JP3380655B2 - Contact charging device and image forming device - Google Patents

Contact charging device and image forming device

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Publication number
JP3380655B2
JP3380655B2 JP21636695A JP21636695A JP3380655B2 JP 3380655 B2 JP3380655 B2 JP 3380655B2 JP 21636695 A JP21636695 A JP 21636695A JP 21636695 A JP21636695 A JP 21636695A JP 3380655 B2 JP3380655 B2 JP 3380655B2
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JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
light
contact charging
photoconductor
voltage
image forming
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP21636695A
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Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPH0962062A (en
Inventor
川 直 志 早
沢 博 半
葉 康 秋
淵 健 田
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、接触帯電部材を用
いる帯電装置およびそれを用いる画像形成装置に関し、
特に、帯電部材の湿り状態を検知して接触帯電部材への
印加電圧を最適に制御する技術に関する。この種の帯電
装置は、複写機，ＦＡＸ，レーザプリンタ等、電子写真
装置に使用される。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging device using a contact charging member and an image forming apparatus using the charging device.
In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for detecting the wet state of the charging member and optimally controlling the voltage applied to the contact charging member. This type of charging device is used in electrophotographic devices such as copying machines, fax machines, and laser printers.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】電子写真装置において、感光体等の電荷
担持体表面を帯電処理する帯電装置としては従来よりコ
ロナ放電装置が広く使用されきたが、コロナ放電発生の
ためには高電圧電源（４〜８ｋｖ）が必要であり、また
コロナ放電に起因するオゾン発生、それに伴う装置部品
の劣化、オゾンの吸収／分解フィルタの必要性、帯電／
電力効率が低い、等の問題を避ける為、接触帯電装置が
使用されるようになってきた。 接触帯電装置は、電圧
を印加した帯電部材を感光体等の電荷担持体表面に接触
させて帯電処理を行うもので、帯電電源電圧が低圧でよ
く、従ってオゾンの発生も少ない等の長所を有してい
る。2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic apparatus, a corona discharge device has been widely used as a charging device for charging a surface of a charge carrier such as a photoconductor, but a high voltage power source (4) has been used to generate a corona discharge. ~ 8 kv) is required, and ozone is generated due to corona discharge, resulting in deterioration of device parts, necessity of ozone absorption / decomposition filter, charging /
In order to avoid problems such as low power efficiency, contact charging devices have come to be used. The contact charging device is a device that performs a charging process by bringing a charging member to which a voltage is applied into contact with the surface of a charge carrier such as a photoconductor, and has the advantage that the charging power supply voltage can be low and therefore ozone is less likely to occur. is doing.

【０００３】一般的な接触帯電装置の帯電ローラ１０２
の構成を図１０に示す。感光体１０１を帯電するため、
帯電電源２０７から帯電用電圧が帯電ロ−ラ１０２の芯
金２０１に印加される。この電圧は、芯金２０１，導電
層２０２，表面層２０３を経由して感光体１０１に供給
され、感光体１０１表面を帯電する。帯電ローラ１０２
の導電層２０２は、感光体１０１との連れ廻りで回転さ
せる必要から弾性を必要とし、一般的に導電性ゴム材が
用いられる。Charging roller 102 of a general contact charging device
The configuration of is shown in FIG. To charge the photoreceptor 101,
A charging voltage is applied to the core metal 201 of the charging roller 102 from the charging power source 207. This voltage is supplied to the photoconductor 101 via the cored bar 201, the conductive layer 202, and the surface layer 203 to charge the surface of the photoconductor 101. Charging roller 102
The conductive layer 202 requires elasticity because it needs to be rotated together with the photoconductor 101, and a conductive rubber material is generally used.

【０００４】この種の帯電ロ−ラ１０２を使用して感光
体１０１の帯電処理を行なう場合、その使用環境により
導電層２０２（導電性ゴム材）の電気伝導性が変化する
ので、使用環境が変化した時には、この部分を経由する
帯電電圧に対し影響を与える。すなわち、高温高湿下で
は導電層２０２（導電性ゴム材）の電気伝導度は大きく
なるので、帯電用印加電圧２０７は相対的に低くて良
く、低温低湿下では電気伝導度は小さくなるので帯電用
印加電圧は相対的に高くする必要がある。When the charging roller 102 of this type is used to charge the photoreceptor 101, the electrical conductivity of the conductive layer 202 (conductive rubber material) changes depending on the environment of use, so that the environment of use is When it changes, it affects the charging voltage passing through this part. That is, since the electric conductivity of the conductive layer 202 (conductive rubber material) is high under high temperature and high humidity, the charging applied voltage 207 may be relatively low, and the electric conductivity is low under low temperature and low humidity, so charging is performed. The applied voltage for use needs to be relatively high.

【０００５】一般に温度と湿度は連動して変化するの
で、温度に応じて帯電ロ−ラ印加電圧を制御し、最適化
するというのが従来技術の思想であった。例えば、特平
４−１８６３８１公報には、帯電ロ−ラの表面層温度を
検出するセンサを設け、このセンサの検出温度によって
帯電ロ−ラに印加する電圧を制御する方法が開示されて
いる。Generally, since temperature and humidity change in conjunction with each other, the idea of the prior art is to control and optimize the voltage applied to the charging roller according to the temperature. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-186381 discloses a method in which a sensor for detecting the surface layer temperature of a charging roller is provided and the voltage applied to the charging roller is controlled by the temperature detected by this sensor.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかし、同一温度でも
湿度が異なる環境下においては、帯電ロ−ラ（導電性ゴ
ム材）の電気伝導性が変化するので、この部分を経由す
る感光体への帯電電圧にも変化が生ずる。すなわち、温
度検知のみによる帯電用印加電圧の最適化制御は大まか
なものにならざるを得ない。これは同一温度下でも、そ
の帯電ローラの吸湿履歴によって（即ち水分量によっ
て）電気伝導性が異なるからである。この問題を解決す
るためには、帯電ロ−ラそのものの水分を直接検知し、
この値に基ずき、帯電用印加電圧の最適化制御を行えば
よい。However, in an environment where the humidity is different even at the same temperature, the electrical conductivity of the charging roller (conductive rubber material) changes, so that the photoconductor passing through this portion is transferred to the photoreceptor. The charging voltage also changes. That is, the optimization control of the charging applied voltage based only on the temperature detection is unavoidable. This is because even under the same temperature, the electrical conductivity varies depending on the moisture absorption history of the charging roller (that is, depending on the amount of water). To solve this problem, directly detect the water content of the charging roller itself,
Based on this value, the charging applied voltage may be optimized and controlled.

【０００７】このような目的に使用される水分量検知手
段に関し、従来は抵抗式水分率計などの接触検知式の湿
度センサで帯電ローラの水分量を検知するという提案，
湿度センサで帯電ローラの周囲湿度を検知して電圧印加
を最適化するという提案、あるいは、光学式水分量検知
手段が使用されていた。しかし、接触検知式では、帯電
ローラ表面への当接圧の制御又は当接位置と画像形成域
の分離等を工夫しないと、画像形成への不具合が容易に
類推され、また、湿度センサによる方法では、周囲湿度
が急激に変化したとき（例えば、冷房機の運転を開始し
たとか、部屋の窓を開けたとか）に対応できない（周囲
湿度の変化に対して帯電ロ−ラの含水量の変化は遅
い）。また従来使用されていた光学式水分量検知手段
は、発光部（光源）と受光部を設け、発光部側又は受光
部側のどちらかに、異なる波長を通すフィルターを設け
たペアで構成するか、あるいは発光部、受光部は単数構
成であるが、計測ごとに所望のフィルターに交換を行な
う構成にするかの何れかであった。Regarding the water content detecting means used for such a purpose, conventionally, a proposal has been made to detect the water content of the charging roller by a contact detection type humidity sensor such as a resistance type water content meter.
Proposals have been made to optimize the voltage application by detecting the ambient humidity of the charging roller with a humidity sensor, or optical moisture detection means have been used. However, in the contact detection type, unless the control of the contact pressure on the charging roller surface or the separation of the contact position and the image forming area is devised, a defect in the image formation can be easily analogized. However, when the ambient humidity changes rapidly (for example, when the operation of the air conditioner is started or when the window of the room is opened), it cannot respond (change of the water content of the charging roller with respect to the change of ambient humidity). Is slow). Also, does the conventionally used optical moisture detecting means have a light emitting part (light source) and a light receiving part, and a pair of filters that pass different wavelengths on either the light emitting part side or the light receiving part side? Alternatively, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit have a single structure, but a desired filter is replaced for each measurement.

