JP2516364B2 - Cleaning device for the underside of the platen - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a lower surface of a document table in a copying machine of a type in which a document table is reciprocally moved.

[Conventional technology]

As a cleaning device for the lower surface of the document table in the document table moving type copying machine, a cleaning tool (a cleaning member such as a brush is provided on a holding member) contacting the entire width of the lower surface of the document table is provided near the light source. Then, the reciprocating movement of the document table is effectively used, and the lower surface of the document table is cleaned by the cleaning tool every time the document table reciprocates.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

By the way, a copying machine is generally provided with a cooling fan for exhausting the air inside the copying machine to the outside, so that the inside of the copying machine is cooled by introducing the outside air (hereinafter, cooling air) accompanying the exhaust of the inside air. Have been considered to.

On the other hand, as a form of copying, it is often the case that a large number of copies are continuously made from one original, but during this continuous copying, the temperature in the vicinity of the light source is particularly likely to rise. Since it is provided in contact with the lower surface of the cleaning device, the flow of cooling air to be introduced near the light source through the space between the document table and the upper surface of the copying machine is blocked by the cleaning tool. The cooling performance for the vicinity of the light source is deteriorated, and heat is likely to be trapped in the vicinity of the light source, and when the continuous copying mode is adopted, there is a drawback that the vicinity of the light source is easily heated on the document table.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and by extremely rational means, while achieving good cleaning of the lower surface of the original plate as in the past, the cooling performance in the vicinity of the light source is improved, In addition, the purpose is to suppress the temperature rise in the vicinity of the light source of the document table.

[Means for solving problems]

A cleaning device for a lower surface of a document table according to the present invention for achieving the above object is provided with a light source for projecting light for exposure toward the document table, and at least between the document table and the upper surface of the copying machine main body. A cooling fan for introducing outside air for cooling from the formed cooling flow path is provided, and a cleaning tool covering the entire width of the platen is separated from the first state in contact with the platen lower surface and the platen lower surface. It is provided so that it can be switched to the second state, and in the first state, the original table is moved to clean the lower surface of the original table by the cleaning tool, and the cleaning is performed with a predetermined number of copies as a control reference. The tool is switched to the two states, and therefore, in the first state, the cleaning tool is allowed to enter the cooling passage to prevent the introduction of the cooling outside air from a part of the cooling passage. on the other hand,
In the second state, the cleaning tool is removed from the inside of the cooling flow path, and the outside air for cooling is also introduced from a part of the inside of the cooling flow path to exhaust the air in the vicinity of the light source to the outside of the machine. It is characterized in that a control mechanism capable of controlling is provided.

[Action]

Thus, for example, when the cleaning tool is always placed in the first cleaning state and continuous copying is performed, heat is trapped near the light source and the temperature of the platen portion near the light source is expected to rise. In the case where the continuous copying of a predetermined number of sheets or more is performed, the cleaning tool under the first state of the cleaning is controlled so as to be switched to the second state. The temperature rise is suppressed and the lower surface of the platen is cleaned.

Alternatively, for example, assuming that the lower surface of the platen is dirty in proportion to the total number of copies, the cleaning time at which the lower surface of the platen may need to be cleaned is set to the total number of copies (for example, 1000).
The total number of copies is used as a control standard for the cleaning cycle, and the cleaning tool is used only while copying a predetermined number of copies (for example, an order of 50). By controlling the switching to the first state, in most of the cleaning cycle, regardless of the copying mode such as continuous copying of a large number of sheets or copying one sheet at a time, or depending on the ambient temperature environment. Without doing so, the vicinity of the light source is cooled in a predetermined manner, and the lower surface of the document table is regularly cleaned.

