JP2022092334A

JP2022092334A - Static elimination device, sheet conveyance device and image formation apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2022092334A
Application number: JP2020205096A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 広介浪崎; Kosuke Namizaki
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2020-12-10
Filing date: 2020-12-10
Publication date: 2022-06-22

Abstract

To provide a static elimination device, a sheet conveyance device and an image formation apparatus which can reduce a manufacturing cost by simplifying a structure.SOLUTION: A fixation unit (sheet conveyance device) constituting an image formation apparatus comprises a heat roller (sheet conveyance rotor) and a static elimination device 74. The static elimination device comprises: a conveyance guide member 82; a static elimination member 84; a frame body 86; and a conductive member 88. The static elimination member includes a first terminal part 104. The conductive member includes a second terminal part 114 and is arranged between the conveyance guide member and the frame body. A first protrusion part 124a is provided at a position corresponding to the second terminal part of the frame body. The first terminal part is arranged at a position corresponding to the second terminal part of the conveyance guide member. A second protrusion part 98 is provided at a position corresponding to a terminal support part 116 of the conveyance guide member. The second terminal part is elastically deformed by being in contact with the first protrusion part and becomes electrically continuous by being in contact with the first terminal part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

この発明は除電装置、用紙搬送装置および画像形成装置に関し、特にたとえば、導電性の枠体に対して除電部材を電気的に接続する導電部材を備える、除電装置、用紙搬送装置および画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a static eliminator, a paper transport device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a static eliminating device, a paper transport device and an image forming apparatus including a conductive member for electrically connecting the static elimination member to a conductive frame. ..

従来の画像形成装置の一例が特許文献１に開示されている。特許文献１の画像形成装置は、定着ローラと、定着ローラを通過した用紙を除電する除電部材と、除電部材を保持する保持部材と、所定電位に保持される接点板金と、除電部材と接点板金とを電気的に接続する導電性のコイルバネと、これらを収容するハウジングとを備える。 An example of a conventional image forming apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a fixing roller, a static elimination member that removes static electricity from paper that has passed through the fixing roller, a holding member that holds the static elimination member, a contact sheet metal that is held at a predetermined potential, and a static elimination member and a contact sheet metal. It is provided with a conductive coil spring for electrically connecting the above and a housing for accommodating them.

ハウジングは、挿入穴を有し、保持部材は、挿入穴に挿入される中空の位置決めボスを有する。接点板金は、ハウジングにおける挿入穴よりも挿入方向の奥側の部分に、位置決めボスの先端と対向して設けられる。コイルバネは、位置決めボスの内部に収容され、コイルバネの一方端部は、位置決めボスの先端から接点板金側へ突出され、コイルバネの他方端部は、折り曲げられて除電部材に電気的に接続される。位置決めボスを挿入穴に挿入すると、コイルバネの一方端部が接点板金に接触し、除電部材と接点板金とが電気的に接続される。 The housing has an insertion hole and the holding member has a hollow positioning boss that is inserted into the insertion hole. The contact sheet metal is provided in a portion of the housing on the inner side in the insertion direction from the insertion hole, facing the tip of the positioning boss. The coil spring is housed inside the positioning boss, one end of the coil spring protrudes from the tip of the positioning boss toward the contact sheet metal side, and the other end of the coil spring is bent and electrically connected to the static elimination member. When the positioning boss is inserted into the insertion hole, one end of the coil spring comes into contact with the contact sheet metal, and the static elimination member and the contact sheet metal are electrically connected.

特開２０１７－２０７７１４号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-207714

しかしながら、特許文献１の画像形成装置では、除電部材と接点板金とを電気的に接続するために、除電部材、接点板金、挿入穴、位置決めボスおよびコイルバネなどの部品または部分が複雑に組み合わされるため、製造コストが高くなるという問題があった。 However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, parts or parts such as a static elimination member, a contact sheet metal, an insertion hole, a positioning boss, and a coil spring are complicatedly combined in order to electrically connect the static elimination member and the contact sheet metal. There was a problem that the manufacturing cost was high.

それゆえに、この発明の主たる目的は、新規な、除電装置、用紙搬送装置および画像形成装置を提供することである。 Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide new static elimination devices, paper transfer devices and image forming devices.

この発明の他の目的は、製造コストを低く抑えることができる、除電装置、用紙搬送装置および画像形成装置を提供することである。 Another object of the present invention is to provide a static elimination device, a paper transport device, and an image forming device, which can keep the manufacturing cost low.

第１の発明は、用紙を案内する非導電性の搬送ガイド部材、搬送ガイド部材にそれぞれ設けられる、用紙と接触する除電部および除電部と導通する導電性の第１端子部を有する除電部材、搬送ガイド部材を支持し接地電位に保持される導電性の枠体、および弾性変形可能に構成された第２端子部と、第２端子部を支持する端子支持部とを有し、搬送ガイド部材と枠体との間に配置される板状の導電部材、を備え、枠体の第２端子部と対応する位置には、第２端子部に向かって突出する第１突起部が設けられ、搬送ガイド部材の第２端子部と対応する位置には、第１端子部が配置され、搬送ガイド部材の端子支持部と対応する位置には、枠体に向かって突出し、端子支持部に押し当てられることによって搬送ガイド部材と枠体との間に空間を構成する第２突起部が設けられ、締結部材によって搬送ガイド部材と枠体と導電部材とが締結された状態において、第２端子部は、第１突起部と当接することで弾性変形し、第１端子部と接触して導通する、除電装置である。 The first invention is a non-conductive transfer guide member for guiding paper, a static elimination member provided on each of the transfer guide members, and a static elimination member having a static elimination portion that comes into contact with the paper and a conductive first terminal portion that conducts with the static elimination portion. The transport guide member has a conductive frame that supports the transport guide member and is held at the ground potential, a second terminal portion that is elastically deformable, and a terminal support portion that supports the second terminal portion. A plate-shaped conductive member arranged between the frame and the frame is provided, and a first protrusion projecting toward the second terminal is provided at a position corresponding to the second terminal of the frame. The first terminal portion is arranged at the position corresponding to the second terminal portion of the transport guide member, and at the position corresponding to the terminal support portion of the transport guide member, it protrudes toward the frame and is pressed against the terminal support portion. A second projection portion forming a space is provided between the transport guide member and the frame body, and the second terminal portion is in a state where the transport guide member, the frame body, and the conductive member are fastened by the fastening member. , It is a static elimination device that elastically deforms when it comes into contact with the first protrusion and conducts contact with the first terminal.

第１の発明によれば、除電部材と枠体とを電気的に接続する導電部材が単純形状の板状であることから、安価に製造できる。また、導電部材は、搬送ガイド部材と枠体とを締結する締結部材を用いて枠体に固定されるので、導電部材を枠体に固定するための専用部品は不要であり、少ない工数で安価に製造できる。 According to the first invention, since the conductive member that electrically connects the static elimination member and the frame body has a simple plate shape, it can be manufactured at low cost. Further, since the conductive member is fixed to the frame body by using a fastening member that fastens the transport guide member and the frame body, no special parts for fixing the conductive member to the frame body are required, and the cost is low with a small number of man-hours. Can be manufactured.

第２端子部は、第１突起部と当接することで弾性変形し、第１端子部と接触して導通するので、第１端子部に対して第２端子部を確実に接触させることが可能であり、これらを電気的に安定して接続できる。また、第１端子部と第２端子部との接触部に過大な力が作用することがなく、第１端子部および第２端子部は損傷を受け難い。 The second terminal portion is elastically deformed by abutting with the first protrusion portion and is in contact with the first terminal portion to conduct electricity, so that the second terminal portion can be reliably brought into contact with the first terminal portion. And these can be connected electrically stably. Further, an excessive force does not act on the contact portion between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, and the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are not easily damaged.

導電部材は、第２突起部が端子支持部に押し当てられることによって、枠体に固定されるので、導電部材と枠体とを確実に接触させることが可能であり、これらを電気的に安定して接続できる。また、第２突起部によって、搬送ガイド部材と枠体との間に空間を構成できるので、枠体の熱が搬送ガイド部材に伝わることを抑制でき、搬送ガイド部材の熱変形を抑制できる。 Since the conductive member is fixed to the frame body by pressing the second protrusion against the terminal support portion, the conductive member and the frame body can be reliably brought into contact with each other, and these are electrically stable. Can be connected. Further, since the space can be formed between the transport guide member and the frame by the second protrusion, the heat of the frame can be suppressed from being transferred to the transport guide member, and the thermal deformation of the transport guide member can be suppressed.