【０００８】計測ごとにフィルターの交換をする方法
は、計測に時間がかかるという欠点を有し検知装置の小
型化に不向きであるし、また、発光部と受光部からなる
ペアの検知装置を検知波長毎に設ける構成では、ペアで
部品構成する必要があるので部品数の増加によるコスト
高となり、また装置の小型化に不向きである。尚、光学
式水分量検知装置を使用した場合、その使用波長が可視
光領域であるため、受光部に不要な光が侵入する可能性
が高く、正確な検知を行うことが難かしいと言う問題が
ある。The method of exchanging the filter for each measurement is not suitable for miniaturization of the detection device because it has a drawback that the measurement takes time, and it also detects a detection device of a pair consisting of a light emitting part and a light receiving part. In the configuration provided for each wavelength, it is necessary to configure the components in pairs, which increases the cost due to the increase in the number of components, and is not suitable for downsizing the device. Incidentally, when the optical water content detection device is used, since the wavelength used is in the visible light region, there is a high possibility that unnecessary light will enter the light receiving part, and it is difficult to perform accurate detection. There is.

【０００９】次に画像形成装置が黒色の記録媒体を感光
体上に吸着させて画像形成を行う電子写真装置で、黒色
トナ−を感光体上に静電吸着させて行う場合を考えてみ
る。この時感光体クリ−ニング装置が無ければ、画像形
成を繰り返えし行ううちに感光体上の残留トナ−が帯電
ロ−ラ接触域に運ばれ帯電ロ−ラに付着し、帯電ロ−ラ
が黒色化してしまう。通常、電子写真装置には感光体ク
リ−ニング装置があり、残留トナ−を次の画像形成行程
に送らないようにしているが、残留トナ−の完全な除去
が行えず、現在の技術の限界として、感光体クリ−ニン
グ装置では粒径１μｍ以下の微粉トナ−の通過を防止で
きていない。しかし帯電性能に関しては微粉トナ−によ
って表面を覆われても、電気伝導性の変化はわずかであ
り、よほど長期にわたって無交換で使用しない限り、帯
電性能が劣化することはない。すなわち、特に帯電ロ−
ラ清掃手段を持つ必要はない。ところが、光学式水分量
検知装置を帯電ロ−ラの含水量検出のために塔載する場
合には、問題が生じてしまう。すなわち微粉トナ−によ
る帯電ロ−ラ表面の黒色化は、初期と経時での反射光量
の大幅な減少を意味し、初期設定の受光出力のままでは
水分量の誤検知につながる恐れがある。Next, let us consider a case where an image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic apparatus for adhering a black recording medium onto a photosensitive member to form an image, and a black toner is electrostatically adsorbed onto the photosensitive member. At this time, if there is no photoconductor cleaning device, the residual toner on the photoconductor is carried to the contact area of the charging roller and adheres to the charging roller while the image formation is repeated. La turns black. Normally, the electrophotographic apparatus has a photoreceptor cleaning device to prevent the residual toner from being sent to the next image forming step, but the residual toner cannot be completely removed, and the current technology limits. As a result, the photoreceptor cleaning device cannot prevent passage of fine powder toner having a particle diameter of 1 μm or less. However, regarding the charging performance, even if the surface is covered with a fine powder toner, the change in the electrical conductivity is slight, and the charging performance does not deteriorate unless it is used without replacement for a long period of time. That is, especially the charging roll
It is not necessary to have a cleaning means. However, a problem arises when the optical moisture detector is mounted on the tower for detecting the water content of the charging roller. That is, the blackening of the surface of the charging roller due to the fine powder toner means a large decrease in the amount of reflected light at the initial stage and with the passage of time.

【００１０】本発明は、接触帯電部材が含有する水分量
の変動による電荷担持体の帯電電位の変動を抑制するこ
とを第１の目的とし、接触帯電部材が含有する水分量を
検出するための光学式水分量検知装置を簡易な構成で接
触帯電装置に塔載可能なサイズ及び検知速度のものとす
ることを第２の目的とし、電荷担持体の帯電電位の変動
の抑制精度を高くすることを第３の目的とする。The first object of the present invention is to suppress the fluctuation of the charging potential of the charge carrier due to the fluctuation of the amount of water contained in the contact charging member, and to detect the amount of water contained in the contact charging member. A second object of the present invention is to make the optical water content detection device of a size and detection speed that can be mounted on a contact charging device with a simple structure, and to increase the accuracy of suppressing fluctuations in the charging potential of the charge carrier. Is the third purpose.

【００１１】[0011]

【課題を解決するための手段】[Means for Solving the Problems]

（１）本発明の接触帯電装置は、電荷担持体に接触し該
電荷担持体を帯電する接触帯電部材；前記接触帯電部材
に波長が異なる光を照射する発光器および接触帯電部材
が反射した光を検出する受光器；該受光器が検出した前
記異なる光のレベルの相対関係より接触帯電部材の水分
量を検出する湿度検出手段；前記電荷担持体の水分量対
応の、該水分量において電荷担持体を実質上一定に帯電
するために前記接触帯電部材に印加すべき電圧デ−タを
格納したメモリ手段； 前記湿度検出手段が検出した水
分量に対応する電圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段から読み出
す手段；および、読み出された電圧デ−タが指定する電
圧を前記接触帯電部材に印加する帯電電源；を備える。(1) A contact charging device of the present invention is a contact charging member that contacts a charge carrier to charge the charge carrier; a light emitting device that irradiates the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths and light reflected by the contact charging member. A light receiver for detecting the water content; a humidity detecting means for detecting the water content of the contact charging member based on the relative relationship between the different light levels detected by the light receiver; and a charge carrier at the water content corresponding to the water content of the charge carrier. Memory means for storing voltage data to be applied to the contact charging member in order to charge the body substantially constant; voltage data corresponding to the amount of moisture detected by the humidity detecting means is read from the memory means. Means; and a charging power source for applying a voltage designated by the read voltage data to the contact charging member.

【００１２】[0012]

【発明の実施の形態】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

（２）本発明のもう１つの態様の接触帯電装置は、電荷
担持体に接触し該電荷担持体を帯電する接触帯電部材；
前記接触帯電部材に波長が異なる光を照射する発光器お
よび接触帯電部材が反射した光を検出する受光器；該受
光器が検出した前記異なる光のレベル比を検出する湿度
検出手段；前記電荷担持体の前記レベル比対応の、該レ
ベル比において電荷担持体を実質上一定に帯電するため
に前記接触帯電部材に印加すべき電圧デ−タを格納した
メモリ手段；前記湿度検出手段が検出したレベル比に対
応する電圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段から読み出す手段；
および、読み出された電圧デ−タが指定する電圧を前記
接触帯電部材に印加する帯電電源；を備える。(2) A contact charging device according to another aspect of the present invention is a contact charging member that contacts a charge carrier to charge the charge carrier.
A light emitter that irradiates the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths and a light receiver that detects the light reflected by the contact charging member; a humidity detecting means that detects the level ratio of the different light detected by the light receiver; Memory means corresponding to the level ratio of the body and storing voltage data to be applied to the contact charging member for charging the charge carrier substantially constant at the level ratio; level detected by the humidity detecting means Means for reading voltage data corresponding to the ratio from said memory means;
And a charging power source for applying a voltage designated by the read voltage data to the contact charging member.

【００１３】（３）上記（１）又は（２）の接触帯電装
置において、発光器は実質上波長０．８μｍに強度ピ−
クがある光を照射する第１発光器および実質上波長１．
４５μｍに強度ピ−クがある光を照射する第２発光器を
含み、受光器は波長０．８μｍおよび１．４５μｍに光
電変換感度がある１つの光電変換器である。(3) In the contact charging device of (1) or (2) above, the light emitter has an intensity peak at a wavelength of substantially 0.8 μm.
The first light emitter that emits a certain amount of light and a wavelength of substantially 1.
It includes a second light emitter that emits light having an intensity peak at 45 μm, and the light receiver is one photoelectric converter having photoelectric conversion sensitivity at wavelengths 0.8 μm and 1.45 μm.

【００１４】（４）上記（１）又は（２）の接触帯電装
置は、少くとも接触帯電部材表面の、発光器が照射した
光の反射光を受光器が検出する位置を清掃するクリ−ニ
ング手段を備える。(4) In the contact charging device according to (1) or (2), at least the cleaning of the surface of the contact charging member is performed to clean the position where the light receiver detects the reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitter. Means are provided.

