JP2014029418A

JP2014029418A - Lubricant supply device, image forming device, and process cartridge

Info

Publication number: JP2014029418A
Application number: JP2012170020A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Akira Fujimori; 彰藤森; Satoshi Hatori; 聡羽鳥; Naohiro Kumagai; 直洋熊谷; Kaoru Yoshino; 薫吉野; Hideyasu Seki; 秀康関; Ryota Goto; 良太後藤
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-31
Filing date: 2012-07-31
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-31
Also published as: JP6086284B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubricant supply device configured to reliably detect that the amount of remaining solid lubricant has decreased to a predetermined amount or less, an image forming device and a process cartridge.SOLUTION: A remaining amount detection part 40 for detecting that the amount of remaining solid lubricant 3b has decreased to a predetermined amount or less includes: a first electrode member 42a; a second electrode member 42b arranged opposite the first electrode member 42a, and directly or indirectly pushed by a lubricant holding member 3d to at least partially move toward the first electrode member, and coming in contact with the first electrode member 42a when the amount of remaining solid lubricant 3b has reached the predetermined amount; and a resistance detection part 42c that applies a voltage between the first and second electrode members 42a, 42b to detect whether they are electrically connected or not. At least a contact surface of the first electrode member 42a in contact with the second electrode member 42b and a contact surface of the second electrode member 42b in contact with the first electrode member 42a are disposed in parallel to a vertical direction.

Description

本発明は、潤滑剤供給装置、画像形成装置およびプロセスカートリッジに関するものである。 The present invention relates to a lubricant supply device, an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge.

プリンタ、ファクシミリ、複写機などの画像形成装置において、感光体や中間転写ベルトなどの像担持体の保護や低摩擦化のため像担持体の表面に潤滑剤を供給する潤滑剤供給装置を備えたものが知られている。 Image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimiles, and copiers are provided with a lubricant supply device that supplies lubricant to the surface of the image carrier in order to protect the image carrier such as a photoconductor and an intermediate transfer belt and to reduce friction. Things are known.

また、潤滑剤が枯渇した状態で画像形成動作が行われると、潤滑剤の保護作用が働かないため、像担持体が磨耗して劣化してしまう。特許文献１には、潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知する潤滑剤供給装置が記載されている。 Further, when the image forming operation is performed in a state where the lubricant is depleted, the protective action of the lubricant does not work, so that the image carrier is worn and deteriorated. Patent Document 1 describes a lubricant supply device that detects the near end of a lubricant.

図１６は、特許文献１に記載の潤滑剤供給装置の潤滑剤ニアエンド検知部を示す概略斜視図である。
図１６に示すように、固形潤滑剤１４０を保持する潤滑剤保持部材１４３を導電性部材で構成し、潤滑剤の残量が少なくなった時点で潤滑剤保持部材１４３の一端に当接する第１電極部材１８１と、他端に当接する第２電極部材１８２とを有している。第１電極部材１８１と第２電極部材１８２とには、検知回路１８３が接続されており、検知回路１８３は、電極部材間に電圧を印加して、電流が流れたか否かを検知する。また、潤滑剤保持部材１４３は、バネ１４２により不図示の供給部材側に付勢されている。 FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a lubricant near-end detection unit of the lubricant supply device described in Patent Document 1.
As shown in FIG. 16, the lubricant holding member 143 that holds the solid lubricant 140 is formed of a conductive member, and contacts the first end of the lubricant holding member 143 when the remaining amount of the lubricant decreases. It has an electrode member 181 and a second electrode member 182 in contact with the other end. A detection circuit 183 is connected to the first electrode member 181 and the second electrode member 182, and the detection circuit 183 detects whether or not a current flows by applying a voltage between the electrode members. Further, the lubricant holding member 143 is urged toward a supply member (not shown) by a spring 142.

使用初期は、各電極部材に対し潤滑剤保持部材１４３が離間しており、電極部材間には電流が流れない。固形潤滑剤が不図示の供給部材による摺擦で徐々に削られながら、バネ１４２の付勢力により潤滑剤保持部材１４３が供給部材側へと移動していく。そして、固形潤滑剤１４０がニアエンドとなると、導電性の潤滑剤保持部材１４３が、第１電極部材１８１、第２電極部材１８２と当接する。その結果、電極部材間に電流が流れ、検知回路１８３で潤滑剤のニアエンドが検知される。 In the initial stage of use, the lubricant holding member 143 is separated from each electrode member, and no current flows between the electrode members. The lubricant holding member 143 moves to the supply member side by the urging force of the spring 142 while the solid lubricant is gradually scraped by rubbing with a supply member (not shown). When the solid lubricant 140 becomes near-end, the conductive lubricant holding member 143 comes into contact with the first electrode member 181 and the second electrode member 182. As a result, a current flows between the electrode members, and the detection circuit 183 detects the near end of the lubricant.

画像形成装置のレイアウトなどにより固形潤滑剤の供給部材による削られながらの移動方向が、鉛直方向になる場合がある。この場合、板状の各電極部材１８１，１８２の面が、鉛直方向に対して直交する方向となる。各電極部材１８１，１８２の面が、鉛直方向に対して直交する方向となった場合、各電極部材１８１，１８２の上面に潤滑剤などが堆積しやすい。各電極部材１８１，１８２の上面に潤滑剤などが堆積すると、各電極部材１８１，１８２の上面に堆積した堆積物により潤滑剤保持部材１４３との間で接触不良が起こり、導通状態とならず、潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知することができないおそれがあった。 Depending on the layout of the image forming apparatus and the like, the moving direction while being cut by the solid lubricant supply member may be the vertical direction. In this case, the surfaces of the plate-like electrode members 181 and 182 are perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the surfaces of the electrode members 181 and 182 are perpendicular to the vertical direction, lubricant or the like is likely to be deposited on the upper surfaces of the electrode members 181 and 182. When a lubricant or the like is deposited on the upper surfaces of the electrode members 181 and 182, poor contact occurs between the electrode members 181 and 182 and the lubricant holding member 143 due to the deposits deposited on the upper surfaces of the electrode members 181 and 182. There was a possibility that the near end of the lubricant could not be detected.

本発明は以上の課題に鑑みなされたものであり、その目的は、固形潤滑剤の残量が所定量以下となったことを確実に検知することができる潤滑剤供給装置、画像形成装置およびプロセスカートリッジを提供することである。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lubricant supply device, an image forming apparatus, and a process that can reliably detect that the remaining amount of the solid lubricant has become a predetermined amount or less. It is to provide a cartridge.

上記目的を達成するために、請求項１の発明は、固形潤滑剤と、上記固形潤滑剤の潤滑剤を潤滑剤供給対象に供給する供給部材と、第１電極部材および上記第１電極部材に対向する第２電極部材を備え、上記第１電極部材と上記第２電極部材との間の導通を検知することで上記固形潤滑剤の残量が所定量以下であることを検知する残量検知手段と、を備えた潤滑剤供給装置において、少なくとも上記第１電極部材の上記第２電極部材との当接面および上記第２電極部材の上記第１電極部材との当接面を、鉛直方向に対して平行にしたことを特徴とするものである。 In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a solid lubricant, a supply member that supplies the solid lubricant to a lubricant supply target, a first electrode member, and a first electrode member. Remaining amount detection that includes a second electrode member facing each other and detects that the remaining amount of the solid lubricant is not more than a predetermined amount by detecting conduction between the first electrode member and the second electrode member. Means for supplying at least a contact surface of the first electrode member with the second electrode member and a contact surface of the second electrode member with the first electrode member in a vertical direction. It is characterized by being parallel to.

本発明によれば、第１電極部材の第２電極部材との当接面および第２電極部材の第１電極部材との当接面を、鉛直方向に対して平行にしたので、各電極部材の当接面に潤滑剤などが堆積するのを防止することができる。これにより、固形潤滑剤の残量が所定量となったとき、第２電極部材が良好に第１電極部材に接触し導通検知手段により導通が確実に検知され、固形潤滑剤の残量が所定量以下となったことを良好に検知することができる。 According to the present invention, the contact surface of the first electrode member with the second electrode member and the contact surface of the second electrode member with the first electrode member are parallel to the vertical direction. It is possible to prevent the lubricant and the like from being deposited on the contact surface. As a result, when the remaining amount of the solid lubricant reaches a predetermined amount, the second electrode member makes good contact with the first electrode member, and the conduction is reliably detected by the conduction detecting means. It can be satisfactorily detected that the amount is below the fixed amount.

実施形態に係るプリンタを示す概略構成図である。1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a printer according to an embodiment. ４つの作像ユニットのうちの１つを示す拡大図である。It is an enlarged view which shows one of four image formation units. 潤滑剤供給装置の概略構成図。The schematic block diagram of a lubricant supply apparatus. 使用末期における潤滑剤供給装置の概略構成図。The schematic block diagram of the lubricant supply apparatus in the last stage of use. 変形例の押し当て機構を備えた潤滑剤供給装置を示す概略構成図。The schematic block diagram which shows the lubricant supply apparatus provided with the pressing mechanism of the modification. 図５に示す潤滑剤供給装置の使用末期の状態を示す概略構成図。The schematic block diagram which shows the state at the end of use of the lubricant supply apparatus shown in FIG. 従来の残量検知部の一例を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows an example of the conventional residual amount detection part. 固形潤滑剤の高さ方向がほぼ鉛直方向に平行となるように潤滑剤供給装置が配置された画像形成装置の一例を示す図。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus in which a lubricant supply device is arranged so that a height direction of a solid lubricant is substantially parallel to a vertical direction. 本実施形態の潤滑剤供給装置３の長手方向一端側を示す概略構成図。The schematic block diagram which shows the longitudinal direction one end side of the lubricant supply apparatus 3 of this embodiment. 本実施形態の潤滑剤供給装置の要部斜視図。The principal part perspective view of the lubricant supply apparatus of this embodiment. （ａ）は、使用初期における押し当て部と各電極部材との状態を示す図であり、（ｂ）は、固形潤滑剤ニアエンド時における押し当て部と各電極部材との状態を示す図である。(A) is a figure which shows the state of the pressing part and each electrode member in the initial stage of use, (b) is a figure which shows the state of the pressing part and each electrode member at the time of solid lubricant near-end. . 各残量検知部で共通の抵抗検知部を設けた図。The figure which provided the common resistance detection part in each residual amount detection part. 各残量検知部それぞれ抵抗検知部を設けた図。The figure which provided each resistance detection part with each resistance detection part. 変形例１の潤滑剤供給装置３の長手方向一端側を示す概略構成図。The schematic block diagram which shows the longitudinal direction one end side of the lubricant supply apparatus 3 of the modification 1. As shown in FIG. 従来の潤滑剤供給装置の潤滑剤ニアエンド検知部を示す概略斜視図。The schematic perspective view which shows the lubricant near end detection part of the conventional lubricant supply apparatus.