第２の発明は、第１の発明に従属し、第２端子部は、その基端部が端子支持部に繋がった片持ちの板状に形成され、第２端子部の第１突起部との当接部は、第２端子部の第１端子部との接触部より基端部側に配置される。 The second invention is subordinate to the first invention, and the second terminal portion is formed in the shape of a cantilever whose base end portion is connected to the terminal support portion, and is formed with the first protrusion portion of the second terminal portion. The contact portion of the second terminal portion is arranged closer to the proximal end portion than the contact portion of the second terminal portion with the first terminal portion.

第２の発明によれば、第１突起部を支点とする梃子の原理で第２端子部の先端部が持ち上げられるので、この先端部を含む部分を、第２端子部の弾性力で第１端子部に確実に押し当てることができる。 According to the second invention, since the tip portion of the second terminal portion is lifted by the principle of leverage with the first protrusion portion as a fulcrum, the portion including the tip portion is first lifted by the elastic force of the second terminal portion. It can be securely pressed against the terminal.

第３の発明は、第１または第２の発明に従属し、搬送ガイド部材の端子支持部と対応する位置には、第２端子部を挟むように２つの第２突起部が設けられ、締結部材は、搬送ガイド部材における２つの第２突起部の間に設けられる。 The third invention is dependent on the first or second invention, and two second protrusions are provided so as to sandwich the second terminal portion at a position corresponding to the terminal support portion of the transport guide member and fastened. The member is provided between the two second protrusions on the transport guide member.

第３の発明によれば、締結部材の締結力を２つの第２突起部に効率よく伝えることが可能であり、２つの第２突起部によって導電部材を枠体に確実に固定できる。また、２つの第２突起部の間で第２端子部と第１端子部とを接触させることができるので、接触部の高さを一定に保持することが可能であり、端子部どうしの接触状態を安定させることができる。 According to the third invention, the fastening force of the fastening member can be efficiently transmitted to the two second protrusions, and the conductive member can be reliably fixed to the frame by the two second protrusions. Further, since the second terminal portion and the first terminal portion can be brought into contact with each other between the two second protrusions, the height of the contact portion can be kept constant, and the terminal portions come into contact with each other. The state can be stabilized.

第４の発明は、第１から第３のいずれかの発明に従属し、導電部材は、１枚の板材で形成される。 The fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third inventions, and the conductive member is formed of one plate material.

第４の発明によれば、１枚の板材を加工することによって、導電部材を簡単かつ安価に製造できる。 According to the fourth invention, the conductive member can be manufactured easily and inexpensively by processing one plate material.

第５の発明は、第１から第４のいずれかの発明に従属し、枠体における導電部材が配置される面には、導電部材を位置決めする位置決め突起部が設けられ、導電部材には、位置決め突起部が篏合される位置決め孔が設けられる。 The fifth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth inventions, and a positioning protrusion for positioning the conductive member is provided on the surface of the frame on which the conductive member is arranged, and the conductive member is provided with a positioning protrusion. A positioning hole is provided in which the positioning protrusions are aligned.

第５の発明によれば、位置決め突起部を位置決め孔に篏合させることによって、枠体に対して導電部材を簡単かつ正確に位置決めできる。 According to the fifth invention, the conductive member can be easily and accurately positioned with respect to the frame body by aligning the positioning protrusion with the positioning hole.

請求項６の発明は、第１から第５のいずれかの発明の除電装置、および用紙を搬送ガイド部材に向けて搬送する用紙搬送回転体を備える。 The invention of claim 6 includes the static elimination device of any one of the first to fifth inventions, and a paper transporting rotating body that transports paper toward a transport guide member.

第６の発明によれば、上記の各除電装置の効果をそのまま奏することができる。 According to the sixth invention, the effect of each of the above-mentioned static elimination devices can be exhibited as it is.

第７の発明は、第６の発明に従属し、用紙搬送回転体の表面に付着した汚れを除去するクリーニング装置を備え、クリーニング装置は、用紙搬送回転体の表面に押し当てられるクリーニング部と、クリーニング部を支持する導電性の支持部と、支持部を枠体に固定する導電性の固定部とを有し、固定部は、導電部材と兼用される。 The seventh invention is subordinate to the sixth invention, and includes a cleaning device for removing stains adhering to the surface of the paper transport rotating body, and the cleaning device includes a cleaning unit pressed against the surface of the paper transport rotating body. It has a conductive support portion that supports the cleaning portion and a conductive fixing portion that fixes the support portion to the frame body, and the fixing portion is also used as a conductive member.

第７の発明によれば、クリーニング装置と導電部材とを別々に構成する必要がないので、部品点数を少なくして安価に製造できる。 According to the seventh invention, since it is not necessary to separately configure the cleaning device and the conductive member, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing can be performed at low cost.

第８の発明は、第６または第７の発明の用紙搬送装置を備える、画像形成装置。 An eighth invention is an image forming apparatus comprising the paper transport device of the sixth or seventh invention.

第８の発明によれば、上記の各用紙搬送装置の効果をそのまま奏することができる。 According to the eighth invention, the effect of each of the above-mentioned paper transporting devices can be exhibited as it is.

この発明によれば、構造を簡素化して製造コストを低減できる。 According to the present invention, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

この発明の上述の目的、その他の目的、特徴および利点は、図面を参照して行う後述の実施例の詳細な説明から一層明らかとなろう。 The above-mentioned object, other object, feature and advantage of the present invention will be further clarified from the detailed description of the examples described below with reference to the drawings.

実施例に係る画像形成装置の構成を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example. 実施例に係る用紙搬送装置の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the paper transporting apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 実施例に係る用紙搬送装置の構成を示す横断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the paper transporting apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 実施例に係る除電装置の使用状態を示す分解斜視図である。It is an exploded perspective view which shows the use state of the static elimination apparatus which concerns on Example. 実施例に係る除電装置の構成を示す分解斜視図である。It is an exploded perspective view which shows the structure of the static elimination apparatus which concerns on Example. 実施例に係る除電装置の構成を模式的に示す縦断面図である。It is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the structure of the static elimination device which concerns on Example. 実施例に係る除電装置の組み立て方法を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the assembly method of the static elimination apparatus which concerns on Example.

図１に示すこの発明の実施例に係る画像形成装置１０は、複写機能、プリンタ機能、スキャナ機能およびファクシミリ機能などを有するモノクロ複合機であり、電子写真方式によって記録媒体としての用紙Ｘに対して単色の画像を形成するように構成される。画像形成装置１０は、「用紙搬送装置」としての定着ユニット５４を含み、定着ユニット５４は、除電装置７４（図４）を含む。以下の説明では、定着ユニット５４を「定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）５４」と記載する。 The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is a monochrome multifunction device having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like, with respect to the paper X as a recording medium by an electrophotographic method. It is configured to form a monochromatic image. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a fixing unit 54 as a “paper transport device”, and the fixing unit 54 includes a static elimination device 74 (FIG. 4). In the following description, the fixing unit 54 will be referred to as a "fixing unit (paper transport device) 54".

なお、以下の説明で用いる前後、左右および上下の各方向は、画像形成装置１０を操作するユーザから見た方向を基準として規定する。つまり、ユーザから見て、手前側を「前」、奥側を「後」、左手側を「左」、右手側を「右」とする。また、鉛直上方を「上」とし、鉛直下方を「下」とする。これらの各方向は、図中に矢印で示す各方向と一致する。
（画像形成装置の構成）
図１に示すように、画像形成装置１０は、装置本体１２と、装置本体１２の上方に配置された画像読取装置１４とを備える。 The front-back, left-right, and up-down directions used in the following description are defined with reference to the direction seen by the user who operates the image forming apparatus 10. That is, when viewed from the user, the front side is "front", the back side is "rear", the left hand side is "left", and the right hand side is "right". In addition, the vertical upper part is referred to as "upper" and the vertical lower part is referred to as "lower". Each of these directions coincides with each direction indicated by the arrow in the figure.
(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 12 and an image reading device 14 arranged above the apparatus main body 12.

まず、画像読取装置１４について説明する。図１に示すように、画像読取装置１４は、原稿載置台１６と、原稿載置台１６の上方に設けられる原稿押えカバー１８と、原稿押えカバー１８の上面に設けられる原稿供給トレイ２０および原稿排出トレイ２２と、原稿押えカバー１８の内部に設けられる自動原稿送り装置（ＡＤＦ：Auto Document Feeder）２４とを備える。 First, the image reading device 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 14 includes a document mounting table 16, a document holding cover 18 provided above the document mounting table 16, a document supply tray 20 provided on the upper surface of the document holding cover 18, and a document ejection. A tray 22 and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 24 provided inside the document holding cover 18 are provided.