【００１５】（５）本発明の画像形成装置は、感光体；
該感光体に接触し感光体を帯電する接触帯電部材；前記
感光体の帯電面に画像光を投射する露光手段；前記感光
体の前記画像光の投射により形成された静電潜像を現像
する現像手段； 前記感光体の前記現像により形成され
た顕像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段；前記接触帯電部
材に波長が異なる光を照射する発光器および接触帯電部
材が反射した光を検出する受光器；制御手段が指定する
電圧を前記接触帯電部材に印加する帯電電源；前記接触
帯電部材の水分量対応の、該水分量において感光体を実
質上一定に帯電するために前記接触帯電部材に印加すべ
き電圧デ−タを格納したメモリ手段；前記受光器が検出
した前記異なる光のレベルの相対関係より接触帯電部材
の水分量を検出し、検出した水分量に対応する電圧デ−
タを前記メモリ手段から読み出し、前記帯電電源に該電
圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指定する制御手段；を備え
る。(5) The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a photoconductor;
A contact charging member that contacts the photoconductor to charge the photoconductor; an exposure unit that projects image light onto the charged surface of the photoconductor; develops an electrostatic latent image formed by projecting the image light of the photoconductor. Developing means; transfer means for transferring the visible image formed by the development of the photoconductor onto a recording medium; light emitting device for irradiating the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths and light reception for detecting light reflected by the contact charging member A charging power source for applying a voltage designated by the control means to the contact charging member; a voltage corresponding to the water content of the contact charging member, which is applied to the contact charging member to charge the photoconductor substantially constant at the water content. Memory means for storing voltage data to be detected; the water content of the contact charging member is detected from the relative relationship between the different light levels detected by the light receiver, and the voltage data corresponding to the detected water content is detected.
Control means for reading data from the memory means and designating application of a voltage corresponding to the voltage data to the charging power source.

【００１６】（６）本発明のも１つの態様の画像形成装
置は、感光体；該感光体に接触し感光体を帯電する接触
帯電部材；前記感光体の帯電面に画像光を投射する露光
手段；前記感光体の前記画像光の投射により形成された
静電潜像を現像する現像手段； 前記感光体の前記現像
により形成された顕像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段；
前記接触帯電部材に波長が異なる光を照射する発光器お
よび接触帯電部材が反射した光を検出する受光器；制御
手段が指定する電圧を前記接触帯電部材に印加する帯電
電源；レベル比対応の、該レベル比において感光体を実
質上一定に帯電するために前記接触帯電部材に印加すべ
き電圧デ−タを格納したメモリ手段；前記受光器が検出
した前記異なる光のレベル比を検出し、検出したレベル
比に対応する電圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段から読み出
し、前記帯電電源に該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指
定する制御手段；を備える。(6) An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a photoconductor; a contact charging member that contacts the photoconductor to charge the photoconductor; and an exposure that projects image light onto the charged surface of the photoconductor. Means; developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed by projection of the image light on the photoconductor; transfer means for transferring the visible image formed by the development of the photoconductor onto a recording medium;
A light emitter that irradiates the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths and a light receiver that detects the light reflected by the contact charging member; a charging power source that applies a voltage specified by the control means to the contact charging member; Memory means storing voltage data to be applied to the contact charging member in order to charge the photoreceptor substantially constant at the level ratio; detecting and detecting the level ratio of the different light detected by the photodetector And a control means for reading out voltage data corresponding to the level ratio from the memory means and designating application of a voltage corresponding to the voltage data to the charging power source.

【００１７】（７）上記（５）又は（６）の画像形成装
置は、更に、転写を終えた感光体面に光を照射して除電
する除電装置を備え、制御手段は、除電装置が光非照射
の間に前記検出を実行する。(7) The image forming apparatus according to the above (5) or (6) further includes a static eliminator for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor to which light has been transferred to eliminate static electricity. The detection is carried out during irradiation.

【００１８】（８）上記（５）又は（６）の画像形成装
置において、制御手段は、露光手段が画像光非投射の間
に前記検出を実行する。(8) In the image forming apparatus according to (5) or (6), the control means executes the detection while the exposure means is not projecting the image light.

【００１９】（９）上記（５）又は（６）の画像形成装
置において、制御手段は、画像形成装置に電源が投入さ
れた直後に前記検出を実行し、感光体を帯電するとき、
前記メモリ手段から電圧デ−タを読み出して帯電電源に
該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指定する。(9) In the image forming apparatus according to the above (5) or (6), the control means performs the detection immediately after the image forming apparatus is powered on, and charges the photoconductor,
The voltage data is read from the memory means and the application of the voltage corresponding to the voltage data is designated to the charging power source.

【００２０】（１０）上記（５），（６）又は（９）の
画像形成装置において、制御手段は、指定数の画像形成
を終了した後に前記検出を実行し、次回に感光体を帯電
するとき、前記メモリ手段から電圧デ−タを読み出して
帯電電源に該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指定する。(10) In the image forming apparatus of (5), (6) or (9), the control means executes the detection after the formation of the designated number of images is completed, and charges the photoconductor next time. At this time, the voltage data is read from the memory means and the application of the voltage corresponding to the voltage data to the charging power source is designated.

【００２１】（１１）上記（５）又は（６）の画像形成
装置において、接触帯電部材表面の、発光器が照射した
光の反射光を受光器が検出する位置は、感光体の画像形
成領域に対応する領域の外である。(11) In the image forming apparatus of (5) or (6), the position where the light receiver detects the reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitter on the surface of the contact charging member is the image forming area of the photoconductor. Is outside the area corresponding to.

【００２２】（１２）上記（５）又は（６）の画像形成
装置は、発光器と露光手段の間に、相互間の光の侵入を
防止する遮光体を備える。(12) The image forming apparatus according to the above (5) or (6) is provided with a light-shielding member between the light emitter and the exposure means for preventing mutual intrusion of light.

【００２３】（１３）上記（５），（６）又は（１２）
の画像形成装置は、更に、転写を終えた感光体面に光を
照射して除電する除電装置、ならびに、この除電装置と
発光器の間に、相互間の光の侵入を防止する遮光体、を
備える。(13) The above (5), (6) or (12)
The image forming apparatus of No. 1 further includes a static eliminator for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor with light to eliminate static electricity, and a light shield for preventing mutual intrusion of light between the static eliminator and the light emitter. Prepare

【００２４】[0024]

【実施例】【Example】

−第１実施例− 図１に、本発明の画像形成装置の第１実施例を示し、図
２には図１に示す帯電ロ−ラ１０２を拡大して示し、図
３には図１に示す画像形成機構の動作を制御するコント
ロ−ラＣと湿度検出用のセンサＤおよび帯電電源２０７
との組合せ関係を示す。まず図１を参照すると、図１に
おいて、１０１は静電潜像が形成される感光体ドラム
（電荷担持体）、１０２は感光体ドラム１０１に接触し
て帯電処理する帯電ロ−ラ（接触帯電部材）、１０３は
画像光を感光体ドラム１０１に投射する露光装置、１０
４は感光体ドラム１０１の静電潜像にトナ−を付着させ
る現像装置、１０５は給紙部（図示せず）から搬送され
る記録紙を感光体ドラム１０１の画像（トナ−像）とタ
イミングをとって搬送するレジストロ−ラ、１０６は感
光体ドラム１０１上のトナ−像を記録紙に転写処理する
転写チャ−ジャ、１０７は感光体ドラム１０１表面に密
着した記録紙を分離する分離チャ−ジャ、１０８は感光
体ドラム１０１表面の残留トナ−を除去し回収するクリ
−ニング装置、１０９は感光体ドラム１０１の残留電位
を除去し初期レベルに回復させるためのクエンチングラ
ンプ（除電装置）である。なお、図１では電子写真プロ
セスにおいて通常必要な他の機能ユニットは省略してあ
る。First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows the charging roller 102 shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. A controller C for controlling the operation of the image forming mechanism shown, a sensor D for detecting humidity, and a charging power source 207.
Shows the combination relationship with. First, referring to FIG. 1, in FIG. 1, 101 is a photosensitive drum (charge carrying member) on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, 102 is a charging roller (contact charging for contacting the photosensitive drum 101 and performing a charging process). Member), 103 is an exposure device for projecting image light onto the photosensitive drum 101, and 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a developing device that attaches a toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 101, and 105 denotes a timing with which the recording paper conveyed from a paper feed unit (not shown) is transferred to the image (toner image) on the photoconductor drum 101. A resist roller 106 that conveys the toner image on the photoconductor drum 101, a transfer charger that transfers the toner image on the photoconductor drum 101 to the recording paper, and a separation charger 107 that separates the recording paper that is in close contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum 101. Reference numeral 108 denotes a cleaning device for removing and recovering the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, and 109 denotes a quenching lamp (static elimination device) for removing the residual potential of the photosensitive drum 101 and restoring the initial level. is there. Note that, in FIG. 1, other functional units normally required in the electrophotographic process are omitted.