That is, the cooling of the vicinity of the light source and the cleaning of the lower surface of the document table are achieved by a simple control in which the cleaning tool is switched to the two states with a predetermined number of copies as a control reference. Further, in the present invention, a light source for projecting light for exposure is provided toward the document table, and the outside air for cooling is provided from at least the cooling flow path formed between the document table and the upper surface of the main body of the copying machine. Since the cooling fan for introducing the air conditioner is provided and the control mechanism is configured to exhaust the air in the vicinity of the light source to the outside of the machine, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise in the vicinity of the light source in any of the copying modes described above. In particular, in the second state, the cleaning tool that has penetrated into the cooling flow passage prevents the introduction of the outside air for cooling from being introduced until the cooling dew is partly cooled. External air can be introduced.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 shows a manuscript table moving type copying machine equipped with a manuscript table cleaning device A. The manuscript table 1 made of glass and the manuscript holder 3 pivotally mounted on a receiving frame 2 of the manuscript table 1 are used as a unit. The photoconductor 5 is provided on the upper part of the copying machine main body 4 so as to be reciprocally movable, and the photoconductor 5 is placed horizontally on the copying machine main body 4, and around the photoconductor 5, the charging device 6, the blank cut lamp 7, and the developing device 8 are provided. , Transfer device 9, copy paper separating device 10, cleaning device
11 are arranged in that order in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 5, and
A paper feeding / conveying device 13 that conveys the copy paper a in the cassette case 12 to the transfer device 9, a paper ejection conveying device 15 that conveys the copy paper a after transfer / separation to the fixing device 14, and a copy after fixing. A pair of paper discharge rollers 17 for discharging the paper a to the tray 16 is provided.

A light source 18 for projecting light for exposure toward the document table 1 is provided at an upper portion on the downstream side in the paper feeding / discharging direction with respect to the copying machine body 4, and the light reflected from the document table 1 is described above. While arranging the first to fourth mirrors 19 to 22 projecting light on the photoconductor 5 and the zoom lens 23, the air near the light source 18 is exhausted to the outside of the machine so that the original table 1 and the copying machine main body 4 are separated. Cooling channel (see Fig. 4) formed between the upper surface and the manual feed section
A cooling fan 25 is provided to introduce outside air for cooling from another portion such as the vicinity of 24 through another cooling flow passage (not shown) that joins the cooling flow passage.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper plate portion 4a of the copying machine body 4 slides on one side edge of the original table 1 in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction). A rail member 26 that freely supports is continuously provided, and a guide rail 28 that guides a slide member 27 attached to the lower surface of the document table receiving frame 2 is parallel to the rail member 26 and the upper plate portion. The manuscript table 1 is provided at 4a, and is reciprocally movable along the rail member 26 and the guide rail 28 in the paper feeding / discharging direction.

The document table cleaning device A is provided near the upstream side in the paper feeding / discharging direction with respect to the light source 18, and more specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and 4, a cleaning member including a brush. 2
9 is planted in the cleaning member holding member 30 to form a narrow cleaning tool 31 over the entire width of the original table 1, and the cleaning tool 31 is also provided.
A solenoid 32 is provided on the main body of the copying machine for switching and operating between a first state X of cleaning in which the cleaning body 29 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the platen and a second state Y in which it is separated from the lower surface of the platen.
The cleaning tool 31 is provided with a control mechanism 33 for controlling the switching between the two states X and Y.

Next, a specific example of the control mechanism 33 which uses the number of continuous copies of a predetermined number or more as a control standard for cleaning will be described with reference to FIG. 5. First, the number of continuous copies is set (step S ₁ ), and , Print switch not shown in the figure operates (step
When S ₂₎ is the, the set continuous number of copies in the case of a predetermined number (e.g., 50 sheets) below is taken routine NO, the
Copy of the set number (Step S ₃₎ is performed, the copying operation upon completion of the copying of the set number is finished (Step S _4).

During this time, the solenoid 32 is under degaussing, and as shown in FIG.
The 32 spindles b are projected from the solenoid case c by the biasing force of the spring S, so that the cleaning tool 31 connected to the spindle b is held in the first cleaning state X.

On the other hand, if the number of continuous copies is more than the predetermined number, YES
Taken routine, the predetermined number of copying is performed (step S _5), the solenoid 32 is excited (step S ₆₎ when the number of copies reaches the predetermined number,
Here, the cleaning tool 31 is switched to the non-cleaning second state Y against the biasing force of the spring S (see FIG. 4).
At the same time, the remaining number of sheets exceeding the predetermined number is copied as it is (step S ₇ ). When the copying of the remaining number of sheets is completed, the solenoid 32 is demagnetized (step S ₈ ) and the cleaning tool 31 is returned to the first state again. The state X is switched to and the copying operation is finished (step S ₄ ).