原稿載置台１６は、原稿（図示省略）を下方から支持する部分であり、ガラスなどの透明材料で形成された原稿載置部１６ａを有する。原稿押えカバー１８は、原稿載置部１６ａに載置された原稿（図示省略）を上方から押さえる部分であり、原稿載置台１６に対してヒンジなどを介して開閉自在に取り付けられる。 The document placing table 16 is a portion that supports the document (not shown) from below, and has a document placing portion 16a made of a transparent material such as glass. The document holding cover 18 is a portion that presses the document (not shown) placed on the document placing portion 16a from above, and is attached to the document placing table 16 so as to be openable and closable via a hinge or the like.

原稿供給トレイ２０は、画像読取位置Ｐへ供給される原稿Ｗが載置される部分であり、原稿排出トレイ２２は、画像読取位置Ｐを通過した原稿Ｗが排出される部分である。ＡＤＦ２４は、原稿供給トレイ２０に載置された原稿Ｗを画像読取位置Ｐに対して１枚ずつ自動的に供給するとともに、画像読取位置Ｐを通過した原稿Ｗを原稿排出トレイ２２に排出するように構成される。 The document supply tray 20 is a portion on which the document W supplied to the image reading position P is placed, and the document ejection tray 22 is a portion on which the document W that has passed through the image scanning position P is ejected. The ADF 24 automatically supplies the documents W placed on the document supply tray 20 one by one to the image reading position P, and ejects the documents W that have passed through the image reading position P to the document ejection tray 22. It is composed of.

また、図１に示すように、画像読取装置１４は、原稿載置台１６の前部に設けられる操作パネル（図示省略）と、原稿載置台１６の下方に設けられる画像読取部２６とを備える。操作パネル（図示省略）は、ユーザによる印刷開始指示などの入力操作を受け付ける部分である。操作パネルには、タッチパネル付きのディスプレイおよび各種の操作ボタンなどが設けられる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 14 includes an operation panel (not shown) provided at the front portion of the document mounting table 16 and an image reading unit 26 provided below the document mounting table 16. The operation panel (not shown) is a part that accepts input operations such as a print start instruction by the user. The operation panel is provided with a display with a touch panel and various operation buttons.

画像読取部２６は、光源２６ａ、複数のミラー２６ｂ、結像レンズ２６ｃおよびラインセンサ２６ｄなどを有し、光源２６ａおよび複数のミラー２６ｂなどによって走査ユニットが構成される。画像読取部２６が原稿Ｗの表面の画像を読み取るとき、光源２６ａは、原稿Ｗの表面を露光し、複数のミラー２６ｂは、原稿Ｗの表面で反射した反射光を結像レンズ２６ｃに案内する。結像レンズ２６ｃは、反射光をラインセンサ２６ｄの受光素子（図示省略）に結像させる。ラインセンサ２６ｄは、結像された反射光の輝度や色度を検出し、原稿Ｗの画像に基づく画像データを生成する。なお、ラインセンサとしては、ＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）またはＣＩＳ（Contact Image Sensor）などが用いられる。 The image reading unit 26 has a light source 26a, a plurality of mirrors 26b, an imaging lens 26c, a line sensor 26d, and the like, and the scanning unit is composed of the light source 26a, the plurality of mirrors 26b, and the like. When the image reading unit 26 reads an image on the surface of the document W, the light source 26a exposes the surface of the document W, and the plurality of mirrors 26b guide the reflected light reflected on the surface of the document W to the imaging lens 26c. .. The imaging lens 26c forms an image of the reflected light on a light receiving element (not shown) of the line sensor 26d. The line sensor 26d detects the luminance and chromaticity of the imaged reflected light and generates image data based on the image of the document W. As the line sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or the like is used.

続いて、装置本体１２について説明する。図１に示すように、装置本体１２は、制御部３０と、画像形成部３２と、給紙トレイ３４と、排紙トレイ３６と、これらを収容する筐体３８とを備える。 Subsequently, the apparatus main body 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 12 includes a control unit 30, an image forming unit 32, a paper feed tray 34, a paper output tray 36, and a housing 38 for accommodating them.

制御部３０は、ＣＰＵおよびメモリなどを有し、操作パネル（図示省略）への入力操作などに応じて、画像形成装置１０の各部位に制御信号を送信し、画像形成装置１０の種々の動作を制御する。 The control unit 30 has a CPU, a memory, and the like, and transmits control signals to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 in response to an input operation to an operation panel (not shown), and various operations of the image forming apparatus 10 are performed. To control.

画像形成部３２は、感光体ドラム４０、帯電ユニット４２、露光装置４４、現像ユニット４６、トナー補給装置４８、転写ローラ５０、クリーニングユニット５２および定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）５４などを有する。画像形成部３２は、給紙トレイ３４から搬送される用紙Ｘに画像を形成するとともに、画像が形成された用紙Ｘを排紙トレイ３６に排出するように構成される。用紙Ｘに画像を形成するための画像データとしては、画像読取装置１４の画像読取部２６で読み取った画像データ、または外部コンピュータから送信された画像データなどが利用される。 The image forming unit 32 includes a photoconductor drum 40, a charging unit 42, an exposure device 44, a developing unit 46, a toner replenishing device 48, a transfer roller 50, a cleaning unit 52, a fixing unit (paper transport device) 54, and the like. The image forming unit 32 is configured to form an image on the paper X conveyed from the paper feed tray 34 and discharge the paper X on which the image is formed to the paper ejection tray 36. As the image data for forming an image on the paper X, image data read by the image reading unit 26 of the image reading device 14, image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like is used.

感光体ドラム４０は、導電性を有する円筒状の基体の表面に感光層が形成された像担持体である。帯電ユニット４２は、感光体ドラム４０の表面を所定の電位に帯電させるように構成される。 The photoconductor drum 40 is an image carrier having a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a conductive cylindrical substrate. The charging unit 42 is configured to charge the surface of the photoconductor drum 40 to a predetermined potential.

露光装置４４は、帯電した感光体ドラム４０の表面を露光することによって、画像データに応じた静電潜像を形成するように構成される。本実施例の露光装置４４は、レーザ光を照射するレーザダイオード、レーザ光を反射して走査するポリゴンミラーおよびポリゴンミラーを回転させるポリゴンモータなどを有するレーザスキャニングユニット（ＬＳＵ）として構成される。 The exposure apparatus 44 is configured to form an electrostatic latent image according to the image data by exposing the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 40. The exposure apparatus 44 of this embodiment is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser diode that irradiates a laser beam, a polygon mirror that reflects and scans the laser beam, and a polygon motor that rotates the polygon mirror.

現像ユニット４６は、トナーを収容する現像槽と、現像剤担持体として機能する現像ローラとを備え、感光体ドラム４０の表面にトナーを供給し、感光体ドラム４０の表面に形成された静電潜像をトナーによって顕像化するように構成される。上記現像槽の内部には、トナー濃度を検知するトナー濃度検知センサが設けられる。トナー濃度検知センサによって検知されたトナー濃度が所定値よりも低くなると、トナー補給装置４８から現像槽にトナーが補給される。 The developing unit 46 includes a developing tank for accommodating toner and a developing roller that functions as a developer carrier, supplies toner to the surface of the photoconductor drum 40, and is electrostatically formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40. It is configured to visualize the latent image with toner. Inside the developing tank, a toner concentration detecting sensor for detecting the toner concentration is provided. When the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration detection sensor becomes lower than a predetermined value, toner is replenished from the toner replenishing device 48 to the developing tank.

転写ローラ５０は、感光体ドラム４０の表面に形成されたトナー像を用紙Ｘに転写するための部材である。画像形成時には、転写ローラ５０に所定の電圧が印加されることによって、感光体ドラム４０と転写ローラ５０との間に転写電界が形成される。そして、感光体ドラム４０と転写ローラ５０との間のニップ域（転写ニップ部）を用紙Ｘが通過するとき、転写電界の作用により、感光体ドラム４０の表面に形成されたトナー像が、用紙Ｘに転写される。 The transfer roller 50 is a member for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40 to the paper X. At the time of image formation, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 50 to form a transfer electric field between the photoconductor drum 40 and the transfer roller 50. Then, when the paper X passes through the nip area (transfer nip portion) between the photoconductor drum 40 and the transfer roller 50, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40 due to the action of the transfer electric field is formed on the paper. Transferred to X.