【００２５】以上のように構成された電子写真装置にお
ける基本的な作像動作について説明する。感光体ドラム
１０１の表面を、該感光体ドラム１０１に接触された帯
電ロ−ラ１０２に対してＤＣ電圧を帯電電源２０７より
給電することによって一様に高電位に帯電する。その直
後、感光体ドラム１０１面に露光装置１０３が画像光を
投射すると、画像光が照射された部分は電位が低下す
る。画像光は、画像の黒／白に応じた光量の分布である
ため、画像光の照射によって感光体ドラム１０１面に記
録画像に対応する電位分布、すなわち、静電潜像が形成
される。静電潜像が形成された部分が現像装置１０４を
通過すると、その電位の高低に応じてトナ−が付着し、
静電潜像を可視像化したトナ−像が形成される。トナ−
像が形成された部分に所定のタイミングでレジストロ−
ラ１０５により記録紙が搬送され、上記トナ−像に重な
る。このトナ−像が転写チャ−ジャ１０６によって記録
紙に転写された後、該記録紙は感光体ドラム１０１から
分離チャ−ジャ１０７により分離される。分離された記
録紙は搬送経路を通って搬送される。次いで、定着ユニ
ット（図示せず）によって熱定着された後、機外に排出
される。A basic image forming operation in the electrophotographic apparatus configured as described above will be described. The surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is uniformly charged to a high potential by supplying a DC voltage to the charging roller 102 in contact with the photosensitive drum 101 from a charging power source 207. Immediately after that, when the exposure device 103 projects image light onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, the potential of the portion irradiated with the image light decreases. Since the image light has a light amount distribution corresponding to black / white of the image, the potential distribution corresponding to the recorded image, that is, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 by the irradiation of the image light. When the portion on which the electrostatic latent image is formed passes through the developing device 104, the toner adheres according to the level of the potential,
A toner image is formed by visualizing the electrostatic latent image. Toner
The registration roller is applied to the part where the image is formed at a predetermined timing.
The recording paper is conveyed by the laser 105 and overlaps the toner image. After the toner image is transferred to the recording paper by the transfer charger 106, the recording paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 101 by the separation charger 107. The separated recording paper is conveyed through the conveyance path. Then, after being thermally fixed by a fixing unit (not shown), it is discharged to the outside of the machine.

【００２６】また、上記転写処理終了後、感光体ドラム
１０１の表面はクリ−ニング装置１０８によりクリ−ニ
ング処理され、さらにクエンチングランプ１０９により
残留電荷が消去され、次回の作像処理に備える。なお、
上記の電子写真装置において、通常のコロナ放電式の帯
電チャ−ジャの代わりに、帯電ロ−ラ１０２を用いてい
るので、そのオゾン発生は帯電チャ−ジャに比べて４０
〜６０％程低減される。また、これよりさらにオゾンガ
ス発生の低減を図りたい場合は、転写チャ−ジャ１０６
の代わりに転写ベルトや転写ロ−ラを用いるとよい。After the transfer process is completed, the surface of the photoconductor drum 101 is cleaned by the cleaning device 108 and the residual charge is erased by the quenching lamp 109 to prepare for the next image forming process. In addition,
In the above electrophotographic apparatus, since the charging roller 102 is used instead of the usual corona discharge type charging charger, the ozone generation thereof is 40% as compared with the charging charger.
~ 60% less. If it is desired to further reduce the generation of ozone gas, the transfer charger 106
A transfer belt or a transfer roller may be used instead of.

【００２７】上述の画像形成処理のための各種要素の動
作（オン／オフ）タイミングは、コントロ−ラＣが制御
する。The controller C controls the operation (on / off) timing of various elements for the above-mentioned image forming processing.

【００２８】次に上記帯電ロ−ラ１０２とその帯電系の
構成を、図２を参照して説明する。図２において、２０
１は芯金であり、例えば、ＳＵＳ（ステンレス鋼）材、
鉄鋼＋メッキ処理材、Ａｌ（アルミ棒）材等の導電性の
材質を用いる。この芯金２０１には中間層２０２と表面
層２０３が設けられている。この中間層２０２は、肉厚
１〜４ｍｍ程度のエピクロルヒドリンゴムのような中抵
抗弾性体、あるいはシリコンゴム、エチエンプロピレン
ゴム、ニトリルゴム、ノルボ−ネンゴム等の合成ゴムを
用い、これらの合成ゴムの中に導電性粉末（例えば、カ
−ボンブラックや金属粉末等）を混入した組成物によっ
て形成する。また、これらの特性としては、体積抵抗が
１０5Ω・ｃｍ以下、好ましくは１０3Ω・ｃｍ以下、ゴ
ム硬度（ＪＩＡ・Ａ）２０〜４５度、好ましくは２５〜
４０度が共通に挙げられる。また、中間層２０２の外周
面には表面層２０３が層厚３〜２５μｍ、好ましくは
４．５〜１２μｍ以下の材料で形成される。表面層２０
３の材質としては、エピクロルヒドリンゴムとルミフロ
ンおよびシリカを分散混入させた合金材質、あるいはル
ミフロンに酸化スズを分散混入したもの、あるいはナイ
ロン，セルロ−ス等を用いる。Next, the structure of the charging roller 102 and its charging system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, 20
1 is a core metal, for example, SUS (stainless steel) material,
A conductive material such as steel + plated material or Al (aluminum bar) material is used. The cored bar 201 is provided with an intermediate layer 202 and a surface layer 203. The intermediate layer 202 is made of a medium resistance elastic body such as epichlorohydrin rubber having a thickness of about 1 to 4 mm, or a synthetic rubber such as silicon rubber, ethiene propylene rubber, nitrile rubber or norbornene rubber. It is formed of a composition having conductive powder (for example, carbon black or metal powder) mixed therein. As these characteristics, the volume resistance is 10 5 Ω · cm or less, preferably 10 3 Ω · cm or less, the rubber hardness (JIA · A) is 20 to 45 degrees, and preferably 25 to
40 degrees is commonly mentioned. A surface layer 203 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate layer 202 with a material having a layer thickness of 3 to 25 μm, preferably 4.5 to 12 μm. Surface layer 20
As the material of No. 3, an alloy material in which epichlorohydrin rubber and Lumiflon and silica are dispersed and mixed, or a material in which tin oxide is dispersed and mixed in Lumiflon, nylon, cellulose or the like is used.