以下に、本発明を、電子写真方式の画像形成装置であるプリンタに適用した一実施形態について説明する。
図１は、本実施形態に係るプリンタを示す概略構成図である。
このプリンタは、その内部の略中央に像担持体である中間転写体としての中間転写ベルト５６を備えている。中間転写ベルト５６は、ポリイミドやポリアミド等の耐熱性材料からなり、中抵抗に調整された基体からなる無端状ベルトで、４つのローラ５２，５３，５４，５５に掛け渡して支持され、図中矢印Ａ方向に回転駆動される。中間転写ベルト５６の上方にはイエロー（Ｙ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、シアン（Ｃ）、ブラック（Ｋ）の各色トナーに対応した４つの作像ユニットが中間転写ベルト５６のベルト面に沿って並んでいる。 An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a printer according to the present embodiment.
This printer includes an intermediate transfer belt 56 as an intermediate transfer member, which is an image carrier, at substantially the center inside the printer. The intermediate transfer belt 56 is an endless belt made of a heat-resistant material such as polyimide or polyamide and made of a base body adjusted to a medium resistance, and is supported across four rollers 52, 53, 54, and 55. It is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A. Above the intermediate transfer belt 56, four image forming units corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners are arranged along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56. It is out.

図２は、４つの作像ユニットのうちの１つを示す拡大図である。
いずれの作像ユニットも同様の構成であるので、ここでは、色の区別を示すＹ、Ｍ、Ｃ、Ｋの添え字を省略する。各作像ユニットは、像担持体としての感光体１を有している。各感光体１の周りには、感光体表面を所望電位（マイナス極性）となるように一様に帯電させる帯電手段としての帯電装置２がそれぞれ配置されている。また、感光体表面に形成された静電潜像をマイナス極性に帯電された各色トナーで現像してトナー像とする現像手段としての現像装置４がそれぞれ配置されている。また、感光体表面に潤滑剤を塗布により供給する潤滑剤供給装置３、トナー像転写後の感光体表面のクリーニングを行うクリーニング装置８もそれぞれ配置されている。 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing one of the four image forming units.
Since all image forming units have the same configuration, the subscripts Y, M, C, and K indicating the distinction of colors are omitted here. Each image forming unit has a photoreceptor 1 as an image carrier. Around each photoconductor 1, a charging device 2 is disposed as a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor so as to have a desired potential (negative polarity). Further, a developing device 4 is provided as a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor with each color toner charged to a negative polarity to form a toner image. Also provided are a lubricant supply device 3 for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor by coating, and a cleaning device 8 for cleaning the surface of the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred.

作像ユニットは、画像形成装置から着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジとして構成、感光体１、帯電装置２、現像装置４、クリーニング装置８および潤滑剤供給装置３が一括で交換される構成となっている。 The image forming unit is configured as a process cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and is configured such that the photosensitive member 1, the charging device 2, the developing device 4, the cleaning device 8, and the lubricant supply device 3 are replaced at once.

また、図１を参照すると、４つの作像ユニットの上方には、帯電した各感光体表面に各色の画像データに基づいて露光して露光部分の電位を落とし、静電潜像を書き込む静電潜像形成手段としての露光装置９が備えられている。また、中間転写ベルト５６を挟んで、各感光体１と対向する位置には、感光体１上に形成されたトナー像を中間転写ベルト５６上に一次転写する転写手段としての一次転写ローラ５１がそれぞれ配置されている。一次転写ローラ５１は、図示しない電源に接続されており、所定の電圧が印加される。 Further, referring to FIG. 1, above the four image forming units, electrostatic charges are written on the surface of each charged photoconductor on the basis of the image data of each color to lower the potential of the exposed portion and write an electrostatic latent image. An exposure device 9 is provided as latent image forming means. A primary transfer roller 51 serving as a transfer unit that primarily transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor 1 onto the intermediate transfer belt 56 is located at a position facing each photoconductor 1 with the intermediate transfer belt 56 interposed therebetween. Each is arranged. The primary transfer roller 51 is connected to a power source (not shown) and is applied with a predetermined voltage.

中間転写ベルト５６のローラ５２で支持された部分の外側には、二次転写手段としての二次転写ローラ６１が圧接されている。二次転写ローラ６１は、図示しない電源に接続されており、所定の電圧が印加される。二次転写ローラ６１と中間転写ベルト５６との接触部が二次転写部であり、中間転写ベルト５６上のトナー像が記録材としての転写紙に転写される。二次転写部の図中左側には、転写紙上のトナー像を転写紙に定着させる定着装置７０が備えられている。定着装置７０は、内部にハロゲンヒータを有する加熱ローラ７２及び定着ローラ７３に巻き掛けられた無端の定着ベルト７１と、定着ベルト７１を介して定着ローラ７３に対向、圧接して配置される加圧ローラ７４とから構成されている。プリンタの下部には、転写紙を載置し、二次転写部に向けて転写紙を送り出す不図示の給紙装置が備えられている。 A secondary transfer roller 61 as a secondary transfer unit is pressed against the outside of the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 56 supported by the roller 52. The secondary transfer roller 61 is connected to a power source (not shown) and is applied with a predetermined voltage. A contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 61 and the intermediate transfer belt 56 is a secondary transfer portion, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is transferred onto a transfer sheet as a recording material. A fixing device 70 for fixing the toner image on the transfer paper to the transfer paper is provided on the left side of the secondary transfer portion in the drawing. The fixing device 70 includes a heating roller 72 having a halogen heater therein and an endless fixing belt 71 wound around the fixing roller 73, and a pressurization disposed so as to be opposed to and in pressure contact with the fixing roller 73 via the fixing belt 71. And a roller 74. A paper feeding device (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the printer to place the transfer paper and send the transfer paper toward the secondary transfer unit.

感光体１は、有機感光体であり、ポリカーボネート系の樹脂で表面保護層が形成されている。帯電装置２は、帯電部材として導電性芯金の外側に中抵抗の弾性層を被覆して構成される帯電ローラ２ａを備える。帯電ローラ２ａは、図示しない電源に接続されており、所定の電圧が印加される。帯電ローラ２ａは、感光体１に対して微小な間隙をもって配設される。この微小な間隙は、例えば、帯電ローラ２ａの両端部の非画像形成領域に一定の厚みを有するスペーサ部材を巻き付けるなどして、スペーサ部材の表面を感光体１表面に当接させることで、設定することができる。 The photoreceptor 1 is an organic photoreceptor, and a surface protective layer is formed of a polycarbonate-based resin. The charging device 2 includes a charging roller 2a configured by covering a conductive cored bar with a medium resistance elastic layer as a charging member. The charging roller 2a is connected to a power source (not shown) and is applied with a predetermined voltage. The charging roller 2 a is disposed with a small gap with respect to the photoreceptor 1. The minute gap is set by, for example, winding a spacer member having a certain thickness around the non-image forming regions at both ends of the charging roller 2a to bring the surface of the spacer member into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1. can do.

現像装置４は、感光体１と対向する位置に、内部に磁界発生手段を備える現像剤担持体としての現像スリーブ４ａが配置されている。現像スリーブ４ａの下方には、図示しないトナーボトルから投入されるトナーを現像剤と混合し、攪拌しながら現像スリーブ４ａへ汲み上げるための２つのスクリュー４ｂが備えられている。現像スリーブ４ａによって汲み上げられるトナーと磁性キャリアからなる現像剤は、ドクターブレード４ｃによって所定の現像剤層の厚みに規制され、現像スリーブ４ａに担持される。現像スリーブ４ａは、感光体１との対向位置において同方向に移動しながら、現像剤を担持搬送し、トナーを感光体１上の静電潜像部分に供給する。なお、図１においては、二成分現像方式の現像装置４の構成を示したが、これに限るものではなく、一成分現像方式の現像装置であっても適用可能である。 In the developing device 4, a developing sleeve 4 a as a developer carrying member provided with a magnetic field generating means is disposed at a position facing the photoconductor 1. Below the developing sleeve 4a, there are provided two screws 4b for mixing toner introduced from a toner bottle (not shown) with the developer and pumping it up to the developing sleeve 4a while stirring. The developer composed of toner and magnetic carrier pumped up by the developing sleeve 4a is regulated to a predetermined developer layer thickness by the doctor blade 4c and is carried on the developing sleeve 4a. The developing sleeve 4a carries and conveys the developer while moving in the same direction at a position facing the photoconductor 1, and supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image portion on the photoconductor 1. In FIG. 1, the configuration of the two-component developing type developing device 4 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a one-component developing type developing device can also be applied.

潤滑剤供給装置３は、固定されたケースに収容された固形潤滑剤３ｂと、固形潤滑剤３ｂから削り取った粉体状の潤滑剤を感光体１の表面に塗布する塗布手段を構成する供給部材としての塗布ローラ３ａとを備える。塗布ローラ３ａは、ブラシローラ、ウレタン状発泡ローラを用いることができる。塗布ローラ３ａとして、ブラシローラを用いる場合は、次のようなブラシローラが好適である。すなわち、ナイロン、アクリル等の樹脂にカーボンブラック等の抵抗制御材料を添加して体積抵抗率１×１０^３Ωｃｍ以上１×１０^８Ωｃｍ以下の範囲内に調整された材料で形成されたブラシローラである。塗布ローラ３ａの回転方向は、感光体１に対してカウンター方向である。すなわち、感光体１と塗布ローラ３ａとの当接部において、塗布ローラ３ａの表面移動方向が、感光体１の表面移動方向と逆方向である。 The lubricant supply device 3 includes a solid lubricant 3b housed in a fixed case, and a supply member that constitutes an application unit that applies a powdery lubricant scraped from the solid lubricant 3b to the surface of the photoreceptor 1. As an application roller 3a. The application roller 3a can be a brush roller or a urethane foam roller. When a brush roller is used as the application roller 3a, the following brush roller is suitable. That is, a brush roller formed of a material adjusted to have a volume resistivity of 1 × 10 ³ Ωcm to 1 × 10 ⁸ Ωcm by adding a resistance control material such as carbon black to a resin such as nylon or acrylic. is there. The rotation direction of the application roller 3 a is a counter direction with respect to the photoreceptor 1. That is, the surface movement direction of the application roller 3a is opposite to the surface movement direction of the photoconductor 1 at the contact portion between the photoconductor 1 and the application roller 3a.