クリーニングユニット５２は、感光体ドラム４０の表面に当接するクリーニングブレードおよび搬送スクリュなどを有し、現像および画像転写の後に、感光体ドラム４０の表面に残留したトナーを除去するように構成される。 The cleaning unit 52 has a cleaning blade, a transport screw, and the like that come into contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum 40, and is configured to remove toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40 after development and image transfer.

定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）５４は、ヒートローラ５６および加圧ローラ５８を有し、転写ローラ５０の上方に配置される。ヒートローラ５６は、所定の定着温度となるように温度管理され、加圧ローラ５８は、ヒートローラ５６に押し当てられる。ヒートローラ５６と加圧ローラ５８との間のニップ域（定着ニップ部）を用紙Ｘが通過するとき、用紙Ｘに転写されたトナー像が、溶融、混合および圧接されて、用紙Ｘに対して定着される。なお、定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）５４の具体的な構成については、後に詳細に説明する。 The fixing unit (paper transport device) 54 has a heat roller 56 and a pressure roller 58, and is arranged above the transfer roller 50. The temperature of the heat roller 56 is controlled so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature, and the pressure roller 58 is pressed against the heat roller 56. When the paper X passes through the nip area (fixing nip portion) between the heat roller 56 and the pressure roller 58, the toner image transferred to the paper X is melted, mixed and pressure-welded to the paper X. Be fixed. The specific configuration of the fixing unit (paper transport device) 54 will be described in detail later.

また、筐体３８の内部には、用紙Ｘを搬送する第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１および第２用紙搬送路Ｌ２が設けられる。第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１は、給紙トレイ３４から搬送される用紙Ｘを、転写ローラ５０および定着ユニット５４を経由させて排紙トレイ３６に排出するように構成される。第２用紙搬送路Ｌ２は、用紙Ｘに対して両面印刷を行う際に、片面印刷が終了して定着ユニット５４を通過した用紙Ｘを、転写ローラ５０の用紙搬送方向の上流側において第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１に戻すように構成される。 Further, inside the housing 38, a first paper transport path L1 and a second paper transport path L2 for transporting the paper X are provided. The first paper transport path L1 is configured to eject the paper X conveyed from the paper feed tray 34 to the output tray 36 via the transfer roller 50 and the fixing unit 54. In the second paper transport path L2, when double-sided printing is performed on the paper X, the paper X that has passed through the fixing unit 54 after the single-sided printing is completed is transferred to the first paper on the upstream side of the transfer roller 50 in the paper transport direction. It is configured to return to the transport path L1.

第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１には、給紙ローラ６０、レジストローラ６２、排出ローラ６４が設けられる。第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１および第２用紙搬送路Ｌ２には、用紙Ｘに補助的に推進力を与えるための複数の搬送ローラ６６が設けられる。
（用紙搬送装置の構成）
図２に示すように、定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）５４は、前後方向へ延びる略直方体状のハウジング７０を備える。また、図３に示すように、定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）５４は、ハウジング７０の内部に収容されたヒートローラ５６、加圧ローラ５８、クリーニング装置７２および除電装置７４を備える。 The first paper transport path L1 is provided with a paper feed roller 60, a resist roller 62, and a discharge roller 64. The first paper transport path L1 and the second paper transport path L2 are provided with a plurality of transport rollers 66 for supplementarily applying a propulsive force to the paper X.
(Structure of paper transport device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing unit (paper transport device) 54 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 70 extending in the front-rear direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the fixing unit (paper transport device) 54 includes a heat roller 56, a pressure roller 58, a cleaning device 72, and a static elimination device 74 housed inside the housing 70.

図３に示すヒートローラ５６および加圧ローラ５８の回転軸（図示省略）は、ハウジング７０に設けられた軸受部（図示省略）で支持され、当該回転軸には、モータなどの駆動装置（図示省略）から回転力が伝達される。ヒートローラ５６と加圧ローラ５８との間に用紙Ｘ（図１）が供給されると、当該用紙Ｘは、ヒートローラ５６および加圧ローラ５８から搬送力を受けて、それらの接線方向から除電装置７４の搬送ガイド部材８２に向けて搬送される。ヒートローラ５６および加圧ローラ５８は、用紙Ｘを搬送する「用紙搬送回転体」として機能する。以下の説明では、ヒートローラ５６を「ヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６」と記載し、加圧ローラ５８を「加圧ローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５８」と記載する。 The rotating shafts (not shown) of the heat roller 56 and the pressurizing roller 58 shown in FIG. 3 are supported by a bearing portion (not shown) provided in the housing 70, and the rotating shaft is connected to a drive device such as a motor (not shown). The rotational force is transmitted from (omitted). When the paper X (FIG. 1) is supplied between the heat roller 56 and the pressure roller 58, the paper X receives a conveying force from the heat roller 56 and the pressure roller 58 and eliminates static electricity from their tangential directions. It is conveyed toward the transfer guide member 82 of the device 74. The heat roller 56 and the pressure roller 58 function as a "paper transport rotating body" for transporting the paper X. In the following description, the heat roller 56 will be referred to as a "heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56", and the pressure roller 58 will be referred to as a "pressurized roller (paper transport rotating body) 58".

図３に示すクリーニング装置７２は、ヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６の表面に付着した汚れを除去する部材である。図５に示すように、クリーニング装置７２は、ヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６（図１）の表面に押し当てられるクリーニング部７６と、クリーニング部７６を支持する支持部７８と、支持部７８を後述する枠体８６に固定する固定部８０とを有する。 The cleaning device 72 shown in FIG. 3 is a member that removes dirt adhering to the surface of the heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56. As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning device 72 includes a cleaning portion 76 pressed against the surface of a heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56 (FIG. 1), a support portion 78 for supporting the cleaning portion 76, and a support portion 78. Has a fixing portion 80 for fixing the frame body 86, which will be described later.

クリーニング部７６は、フェルトなどの柔らかい材料で形成され、支持部７８および固定部８０は、金属板などの導電性および弾性を有する板材で形成される。固定部８０は、後述する除電装置７４の導電部材８８と兼用される。つまり、クリーニング装置７２の固定部８０は、除電装置７４の導電部材８８である。 The cleaning portion 76 is formed of a soft material such as felt, and the support portion 78 and the fixing portion 80 are formed of a plate material having conductivity and elasticity such as a metal plate. The fixing portion 80 is also used as the conductive member 88 of the static elimination device 74 described later. That is, the fixing portion 80 of the cleaning device 72 is the conductive member 88 of the static elimination device 74.

固定部８０が枠体８６に取り付けられた状態において、支持部７８は、枠体８６からヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６（図３）に向かって延びるように配置される。クリーニング部７６は、支持部７８の弾性力によってヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６（図３）の表面に押し当てられる。
（除電装置の構成）
図３に示す除電装置７４は、図１に示す第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１において、ヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６および加圧ローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５８から搬送されてきた用紙Ｘを除電するように構成される。 With the fixing portion 80 attached to the frame body 86, the support portion 78 is arranged so as to extend from the frame body 86 toward the heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56 (FIG. 3). The cleaning portion 76 is pressed against the surface of the heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56 (FIG. 3) by the elastic force of the support portion 78.
(Configuration of static elimination device)
The static eliminator 74 shown in FIG. 3 removes static electricity from the paper X conveyed from the heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56 and the pressure roller (paper transport rotating body) 58 in the first paper transport path L1 shown in FIG. It is configured to do.

図４に示すように、除電装置７４は、用紙Ｘ（図１）を案内する搬送ガイド部材８２、搬送ガイド部材８２に設けられて用紙Ｘを除電する除電部材８４、接地電位に保持される枠体８６、除電部材８４と枠体８６とを電気的に接続する導電部材８８および締結部材９０を備える。 As shown in FIG. 4, the static elimination device 74 includes a transport guide member 82 for guiding the paper X (FIG. 1), a static elimination member 84 provided on the transport guide member 82 for statically eliminating the paper X, and a frame held at the ground potential. A body 86, a conductive member 88 for electrically connecting the static elimination member 84 and the frame body 86, and a fastening member 90 are provided.

図４に示すように、搬送ガイド部材８２は、第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１（図１）におけるヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６および加圧ローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５８の下流側において用紙Ｘ（図１）を案内する部材であり、合成樹脂などの非導電性の材料で形成される。 As shown in FIG. 4, the transport guide member 82 is the paper X on the downstream side of the heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56 and the pressure roller (paper transport rotating body) 58 in the first paper transport path L1 (FIG. 1). It is a member that guides (FIG. 1) and is made of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin.