【００２９】また、上記表面層２０３の体積抵抗は１０
5〜１０13Ω・ｃｍ以下、好ましくは１０6〜１０12Ω・
ｃｍがよい。さらに、中間層２０２〜表面層２０３まで
の体積抵抗は１０6〜１０12Ω・ｃｍ程度の導電性を有
することが望ましい。また芯金２０１の両端部分は、軸
受２０４が遊嵌されており、回転自在に支持されてい
る。さらに、この軸受２０４はスプリング２０５で付勢
され、帯電ロ−ラ１０２を感光体ドラム１０１に対し所
定の圧力で圧接させている。なお、この帯電ロ−ラ１０
２および感光体ドラム１０１への圧接機構は、これに限
定されるものではなく、感光体ドラム１０１に帯電ロ−
ラ１０２を接触させ、感光体ドラム１０１の駆動力が帯
電ロ−ラ１０２との摩擦によって帯電ロ−ラ１０２を連
れ回りさせる構成であれば他の機構であってもよい。ま
た、帯電ロ−ラ１０２の一方の端面には、給電リセプタ
クル２０６を接触するように設け、この給電リセプタク
ル２０６には電圧を印加するための電源２０７が接続さ
れている。使用に応じて表面が汚染される可能性がある
場合には、帯電ロ−ラ１０２に接触させてロ−ラ表面の
付着物を除去するためにロ−ラ清掃部材（１１０：図８
（ａ））を設けてもよい。以上の構成において、帯電ロ
−ラ１０２には、制御手段Ｃによって印加電圧最適制御
及び帯電電圧印加タイミングを制御された帯電電源２０
７からの電圧が、給電リセプタクル２０６を介して芯金
２０１に給電される。この給電により芯金２０１→中間
層２０２→表面層２０３→感光体ドラム１０１へと電流
が流れ、感光体ドラム１０１が帯電される。なお、給電
方式についても、上記のような電流経路が得られるもの
であれば、特にこの形態に限定するものではない。例え
ば、電源２０７がスプリング２０５に接続され、軸受２
０４を導電性部材で構成してもよい。前述のように、中
間層２０２を構成する材料（導電性ゴム材）の電気伝導
性が周囲環境により変化する為、周囲環境が変化した時
には上記経路で流れる電流に影響を与え、帯電ロ−ラ１
０２の帯電電圧にも影響を与える。The volume resistance of the surface layer 203 is 10
5 to 10 13 Ω · cm or less, preferably 10 6 to 10 12 Ω ·
cm is good. Further, it is desirable that the volume resistance from the intermediate layer 202 to the surface layer 203 has a conductivity of about 10 6 to 10 12 Ω · cm. Bearings 204 are loosely fitted to both ends of the cored bar 201, and are rotatably supported. Further, the bearing 204 is urged by a spring 205 to bring the charging roller 102 into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 101 at a predetermined pressure. The charging roller 10
2 and the mechanism for pressing the photosensitive drum 101 to the photosensitive drum 101 is not limited to this.
Any other mechanism may be used as long as the charging roller 102 is brought into contact with the charging roller 102 and the driving force of the photosensitive drum 101 causes the charging roller 102 to rotate along with the charging roller 102. A power feeding receptacle 206 is provided on one end surface of the charging roller 102 so as to be in contact therewith, and a power source 207 for applying a voltage is connected to the power feeding receptacle 206. If the surface may be contaminated during use, the roller cleaning member (110: FIG. 8) may be contacted with the charging roller 102 to remove deposits on the roller surface.
(A)) may be provided. In the above configuration, the charging roller 102 has the charging power source 20 whose applied voltage optimum control and charging voltage application timing are controlled by the control means C.
The voltage from 7 is supplied to the cored bar 201 via the power supply receptacle 206. Due to this power supply, an electric current flows through the core metal 201, the intermediate layer 202, the surface layer 203, and the photosensitive drum 101, and the photosensitive drum 101 is charged. The power supply method is not particularly limited to this form as long as the current path as described above can be obtained. For example, the power source 207 is connected to the spring 205 and the bearing 2
04 may be made of a conductive member. As described above, since the electric conductivity of the material (conductive rubber material) forming the intermediate layer 202 changes depending on the surrounding environment, when the surrounding environment changes, the current flowing through the above path is affected and the charging roller is affected. 1
02 also affects the charging voltage.

【００３０】本発明では、光学式の帯電ロ−ラ水分検知
装置Ｄを、図２（あるいは図８の（ｂ））のように帯電
ロ−ラ１０２の対向位置に非接触で設定するか、または
図６に示すように帯電ロ−ラ１０２のエッジ部、すなわ
ち感光体ドラムとの非接触域に設定する。該水分検知装
置Ｄにより帯電ロ−ラの水分量を直接検知し、検知した
水分検出信号に基ずき、制御部Ｃで帯電用電源の電圧制
御を行ない、帯電ロ−ラ芯金２０１への印加電圧を最適
化する。第１実施例では、図２に示すように、感光体１
０１の画像形成領域に対応する帯電ロ−ラ１０２の画像
域の外側の非画像域の周面に、水分検知装置Ｄを対向さ
せている。In the present invention, the optical charging roller moisture detecting device D is set in a non-contact manner at a position facing the charging roller 102 as shown in FIG. 2 (or FIG. 8B). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the charging roller 102 is set to the edge portion, that is, the non-contact area with the photosensitive drum. The water content of the charging roller is directly detected by the water content detecting device D, and based on the detected water content detection signal, the control unit C controls the voltage of the charging power source to supply the charging roller core metal 201. Optimize the applied voltage. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The moisture detecting device D is opposed to the peripheral surface of the non-image area outside the image area of the charging roller 102 corresponding to the image forming area 01.

【００３１】帯電ロ−ラ１０２の表面色について説明す
る。本発明で用いるの水分検知装置Ｄでは、帯電ロ−ラ
１０２からの反射光を用いているので、帯電ロ−ラ表面
の色の濃淡に合わせて発光出力を調整（濃色ほど出力
大）して受光出力を制御信号として処理可能な値にする
必要がある。この時帯電ロ−ラ表面色が黒色であると、
適当な受光出力を得るためには発光出力を著しく大きく
する必要があり、装置の大型化、高コスト化を生じ、
又、水分量検知感度の低い検知装置になってしまう。The surface color of the charging roller 102 will be described. In the moisture detector D used in the present invention, since the reflected light from the charging roller 102 is used, the light emission output is adjusted (the darker the color, the larger the output) according to the shade of the color of the surface of the charging roller. It is necessary to make the received light output a value that can be processed as a control signal. At this time, if the charging roller surface color is black,
In order to obtain an appropriate light receiving output, it is necessary to remarkably increase the light emitting output, which causes the device to become large and costly.
Further, the detection device has a low water content detection sensitivity.

【００３２】帯電ロ−ラ１０２においては、前述のよう
に表面層２０３の層厚が薄く、また材質はいずれも透明
である為、その下層である中間層２０２の色が表面色と
して現われる。例えば、エピクロルヒドリンゴムの場
合、黄土色であり通常の発光出力の制御可能範囲内で制
御信号として処理可能な受光出力を得ることができる。
これ以外の帯電ローラの表面色においては反射率に差が
あるので、ローラ種によって検知装置の発光部及び受光
部の出力調整をすることで制御信号として処理可能な値
に設定する。第１実施例においては帯電ロ−ラ１０２の
表面色は黄土色である。In the charging roller 102, as described above, the surface layer 203 is thin and the material is transparent, so that the color of the intermediate layer 202 as the lower layer appears as the surface color. For example, in the case of epichlorohydrin rubber, it is possible to obtain a light reception output that is ocher and can be processed as a control signal within the controllable range of the normal light emission output.
Since the surface color of the charging roller other than this has a difference in reflectance, it is set to a value that can be processed as a control signal by adjusting the output of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the detection device depending on the roller type. In the first embodiment, the surface color of the charging roller 102 is ocher.

【００３３】図３を参照する。水分検知装置Ｄは、２個
の発光器ＤｅＡ，ＤｅＢと、帯電ローラ表面層２０３か
ら反射されてくる反射光を受光し、受光レベル対応の電
気信号を発生する受光器Ｄｒから構成され、帯電ローラ
表面に対向して非接触で配置してある。Referring to FIG. The moisture detecting device D includes two light emitters DeA and DeB and a light receiver Dr that receives the reflected light reflected from the charging roller surface layer 203 and generates an electric signal corresponding to the light receiving level. It is arranged in a non-contact manner so as to face the surface.

【００３４】図５の（ａ）に、発光器ＤｅＡ，ＤｅＢの
発光強度分布および受光器Ｄｒの受光感度（分光感度）
を示す。帯電ローラ１０２を照射する第１発光器ＤｅＡ
の発光Ａは、波長０．８μｍに強度ピ−クを示し、同じ
く帯電ローラ１０２を照射する第２発光器ＤｅＢの発光
Ｂは、波長１．４５μｍに強度ピ−クを示す。発光Ａは
比較波長として用いるものであり、この目的から第１発
光器ＤｅＡは、波長０．４〜０．８μｍに強度ピークを
示す他の発光器でもよい。FIG. 5A shows the emission intensity distribution of the light emitters DeA and DeB and the light receiving sensitivity (spectral sensitivity) of the light receiver Dr.
Indicates. First light emitter DeA for irradiating the charging roller 102
The emission A of the second emission device DeB, which also irradiates the charging roller 102, has an intensity peak at a wavelength of 1.45 μm. The light emission A is used as a comparative wavelength, and for this purpose, the first light emitting device DeA may be another light emitting device having an intensity peak at a wavelength of 0.4 to 0.8 μm.