固形潤滑剤３ｂは、直方体状に形成されており、後述する押し当て機構３ｃにより塗布ローラ３ａに押し当てられている。固形潤滑剤３ｂの潤滑剤としては、少なくとも脂肪酸金属塩を含有する潤滑剤を用いる。脂肪酸金属塩としては、例えば、フッ素系樹脂、ステアリン酸亜鉛、ステアリン酸カルシウム、ステアリン酸バリウム、ステアリン酸アルミニウム、ステアリン酸マグネシウムなどのラメラ結晶構造を持つ脂肪酸金属塩を使用することができる。また、ラウロイルリジン、モノセチルリン酸エステルナトリウム亜鉛塩、ラウロイルタウリンカルシウムなどの物質を使用することができる。これらの脂肪酸金属塩のうち、特にステアリン酸亜鉛を用いることが好ましい。これは、ステアリン酸亜鉛が、感光体１表面上での伸展性が非常によく、しかも吸湿性が低く、さらに湿度が変化しても潤滑性が損なわれ難い特性を有しているためである。よって、環境変化に影響されにくく感光体表面を保護する能力の高い皮膜化された潤滑剤の保護層を形成することができ、良好に感光体表面を保護できる。また、潤滑性が損なわれ難い特性を有していることで、クリーニング不良の低減効果を良好に得ることができる。また、これらの脂肪酸金属塩の他に、シリコーンオイルやフッ素系オイル、天然ワックスなどの液状の材料、ガス状にした材料を外添法として添加することもできる。 The solid lubricant 3b is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is pressed against the application roller 3a by a pressing mechanism 3c described later. As the lubricant of the solid lubricant 3b, a lubricant containing at least a fatty acid metal salt is used. As the fatty acid metal salt, for example, a fatty acid metal salt having a lamellar crystal structure such as fluorine resin, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, barium stearate, aluminum stearate, magnesium stearate, or the like can be used. Moreover, substances such as lauroyllysine, monocetyl phosphate sodium zinc salt, lauroyl taurine calcium and the like can be used. Of these fatty acid metal salts, it is particularly preferable to use zinc stearate. This is because zinc stearate has very good extensibility on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and has low hygroscopicity, and even when the humidity changes, the lubricity is not easily lost. . Therefore, it is possible to form a coating layer of a lubricant having a high ability to protect the surface of the photoconductor which is not easily affected by environmental changes, and the surface of the photoconductor can be well protected. Moreover, since it has the characteristic that lubricity is hard to be impaired, the effect of reducing cleaning defects can be obtained satisfactorily. In addition to these fatty acid metal salts, liquid materials such as silicone oil, fluorine oil, and natural wax, and gaseous materials can be added as an external addition method.

また、固形潤滑剤３ｂの潤滑剤は、無機潤滑剤である窒化ホウ素を含むことが好ましい。窒化ホウ素の結晶構造としては、六方晶系の低圧相のもの（ｈ−ＢＮ）や、立方晶系の高圧相（ｃ−ＢＮ）等を挙げることができる。これらの構造の窒化ホウ素のうち、六方晶系の低圧相の窒化ホウ素の結晶は層状の構造を有しており、容易に劈開する物質である。よって、摩擦係数は４００°Ｃ近くまで約０．２以下を維持でき、放電により特性が変化し難く、放電を受けても他の潤滑剤に比べて潤滑性が失われることがない。このような窒化ホウ素を添加することで、感光体１表面に供給されて薄膜化された潤滑剤が、帯電装置２や一次転写ローラ５１の作動時に発生する放電によって早期に劣化することはない。窒化ホウ素は、放電により特性が変化し難く、放電を受けても、他の潤滑剤に比べて潤滑性が失われることがない。しかも、感光体１の感光体層が放電により酸化、蒸発してしまうことを防止することもできる。また、窒化ホウ素は、わずかな添加量でも、その潤滑性を発揮できるので、帯電ローラ２ａなどへの潤滑剤付着による不具合や、クリーニングブレード８ａのブレード鳴きに対して有効である。 Moreover, it is preferable that the lubricant of the solid lubricant 3b contains boron nitride which is an inorganic lubricant. Examples of the crystal structure of boron nitride include a hexagonal low-pressure phase (h-BN) and a cubic high-pressure phase (c-BN). Among these boron nitrides, hexagonal low-pressure phase boron nitride crystals have a layered structure and are easily cleaved. Therefore, the coefficient of friction can be maintained at about 0.2 or less until close to 400 ° C., and the characteristics are not easily changed by discharge, and the lubricity is not lost as compared with other lubricants even when discharged. By adding such boron nitride, the lubricant supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and thinned does not deteriorate early due to the discharge generated when the charging device 2 or the primary transfer roller 51 is operated. Boron nitride does not easily change its characteristics due to discharge, and even when subjected to discharge, lubricity is not lost compared to other lubricants. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive member 1 from being oxidized and evaporated by discharge. Further, since boron nitride can exhibit its lubricity even with a slight addition amount, it is effective for problems caused by adhesion of lubricant to the charging roller 2a and the like and blade noise of the cleaning blade 8a.

本実施形態の固形潤滑剤３ｂは、ステアリン酸亜鉛と窒化ホウ素とを含有した潤滑剤原料を圧縮成型したものを用いた。なお、固形潤滑剤３ｂの成型方法は、これに限定されることはなく、溶融成型などの他の成型方法を採用してもよい。これにより、上述したステアリン酸亜鉛の効果と上述した窒化ホウ素窒の効果とを得ることができる。 As the solid lubricant 3b of this embodiment, a material obtained by compression molding a lubricant raw material containing zinc stearate and boron nitride was used. The molding method of the solid lubricant 3b is not limited to this, and other molding methods such as melt molding may be employed. Thereby, the effect of the zinc stearate mentioned above and the effect of the boron nitride nitrogen mentioned above can be acquired.

固形潤滑剤３ｂは塗布ローラ３ａによって削り取られ消耗し、経時的にその厚みが減少するが、押し当て機構３ｃにより常時塗布ローラ３ａに押し当てている。塗布ローラ３ａは、回転しながら削り取った潤滑剤を感光体表面に塗布する。その後、感光体１の表面とクリーニングブレード８ａとの接触により、塗布された潤滑剤が押し広げられて薄膜状になる。これにより、感光体１の表面の摩擦係数が低下する。なお、感光体１の表面に付着した潤滑剤の膜は非常に薄いため、帯電ローラ２ａによる帯電を阻害することはない。 The solid lubricant 3b is scraped off and consumed by the application roller 3a, and the thickness thereof decreases with time. However, the solid lubricant 3b is always pressed against the application roller 3a by the pressing mechanism 3c. The application roller 3a applies the lubricant scraped off while rotating to the surface of the photoreceptor. Thereafter, the applied lubricant is spread by contact between the surface of the photosensitive member 1 and the cleaning blade 8a to form a thin film. As a result, the coefficient of friction of the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is reduced. Note that the lubricant film attached to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is very thin and does not hinder charging by the charging roller 2a.

クリーニング装置８は、クリーニング部材としてのクリーニングブレード８ａ、支持部材８ｂ、トナー回収コイル８ｃを備える。クリーニングブレード８ａは、ウレタンゴム、シリコーンゴム等のゴムを板状に形成してなり、そのエッジが感光体１表面に当接するようにして設けられ、転写後に残留する感光体１上のトナーを除去する。クリーニングブレード８ａは、金属、プラスチック、セラミック等からなる支持部材８ｂに貼着されて支持され、感光体１表面に対し所定の角度で設置される。なお、クリーニング部材としては、クリーニングブレードのほか、クリーニングブラシなどの公知のものを広く利用することができる。 The cleaning device 8 includes a cleaning blade 8a as a cleaning member, a support member 8b, and a toner recovery coil 8c. The cleaning blade 8a is formed by forming a rubber such as urethane rubber or silicone rubber into a plate shape, and the edge of the cleaning blade 8a is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 1 to remove the toner on the photoconductor 1 remaining after transfer. To do. The cleaning blade 8 a is attached to and supported by a support member 8 b made of metal, plastic, ceramic, or the like, and is installed at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the photoreceptor 1. In addition to the cleaning blade, a known member such as a cleaning brush can be widely used as the cleaning member.

本実施形態において、潤滑剤供給装置３は、クリーニング装置８よりも下流側に配置される。潤滑剤供給装置３によって感光体表面に塗布された潤滑剤は、その後に均しブレード８ｄが感光体表面を摺擦することで引き延ばし、感光体表面に塗布された潤滑剤の塗布ムラをおおまかに均すことができる。 In the present embodiment, the lubricant supply device 3 is disposed downstream of the cleaning device 8. The lubricant applied to the surface of the photoconductor by the lubricant supply device 3 is then extended by the leveling blade 8d rubbing the surface of the photoconductor, and the uneven application of the lubricant applied to the surface of the photoconductor is roughly determined. Can be leveled.