搬送ガイド部材８２は、第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１（図１）を搬送される用紙Ｘの幅方向に延びるガイド部９２と、枠体８６の上面８６ａに取り付けられる取付部９４とを有する。 The transport guide member 82 has a guide portion 92 extending in the width direction of the paper X transported through the first paper transport path L1 (FIG. 1), and a mounting portion 94 attached to the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86.

ガイド部９２および取付部９４の長さ（前後方向）は、用紙Ｘ（図１）の幅よりも長く定められる。取付部９４の長さ方向両端部には、締結部材９０が挿通される貫通孔９６が設けられる。また、貫通孔９６に近接して、位置決め用の貫通孔すなわち位置決め孔９７が設けられる。 The length (front-back direction) of the guide portion 92 and the mounting portion 94 is determined to be longer than the width of the paper X (FIG. 1). Through holes 96 through which the fastening member 90 is inserted are provided at both ends of the mounting portion 94 in the length direction. Further, a through hole for positioning, that is, a positioning hole 97 is provided in the vicinity of the through hole 96.

図５に示すように、枠体８６の上面８６ａに対向する取付部９４の下面９４ｂ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の下面）には、取付部９４の幅方向（左右方向）へ延びる複数の線状の第２突起部９８が、取付部９４の長さ方向（前後方向）に間隔を隔てて設けられる。第２突起部９８の構成については、後に詳細に説明する。 As shown in FIG. 5, on the lower surface 94b of the mounting portion 94 facing the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86 (that is, the lower surface of the transport guide member 82), a plurality of linear shapes extending in the width direction (left-right direction) of the mounting portion 94 The second protrusion 98 of the above is provided at intervals in the length direction (front-back direction) of the mounting portion 94. The configuration of the second protrusion 98 will be described in detail later.

図４に示すように、除電部材８４は、細長いシート状（帯状）の本体部１００と、用紙Ｘ（図１）に接触するブラシ状の除電部１０２と、シート状の第１端子部１０４とを有する。これらの各部分は、アルミニウムなどの導電性の材料で形成される。本実施例では、厚さ０．１ｍｍのアルミ部材が用いられている。なお、搬送ガイド部材８２側には接着層が形成されていてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 4, the static elimination member 84 includes an elongated sheet-shaped (strip-shaped) main body portion 100, a brush-shaped static elimination portion 102 in contact with the paper X (FIG. 1), and a sheet-shaped first terminal portion 104. Have. Each of these parts is made of a conductive material such as aluminum. In this embodiment, an aluminum member having a thickness of 0.1 mm is used. An adhesive layer may be formed on the transfer guide member 82 side.

本体部１００は、除電部１０２および第１端子部１０４を支持するとともに、これらが電気的に接続される部分である。本体部１００は、搬送ガイド部材８２における取付部９４の長さとほぼ同じ長さに形成され、取付部９４の上面９４ａ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の上面）に粘着材などを用いて接合される。除電部１０２は、本体部１００の幅方向一方端縁に、ほぼ全長にわたって形成される。除電部１０２の先端部は、用紙Ｘと接触可能なように、第１用紙搬送路Ｌ１（図１）の内側に配置される。 The main body portion 100 supports the static elimination portion 102 and the first terminal portion 104, and is a portion to which these are electrically connected. The main body portion 100 is formed to have substantially the same length as the length of the mounting portion 94 of the transport guide member 82, and is joined to the upper surface 94a of the mounting portion 94 (that is, the upper surface of the transport guide member 82) by using an adhesive material or the like. The static elimination portion 102 is formed at one end edge in the width direction of the main body portion 100 over almost the entire length. The tip portion of the static elimination unit 102 is arranged inside the first paper transport path L1 (FIG. 1) so as to be in contact with the paper X.

第１端子部１０４は、本体部１００の幅方向他方端縁の一部に設けられる。第１端子部１０４は、取付部９４の上面９４ａから下面９４ｂ（図５）に折り返すように配置されるように、これらの面９４ａ，９４ｂに粘着材などを用いて接合される。取付部９４の下面９４ｂ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の下面）は、枠体８６の上面８６ａに対向して配置される。 The first terminal portion 104 is provided on a part of the other end edge in the width direction of the main body portion 100. The first terminal portion 104 is joined to these surfaces 94a and 94b by using an adhesive material or the like so as to be arranged so as to be folded back from the upper surface 94a to the lower surface 94b (FIG. 5) of the mounting portion 94. The lower surface 94b of the mounting portion 94 (that is, the lower surface of the transport guide member 82) is arranged so as to face the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86.

本実施例では、搬送ガイド部材８２の上面に本体部１００が接合されることによって、除電部１０２および第１端子部１０４が、搬送ガイド部材８２にそれぞれ設けられる。そして、取付部９４の下面９４ｂに折り返された第１端子部１０４が、搬送ガイド部材８２の第２端子部１１４と対応する位置に配置される。 In this embodiment, the static elimination portion 102 and the first terminal portion 104 are provided on the transport guide member 82, respectively, by joining the main body portion 100 to the upper surface of the transport guide member 82. Then, the first terminal portion 104 folded back on the lower surface 94b of the mounting portion 94 is arranged at a position corresponding to the second terminal portion 114 of the transport guide member 82.

図７に示すように、枠体８６は、クリーニング装置７２および搬送ガイド部材８２（図５）を支持するとともに、接地電位に保持される部材であり、金属などの導電性の材料で形成される。枠体８６は、板状の本体部１０６と、本体部１０６の幅方向端縁から下方へ延びて形成される補強部１０８とを有する。枠体８６の長さは、搬送ガイド部材８２（図４）の長さとほぼ同じに定められる。 As shown in FIG. 7, the frame 86 is a member that supports the cleaning device 72 and the transport guide member 82 (FIG. 5) and is held at the ground potential, and is formed of a conductive material such as metal. .. The frame body 86 has a plate-shaped main body portion 106 and a reinforcing portion 108 formed so as to extend downward from the widthwise end edge of the main body portion 106. The length of the frame body 86 is set to be substantially the same as the length of the transport guide member 82 (FIG. 4).

本体部１０６の長さ方向両端部には、締結部材９０（図４）が螺合されるねじ孔１１０が設けられる。また、本体部１０６と補強部１０８との境界部には、クリーニング装置７２の固定部８０（導電部材８８）が下方から挿通されるスリット１１２が設けられる。本体部１０６には、さらに、第１突起部１２４ａ、補助突起部１２４ｂおよび位置決め突起部１２６が上面８６ａから突出して設けられる。これらの具体的な構成については、後に詳細に説明する。 Screw holes 110 into which the fastening member 90 (FIG. 4) is screwed are provided at both ends of the main body portion 106 in the length direction. Further, a slit 112 through which the fixing portion 80 (conductive member 88) of the cleaning device 72 is inserted from below is provided at the boundary portion between the main body portion 106 and the reinforcing portion 108. The main body 106 is further provided with a first protrusion 124a, an auxiliary protrusion 124b, and a positioning protrusion 126 projecting from the upper surface 86a. These specific configurations will be described in detail later.

図５に示すように、導電部材８８は、搬送ガイド部材８２と枠体８６との間に配置される板状の部材である。本実施例の導電部材８８は、クリーニング装置７２の固定部８０と兼用されるため、金属などの導電性の材料でクリーニング装置７２の支持部７８と一体に形成される。導電部材８８と支持部７８とは、互いに直角を成すように構成され、支持部７８は、枠体８６における補強部１０８の内側面すなわち感光体ドラム４０側の面（図示省略）に沿って配置される。一方、導電部材８８は、後述する第２端子部１１４が第１端子部１０４と対向するように、取付部９４の下面９４ｂ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の下面）と対向する枠体８６の上面８６ａに固定される。 As shown in FIG. 5, the conductive member 88 is a plate-shaped member arranged between the transport guide member 82 and the frame body 86. Since the conductive member 88 of this embodiment is also used as the fixing portion 80 of the cleaning device 72, it is integrally formed with the support portion 78 of the cleaning device 72 with a conductive material such as metal. The conductive member 88 and the support portion 78 are configured to form a right angle to each other, and the support portion 78 is arranged along the inner surface of the reinforcing portion 108 in the frame body 86, that is, the surface on the photoconductor drum 40 side (not shown). Will be done. On the other hand, in the conductive member 88, the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86 facing the lower surface 94b of the mounting portion 94 (that is, the lower surface of the transport guide member 82) so that the second terminal portion 114 described later faces the first terminal portion 104. Is fixed to.