【００３５】帯電ロ−ラ表面層２０３からの反射光は、
発光部の法線上の１０〜４０度の位置に配置してある受
光器Ｄｒに入射する。受光器Ｄｒの光電変換感度は、
０．７〜１．７μｍにあり、受光器Ｄｒに入射した反射
光は、増幅回路Ｇで信号処理（レベル校正）されてコン
トロ−ラＣに与えられる。コントロ−ラＣは、Ａ／Ｄ変
換して読込む。The reflected light from the charging roller surface layer 203 is
The light enters the light receiver Dr arranged at a position of 10 to 40 degrees on the normal line of the light emitting portion. The photoelectric conversion sensitivity of the light receiver Dr is
The reflected light having a wavelength of 0.7 to 1.7 μm and incident on the light receiver Dr is subjected to signal processing (level calibration) by the amplifier circuit G and is given to the controller C. The controller C is A / D converted and read.

【００３６】比較波長帯（発光Ａ）は帯電ローラ１０２
の水分量に対して感度（反射光強度変化）がほとんどな
いのに対して、１．４５μｍ（発光Ｂ）は水の吸収スペ
クトルとしての感度が大きい。すなわち帯電ローラ１０
２の水分量が多いときには水によって、１．４５μｍの
波長光は吸収されるので比較値Ａ／Ｂ（発光Ａの反射光
強度／発光Ｂの反射光強度）は大きくなる。すなわち、
Ａ／Ｂが帯電ローラ１０２表面の水分量に対応する。水
分量とＡ／Ｂとの関係を図５の（ｂ）に示す。この図５
の（ｂ）に示す水分率とＡ／Ｂの関係を示すグラフは、
実際に使用されている画像形成装置に、本発明の検知装
置を塔載したときの検知値と電圧印加値との対応関係を
示したものである。すなわち、水分量（率）が異なる帯
電ローラに対して、感光体ドラムに対する帯電電位を所
定の一定値にするための電圧印加値と、水分検知値をあ
らかじめ測定してグラフ化したもので、このグラフに相
等する数値テ−ブルを電圧印加条件としてコントロ−ラ
Ｃ内のメモリに記憶（格納）している。グラフからもわ
かるように帯電ローラの水分率が大きいとき、比較値Ａ
／Ｂは上記の原理より大きな値として検知され、そのと
きは帯電ローラの電気伝導度が大きいと認識されて電圧
印加値を小さ目に更新して出力される。The charging roller 102 has a comparative wavelength band (emission A).
There is almost no sensitivity (change in reflected light intensity) with respect to the water content of, but 1.45 μm (emission B) has a large sensitivity as an absorption spectrum of water. That is, the charging roller 10
When the water content of 2 is large, water absorbs light having a wavelength of 1.45 μm, so that the comparison value A / B (reflected light intensity of emitted light A / reflected light intensity of emitted light B) becomes large. That is,
A / B corresponds to the amount of water on the surface of the charging roller 102. The relationship between the water content and A / B is shown in FIG. This Figure 5
The graph showing the relationship between the water content and A / B shown in (b) of
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a detection value and a voltage application value when the detection device of the present invention is mounted on an actually used image forming apparatus. That is, a voltage application value for keeping the charging potential of the photosensitive drum at a predetermined constant value and a moisture detection value are previously measured and graphed for charging rollers having different moisture contents (rates). Numerical tables equivalent to the graph are stored (stored) in the memory in the controller C as voltage application conditions. As can be seen from the graph, when the water content of the charging roller is high, the comparison value A
/ B is detected as a value larger than the above principle, and at that time, it is recognized that the electric conductivity of the charging roller is large, and the voltage application value is updated to a smaller value and output.

【００３７】図５の（ｂ）には、Ａ／Ｂと帯電ロ−ラ１
０２の表面の水分率との関係、ならびに、該水分率にお
いて感光体１０１を所定電位（一定電位）に均一に帯電
するに必要な、帯電ロ−ラ１０２に印加すべき帯電電圧
を示したが、Ａ／Ｂと水分率とは実質上比例（リニア）
関係にあるので、第１実施例では、図５の（ｂ）に示す
Ａ／Ｂ，水分率および帯電ロ−ラ１０２に印加すべき電
圧、の３者の関係から、Ａ／Ｂと帯電ロ−ラ１０２に印
加すべき電圧、の２者の関係を求めた。この２者の関係
を図５の（ｃ）に示す。そして、Ａ／Ｂの各値に対応す
る帯電ロ−ラ１０２に印加すべき電圧をコントロ−ラＣ
の内部メモリに格納している。すなわちＡ／Ｂをアドレ
スとして該Ａ／Ｂに対応する電圧デ−タをメモリに格納
している。FIG. 5B shows A / B and charging roller 1.
No. 02 shows the relationship with the surface water content and the charging voltage to be applied to the charging roller 102 necessary to uniformly charge the photoconductor 101 to a predetermined potential (constant potential) at the water content. , A / B and moisture content are substantially proportional (linear)
Since there is a relationship, in the first embodiment, from the three relationships of A / B, moisture content and voltage to be applied to the charging roller 102 shown in FIG. The relationship between the two, that is, the voltage to be applied to the laser 102, was obtained. The relationship between the two is shown in FIG. Then, the voltage to be applied to the charging roller 102 corresponding to each value of A / B is set to the controller C.
It is stored in the internal memory of. That is, the voltage data corresponding to the A / B is stored in the memory with the A / B as the address.

【００３８】なお、水分率はＡ／Ｂの関数であるので、
本発明には、コントロ−ラＣにおいて、発光Ａと発光Ｂ
の受光器Ｄｒによる検出レベルに基づいて水分率を算出
し、コントロ−ラＣ内にメモリには、図５の（ｂ）に示
す水分率をアドレスとしてそれに対応する電圧デ−タを
格納しておいて、コントロ−ラは水分率を算出するとメ
モリをアクセスして該水分率対応の電圧デ−タを読み出
す態様もある。この態様では、後述のコントロ−ラＣの
処理動作説明において、Ａ／Ｂ算出を水分率の算出と読
み替え、Ａ／Ｂ対応の電圧デ−タの読出しを水分率対応
の電圧デ−タの読出しと読み替えればよいので、詳細な
説明は省略する。Since the moisture content is a function of A / B,
According to the present invention, the light emission A and the light emission B are provided in the controller C.
The moisture content is calculated on the basis of the detection level of the light receiver Dr, and the voltage data corresponding to the moisture content shown in FIG. 5B is stored in the memory in the controller C as an address. There is also a mode in which the controller accesses the memory and reads out the voltage data corresponding to the moisture content when the moisture content is calculated. In this mode, in the description of the processing operation of the controller C to be described later, A / B calculation is read as calculation of the moisture content, and reading of voltage data corresponding to A / B is read out of voltage data corresponding to the moisture content. Therefore, the detailed description will be omitted.

【００３９】再度第１実施例の説明に戻ると、コントロ
−ラＣは、Ａ／Ｂ算出が必要なときに、水分検知装置Ｄ
の第２発光器ＤｅＢの点灯動作を行い、これを装置Ｄに
指示する信号に同期して受光器Ｄｒの光電変換信号（増
幅器Ｇで校正されたアナログ電圧）のデジタル変換を行
い、得たデータＢが設定値と実質上合致するかをチェッ
クして、デ−タＢが設定値より大きい値を示すときには
増幅器Ｇのゲインを１ステップ下げ、デ−タＢが設定値
より小さい値を示すときには増幅器Ｇのゲインを１ステ
ップ上げる。そして第２発光器ＤｅＢの点灯動作を行
い、これを装置Ｄに指示する信号に同期して受光器Ｄｒ
の光電変換信号のデジタル変換を行う。デ−タＢが設定
値に実質上合致すると、そのときのデ−タＢをコントロ
−ラＣの内部メモリに格納し、増幅器Ｇのゲイン調整を
終了する。次に、第１発光器ＤｅＡの点灯動作を行い、
これを装置Ｄに指示する信号に同期して受光器Ｄｒの光
電変換信号のデジタル変換を行い、得たデータＡはコン
トロ−ラＣの内部メモリに格納する。コントロ−ラＣは
次に、Ａ／Ｂを算出し、これを内部メモリに格納する。Returning to the explanation of the first embodiment again, the controller C uses the moisture detecting device D when A / B calculation is required.
The data obtained by performing the lighting operation of the second light emitter DeB of No. 2 and performing the digital conversion of the photoelectric conversion signal (analog voltage calibrated by the amplifier G) of the light receiver Dr in synchronization with the signal instructing this to the device D. It is checked whether B substantially matches the set value, and when the data B shows a value larger than the set value, the gain of the amplifier G is lowered by one step, and when the data B shows a value smaller than the set value. Increase the gain of amplifier G by one step. Then, the second light emitter DeB is turned on, and the light receiver Dr is synchronized with the signal for instructing the device D.
The digital conversion of the photoelectric conversion signal of is performed. When the data B substantially matches the set value, the data B at that time is stored in the internal memory of the controller C, and the gain adjustment of the amplifier G is completed. Next, the lighting operation of the first light emitter DeA is performed,
The photoelectric conversion signal of the light receiver Dr is digitally converted in synchronization with the signal instructing the device D, and the obtained data A is stored in the internal memory of the controller C. Controller C then calculates A / B and stores it in internal memory.