潤滑剤供給装置３についてより詳細に説明する。
図３は、潤滑剤供給装置３の概略構成図である。
図３に示すように、固形潤滑剤３ｂの塗布ローラ３ａと当接する面（図中下側の面）とは反対側の部分をその長手方向にわたって保持する潤滑剤保持部材３ｄが設けられている。潤滑剤保持部材３ｄは、収納ケース３ｅに塗布ローラ３ａに対して接離可能に設けられている。また、収納ケース３ｅの潤滑剤保持部材３ｄより図中上部の空間には、固形潤滑剤３ｂを供給部材に押し当てる押し当て機構としての加圧バネ３ｃを備えている。この加圧バネ３ｃによって、固形潤滑剤３ｂが塗布ローラに押し当てられている。 The lubricant supply device 3 will be described in more detail.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the lubricant supply device 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, there is provided a lubricant holding member 3d that holds the portion of the solid lubricant 3b opposite to the surface (the lower surface in the figure) that contacts the application roller 3a in the longitudinal direction. . The lubricant holding member 3d is provided in the storage case 3e so as to be able to contact and separate from the application roller 3a. Further, a pressure spring 3c as a pressing mechanism for pressing the solid lubricant 3b against the supply member is provided in the upper space in the drawing from the lubricant holding member 3d of the storage case 3e. The solid lubricant 3b is pressed against the application roller by the pressure spring 3c.

押し当て機構３ｃは、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄの長手方向両端部付近にそれぞれ設けられ、収納ケース３ｅに揺動自在に取り付けられた揺動部材３１ａと、付勢手段であるバネ３１ｂとを有している。バネ３１ｂの各端部がそれぞれ揺動部材３１ａに取り付けられている。各揺動部材３１ａは、このバネ３１ｂから潤滑剤保持部材の長手方向中心に向かう図中矢印Ｄの向きの付勢力を得ている。この付勢力によって、図中右側の揺動部材は図中反時計回りに、図中左側の揺動部材は図中時計回りに揺動するように付勢される。これにより、各揺動部材３１ａの潤滑剤保持部材３ｄと当接する円弧状の当接部３１１は、図３に示すように潤滑剤保持部材３ｄ側へ付勢される。 The pressing mechanism 3c includes a swing member 31a that is provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant holding member 3d and is swingably attached to the storage case 3e, and a spring 31b that is a biasing means. ing. Each end of the spring 31b is attached to the swing member 31a. Each oscillating member 31a obtains an urging force in the direction of arrow D in the figure from the spring 31b toward the longitudinal center of the lubricant holding member. By this urging force, the swing member on the right side in the drawing is biased so as to swing counterclockwise in the drawing and the swing member on the left side in the drawing swings clockwise in the drawing. Thereby, the arc-shaped contact portion 311 that contacts the lubricant holding member 3d of each swing member 31a is biased toward the lubricant holding member 3d as shown in FIG.

使用初期時においては、各揺動部材３１ａの揺動端部がバネ３１ｂの付勢力に抗して収納ケース３ｅの上面部の内周面３２へ近づく方向に揺動した状態となっている。このような構成により、２つの揺動部材３１ａはバネ３１ｂの付勢力を受けて互いに均等な力で潤滑剤保持部材３ｄを押し、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに保持された固形潤滑剤３ｂを塗布ローラ３ａに押し当てる。よって、固形潤滑剤３ｂは、その長尺方向において塗布ローラ３ａへ均一に押し当てられる。その結果、塗布ローラ３ａの回転により摺擦されることで削り取られる潤滑剤の量は、長尺方向において均一となり、感光体１の表面に潤滑剤をムラなく塗布することができる。 In the initial stage of use, the swinging end portion of each swinging member 31a is swung in a direction approaching the inner peripheral surface 32 of the upper surface portion of the storage case 3e against the biasing force of the spring 31b. With such a configuration, the two oscillating members 31a receive the biasing force of the spring 31b and press the lubricant holding member 3d with equal force to each other, and apply the solid lubricant 3b held by the lubricant holding member 3d to the application roller. Press against 3a. Therefore, the solid lubricant 3b is uniformly pressed against the application roller 3a in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the amount of the lubricant scraped off by the rotation of the application roller 3a is uniform in the longitudinal direction, and the lubricant can be applied evenly on the surface of the photoreceptor 1.

図４は、使用末期（固形潤滑剤の残量がわずかなとき）における潤滑剤供給装置３の概略構成図である。
固形潤滑剤３ｂが塗布ローラ３ａによる摺擦で徐々に削られていくと、揺動部材３１ａが揺動して、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄが塗布ローラ側へと移動する。そして、最終的に図４に示すように固形潤滑剤量が僅かになると、揺動部材３１ａの揺動端部が潤滑剤保持部材３ｄと当接する。 FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the lubricant supply device 3 at the end of use (when the remaining amount of the solid lubricant is small).
When the solid lubricant 3b is gradually scraped by the rubbing by the application roller 3a, the swing member 31a swings and the lubricant holding member 3d moves toward the application roller. When the amount of the solid lubricant finally becomes small as shown in FIG. 4, the swing end of the swing member 31a comes into contact with the lubricant holding member 3d.

本実施形態の押し当て機構３ｃにおいては、経時使用によって固形潤滑剤３ｂの高さが減っても固形潤滑剤３ｂの加圧力の減少を抑制できる。よって、初期から経時にかけて感光体１の表面に供給される粉末潤滑剤量の変動を小さく抑えることができる。 In the pressing mechanism 3c of this embodiment, even if the height of the solid lubricant 3b is reduced due to use over time, a decrease in the applied pressure of the solid lubricant 3b can be suppressed. Therefore, fluctuations in the amount of the powder lubricant supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 from the initial stage over time can be suppressed to a small level.

このような結果が得られる理由は、次の通りである。
一般に、初期から固形潤滑剤３ｂが無くなるまでの間に変化するバネの伸び変化量に対し、バネ全体の長さを長くすれば長くするほど、バネの伸び変化量に対するバネの付勢力変動は小さくて済む。従来の押し当て機構は、バネを縮めた状態で配置し、その付勢力（押し出し力）の方向と塗布ローラ３ａに押し当てる固形潤滑剤３ｂの押し当て方向とを一致させている。この構成においては、バネ全体の長さを長くするほど、バネの付勢力方向と固形潤滑剤３ｂの塗布ローラ３ａへの押し当て方向とを一致させることが困難となることから、バネ全体の長さを長くするにも限界がある。加えて、従来の押し当て機構では、塗布ローラ３ａの径方向にバネの長さ分の配置スペースを確保しなければならず、装置の大型化につながる。これらの理由から、従来の押し当て機構においては、比較的短いバネを使用しなければならず、経時的なバネの付勢力変動が大きくなる。 The reason why such a result is obtained is as follows.
In general, as the length of the spring as a whole increases with respect to the amount of change in spring extension that changes from the beginning until the solid lubricant 3b disappears, the variation in the biasing force of the spring with respect to the amount of change in spring spring decreases. I'll do it. The conventional pressing mechanism is arranged in a state where the spring is contracted, and the direction of the urging force (pushing force) is made to coincide with the pressing direction of the solid lubricant 3b pressed against the application roller 3a. In this configuration, the longer the overall length of the spring, the more difficult it is to match the direction in which the spring is biased and the direction in which the solid lubricant 3b is pressed against the application roller 3a. There is a limit to lengthening the length. In addition, in the conventional pressing mechanism, an arrangement space for the length of the spring must be secured in the radial direction of the application roller 3a, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus. For these reasons, in the conventional pressing mechanism, a relatively short spring must be used, and the urging force fluctuation of the spring with time increases.

これに対し、本実施形態の押し当て機構３ｃにおいては、図３に示したように、バネ３１ｂを伸ばした状態で配置し、その付勢力（引っ張り力）で塗布ローラ３ａに対して固形潤滑剤３ｂを押圧できる。よって、バネ全体の長さを長くしても従来の押し当て機構のような問題は生じない。しかも、本実施形態の押し当て機構３ｃでは、バネ３１ｂの長さ方向が固形潤滑剤３ｂの長尺方向すなわち塗布ローラ３ａの軸方向に一致するようにバネ３１ｂが配置される。したがって、バネ３１ｂの長さを長くしても、塗布ローラ３ａの径方向に配置スペースが広がることはなく、装置を大型化する必要がない。そのため、本実施形態の押し当て機構３ｃは、従来の押し当て機構で使用していたバネの長さよりもずっと長いバネ３１ｂを採用できる。その結果、経時的なバネの付勢力変動を小さく抑えることができる。 On the other hand, in the pressing mechanism 3c of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the spring 31b is disposed in an extended state, and the solid lubricant is applied to the application roller 3a by its urging force (tensile force). 3b can be pressed. Therefore, even if the length of the entire spring is increased, the problem as in the conventional pressing mechanism does not occur. Moreover, in the pressing mechanism 3c of the present embodiment, the spring 31b is disposed so that the length direction of the spring 31b coincides with the long direction of the solid lubricant 3b, that is, the axial direction of the application roller 3a. Therefore, even if the length of the spring 31b is increased, the arrangement space does not increase in the radial direction of the application roller 3a, and the apparatus does not need to be enlarged. Therefore, the pressing mechanism 3c of this embodiment can employ a spring 31b that is much longer than the length of the spring used in the conventional pressing mechanism. As a result, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the biasing force of the spring over time.

図５は、変形例の押し当て機構を備えた潤滑剤供給装置を示す概略構成図である。
この変形例の押し当て機構３００ｃは、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに各揺動部材３０１ａを揺動自在に取り付けたものである。その結果、各揺動部材３０１ａは、バネ３０１ｂから潤滑剤保持部材３ｄの長手方向中心に向かう付勢力によって、各揺動部材３０１ａの揺動端部が、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄから離れる方向に付勢され、各揺動部材３０１ａの揺動端部が、収納ケース３ｅの上面部の内周面３２に当接する構成となっている。 FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a lubricant supply device including a pressing mechanism according to a modification.
The pressing mechanism 300c of this modification is one in which each swinging member 301a is swingably attached to the lubricant holding member 3d. As a result, each oscillating member 301a is applied in a direction in which the oscillating end of each oscillating member 301a is separated from the lubricant holding member 3d by the urging force from the spring 301b toward the longitudinal center of the lubricant holding member 3d. The swing end portion of each swing member 301a is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 32 of the upper surface portion of the storage case 3e.