導電部材８８は、弾性変形可能に構成された第２端子部１１４と、第２端子部１１４を支持する端子支持部１１６とを有する。端子支持部１１６は、枠体８６の長さ方向へ延びる平面視で長方形の板状に形成される。第２端子部１１４は、端子支持部１１６の長さ方向一方端部にその基端部１１４ａが繋がるように、平面視で長方形の片持ちの板状に形成される。 The conductive member 88 has a second terminal portion 114 that is elastically deformable and a terminal support portion 116 that supports the second terminal portion 114. The terminal support portion 116 is formed in a rectangular plate shape in a plan view extending in the length direction of the frame body 86. The second terminal portion 114 is formed in a rectangular cantilever shape in a plan view so that the base end portion 114a is connected to one end of the terminal support portion 116 in the length direction.

端子支持部１１６には、位置決め用の貫通孔すなわち位置決め孔１１８と、締結部材９０（図４）が挿通される貫通孔１２０とが、互いに近接して設けられる。本実施例の導電部材８８は、金属からなる１枚の板材で形成される。つまり、金属からなる１枚の板材に、位置決め孔１１８、貫通孔１２０およびＵ字状の貫通孔１２２がプレス機などで打ち抜き加工されることによって、導電部材８８が形成される。 The terminal support portion 116 is provided with a through hole for positioning, that is, a positioning hole 118, and a through hole 120 through which the fastening member 90 (FIG. 4) is inserted, in close proximity to each other. The conductive member 88 of this embodiment is formed of a single plate made of metal. That is, the conductive member 88 is formed by punching the positioning hole 118, the through hole 120, and the U-shaped through hole 122 into one plate made of metal by a press machine or the like.

図６は、除電装置７４の構成を模式的に示す縦断面図であり、各構成部分どうしの大きさの比率は、実際とは異なっている。図６に示すように、上述した搬送ガイド部材８２の第２突起部９８は、端子支持部１１６と対向する取付部９４の下面９４ｂ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の下面）に設けられる。第２突起部９８の突出長さは、搬送ガイド部材８２と枠体８６との間に第２端子部１１４を弾性変形させるための空間を確保できる程度に定められる。 FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the static elimination device 74, and the ratio of the sizes of the constituent parts is different from the actual one. As shown in FIG. 6, the second protrusion 98 of the above-mentioned transport guide member 82 is provided on the lower surface 94b (that is, the lower surface of the transport guide member 82) of the mounting portion 94 facing the terminal support portion 116. The protruding length of the second protruding portion 98 is determined to such an extent that a space for elastically deforming the second terminal portion 114 can be secured between the transport guide member 82 and the frame body 86.

つまり、第２突起部９８は、搬送ガイド部材８２の端子支持部１１６と対応する位置に、枠体８６に向かって突出し、端子支持部１１６に押し当てられることによって搬送ガイド部材８２と枠体８６との間に空間を構成するように設けられる。 That is, the second protrusion 98 projects toward the frame body 86 at a position corresponding to the terminal support portion 116 of the transport guide member 82, and is pressed against the terminal support portion 116 to bring the transport guide member 82 and the frame body 86. It is provided so as to form a space between and.

本実施例では、２つの第２突起部９８が、取付部９４の下面９４ｂ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の下面）における端子支持部１１６と対向する部分に、第２端子部１１４を長さ方向の両側から挟むように配置可能に設けられる。また、２つの第２突起部９８の一方は、第２端子部１１４の基端部１１４ａの近傍に配置可能に設けられる。 In this embodiment, the second terminal portion 114 is arranged in the length direction at a portion where the two second protrusions 98 face the terminal support portion 116 on the lower surface 94b (that is, the lower surface of the transport guide member 82) of the mounting portion 94. It is provided so that it can be arranged so as to be sandwiched from both sides. Further, one of the two second protrusions 98 is provided so as to be dispositionable in the vicinity of the base end portion 114a of the second terminal portion 114.

図６に示すように、枠体８６における第２端子部１１４と対向する上面８６ａには、第２端子部１１４を第１端子部１０４側へ押して弾性変形させることによって、第２端子部１１４を第１端子部１０４に接触させる第１突起部１２４ａと、第１突起部１２４ａに対して基端部１１４ａ側とは反対側に配置される補助突起部１２４ｂとが設けられる。つまり、第１突起部１２４ａおよび補助突起部１２４ｂは、枠体８６の第２端子部１１４と対応する位置に、第２端子部１１４に向かって突出するように設けられる。さらに、上記上面８６ａには、位置決め突起部１２６が設けられる。第２端子部１１４の第１突起部１２４ａとの当接部は、第２端子部１１４の第１端子部１０４との接触部より基端部１１４ａ側に配置される。したがって、第１突起部１２４ａを支点とする梃子の原理で第２端子部１１４の先端部が持ち上げられる。 As shown in FIG. 6, the second terminal portion 114 is elastically deformed by pushing the second terminal portion 114 toward the first terminal portion 104 on the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86 facing the second terminal portion 114. A first protrusion 124a that comes into contact with the first terminal 104 and an auxiliary protrusion 124b that is arranged on the side opposite to the base end 114a side with respect to the first protrusion 124a are provided. That is, the first protrusion 124a and the auxiliary protrusion 124b are provided at positions corresponding to the second terminal 114 of the frame body 86 so as to project toward the second terminal 114. Further, the upper surface 86a is provided with a positioning protrusion 126. The contact portion of the second terminal portion 114 with the first protrusion 124a is arranged closer to the base end portion 114a than the contact portion of the second terminal portion 114 with the first terminal portion 104. Therefore, the tip portion of the second terminal portion 114 is lifted by the principle of leverage with the first protrusion portion 124a as a fulcrum.

補助突起部１２４ｂの突出長さは、第１突起部１２４ａの突出長さとほぼ同じに定められる。また、第１突起部１２４ａおよび補助突起部１２４ｂのそれぞれの先端面は、第１端子部１０４に対して平行となるように平坦面に形成される。したがって、搬送ガイド部材８２の変形などで、第１端子部１０４および第２端子部１１４の全体が第１突起部１２４ａおよび補助突起部１２４ｂに押し当てられる場合でも、第１端子部１０４および第２端子部１１４に加わる荷重を分散させることが可能であり、第１端子部１０４および第２端子部１１４は損傷を受け難い。 The protrusion length of the auxiliary protrusion 124b is set to be substantially the same as the protrusion length of the first protrusion 124a. Further, each tip surface of the first protrusion 124a and the auxiliary protrusion 124b is formed as a flat surface so as to be parallel to the first terminal 104. Therefore, even when the entire first terminal portion 104 and the second terminal portion 114 are pressed against the first protrusion portion 124a and the auxiliary protrusion portion 124b due to deformation of the transport guide member 82 or the like, the first terminal portion 104 and the second terminal portion 104 and the second terminal portion 124b are pressed against each other. It is possible to disperse the load applied to the terminal portion 114, and the first terminal portion 104 and the second terminal portion 114 are not easily damaged.

位置決め突起部１２６は、導電部材８８に設けられた位置決め孔１１８および搬送ガイド部材８２に設けられた位置決め孔９７に位置的に対応するように設けられる。位置決め突起部１２６が位置決め孔１１８および位置決め孔９７に嵌合されることによって、枠体８６に対して、導電部材８８および搬送ガイド部材８２が位置決めされる。 The positioning protrusion 126 is provided so as to positionally correspond to the positioning hole 118 provided in the conductive member 88 and the positioning hole 97 provided in the transport guide member 82. By fitting the positioning protrusion 126 into the positioning hole 118 and the positioning hole 97, the conductive member 88 and the transport guide member 82 are positioned with respect to the frame body 86.