【００４０】なお、増幅器Ｇのゲイン調整精度（ゲイン
分解能）が高い場合には、Ａ／前記設定値を算出する。
すなわち、ＡをＡ／Ｂ算出デ−タとする（１／前記設定
値が定数又は係数となるため）。When the gain adjustment accuracy (gain resolution) of the amplifier G is high, A / the set value is calculated.
That is, A is used as A / B calculation data (1 / the above-mentioned set value is a constant or a coefficient).

【００４１】図４に、コントロ−ラＣの制御動作を示
す。まず図４の（ａ）に示すメインル−チンを参照して
コントロ−ラＣの制御動作の概要を説明すると、装置電
源が投入されコントロ−ラＣに正規電圧が印加されると
コントロ−ラＣは、「初期設定処理」を実行する（ステ
ップ１および２）。以下カッコ内においては、ステップ
という語を省略してステップ番号符号のみを記す。「初
期設定処理」（２）で、コントロ−ラＣは内部メモリに
割り当てたレジスタ，カウンタ，タイマ等を初期化しあ
るいは初期値を設定し、コントロ−ラＣがオン／オフタ
イミング制御をする装置要素に対する出力（指示信号）
をオフ指定のものに設定する。FIG. 4 shows the control operation of the controller C. First, the outline of the control operation of the controller C will be described with reference to the main routine shown in FIG. 4A. When the power source of the device is turned on and a regular voltage is applied to the controller C, the controller C is controlled. Executes "initial setting processing" (steps 1 and 2). In the following, in parentheses, the word step is omitted and only the step number code is described. In the "initial setting process" (2), the controller C initializes the registers, counters, timers, etc. assigned to the internal memory or sets initial values, and the controller C controls the on / off timing. Output to (instruction signal)
Is set to off.

【００４２】次にコントロ−ラＣは、「水分量検知」
（３）を実行する。この「水分量検知」（３）の内容
は、図４の（ｂ）を参照して後述する。次に図示しない
原稿圧板の開閉をチェックして（４）、原稿圧板が原稿
押え位置にあると、「原稿サイズ検知」（５）を実行
し、画像形成スタ−ト入力（スタ−トＳＷのオン）を待
つ。画像形成スタ−ト入力を待っている間は、所定周期
で「水分量検知」（３）を繰返し実行する。Next, the controller C is for "water content detection".
Execute (3). The contents of this “water content detection” (3) will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, the opening / closing of a document pressure plate (not shown) is checked (4). When the document pressure plate is at the document pressing position, "document size detection" (5) is executed, and the image forming start input (start switch SW) is performed. Wait) While waiting for the input of the image forming start, the "water content detection" (3) is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

【００４３】画像形成スタ−ト入力があると、原稿サイ
ズ，記録サイズ指定および又は画像形成倍率指定に対応
した所要用紙（記録紙）サイズを決定し、決定したサイ
ズの用紙を収納したカセット（図示せず）を給紙に定め
る（７）。次にコントロ−ラＣは、画像形成を開始し
（８）、「帯電電位制御」（９）を実行し、指定枚数の
画像形成（複写）を実行する。指定枚数の画像形成を終
了するとエンドサイクルを設定し（１１）、画像形成ス
タ−ト入力待ちに戻り、エンドサイクルが終了すると、
そこでエンドサイクルのためにオンにしていた要素をオ
フとし、画像形成スタ−ト入力を待つ。このスタ−ト入
力を待っている間、前述のように、「水分量検知」
（３）を所定周期で繰返す。When the image forming start is input, the required paper (recording paper) size corresponding to the original size, the recording size designation and / or the image forming magnification designation is determined, and a cassette (Fig. (Not shown) is set as paper feed (7). Next, the controller C starts image formation (8), executes "charging potential control" (9), and forms a specified number of images (copies). When the specified number of images have been formed, the end cycle is set (11), the process returns to the image forming start input waiting state, and when the end cycle ends,
Therefore, the element that was turned on for the end cycle is turned off, and the image forming start input is waited for. While waiting for this start input, as described above, "water content detection"
(3) is repeated in a predetermined cycle.

【００４４】図４の（ｂ）を参照して「水分量検知」
（３）の内容を説明する。ここでコントロ−ラＣは、ま
ず「増幅器Ｇのゲイン調整」（２１）を実行する。すな
わち、水分量検知装置Ｄの第２の発光器ＤｅＢを点灯し
て、増幅器Ｇの出力信号（電圧）をデジタル変換して読
込み、読込んだデ−タＢが設定値より大きいと増幅器Ｇ
のゲインを１ステップ小さく、設定値より小さいと１ス
テップ大きいく変更し、そして増幅器Ｇの出力信号をデ
ジタル変換して読込み、再度設定値と比較してゲイン変
更をする。読込んだデ−タＢが設定値と実質上等しくな
ると、該デ−タＢをレジスタＢに書込む。コントロ−ラ
Ｃは次に、第２の発光器ＤｅＢを消灯し（２２）、第１
の発光器ＤｅＡを点灯して（２３）、増幅器Ｇの出力信
号をデジタル変換して読込み、読込んだデ−タＡをレジ
スタＡに書込む（２４）。そして第１の発光器ＤｅＡを
消灯し（２５）、レジスタＢおよびＡのデ−タＢとＡが
表わす値の比Ａ／Ｂを算出して、レジスタＡ／Ｂに書込
む（２６）。"Water content detection" with reference to FIG.
The contents of (3) will be described. Here, the controller C first executes "gain adjustment of the amplifier G" (21). That is, the second light emitting device DeB of the water content detecting device D is turned on, the output signal (voltage) of the amplifier G is converted into digital data and read, and if the read data B is larger than the set value, the amplifier G is read.
The gain is changed by one step, and if it is smaller than the set value, the gain is changed by one step. When the read data B becomes substantially equal to the set value, the data B is written in the register B. The controller C then turns off the second light emitter DeB (22), and the first light emitter DeB is turned off.
The light emitting device DeA is turned on (23), the output signal of the amplifier G is digitally converted and read, and the read data A is written in the register A (24). Then, the first light emitter DeA is turned off (25), the ratio A / B of the data B and the value represented by A of the registers B and A is calculated, and written in the register A / B (26).

【００４５】図４の（ｃ）を参照して、「帯電電位制
御」（９）の内容を説明する。ここでコントロ−ラＣ
は、レジスタＡ／Ｂのデ−タＡ／Ｂを読み出して（３
１）、設定範囲（図５の（ｃ）の斜線領域、すなわち
５．５３／１００以上、５．７０／１００以下）内であ
るかをチェックする（３２）。The contents of the "charge potential control" (9) will be described with reference to FIG. Controller C here
Reads the data A / B of the register A / B (3
1), it is checked whether it is within the set range (hatched area in (c) of FIG. 5, that is, 5.53 / 100 or more and 5.70 / 100 or less) (32).