図５に示すように、使用初期においては、各揺動部材３０１ａの揺動端部がバネ３０１ｂの付勢力に抗して潤滑剤保持部材３ｄへ近づく方向に揺動した状態で配置される。この変形例１においては、２つの揺動部材３０１ａはバネ３０１ｂの付勢力を受けて互いに均等な力でケース上面部の内周面３２を押し、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに保持された固形潤滑剤３ｂを塗布ローラ３ａへ押し当てる。この変形例においても、固形潤滑剤３ｂが塗布ローラ３ａによる摺擦で徐々に削られていくと、揺動部材３０１ａが揺動して、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄが塗布ローラ側へと移動する。そして、最終的に固形潤滑剤量が僅かになると、図６に示すような状態にまで、各揺動部材３０１ａが揺動する。 As shown in FIG. 5, in the initial stage of use, the swing end portion of each swing member 301a is disposed in a state of swinging in a direction approaching the lubricant holding member 3d against the biasing force of the spring 301b. In the first modification, the two swinging members 301a receive the urging force of the spring 301b and press the inner peripheral surface 32 of the upper surface portion of the case with equal force to each other, so that the solid lubricant held by the lubricant holding member 3d 3b is pressed against the coating roller 3a. Also in this modified example, when the solid lubricant 3b is gradually scraped by rubbing with the application roller 3a, the swing member 301a swings and the lubricant holding member 3d moves to the application roller side. Then, when the amount of the solid lubricant finally becomes small, each swing member 301a swings to a state as shown in FIG.

次に、本実施形態の特徴点である固形潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知する残量検知手段としての残量検知部４０について説明する。
図７は、従来の残量検知部の一例を示す斜視図である。
図７に示すように、従来の残量検知部は固形潤滑剤の高さ方向に直交するように配置された板状の第１電極部材２４２ａと、第１電極部材２４２ａに対向配置され、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄにより第１電極部材２４２ａ側へ押される片持ち支持された板状の第２電極部材２４２ｂとを備えている。潤滑剤保持部材３ｄには、第２電極部材２４２ｂを第１電極部材側へ押し当てる押し当て部３１ｄが設けられている。固形潤滑剤３ｂが消費され、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄが不図示の供給部材側へ移動し、固形潤滑剤３ｂがニアエンド近くとなると、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄの押し当て部３１ｄが、第２電極部材２４２ｂと当接する。さらに固形潤滑剤３ｂが削られていくと、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄの押し当て部３１ｄが、第２電極部材２４２ｂを第１電極部材２４２ａ側へ押す。これにより、第２電極部材２４２ｂが弾性変形し、第２電極部材２４２ｂの自由端が、第１電極部材側へと近づく。そして、固形潤滑剤３ｂがニアエンド状態となると、第２電極部材２４２ｂの自由端が第１電極部材２４２ａと当接し、電極部材間が導通し、ニアエンドが検知される。 Next, the remaining amount detection unit 40 as a remaining amount detection unit that detects the near end of the solid lubricant, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a conventional remaining amount detection unit.
As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional remaining amount detection unit is disposed opposite to the plate-like first electrode member 242a and the first electrode member 242a which are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the height direction of the solid lubricant. And a plate-like second electrode member 242b that is cantilevered and pushed toward the first electrode member 242a by the agent holding member 3d. The lubricant holding member 3d is provided with a pressing portion 31d that presses the second electrode member 242b toward the first electrode member. When the solid lubricant 3b is consumed, the lubricant holding member 3d moves toward the supply member (not shown), and the solid lubricant 3b comes close to the near end, the pressing portion 31d of the lubricant holding member 3d becomes the second electrode member. Abuts with 242b. As the solid lubricant 3b is further scraped, the pressing portion 31d of the lubricant holding member 3d pushes the second electrode member 242b toward the first electrode member 242a. Thereby, the 2nd electrode member 242b elastically deforms and the free end of the 2nd electrode member 242b approaches the 1st electrode member side. When the solid lubricant 3b is in the near-end state, the free end of the second electrode member 242b comes into contact with the first electrode member 242a, and the electrode members are brought into conduction, and the near end is detected.

しかしながら、画像形成装置のレイアウトにより、図２や図８に示すように、固形潤滑剤の高さ方向がほぼ鉛直方向に平行な場合、固形潤滑剤３ｂの高さ方向に対して直交するように配置された第１電極部材２４２ａや第２電極部材２４２ｂの上面に潤滑剤やトナーなどが堆積してしまう。図７に示した従来の残量検知部においては、第１電極部材２４２ａ、第２電極部材２４２ｂのいずれかの上面が、一方の電極部材と当接する当接面となり、その当接面に潤滑剤やトナーなどが堆積してしまう。当接面に潤滑剤やトナーなどが堆積すると、当接面に堆積した堆積物により電極部材間で接触不良が起こり、導通状態とならず潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知することができないおそれがあった。 However, depending on the layout of the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, when the height direction of the solid lubricant is substantially parallel to the vertical direction, it is perpendicular to the height direction of the solid lubricant 3b. Lubricant, toner, etc. will accumulate on the upper surface of the arranged first electrode member 242a and second electrode member 242b. In the conventional remaining amount detection unit shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface of either the first electrode member 242a or the second electrode member 242b serves as a contact surface that comes into contact with one electrode member, and the contact surface is lubricated. Agents and toners accumulate. If lubricant or toner accumulates on the contact surface, contact deposits may occur between the electrode members due to deposits deposited on the contact surface, and there is a possibility that the near end of the lubricant cannot be detected without conducting. .

そこで、本実施形態においては、少なくとも第２電極部材の第１電極部材との当接面および第１電極部材の第２電極部材との当接面を鉛直方向に対して平行にした。以下、図面を用いて具体的説明する。 Therefore, in this embodiment, at least the contact surface of the second electrode member with the first electrode member and the contact surface of the first electrode member with the second electrode member are made parallel to the vertical direction. Hereinafter, specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

図９は、本実施形態の潤滑剤供給装置３の長手方向一端側を示す概略構成図である。また、潤滑剤供給装置３の長手方向他端側は、一端側と同様な構成である。図１０は、本実施形態の潤滑剤供給装置の要部斜視図である。 FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one end side in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant supply device 3 of the present embodiment. Further, the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant supply device 3 has the same configuration as the one end side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of the lubricant supply device of the present embodiment.

図９に示すように、固形潤滑剤３ｂの長手方向両端付近には、残量検知手段としての残量検知部４０が設けられている。残量検知部４０は、収納ケース３ｅの側面に設けられている。残量検知部４０は、第１電極部材４２ａ、この第１電極部材４２ａに対向配置された第２電極部材４２ｂ、抵抗検知部４２ｃなどを有している。抵抗検知部４２ｃは、第１電極部材４２ａと第２電極部材４２ｂとに接続されており、第１電極部材４２ａと第２電極部材４２ｂとの間に電圧を印加して、電気抵抗を計測する。また、抵抗検知部４２ｃは、制御部１００に接続されている。第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂは、これらを覆うカバー部材４３に位置決め保持されている。 As shown in FIG. 9, a remaining amount detecting unit 40 as a remaining amount detecting means is provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the solid lubricant 3b. The remaining amount detection unit 40 is provided on the side surface of the storage case 3e. The remaining amount detection unit 40 includes a first electrode member 42a, a second electrode member 42b disposed to face the first electrode member 42a, a resistance detection unit 42c, and the like. The resistance detector 42c is connected to the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b, and measures the electrical resistance by applying a voltage between the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b. . In addition, the resistance detection unit 42 c is connected to the control unit 100. The first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b are positioned and held by a cover member 43 that covers them.

また、収納ケース３ｅの側面には、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄの移動方向（鉛直上下方向）に延びる開口部３１ｅが設けられている。この開口部３１ｅに潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに設けられた押し当て部３１ｄが貫通している。 Moreover, the opening part 31e extended in the moving direction (vertical up-down direction) of the lubricant holding member 3d is provided in the side surface of the storage case 3e. A pressing portion 31d provided in the lubricant holding member 3d passes through the opening 31e.

第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂは、板金などの導電性部材からなる板状形状である。第２電極部材４２ｂは、鉛直方向に延びており、収納ケース３ｅに設けられた開口部３１ｅの図中右側（固形潤滑剤長手方向中央側）に設けられている。第２電極部材４２ｂは、下端がカバー部材４３に固定されており、カバー部材４３により片持ち支持されている。また、第２電極部材４２ｂの略中央部が、図中左側に突出しており、開口部３１ｅから貫通する押し当て部３１ｄと対向している。 The first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b have a plate shape made of a conductive member such as a sheet metal. The second electrode member 42b extends in the vertical direction, and is provided on the right side (solid lubricant longitudinal direction center side) of the opening 31e provided in the storage case 3e. The second electrode member 42 b has a lower end fixed to the cover member 43 and is cantilevered by the cover member 43. In addition, a substantially central portion of the second electrode member 42b protrudes to the left in the figure, and faces the pressing portion 31d penetrating from the opening 31e.

第１電極部材４２ａは、第２電極部材４２ｂよりも図中右側（固形潤滑剤長手方向中央側）に設けられており、カバー部材４３に固定されている。 The first electrode member 42 a is provided on the right side (solid lubricant longitudinal direction center side) in the figure than the second electrode member 42 b, and is fixed to the cover member 43.

使用初期においては、図１１（ａ）に示すように、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに設けられた押し当て部３１ｄは、第２電極部材４２ｂから離間している。よって、このときは、第２電極部材４２ｂは第１電極部材４２ａから離間しており、抵抗検知部４２ｃにより、電極部材間に電圧を印加しても電極部材間に電流が流れず、電気抵抗値の測定が不能な状態である。 In the initial stage of use, as shown in FIG. 11A, the pressing portion 31d provided on the lubricant holding member 3d is separated from the second electrode member 42b. Therefore, at this time, the second electrode member 42b is separated from the first electrode member 42a, and even when a voltage is applied between the electrode members by the resistance detection unit 42c, no current flows between the electrode members, and the electric resistance The value cannot be measured.