図４に示すように、締結部材９０は、搬送ガイド部材８２と枠体８６と導電部材８８とを互いに締結する部材である。図６に示すように、本実施例の締結部材９０は、雄ねじ部９０ａ、下側段部９０ｂ、上側段部９０ｃおよび頭部９０ｄを有する「段付ビス」である。締結部材９０を用いて、搬送ガイド部材８２、枠体８６および導電部材８８を締結すると、下側段部９０ｂが枠体８６の上面８６ａに押し当てられるとともに、上側段部９０ｃが取付部９４の上面９４ａ（すなわち搬送ガイド部材８２の上面）に押し当てられ、枠体８６と取付部９４との間隔が広くなることが抑制される。このとき、締結部材９０を挟んだ両側では、２つの第２突起部９８の先端が端子支持部１１６に押し当てられ、枠体８６と取付部９４との間隔が狭くなることが抑制される。したがって、枠体８６に設けられた端子支持部１１６と取付部９４に設けられた第１端子部１０４との間隔は、一定かつ正確に保持される。
（除電装置の組み立て方法）
図４に示す除電装置７４を組み立てる際には、まず、図７に示すように、クリーニング装置７２を枠体８６に対して組み付ける。すなわち、クリーニング装置７２の固定部８０（導電部材８８）を枠体８６の下方からスリット１１２に挿通させて枠体８６の上面８６ａに配置する。このとき、枠体８６の位置決め突起部１２６を固定部８０（導電部材８８）の位置決め孔１１８に嵌合させる。 As shown in FIG. 4, the fastening member 90 is a member that fastens the transport guide member 82, the frame body 86, and the conductive member 88 to each other. As shown in FIG. 6, the fastening member 90 of this embodiment is a “stepped screw” having a male screw portion 90a, a lower step portion 90b, an upper step portion 90c, and a head 90d. When the transport guide member 82, the frame body 86, and the conductive member 88 are fastened using the fastening member 90, the lower step portion 90b is pressed against the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86, and the upper step portion 90c is attached to the mounting portion 94. It is pressed against the upper surface 94a (that is, the upper surface of the transport guide member 82), and it is suppressed that the distance between the frame body 86 and the mounting portion 94 becomes wide. At this time, on both sides of the fastening member 90, the tips of the two second protrusions 98 are pressed against the terminal support portion 116, and the distance between the frame body 86 and the mounting portion 94 is suppressed from becoming narrow. Therefore, the distance between the terminal support portion 116 provided on the frame body 86 and the first terminal portion 104 provided on the mounting portion 94 is kept constant and accurate.
(How to assemble the static eliminator)
When assembling the static elimination device 74 shown in FIG. 4, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning device 72 is assembled to the frame body 86. That is, the fixing portion 80 (conductive member 88) of the cleaning device 72 is inserted into the slit 112 from below the frame body 86 and arranged on the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86. At this time, the positioning protrusion 126 of the frame body 86 is fitted into the positioning hole 118 of the fixing portion 80 (conductive member 88).

すると、固定部８０（導電部材８８）の貫通孔１２０が、枠体８６のねじ穴１１０に上方から位置決めされるとともに、固定部８０（導電部材８８）の第２端子部１１４が、枠体８６の第１突起部１２４ａおよび補助突起部１２４ｂに上方から位置決めされる。 Then, the through hole 120 of the fixing portion 80 (conductive member 88) is positioned from above in the screw hole 110 of the frame body 86, and the second terminal portion 114 of the fixing portion 80 (conductive member 88) is positioned on the frame body 86. The first protrusion 124a and the auxiliary protrusion 124b of the above are positioned from above.

続いて、図５に示すように、搬送ガイド部材８２を枠体８６に対して組み付ける。すなわち、搬送ガイド部材８２の第２突起部９８を固定部８０（導電部材８８）の端子支持部１１６に接触させながら、枠体８６の位置決め突起部１２６を搬送ガイド部材８２の位置決め孔９７に嵌合させる。 Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, the transport guide member 82 is assembled to the frame body 86. That is, the positioning protrusion 126 of the frame body 86 is fitted into the positioning hole 97 of the transport guide member 82 while the second protrusion 98 of the transport guide member 82 is in contact with the terminal support portion 116 of the fixing portion 80 (conductive member 88). Match.

すると、２つの第２突起部９８の一方が、端子支持部１１６の長さ方向一方端部に位置決めされ、他方が、端子支持部１１６の長さ方向他方端部に位置決めされる。端子支持部１１６の長さ方向一方端部には、第２端子部１１４の基端部１１４ａが設けられるので、一方の第２突起部９８は基端部１１４ａの近傍に配置される。 Then, one of the two second protrusions 98 is positioned at one end of the terminal support 116 in the length direction, and the other is positioned at the other end of the terminal support 116 in the length direction. Since the base end portion 114a of the second terminal portion 114 is provided at one end of the terminal support portion 116 in the length direction, the one second projection portion 98 is arranged in the vicinity of the base end portion 114a.

その後、図６に示すように、締結部材９０を用いて、搬送ガイド部材８２、枠体８６および導電部材８８を互いに締結し、第２突起部９８の先端を、端子支持部１１６における基端部１１４ａの近傍部分に押し当てる。すると、第２端子部１１４は、第１突起部１２４ａと当接することで弾性変形し、第１突起部１２４ａを支点とする梃子の原理で第２端子部１１４の先端部が持ち上げられる。そして、この先端部を含む部分が、第２端子部１１４の弾性力で第１端子部１０４に押し当てられ、第２端子部１１４と第１端子部１０４が導通する。
（画像形成装置の効果）
実施例に係る画像形成装置１０によれば、上記構成により、以下の効果を奏することができる。すなわち、図５に示すように、除電部材８４と枠体８６とを電気的に接続する導電部材８８が単純形状の板状であることから、安価に製造できる。また、図４に示すように、導電部材８８は、搬送ガイド部材８２と枠体８６とを締結する締結部材９０を用いて枠体８６に固定されるので、導電部材８８を枠体８６に固定するための専用部品は不要であり、少ない工数で安価に製造できる。 After that, as shown in FIG. 6, the transport guide member 82, the frame body 86, and the conductive member 88 are fastened to each other by using the fastening member 90, and the tip of the second protrusion 98 is attached to the base end portion of the terminal support portion 116. It is pressed against the vicinity of 114a. Then, the second terminal portion 114 is elastically deformed by abutting with the first protrusion portion 124a, and the tip portion of the second terminal portion 114 is lifted by the principle of leverage with the first protrusion portion 124a as a fulcrum. Then, the portion including the tip portion is pressed against the first terminal portion 104 by the elastic force of the second terminal portion 114, and the second terminal portion 114 and the first terminal portion 104 are made conductive.
(Effect of image forming device)
According to the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by the above configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, since the conductive member 88 that electrically connects the static elimination member 84 and the frame body 86 has a simple plate shape, it can be manufactured at low cost. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, since the conductive member 88 is fixed to the frame body 86 by using the fastening member 90 that fastens the transport guide member 82 and the frame body 86, the conductive member 88 is fixed to the frame body 86. No special parts are required, and it can be manufactured at low cost with a small number of man-hours.

図６に示すように、第２端子部１１４は、第１突起部１２４ａで第１端子部１０４側へ押されて、その弾性力によって第１端子部１０４に押し当てられるので、第１端子部１０４に対して第２端子部１１４を確実に接触させることが可能であり、これらを電気的に安定して接続できる。また、第１端子部１０４と第２端子部１１４との接触部に過大な力が作用することがなく、第１端子部１０４および第２端子部１１４は損傷を受け難い。 As shown in FIG. 6, the second terminal portion 114 is pushed toward the first terminal portion 104 by the first protrusion portion 124a and is pressed against the first terminal portion 104 by the elastic force thereof, so that the first terminal portion is pressed against the first terminal portion 104. The second terminal portion 114 can be reliably brought into contact with the 104, and these can be electrically and stably connected. Further, an excessive force does not act on the contact portion between the first terminal portion 104 and the second terminal portion 114, and the first terminal portion 104 and the second terminal portion 114 are not easily damaged.

図６に示すように、導電部材８８は、第２突起部９８が端子支持部１１６に押し当てられることによって、枠体８６に固定されるので、導電部材８８と枠体８６とを確実に接触させることが可能であり、これらを電気的に安定して接続できる。 As shown in FIG. 6, the conductive member 88 is fixed to the frame body 86 by pressing the second protrusion 98 against the terminal support portion 116, so that the conductive member 88 and the frame body 86 are surely in contact with each other. It is possible to connect them electrically and stably.

また、第２突起部９８によって、搬送ガイド部材８２と枠体８６との間に空間を構成できるので、枠体８６の熱が搬送ガイド部材８２に伝わることを抑制でき、搬送ガイド部材８２の熱変形を抑制できる。さらに、導電部材８８は、１枚の板材で形成されるので、１枚の板材を加工することによって、導電部材８８を簡単かつ安価に製造できる。 Further, since the space can be formed between the transport guide member 82 and the frame body 86 by the second protrusion 98, it is possible to suppress the heat of the frame body 86 from being transferred to the transport guide member 82, and the heat of the transport guide member 82 can be suppressed. Deformation can be suppressed. Further, since the conductive member 88 is formed of one plate material, the conductive member 88 can be manufactured easily and inexpensively by processing one plate material.