That is, the cleaning tool 31 is always placed under the first state X of cleaning in which the cleaning tool 31 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the document table, and the document table 1 near the light source is placed.
In the case of continuous copying of a predetermined number of sheets or more, which is associated with the temperature rise, the cleaning tool 31 is switched to the second state Y during the subsequent continuous copying. It is configured so as to prevent the temperature of the portion near the light source of the document table 1 from rising.

It should be noted that when a part of the above-mentioned control system is changed and the continuous copy number is set to a predetermined number or more as shown in FIG. 6, the solenoid 32 is excited (step S). ₉₎ with, as well as the cleaning tool 31 to the second state Y, the predetermined number of complete continuous copying (step S ₁₀₎ Then demagnetize the solenoid 32 (step S ₁₁₎ a cleaning tool 31 by first let switched to state X, and, or configured to complete the copy of the remaining number (step S ₁₂₎ then Exit the copying operation (step S _4), as shown in FIG. 7, the continuous copying of more than a predetermined number When the solenoid is started
32 causes the excitation (step S _13), and complete the continuous copying of a predetermined number of said solenoid 32 at the time (Step S ₁₄₎ and were demagnetized (step S _15), and causes end the copying operation (step S ₄₎ It may be configured as follows.

Alternatively, the cleaning tool 31 is brought to the second state Y by the biasing force of the spring S, which is the reverse of the state switching of the cleaning tool 31 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, that is, always under the demagnetization of the solenoid 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the continuous copying of a predetermined number of sheets is completed (step
At the time of S ₁₆ ), the solenoid 32 is excited (step S ₁₇ ) to bring the cleaning tool 31 into the first state X, and during the predetermined number of copying thereafter, specifically, cleaning is required. The cleaning tool 31 is kept in the first state X until the total number of copies (for example, 50) is completed, and the predetermined number of copies is completed (step
S ₁₈ ) When the solenoid 32 is demagnetized (step
S ₁₉ ) and the copying operation may be ended (step S ₄ ).

All the state switching of the cleaning tool 31 in each control mechanism 33 having the above-mentioned configuration uses the number of continuous copies of a predetermined number or more as a control reference, but as shown in FIG.
The cleaning tool 31 may be switched between the two states X and Y by using the total number of copies in the order of sheets as a control reference for state switching.

That is, as described above, the cleaning tool 31 is always in the non-cleaning second state Y under the demagnetization of the solenoid 32 by the urging force of the spring S, and the lower surface of the document table needs to be cleaned. Assuming that the wax cleaning time is based on the total number of copies, the estimated number of copies and the total number of copies (eg, 50) required for cleaning (total of 2000 as described above, for example, The said order) is used as a control reference for the cleaning cycle, and when the total number of copies corresponding to the control time is reached, the solenoid 32
The by excitation (step S _20), along with shifting the said cleaning tool 31 to the first state X, upon completion (step S ₂₁₎ a copy of the total number of sheets would require the cleaning, the solenoid 32 is to configured to demagnetization (step S _22).

In summary, for example, if 1950 copies are made, then the cleaning tool 31 will be used for a total of 50 copies thereafter.
Is set to the first state X, and the lower surface of the document table is controlled to be cleaned.

In such a configuration, since the cleaning tool 31 is in the non-cleaning separated state during most of the cleaning cycle, the cleaning tool 31 is unlikely to have a crease, and has a high cooling performance, which is affected by the ambient temperature environment. There is an advantage that a cleaning form that does not occur can be taken.

Needless to say, a sponge, a sponge covered with a cloth, or the like can be used as the cleaning body 31.

Also, the above-mentioned number of copies is for convenience,
It is not specified to this, but is arbitrarily set.

Further, the solenoid 32 is naturally switched to the demagnetized state by opening the main switch even if it is controlled to the excited state, but is reset to the excited state by closing the main switch, The degaussing state due to the opening of the main switch is also regarded as an energized state in terms of control. Therefore, the first state and the second state of the cleaning tool referred to in the claims of the present invention refer to the above. It goes without saying that this is for control purposes and does not include the state when the main switch is open.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, the apparatus for cleaning the lower surface of the platen according to the present invention is capable of switching the cleaning tool over the entire width of the platen between the first state in contact with the lower surface of the platen and the second state in which it is separated from the lower surface of the platen. It is characterized in that a control mechanism for switching the cleaning tool between the two states is provided based on a predetermined number of copies as a control reference.