固形潤滑剤３ｂが削られ潤滑剤が消費され固形潤滑剤の高さが低くなっていくと、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄが鉛直上方に移動し、鉛直上方に配置された塗布ローラ３ａ側へ近づいていく。そして、固形潤滑剤３ｂの高さが所定値となると、潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに設けられた押し当て部３１ｄが第２電極部材４２ｂに当接する。さらに固形潤滑剤３ｂが削られ、高さが低くなると、押し当て部３１ｄにより第２電極部材４２ｂが押される。すると、第２電極部材４２ｂの自由端である上端が第１電極部材４２ａ側へと撓む。そして、図１１（ｂ）に示すように、潤滑剤の量が残り僅か（ニアエンド）となると、第２電極部材４２ｂの上端が第１電極部材４２ａの上端部分に当接する。第２電極部材４２ｂが第１電極部材４２ａに当接すると、第２電極部材４２ｂと第１電極部材４２ａとが非導通状態から導通状態に切り替わる。これにより、抵抗検知部４２ｃにより第１電極部材４２ａと第２電極部材４２ｂとの間に電圧を印加すると、電極部材間に電流が流れる。その結果、抵抗検知部４２ｃで電気抵抗値が計測される。 When the solid lubricant 3b is scraped, the lubricant is consumed, and the height of the solid lubricant decreases, the lubricant holding member 3d moves vertically upward and approaches the application roller 3a disposed vertically upward. Go. When the height of the solid lubricant 3b reaches a predetermined value, the pressing portion 31d provided on the lubricant holding member 3d comes into contact with the second electrode member 42b. When the solid lubricant 3b is further shaved and the height is lowered, the second electrode member 42b is pressed by the pressing portion 31d. Then, the upper end, which is the free end of the second electrode member 42b, bends toward the first electrode member 42a. Then, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), when the amount of lubricant is small (near end), the upper end of the second electrode member 42b comes into contact with the upper end portion of the first electrode member 42a. When the second electrode member 42b comes into contact with the first electrode member 42a, the second electrode member 42b and the first electrode member 42a are switched from the non-conductive state to the conductive state. Thereby, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b by the resistance detector 42c, a current flows between the electrode members. As a result, the electrical resistance value is measured by the resistance detection unit 42c.

制御部１００は、抵抗検知部４２ｃの測定結果を監視しており、抵抗検知部４２ｃが検知した電気抵抗値が所定値以下であることを検知したら、制御部１００は、潤滑剤のニアエンドと判定する。そして、不図示の操作表示部に潤滑剤が残り少なくなくなった旨を報知し、ユーザーに固形潤滑剤の交換を促す。また、不図示の通信手段を用いて、サービスセンターに潤滑剤の交換が必要な旨を通知してもよい。 The control unit 100 monitors the measurement result of the resistance detection unit 42c. If the control unit 100 detects that the electrical resistance value detected by the resistance detection unit 42c is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 determines that the lubricant is near-end. To do. Then, an operation display unit (not shown) notifies the user that the remaining lubricant is low, and prompts the user to replace the solid lubricant. In addition, the service center may be notified that the lubricant needs to be replaced using a communication means (not shown).

潤滑剤の感光体１への塗布量は一定ではなく、感光体表面に形成された画像面積率などにより異なる。具体的に説明すると、潤滑剤が塗布された感光体表面に形成されたトナー像は、一次転写部で中間転写ベルト５６に転写されるが、このとき、感光体表面の潤滑剤が、トナーとともに中間転写ベルトに移る場合がある。このため、高画像面積率の画像の方が、低画像面積率の画像に比べて、感光体表面の潤滑剤量が少なくなる。その結果、高画像面積率の画像の方が、感光体表面に供給される潤滑剤量が多くなるのである。このため、文字などの低画像面積率の画像を頻繁に出力するユーザーと、写真などの高画像面積率の画像を頻繁に出力するユーザーとで潤滑剤の減り具合が異なる。よって、本実施形態とは異なり、塗布ローラ３ａの走行距離などの動作期間のみでニアエンドを判定する場合、すべての使用条件下で精度よくニアエンドを検知することができない。具体的に説明すると、潤滑剤の消費が多い使用条件のときにおける潤滑剤がニアエンドとなる塗布ローラ３ａの走行距離を、ニアエンドの判定に用いた場合、潤滑剤の消費量が少ない使用条件で使用しているユーザーにおいては、固形潤滑剤が使いきれてない状態での潤滑剤の交換となってしまう。これとは逆に、潤滑剤の消費量が少ない使用条件のときにおける潤滑剤がニアエンドとなる塗布ローラ３ａの走行距離を、ニアエンドの判定に用いた場合、潤滑剤の消費が多い使用条件のときにニアエンドが検知される前に潤滑剤が枯渇するおそれがある。 The amount of lubricant applied to the photoconductor 1 is not constant and varies depending on the image area ratio formed on the surface of the photoconductor. More specifically, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member coated with the lubricant is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 56 at the primary transfer portion. At this time, the lubricant on the surface of the photosensitive member is combined with the toner. It may move to the intermediate transfer belt. For this reason, the amount of lubricant on the surface of the photoreceptor is smaller in the image with the high image area ratio than in the image with the low image area ratio. As a result, the amount of lubricant supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor increases in the image with a high image area ratio. For this reason, the degree of lubricant reduction differs between a user who frequently outputs an image with a low image area ratio such as characters and a user who frequently outputs an image with a high image area ratio such as a photograph. Therefore, unlike this embodiment, when the near end is determined only in the operation period such as the travel distance of the application roller 3a, the near end cannot be detected with high accuracy under all use conditions. More specifically, when the travel distance of the application roller 3a where the lubricant is near-end when the lubricant is consumed is used for the near-end determination, the lubricant is consumed under a usage condition where the lubricant consumption is small. For the user who is doing this, the lubricant must be replaced when the solid lubricant is not used up. On the other hand, when the travel distance of the application roller 3a where the lubricant is near-end when the consumption amount of the lubricant is low is used for the near-end determination, the lubricant consumption is high. The lubricant may run out before the near end is detected.

一方、本実施形態のように、残量検知部４０により固形潤滑剤の高さに基づいて潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知することで、塗布ローラ３ａの走行距離に基づいてニアエンドを検知する場合に比べて使用条件にかかわらず、精度よくニアエンドを検知することができる。 On the other hand, as in this embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit 40 detects the near end of the lubricant based on the height of the solid lubricant, so that the near end is detected based on the travel distance of the application roller 3a. The near end can be detected accurately regardless of the usage conditions.

また、本実施形態においては、第２電極部材４２ｂ、第１電極部材を鉛直方向に配置して、第２電極部材４２ｂの第１電極部材４２ａの当接面や、第１電極部材４２ａの第２電極部材４２ｂとの当接面が、鉛直方向と平行となっている。これにより、各電極部材４２ａ，４２ｂの当接面に潤滑剤やトナーなどが堆積するのを防止することができる。これにより、各電極部材の当接面に堆積した堆積物により電極部材間に導通不良が生じるのを抑制することができ、精度よく潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知することができる。 In the present embodiment, the second electrode member 42b and the first electrode member are arranged in the vertical direction, and the contact surface of the first electrode member 42a of the second electrode member 42b or the first electrode member 42a The contact surface with the two-electrode member 42b is parallel to the vertical direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the lubricant, toner, and the like from being deposited on the contact surfaces of the electrode members 42a and 42b. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of poor conduction between the electrode members due to the deposits deposited on the contact surfaces of the electrode members, and the near end of the lubricant can be detected with high accuracy.

また、本実施形態においては、潤滑剤がニアエンドになるまで第１電極部材４２ａと第２電極部材４２ｂとが非通電状態となっており、電極部材間に電圧を印加しても電流が流れない。これにより、ニアエンド検知の度に電力が消費されることがないので、電力消費の低減を図ることができる。また、板金などの比較的安価な材料で構成される電極部材４２ａ，４２ｂで、潤滑剤の残量検知を行うことができ装置を安価にすることができる。 In the present embodiment, the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b are in a non-energized state until the lubricant becomes near-end, and no current flows even when a voltage is applied between the electrode members. . Thereby, since power is not consumed every time near-end is detected, power consumption can be reduced. Further, the remaining amount of the lubricant can be detected by the electrode members 42a and 42b made of a relatively inexpensive material such as a sheet metal, and the apparatus can be made inexpensive.

また、本実施形態においては、残量検知部４０を収納ケース３ｅの外に設けたので、飛散した潤滑剤粉が第１電極部材４２ａや第２電極部材４２ｂに付着するのを抑制することができる。 In the present embodiment, since the remaining amount detection unit 40 is provided outside the storage case 3e, it is possible to suppress the scattered lubricant powder from adhering to the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b. it can.

また、本実施形態においては、カバー部材４３で開口部３１ｅおよび第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂを覆っている。これにより、開口部３１ｅから潤滑剤供給装置３外へ潤滑剤粉が飛散するのを抑制することができ、装置が汚れるのを抑制することができる。また、飛散トナーなどが、第１電極部材４２ａや第２電極部材４２ｂに付着するのを抑制することができ、電極部材間に導通不良が生じるのを抑制することができる。 In the present embodiment, the cover member 43 covers the opening 31e, the first electrode member 42a, and the second electrode member 42b. Thereby, it can suppress that lubricant powder disperses out of the lubricant supply apparatus 3 from the opening part 31e, and can suppress that an apparatus becomes dirty. Moreover, scattering toner or the like can be prevented from adhering to the first electrode member 42a or the second electrode member 42b, and the occurrence of poor conduction between the electrode members can be suppressed.

また、本実施形態においては、カバー部材４３に第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂを位置決め保持している。このように、同一の部材に第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂを位置決め保持することで、部品公差を最小限に抑えることができる。これにより、第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂの位置関係を精度よく出すことができる。よって、固形潤滑剤３ｂがニアエンド状態のときに、確実に第２電極部材４２ｂを第１電極部材４２ａに当接させることができ、精度よく潤滑剤のニアエンド状態を検知することができる。また、カバー部材４３を収納ケース３ｅから取り外すだけで、残量検知部４０を、潤滑剤供給装置３から取り外すことができ、残量検知部４０の交換作業を容易に行うことができる。 In the present embodiment, the first electrode member 42 a and the second electrode member 42 b are positioned and held on the cover member 43. Thus, by positioning and holding the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b on the same member, component tolerance can be minimized. Thereby, the positional relationship between the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b can be accurately obtained. Therefore, when the solid lubricant 3b is in the near-end state, the second electrode member 42b can be reliably brought into contact with the first electrode member 42a, and the near-end state of the lubricant can be detected with high accuracy. Moreover, the remaining amount detection part 40 can be removed from the lubricant supply apparatus 3 only by removing the cover member 43 from the storage case 3e, and the replacement work of the remaining amount detection part 40 can be performed easily.