図６に示すように、締結部材９０は、搬送ガイド部材８２における２つの第２突起部９８の間に設けられるので、締結部材９０の締結力を２つの第２突起部９８のそれぞれに効率よく伝えることが可能であり、２つの第２突起部９８によって導電部材８８を枠体８６に確実に固定できる。また、２つの第２突起部９８の間で第２端子部１１４と第１端子部１０４とを接触させることができるので、接触部の高さを一定に保持することが可能であり、端子部どうしの接触状態を安定させることができる。 As shown in FIG. 6, since the fastening member 90 is provided between the two second protrusions 98 of the transport guide member 82, the fastening force of the fastening member 90 is efficiently applied to each of the two second protrusions 98. It is possible to transmit, and the conductive member 88 can be reliably fixed to the frame body 86 by the two second protrusions 98. Further, since the second terminal portion 114 and the first terminal portion 104 can be brought into contact with each other between the two second protrusions 98, the height of the contact portion can be kept constant, and the terminal portion can be kept constant. The contact state between them can be stabilized.

図６に示すように、位置決め孔１１８および位置決め孔９７に位置決め突起部１２６を嵌合させることによって、枠体８６に対して、導電部材８８および搬送ガイド部材８２を簡単かつ正確に位置決めできる。 As shown in FIG. 6, by fitting the positioning protrusion 126 into the positioning hole 118 and the positioning hole 97, the conductive member 88 and the transport guide member 82 can be easily and accurately positioned with respect to the frame body 86.

図５に示すように、クリーニング装置７２の固定部８０と除電装置７４の導電部材８８とが兼用されるので、クリーニング装置７２と導電部材８８とを別々に形成する必要がなく、部品点数を少なくして安価に製造できる。
（変形例）
なお、本明細書中で挙げた、画像形成装置１０の具体的な構成は、いずれも単なる一例であり、実際の製品の仕様に応じて適宜変更可能である。たとえば、上記実施例では、画像形成装置１０が、複写機能、プリンタ機能、スキャナ機能およびファクシミリ機能などを有するモノクロ複合機として構成されるが、画像形成装置１０は、上記のいずれか１つの機能だけを有してもよいし、任意に選択された少なくとも２つの機能を有してもよい。また、画像形成装置１０は、記録媒体に対して多色の画像を形成するカラー機として構成されてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 5, since the fixing portion 80 of the cleaning device 72 and the conductive member 88 of the static elimination device 74 are also used, it is not necessary to separately form the cleaning device 72 and the conductive member 88, and the number of parts is reduced. Can be manufactured at low cost.
(Modification example)
The specific configurations of the image forming apparatus 10 described in the present specification are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the actual product. For example, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured as a monochrome multifunction device having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like, but the image forming apparatus 10 has only one of the above functions. It may have at least two functions arbitrarily selected. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 may be configured as a color machine that forms a multicolored image on a recording medium.

図６に示すように、上記実施例では、第２端子部１１４の長さ方向一方端部が端子支持部１１６で支持されるが、第２端子部１１４の長さ方向両端部が端子支持部１１６で支持されてもよい。この場合には、金属からなる１枚の板材に、互いに平行となる２つの線状の貫通孔を打ち抜き加工することによって、導電部材８８が形成されてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 6, in the above embodiment, one end in the length direction of the second terminal portion 114 is supported by the terminal support portion 116, but both ends in the length direction of the second terminal portion 114 are the terminal support portions. It may be supported by 116. In this case, the conductive member 88 may be formed by punching two linear through holes parallel to each other in one plate made of metal.

図６に示すように、上記実施例では、枠体８６の上面８６ａに第１突起部１２４ａと並んで補助突起部１２４ｂが設けられるが、補助突起部１２４ｂは省略されてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 6, in the above embodiment, the auxiliary protrusion 124b is provided on the upper surface 86a of the frame body 86 along with the first protrusion 124a, but the auxiliary protrusion 124b may be omitted.

図３に示すように、上記実施例では、除電装置７４がヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５６および加圧ローラ（用紙搬送回転体）５８の下流側に配置されるが、除電装置７４はこれらの上流側に配置されてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 3, in the above embodiment, the static eliminator 74 is arranged on the downstream side of the heat roller (paper transport rotating body) 56 and the pressure roller (paper transport rotating body) 58, and the static eliminator 74 is these. It may be arranged on the upstream side of.

さらに、上記実施例では、「用紙搬送装置」として定着ユニット５４が用いられるが、「用紙搬送装置」の種類は、これに限定されるものではなく、例えば、単なる一対の搬送ローラで構成された用紙搬送装置が用いられてもよい。この場合には、ヒートローラ５６および加圧ローラ５８に代えて、単純構造の搬送ローラが「用紙搬送回転体」として用いられてもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the fixing unit 54 is used as the "paper transport device", but the type of the "paper transport device" is not limited to this, and is, for example, simply composed of a pair of transport rollers. A paper transfer device may be used. In this case, instead of the heat roller 56 and the pressure roller 58, a transfer roller having a simple structure may be used as the “paper transfer rotating body”.

１０ … 画像形成装置
５４ … 定着ユニット（用紙搬送装置）
５６ … ヒートローラ（用紙搬送回転体）
５８ … 加圧ローラ（用紙搬送回転体）
７２ … クリーニング装置
７４ … 除電装置
７６ … クリーニング部
７８ … 支持部
８０ … 固定部
８２ … 搬送ガイド部材
８４ … 除電部材
８６ … 枠体
８８ … 導電部材
９０ … 締結部材
９８ … 第２突起部
１０２ … 除電部
１０４ … 第１端子部
１１４ａ … 基端部
１１４ … 第２端子部
１１６ … 端子支持部
１２４ａ … 第１突起部
１２４ｂ … 補助突起部
１２６ … 位置決め突起部 10 ... Image forming device 54 ... Fusing unit (paper transport device)
56 ... Heat roller (paper transport rotating body)
58… Pressurized roller (paper transport rotating body)
72 ... Cleaning device 74 ... Static elimination device 76 ... Cleaning section 78 ... Support section 80 ... Fixed section 82 ... Transport guide member 84 ... Static elimination member 86 ... Frame body 88 ... Conductive member 90 ... Fastening member 98 ... Second protrusion 102 ... Static elimination Part 104 ... First terminal part 114a ... Base end part 114 ... Second terminal part 116 ... Terminal support part 124a ... First protrusion part 124b ... Auxiliary protrusion part 126 ... Positioning protrusion part

Claims

Non-conductive transfer guide member that guides paper,
A static elimination member provided on each of the transport guide members, which has a static elimination portion that comes into contact with the paper and a conductive first terminal portion that conducts with the static elimination portion.
It has a conductive frame body that supports the transport guide member and is held at the ground potential, a second terminal portion that is elastically deformable, and a terminal support portion that supports the second terminal portion. A plate-shaped conductive member arranged between the transport guide member and the frame body is provided.
At a position corresponding to the second terminal portion of the frame body, a first protrusion portion protruding toward the second terminal portion is provided.
The first terminal portion is arranged at a position corresponding to the second terminal portion of the transport guide member.
At a position corresponding to the terminal support portion of the transport guide member, a space is formed between the transport guide member and the frame body by projecting toward the frame body and pressing against the terminal support portion. A second protrusion is provided,
In a state where the transport guide member, the frame body, and the conductive member are fastened by the fastening member, the second terminal portion is elastically deformed by abutting with the first protrusion portion, and is elastically deformed with the first terminal portion. A static eliminator that makes contact and conducts.

The second terminal portion is formed in the shape of a cantilever whose base end portion is connected to the terminal support portion.
The static elimination according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the second terminal portion with the first protrusion is arranged on the base end portion side of the contact portion of the second terminal portion with the first terminal portion. Device.

At a position corresponding to the terminal support portion of the transport guide member, two said second protrusions are provided so as to sandwich the second terminal portion.
The static elimination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening member is provided between the two second protrusions of the transport guide member.

The static elimination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive member is formed of a single plate material.

A positioning protrusion for positioning the conductive member is provided on the surface of the frame on which the conductive member is arranged.
The static elimination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive member is provided with a positioning hole into which the positioning protrusion is aligned.

A paper transport device comprising the static eliminator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a paper transport rotating body for transporting the paper toward the transport guide member.

A cleaning device for removing stains adhering to the surface of the paper transport rotating body is provided.
The cleaning device includes a cleaning portion pressed against the surface of the paper transport rotating body, a conductive support portion that supports the cleaning portion, and a conductive fixing portion that fixes the support portion to the frame body. Have and
The paper transport device according to claim 6, wherein the fixing portion is also used as the conductive member.

An image forming apparatus comprising the paper transport device according to claim 6 or 7.