Body housing of image forming unit)
20 tandem image forming unit 40 photoconductor (image carrier)
58 Developing device 63, 63A Cleaning device 70 Charging roller (charging means)
74 Brush roller (lubricant supply means, lubricant supply member)
78 Lubricant 80 Lubricant application blade (lubricant application means, lubricant application member)
100 Main body 200 Paper feed table 300 Scanner 400 ADF
Claims (9)
前記潤滑剤の寿命を検知する潤滑剤寿命検知手段を有し、
前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段は、前記潤滑剤における前記長手方向の一端部が、非接触状態 から接触状態となることにより、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知される構成であることを特徴とする潤滑剤塗布装置。 Provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the image bearing member, a lubricant is outer shape smaller in accordance with being supplied to the surface of the image bearing member, and supplies the lubricant to the surface of the image bearing member lubricating In a lubricant application device comprising an agent supply means and a pressurizing means for pressurizing the lubricant in a direction in contact with the lubricant supply means,
Have that Jun lubricant life detection means to detect the life of the lubricant,
The lubricant life detection means, lubricant end of the longitudinal direction of the lubricant by the contact state from the non-contact state, characterized in that it is a configuration in which the life of the lubricant is detected Coating device .
前記潤滑剤における前記長手方向の少なくとも両端部を支持する潤滑剤支持手段を有し 、
前記潤滑剤支持手段における前記長手方向の一端部が、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段に接触 することにより、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知される構成であることを特徴とする潤滑剤塗布 装置。The lubricant application device according to claim 1, wherein
Lubricant support means for supporting at least both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant ,
It said longitudinal end portion of the lubricant support means, by contacting the lubricant life detection means, the lubricant application device, characterized in that the life of the lubricant is configured to be detected.
前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段は、前記潤滑剤の前記長手方向の両端部に配置されており、
前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段の何れかの端部が、前記潤滑剤支持手段と接触状態となった場合に、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知されることを特徴とする潤滑剤塗布装置。The lubricant application device according to claim 2 ,
The lubricant life detection means is disposed in said longitudinal ends of said lubricant,
Either end is, in the case where a contact with the lubricant support means, the lubricant application device, characterized in that the life of the lubricant is detected in the lubricant life detection means.
前記潤滑剤支持手段は導電性材料で、前記潤滑剤寿命検知手段は検知電極でそれぞれ構成されており、
前記潤滑剤支持手段と前記検知電極との間に流す電流の通電量が増加することにより、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知されることを特徴とする潤滑剤塗布装置。The lubricant application device according to claim 2 or 3 ,
The lubricant support means is made of a conductive material, and the lubricant life detection means is constituted by a detection electrode,
By energization amount of current flowing between said sensing electrode and the lubricant support means is increased, the lubricant coating apparatus characterized by life of the lubricant is detected.
前記潤滑剤支持手段と前記検知電極との間の導通状態として、非導通状態から導通状態 に変化した状態が一定期間連続して検知された場合に、前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知されることを特徴とする潤滑剤塗布装置。The lubricant application device according to claim 4,
As a conduction state between the lubricant support means and the detection electrode, when the state changed from the non-conduction state to the conduction state is continuously detected for a certain period , the life of the lubricant is detected. A lubricant applicator characterized.
前記潤滑剤は、少なくともステアリン酸亜鉛を含むことを特徴とする潤滑剤塗布装置。In the lubricant application device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The lubricant application apparatus , wherein the lubricant contains at least zinc stearate .
前記プロセスカートリッジは、少なくとも、請求項１ないし６の何れか一つに記載の、The process cartridge is at least according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 静電潜像が形成される像担持体と、該像担持体の表面を一様に帯電する帯電手段と、前記An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the image carrier; 像担持体上の静電潜像を現像する現像手段と、前記像担持体上の転写残トナーをクリーニDeveloping means for developing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, and transfer residual toner on the image carrier; ングするクリーニング手段と、請求項１ないし６の何れか一つに記載の潤滑剤塗布装置とAnd a lubricant application device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. を具備していることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。A process cartridge comprising:
請求項１ないし６の何れか一つに記載の潤滑剤塗布装置を備えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。 In an image forming apparatus having an image carrier ,
An image forming apparatus comprising the lubricant application device according to claim 1 .
前記潤滑剤の寿命が検知された場合には、画像形成動作を禁止し、前記潤滑剤が寿命で あることを報知することを特徴とする画像形成装置。The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 .
When the life of the lubricant is detected, an image forming operation is prohibited, and the fact that the lubricant is at the end of life is notified .
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| JPH0527760U (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 1993-04-09 | 京セラ株式会社 | Image recorder |
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| JPH07311531A (en) * | 1994-03-22 | 1995-11-28 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Electrophotographic recorder |
| JP3406099B2 (en) * | 1994-11-18 | 2003-05-12 | 株式会社リコー | Electrophotographic equipment |
| JPH08314346A (en) * | 1995-05-13 | 1996-11-29 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming device |
| JPH09171340A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-06-30 | Casio Electron Mfg Co Ltd | Image forming unit and its loading management mechanism |
| JPH09179385A (en) * | 1995-12-26 | 1997-07-11 | Canon Inc | Service life detecting device for contact electrifying member |
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| JP4523332B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2010-08-11 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2006078853A (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2006-03-23 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Cleaning device and image forming apparatus |
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| JP2008020652A (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2008-01-31 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Lubricant applicator and process cartridge with the same, and image forming apparatus |
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