また、本実施形態においては、固形潤滑剤３ｂ長手方向両端部付近にそれぞれ、残量検知手段としての残量検知部４０を設けている。よって、固形潤滑剤３ｂが長手方向で潤滑剤の消費量が異なった場合においても、潤滑剤の消費量が多い側の端部がニアエンドとなった時点で、潤滑剤の消費量が多い側の端部側に配置された残量検知部４０がニアエンドを検知することができる。これにより、消費量が多い方の側の潤滑剤が枯渇して、感光体を保護できず、感光体表面が傷ついてしまうなどの不具合が発生するのを防止することができる。 Moreover, in this embodiment, the residual amount detection part 40 as a residual amount detection means is provided in the solid lubricant 3b vicinity of the longitudinal direction both ends, respectively. Therefore, even when the solid lubricant 3b has a different amount of lubricant in the longitudinal direction, when the end portion on the side with a large amount of lubricant consumption becomes near-end, The remaining amount detection unit 40 arranged on the end side can detect the near end. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as exhaustion of the lubricant on the side where the amount of consumption is greater, protection of the photoreceptor, and damage to the surface of the photoreceptor.

図１２に示すように、各残量検知部４０で共通の抵抗検知部４２ｃを設けてもよいし、図１３に示すように各残量検知部４０それぞれ抵抗検知部４２ｃを設けてもよい。図１３に示すように、各残量検知部４０それぞれ抵抗検知部４２ｃを設けた場合、固形潤滑剤長手方向でどちらの端部側がニアエンドになったかも検知することができる。 As shown in FIG. 12, each of the remaining amount detection units 40 may be provided with a common resistance detection unit 42c, or as shown in FIG. 13, each of the remaining amount detection units 40 may be provided with a resistance detection unit 42c. As shown in FIG. 13, when each of the remaining amount detection units 40 is provided with a resistance detection unit 42c, it can be detected which end side is near-end in the solid lubricant longitudinal direction.

次に、本実施形態の変形例について説明する。 Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

［変形例１］
図１４は、変形例１の潤滑剤供給装置３の長手方向一端側を示す概略構成図である。
この図１４に示す変形例１は、回転部材としての検知用回転部材４１を設けたものである。検知用回転部材４１は、カバー部材４３の回転軸４３ｃに揺動自在に支持されている。検知用回転部材４１の図中左側（固形潤滑剤長手方向端部側）端部は、押し当て部３１ｄと対向している。検知用回転部材４１の図中右側（固形潤滑剤長手方向中央側）端部は、第２電極部材４２ｂと当接している。 [Modification 1]
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating one end side in the longitudinal direction of the lubricant supply device 3 of the first modification.
The first modification shown in FIG. 14 is provided with a detection rotating member 41 as a rotating member. The detection rotating member 41 is swingably supported on the rotating shaft 43 c of the cover member 43. The left end (solid lubricant longitudinal direction end portion side) end portion of the detection rotating member 41 faces the pressing portion 31d. The right end (solid lubricant longitudinal direction center side) end of the rotation member 41 for detection is in contact with the second electrode member 42b.

また、カバー部材４３には、カバー部材４３で覆われた空間を、開口部３１ｅが配置された空間と、第１電極部材４２ａおよび第２電極部材４２ｂとが配置された空間とに仕切る仕切り壁４３ｂが設けられている。 Further, the cover member 43 is a partition wall that partitions the space covered by the cover member 43 into a space in which the opening 31e is disposed and a space in which the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b are disposed. 43b is provided.

この変形例２においては、固形潤滑剤３ｂが削られ潤滑剤が消費され固形潤滑剤の高さが低くなり、押し当て部３１ｄが鉛直上方へ移動すると、押し当て部３１ｄが検知用回転部材４１に当接する。さらに固形潤滑剤３ｂが削られ、高さが低くなると、押し当て部３１ｄにより検知用回転部材４１の図中左側端部が鉛直上方へ押される。すると、検知用回転部材４１が図中時計回りに揺動して、検知用回転部材４１の図中右側端部が、第２電極部材４２ｂを第１電極部材４２ａ側へ押し込む。そして、潤滑剤ニアエンドとなると、第２電極部材４２ｂの自由端である上端が第１電極部材４２ａと当接し、ニアエンドが検知される。 In the second modification, when the solid lubricant 3b is scraped, the lubricant is consumed and the height of the solid lubricant decreases, and the pressing portion 31d moves vertically upward, the pressing portion 31d is detected by the rotation member 41 for detection. Abut. When the solid lubricant 3b is further shaved and the height is lowered, the left end portion of the rotation member for detection 41 in the figure is pushed vertically upward by the pressing portion 31d. Then, the detection rotating member 41 swings clockwise in the drawing, and the right end portion of the detection rotating member 41 in the drawing pushes the second electrode member 42b toward the first electrode member 42a. When the lubricant near end is reached, the upper end, which is the free end of the second electrode member 42b, comes into contact with the first electrode member 42a, and the near end is detected.

この変形例１においては、第１電極部材４２ａ、第２電極部材４２ｂを、開口部３１ｅから離れた位置に設けることができる。これにより、開口部３１ｅから進入した潤滑剤粉が、電極部材に付着するのを抑制することができる。これにより、各電極部材に付着した潤滑剤により電極部材間に導通不良が生じるのを抑制することができ、精度よく潤滑剤のニアエンドを検知することができる。 In the first modification, the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b can be provided at a position away from the opening 31e. Thereby, it can suppress that the lubricant powder which approached from the opening part 31e adheres to an electrode member. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of poor conduction between the electrode members due to the lubricant adhering to each electrode member, and the near end of the lubricant can be detected with high accuracy.

また、この変形例１においては、仕切り壁４３ｂにより、カバー部材４３で覆われた空間を、開口部３１ｅが設けられた空間と、各電極部材が設けられた空間とに仕切っている。これにより、開口部３１ｅから進入してきた潤滑剤粉が、第１電極部材４２ａ，第２電極部材４２ｂに付着するのをより一層抑制することができる。また、カバー部材４３と仕切り壁４３ｂとを樹脂で一体成形するのが好ましい。これにより、カバー部材４３と仕切り壁４３ｂとを別部材で構成した場合に比べて、部品点数を削減でき、装置を安価にすることができる。また、収納ケース３ｅに仕切り壁４３ｂを設けてもよい。この場合も、収納ケース３ｅと仕切り壁４３ｂとを樹脂で一体成形することで、部品点数を削減でき、装置を安価にすることができる。また、カバー部材４３、収納ケース３ｅそれぞれに仕切り壁を設けて、組み合わせることで、カバー部材４３で覆われた空間を、開口部３１ｅが設けられた空間と、各電極部材が設けられた空間とに仕切ってもよい。 In the first modification, the partition wall 43b partitions the space covered by the cover member 43 into a space in which the opening 31e is provided and a space in which each electrode member is provided. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the lubricant powder entering from the opening 31e from adhering to the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b. Moreover, it is preferable to integrally mold the cover member 43 and the partition wall 43b with resin. Thereby, compared with the case where the cover member 43 and the partition wall 43b are comprised by another member, a number of parts can be reduced and an apparatus can be made cheap. Moreover, you may provide the partition wall 43b in the storage case 3e. Also in this case, by integrally molding the storage case 3e and the partition wall 43b with resin, the number of parts can be reduced and the apparatus can be made inexpensive. In addition, a partition wall is provided in each of the cover member 43 and the storage case 3e and combined to form a space covered with the cover member 43, a space in which the opening 31e is provided, and a space in which each electrode member is provided. You may partition into.

上述では、感光体表面に潤滑剤を供給する潤滑剤供給装置に本発明を適用したが、中間転写ベルト５６に潤滑剤を供給する潤滑剤供給装置に本発明を適用してもよい。 In the above description, the present invention is applied to a lubricant supply device that supplies a lubricant to the surface of the photoreceptor. However, the present invention may be applied to a lubricant supply device that supplies a lubricant to the intermediate transfer belt 56.

以上に説明したものは一例であり、本発明は、次の（１）〜（９）態様毎に特有の効果を奏する。
（１）
固形潤滑剤３ｂと、上記固形潤滑剤３ｂの潤滑剤を感光体１などの潤滑剤供給対象に供給する塗布ローラ３ａなどの供給部材と、第１電極部材４２ａおよび上記第１電極部材４２ａと対向する第２電極部材４２ｂを備え、上記第１電極部材４２ａと上記第２電極部材４２ｂとの導通を検知することで、上記固形潤滑剤３ｂの残量が所定量以下であることを検知する残量検知部４０などの残量検知手段と、を備えた潤滑剤供給装置３において、少なくとも上記第１電極部材の上記第２電極部材との当接面および上記第２電極部材の上記第１電極部材との当接面を、鉛直方向に対して平行にした。
かかる構成とすることで、実施形態で説明したように、各電極部材の当接面に潤滑剤などが堆積するのを防止することができ、良好にニアエンドを検知することができる。 What has been described above is merely an example, and the present invention has a specific effect for each of the following aspects (1) to (9).
(1)
A solid lubricant 3b, a supply member such as a coating roller 3a for supplying the lubricant of the solid lubricant 3b to a lubricant supply target such as the photoreceptor 1, and the first electrode member 42a and the first electrode member 42a are opposed to each other. A second electrode member 42b for detecting the remaining amount of the solid lubricant 3b below a predetermined amount by detecting the conduction between the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b. In the lubricant supply device 3 including a remaining amount detection means such as a quantity detection unit 40, at least the contact surface of the first electrode member with the second electrode member and the first electrode of the second electrode member The contact surface with the member was parallel to the vertical direction.
By adopting such a configuration, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the lubricant and the like from being deposited on the contact surfaces of the electrode members, and it is possible to detect the near end satisfactorily.