As described in detail in the embodiment, in consideration of the fact that heat is trapped in the vicinity of the light source and the temperature of the platen rises in the continuous copying mode, the number of continuous copying sheets of a predetermined number or more is set to the cleaning tool. By using the control standard for state switching as described above, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise near the light source and clean the lower surface of the platen in the case of continuous copying of a large number of sheets, or the dirt on the lower surface of the platen is proportional to the total number of copies. From the above, assuming that the cleaning time of the lower surface of the platen is the total number of copies, and setting the predetermined total number of copies as the control reference for the state switching by the control mechanism, a large number of continuous copies can be made. It is possible to always cool the vicinity of the light source in a predetermined manner regardless of the copy mode such as copying each sheet or one sheet at a time, or to move the document table regardless of the ambient temperature environment. Therefore, the cleaning of the lower surface of the platen can be achieved periodically, that is, the cooling of the vicinity of the light source and the cleaning of the lower surface of the platen can be performed by the simple control of switching the cleaning tool between the two states with a predetermined number of copies as a control reference. It has come to be able to achieve. Further, in the present invention, a light source for projecting exposure light toward the document table is provided, and cooling air outside the machine is provided from at least a cooling channel formed between the document table and the upper surface of the copying machine main body. Since the cooling fan for introducing the air conditioner is provided and the control mechanism is configured to exhaust the air in the vicinity of the light source to the outside of the machine, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise in the vicinity of the light source in any of the above-mentioned copying modes. In particular, in the second state, the cleaning tool that has penetrated into the cooling flow path prevents the introduction of the outside air for cooling up to that point. There is an advantage that outside air can be introduced, and therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the temperature of the platen from rising due to the accumulation of heat in the vicinity of the light source.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the copying machine, showing the original holder omitted.
FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the entire platen moving type copying machine.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 are detailed diagrams showing the state switching of the cleaning tool, and FIGS. 5 to 9 are flowcharts of various control mechanisms. 1 ... manuscript table, 18 ... light source, 25 ... cooling fan, 31 ...
Cleaning tool, 32, 33 ... Control mechanism, X ... First state, Y ...
Second state.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-63-56646 (JP, A) JP-A-57-35874 (JP, A) JP-A-60-196787 (JP, A) JP-A-62- 44771 (JP, A) JP 61-83560 (JP, A) Actually opened 61-203742 (JP, U) Actually opened 63-84163 (JP, U) Actually opened 63-35068 (JP, U) 56-75754 (JP, U) Kohei Hei 6-4342 (JP, Y2)

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A light source for projecting exposure light toward a document table is provided, and cooling air outside the machine is supplied from at least a cooling channel formed between the document table and the upper surface of the copying machine main body. A cooling fan to be introduced is provided, and further, a cleaning tool that covers the entire width of the platen is provided so as to be switchable between a first state in contact with the lower surface of the platen and a second state in which it is separated from the lower surface of the platen.
In the first state, the document table is moved to clean the lower surface of the document table with the cleaning tool.
The cleaning tool is switched to the two states on the basis of a predetermined number of copies as a control reference. Therefore, in the first state, the cleaning tool is allowed to enter the cooling flow path to remove the cleaning tool from a part of the cooling flow path. While preventing the introduction of the outside air for cooling, the cleaning tool is detached from the inside of the cooling passage in the second state to introduce the outside air for cooling also from a part of the inside of the cooling passage. A cleaning device for the lower surface of the document table, which is provided with a control mechanism capable of exhausting the air in the vicinity of the light source to the outside of the machine. 2. A control reference for state switching by the control mechanism is a continuous copy number of a predetermined number or more, and the number of continuous copies exceeding the predetermined number is based on a setting input of the continuous copy number of the predetermined number or more. The cleaning device for cleaning the lower surface of the document table according to claim (1), wherein the control mechanism is configured to switch the cleaning tool to the second state until copying is completed. 3. A control reference for state switching by the control mechanism is a predetermined total number of copies, and while the predetermined number of copies is performed during the period when the total number of copies is a cleaning cycle, continuous copying of the predetermined number or more is performed. The control mechanism is configured to switch the cleaning tool to the second state until the continuous copying for the number exceeding the predetermined number is completed, based on the setting input of the number of sheets. The cleaning device for the lower surface of the platen according to the item.