（２）
また、上記（１）に記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置３において、固形潤滑剤３ｂを収納する収納ケース３ｅを備え、残量検知部４０などの残量検知手段を収納ケース３ｅの外に設けた。
かかる構成を備えることで、実施形態で説明したように、第１電極部材４２ａなどの第１電極部材や第２電極部材４２ｂなどの第２電極部材に潤滑剤が付着するのを抑制することができる。 (2)
Further, the lubricant supply device 3 according to the aspect described in (1) above includes a storage case 3e that stores the solid lubricant 3b, and a remaining amount detection unit such as a remaining amount detection unit 40 is provided outside the storage case 3e. It was.
By providing such a configuration, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the lubricant to the first electrode member such as the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member such as the second electrode member 42b. it can.

（３）
また、上記（２）に記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置３において、上記収納ケース３ｅには、上記固形潤滑剤３ｂの消費に伴い移動して第２電極部材を直接または間接的に押す押し部材（本実施形態では潤滑剤保持部材３ｄ）が貫通する開口部３１ｅが設けられており、上記残量検知手段と上記開口部３１ｅとを覆うカバー部材を設けた。
かかる構成を備えることで、実施形態で説明したように、開口部３１ｅから飛散した潤滑剤で装置が汚れるのを防止することができる。また、第１電極部材４２ａや第２電極部材４２ｂに飛散トナーが付着するのを防止することができる。 (3)
Further, in the lubricant supply device 3 according to the aspect described in (2) above, the storage case 3e moves in accordance with the consumption of the solid lubricant 3b and directly or indirectly pushes the second electrode member. An opening 31e through which (the lubricant holding member 3d in this embodiment) passes is provided, and a cover member that covers the remaining amount detecting means and the opening 31e is provided.
By providing such a configuration, as described in the embodiment, the apparatus can be prevented from being contaminated by the lubricant scattered from the opening 31e. Further, scattered toner can be prevented from adhering to the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b.

（４）
また、上記（３）に記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置３において、上記カバー部材４３に残量検知部４０などの残量検知手段を保持した。
かかる構成を備えることで、実施形態で説明したように、残量検知部４０などの残量検知手段の交換を容易に行うことができる。 (4)
Further, in the lubricant supply device 3 according to the aspect described in (3) above, the cover member 43 holds the remaining amount detection means such as the remaining amount detection unit 40.
By providing such a configuration, as described in the embodiment, replacement of the remaining amount detecting means such as the remaining amount detecting unit 40 can be easily performed.

（５）
また、上記（３）または（４）に記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置３において、上記潤滑剤保持部材３ｄに押されて揺動し、上記第２電極部材４２ｂを上記第１電極部材４２ａ側へ押す検知用回転部材４１などの回転部材を設けた。
かかる構成を備えることで、変形例１で説明したように、第１電極部材４２ａ、第２電極部材４２ｂを、開口部３１ｅから離れた位置に配置することができる。これにより、第１電極部材４２ａ、第２電極部材４２ｂに潤滑剤が付着するのを抑制することができる。 (5)
Further, in the lubricant supply device 3 according to the aspect described in (3) or (4), the lubricant holding member 3d is pushed and swings, and the second electrode member 42b is moved to the first electrode member 42a side. Rotating members such as a detecting rotating member 41 for pushing to the top are provided.
By providing such a configuration, as described in the first modification, the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b can be arranged at positions away from the opening 31e. Thereby, it can suppress that a lubricant adheres to the 1st electrode member 42a and the 2nd electrode member 42b.

（６）
また、上記（５）に記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置３において、上記残量検知手段と上記開口部３１ｅと仕切る仕切り壁４３ｂなどの仕切り手段を設けた。
かかる構成を備えることで、変形例２で説明したように開口部３１ｅからカバー部材４３内へ進入した潤滑剤粉が、第１電極部材４２ａ、第２電極部材４２ｂに付着するのを抑制することができる。 (6)
Further, in the lubricant supply device 3 according to the aspect described in (5) above, partition means such as a partition wall 43b for partitioning the remaining amount detection means and the opening 31e are provided.
By providing such a configuration, as described in the second modification, the lubricant powder that has entered the cover member 43 from the opening 31e is prevented from adhering to the first electrode member 42a and the second electrode member 42b. Can do.

（７）
また、上記（１）乃至（６）いずれかに記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置３において、残量検知部４０などの残量検知手段を、固形潤滑剤長手方向両端部近傍に設けた。
かかる構成を備えることで、実施形態で説明したように、固形潤滑剤３ｂが長手方向で潤滑剤の消費量が異なった場合でも、消費量が多い方の側の端部の潤滑剤量がニアエンドとなった状態を検知することができる。これにより、固形潤滑剤の一方側端部の潤滑剤が枯渇して、感光体表面を傷つけてしまうなどの不具合が発生するのを防止することができる。 (7)
In the lubricant supply device 3 according to any of the above aspects (1) to (6), the remaining amount detecting means such as the remaining amount detecting unit 40 is provided in the vicinity of both ends of the solid lubricant in the longitudinal direction.
By providing such a configuration, as described in the embodiment, even when the solid lubricant 3b has a different amount of lubricant in the longitudinal direction, the amount of lubricant at the end on the side where the amount of consumption is larger is near-end. It is possible to detect the state of becoming. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as exhaustion of the lubricant at one end of the solid lubricant and damage to the photoreceptor surface.

（８）
また、感光体１などの像担持体と、像担持体の表面に潤滑剤を供給する潤滑剤供給手段とを有し、像担持体上の画像を記録材上に転移させて該記録材上に画像を形成する画像形成装置において、潤滑剤供給手段として、上記（１）乃至（７）いずれかに記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置を用いた。
かかる構成を備えることで、潤滑剤のニアエンドを良好に検知することができ、潤滑剤が枯渇した状態で画像形成動作が行われるのを抑制することができる。これにより、感光体の劣化を経時に亘り抑制することができる。 (8)
In addition, the image bearing member such as the photosensitive member 1 and a lubricant supply unit that supplies a lubricant to the surface of the image bearing member are provided, and an image on the image bearing member is transferred onto the recording material to thereby transfer the image on the recording material. In the image forming apparatus for forming an image, the lubricant supply device according to any one of the above (1) to (7) is used as the lubricant supply means.
With this configuration, the near end of the lubricant can be detected well, and the image forming operation can be suppressed from being performed when the lubricant is exhausted. Thereby, deterioration of the photoreceptor can be suppressed over time.

（９）
また、感光体１などの像担持体と、像担持体の表面に潤滑剤を供給する潤滑剤供給手段とを有し、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱可能に構成されたプロセスカートリッジにおいて、潤滑剤供給手段として、上記（１）乃至（７）いずれかに記載の態様の潤滑剤供給装置を用いた。
かかる構成を備えることで、潤滑剤のニアエンドを良好に検知することができ、潤滑剤が枯渇した状態で画像形成動作が行われるのを抑制することができる。これにより、感光体の劣化を経時に亘り抑制することができるプロセスカートリッジを提供することができる。 (9)
Further, in a process cartridge having an image carrier such as the photosensitive member 1 and a lubricant supply means for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier and configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, lubrication As the agent supply means, the lubricant supply device according to any one of the above (1) to (7) was used.
With this configuration, the near end of the lubricant can be detected well, and the image forming operation can be suppressed from being performed when the lubricant is exhausted. Thereby, it is possible to provide a process cartridge capable of suppressing deterioration of the photoreceptor over time.

１：感光体
３：潤滑剤供給装置
３ａ：塗布ローラ
３ｂ：固形潤滑剤
３ｃ：押し当て機構
３ｄ：潤滑剤保持部材
３ｅ：収納ケース
３１ｅ：開口部
３１ａ：揺動部材
３１ｄ：押し当て部
３１ｅ：開口部
４０：残量検知部
４１：検知用回転部材
４２ａ：第１電極部材
４２ｂ：第２電極部材
４２ｃ：抵抗検知部
４３：カバー部材
４３ｂ：仕切り壁
４３ｃ：回転軸
５６：中間転写ベルト
１００：制御部 1: Photoconductor 3: Lubricant supply device 3a: Application roller 3b: Solid lubricant 3c: Pushing mechanism 3d: Lubricant holding member 3e: Storage case 31e: Opening 31a: Swing member 31d: Pushing part 31e: Opening 40: Remaining amount detection unit 41: Detection rotating member 42a: First electrode member 42b: Second electrode member 42c: Resistance detection unit 43: Cover member 43b: Partition wall 43c: Rotating shaft 56: Intermediate transfer belt 100: Control unit

特開平８−３１４３４６号公報JP-A-8-314346

Claims

Solid lubricant,
A supply member for supplying the lubricant of the solid lubricant to a lubricant supply target;
A first electrode member and a second electrode member opposed to the first electrode member, and detecting the continuity between the first electrode member and the second electrode member so that the remaining amount of the solid lubricant is In a lubricant supply device comprising a remaining amount detecting means for detecting that the amount is below a fixed amount,
Lubrication characterized in that at least the contact surface of the first electrode member with the second electrode member and the contact surface of the second electrode member with the first electrode member are parallel to the vertical direction. Agent supply device.

The lubricant supply device according to claim 1, wherein
A storage case for storing the solid lubricant;
A lubricant supply device, wherein the remaining amount detecting means is provided outside a storage case.

The lubricant supply device according to claim 2, wherein
The storage case is provided with an opening through which a pushing member that moves as the solid lubricant is consumed and pushes the second electrode member directly or indirectly,
A lubricant supply device comprising a cover member that covers the remaining amount detecting means and the opening.

The lubricant supply device according to claim 3, wherein
A lubricant supply device, wherein the remaining amount detecting means is held on the cover member.

The lubricant supply device according to claim 3 or 4,
A lubricant supply device, comprising: a rotating member that is pushed by the pressing member and rotates to push the second electrode member toward the first electrode member.

The lubricant supply device according to claim 5, wherein
A lubricant supply device comprising partition means for partitioning the remaining amount detection means and the opening.

The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The lubricant supply device, wherein the remaining amount detecting means is provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the solid lubricant.

An image carrier and a lubricant supply means for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, and transferring an image on the image carrier onto a recording material to form an image on the recording material In the image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus using the lubricant supply device according to claim 1 as the lubricant supply means.

In a process cartridge that includes an image carrier and a lubricant supply unit that supplies a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, and is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.
A process cartridge comprising the lubricant supply device according to claim 1 as the lubricant supply means.