【００４６】設定範囲内にあると、前回値レジスタＡp
／Ｂpのデ−タＡp／Ｂpとデ−タＡ／Ｂとの差が所定値
未満であるかをチェックして、所定値未満であると、デ
−タＡ／Ｂを前回値レジスタＡp／Ｂpに書込み、かつ、
デ−タＡ／Ｂをアドレスとして、図５の（ｃ）に示す帯
電ロ−ラ印加電圧を格納したテ−ブル（コントロ−ラＣ
の内部ＲＯＭの一領域）より帯電ロ−ラ印加電圧デ−タ
を読込出して、すなわちＡ／Ｂ対応の帯電電圧デ−タＶ
Ｃを読出して、これを帯電電圧レジスタＶＣに書込み、
デ−タＶＣをアナログ電圧（帯電電圧指示信号）に変換
して帯電電源２０７に与える。帯電電源２０７は、該ア
ナログ電圧に実質上比例する帯電電圧を帯電ロ−ラ１０
２に印加する（３３，３４）。前回値レジスタＡp／Ｂp
のデ−タＡp／Ｂpとデ−タＡ／Ｂとの差が所定値未満で
あるかをチェックしたとき所定値以上であると、水分量
検出エラ−の可能性が高いので、帯電電圧レジスタＶＣ
のデ−タＶＣを読み出し、アナログ電圧（帯電電圧指示
信号）に変換して帯電電源２０７に与える（３３，３
５）。すなわち、最新の水分量検出に基づいて算出した
Ａ／Ｂを無視して、前回出力した帯電電圧を今回も出力
する。If it is within the setting range, the previous value register Ap
It is checked whether the difference between the data Ap / Bp of / Bp and the data A / B is less than a predetermined value, and if it is less than the predetermined value, the data A / B is set to the previous value register Ap / Write to Bp, and
A table (controller C) in which the charging roller applied voltage shown in FIG. 5C is stored using the data A / B as an address.
The charging roller applied voltage data is read out from one area of the internal ROM of the device, that is, the charging voltage data V corresponding to A / B.
Read C and write it in the charging voltage register VC,
The data VC is converted into an analog voltage (charging voltage instruction signal) and supplied to the charging power source 207. The charging power source 207 supplies a charging voltage substantially proportional to the analog voltage to the charging roller 10.
2 (33, 34). Previous value register Ap / Bp
When it is checked whether the difference between the data Ap / Bp and the data A / B is less than the predetermined value, if the difference is more than the predetermined value, there is a high possibility that the water content detection error occurs. VC
Is read out, converted into an analog voltage (charging voltage instruction signal), and given to the charging power source 207 (33, 3).
5). That is, A / B calculated based on the latest water content detection is ignored, and the previously output charging voltage is also output this time.

【００４７】以上に説明したコントロ−ラＣの制御動作
により、上述の第１実施例では、画像形成スタ−ト入力
を待っている間、すなわち画像形成を行なわないタイミ
ングつまり、露光装置１０３が画像光を投射せずしかも
除電装置１０９が除電光を照射しない期間に行なわれ、
水分量検出時に受光器Ｄｒに、画像光や除電光が入るこ
とがなく、水分量検出が正確である。また、露光装置１
０３が画像光を投射する露光期間には水分量検出が行な
われないので、発光器ＤｅＡ，ＤｅＢの発光Ａ，Ｂが画
像露光を乱すこともない。According to the control operation of the controller C described above, in the above-described first embodiment, while the image forming start input is awaited, that is, the timing at which the image forming is not performed, that is, the exposure device 103 makes the image. This is performed during a period in which light is not projected and the static eliminator 109 does not radiate static elimination light.
Since the image light and the static elimination light do not enter the light receiver Dr when the water content is detected, the water content is accurately detected. Also, the exposure apparatus 1
Since the water content is not detected during the exposure period in which 03 projects the image light, the light emission A and B of the light emitters DeA and DeB do not disturb the image exposure.

【００４８】−第２実施例− 水分検知装置Ｄの設置に関する他の形態の一実施例を図
６に示す。図６の（ａ）は帯電ロ−ラ１０２の端部のテ
−パ面に第１および第２の発光器ＤｅＡ，ＤｅＢの発光
Ａ，Ｂを照射し、該テ−パ面の反射光を受光器Ｄｒで検
出するようにした。他の構造および機能は、上述の第１
実施例と同じである。この第２実施例の変形例では、図
５の（ｂ）に示すように、反射用ミラ−Ｍを使用して帯
電ロ−ラ１０２の端部テ−パ面に発光Ａ，Ｂを照射す
る。この場合水分検知装置Ｄをロ−ラ１０２の上方に配
置しうる利点がある。-Second Embodiment- FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the installation of the moisture detector D. In FIG. 6A, the taper surface at the end of the charging roller 102 is irradiated with the light emission A and B of the first and second light emitters DeA and DeB, and the reflected light from the taper surface is irradiated. The photodetector Dr is used for detection. The other structures and functions are the same as those described in the first section.
Same as the embodiment. In the modified example of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, light emission A and B are applied to the end taper surface of the charging roller 102 using a reflecting mirror M. . In this case, there is an advantage that the moisture detecting device D can be arranged above the roller 102.

【００４９】帯電ロ−ラ１０２は、ロ−ラ両端を剪断し
て製造するが、その際、剪断跡の処理のため、両端をテ
−パ加工するのが一般的である。このテ−パ面は感光体
に非接触で、かつ、外部に露出している面であるので、
水分量検知領域として利用するのに好適である。The charging roller 102 is manufactured by shearing both ends of the roller, but at this time, it is common to taper both ends in order to treat the traces of shearing. Since this taper surface is a surface which is not in contact with the photoconductor and is exposed to the outside,
It is suitable for use as a water content detection area.

【００５０】帯電ロ−ラ自体、コンパクトな構成を目的
として製造されているので、一般的にロ−ラ径はφ１０
ｍｍ〜φ２０ｍｍ程度であり、このためテ−パ面も１〜
２ｍｍ幅が限度である。したがって接触式の検知装置で
は、当該検出面積が小さすぎて安定した接触状態を保つ
のが難かしく、搭載は非常に困難であるが、第２実施例
に示すように設置すればテ−パ面を検知領域として使用
することができる。帯電ロ−ラ１０２の端部テ−パ面を
検知領域として使用する理由は、感光体１０１との接触
面の対向領域を検知領域とした場合、非画像域と言えど
も全くトナ−汚れによる黒色化が無いとは言えないの
で、これを避ける為である。第２実施例によれば、端部
シ−ル破損等による非画像部へのトナ−付着が不意に発
生しても、帯電ロ−ラ１０２の水分量検知が正常に行え
る。Since the charging roller itself is manufactured for the purpose of a compact structure, the roller diameter is generally φ10.
mm to φ20 mm, so the taper surface is also 1 to
The maximum width is 2 mm. Therefore, in the contact type detection device, it is difficult to maintain a stable contact state because the detection area is too small, and it is very difficult to mount it. However, if it is installed as shown in the second embodiment, the taper surface Can be used as the sensing area. The reason why the end taper surface of the charging roller 102 is used as the detection area is that when the area opposite to the contact surface with the photoconductor 101 is set as the detection area, even if it is a non-image area, it is completely black due to toner stains. This is because it cannot be said that there is no incarnation, so this is avoided. According to the second embodiment, even if the toner adheres to the non-image portion due to damage to the end seal, the moisture content of the charging roller 102 can be detected normally.

【００５１】−第３実施例− 本発明は、水分検知装置Ｄにより帯電ロ−ラ１０２の電
気伝導度を変化させる因子である水分量を直接検知する
ので大きな効果を生むが、検知装置Ｄが帯電ロ−ラ１０
２からの反射光を受光器Ｄｒで検知する構成であるの
で、外部からのフレア光が侵入すると誤検知につながる
恐れがある。特に比較波長帯である発光Ａは０．４〜
０．８μｍの可視領域であり、この領域に対して感度を
持つ受光素子Ｄｒを用いているが（この領域の発光素子
および受光素子が安価で商品搭載に適している）、電子
写真装置の場合、帯電装置の前後工程にそれぞれ除電装
置（電位の前歴の消去）と露光装置（画像情報の書き込
み）がありそれぞれ電位消去に可視光を使用しており
（感光体の感度が一般に０．５〜０．９μｍの領域なの
で、感光体電位の消去には可視光が必要である）、これ
は水分検知装置Ｄと同一スペクトクル領域の為、誤検知
の可能性は特に高いと言える。Third Embodiment The present invention produces a great effect because the moisture detector D directly detects the amount of moisture, which is a factor that changes the electric conductivity of the charging roller 102. Charging roller 10
Since the reflected light from No. 2 is detected by the light receiver Dr, if flare light from the outside enters, there is a risk of erroneous detection. Particularly, the emission A, which is a comparative wavelength band, is 0.4 to
In the visible region of 0.8 μm, a light receiving element Dr having sensitivity to this region is used (the light emitting element and the light receiving element in this region are inexpensive and suitable for product mounting), but in the case of an electrophotographic apparatus There are a static eliminator (erasure of potential history) and an exposure device (writing of image information) in the front and rear steps of the charging device, respectively, and visible light is used for erasing the potential (sensitivity of the photoconductor is generally 0.5 to Since it is in the region of 0.9 μm, visible light is required for erasing the photoconductor potential.) Since this is the same spectrum region as the moisture detector D, the possibility of false detection can be said to be particularly high.

【００５２】そこで第３実施例では、図７の（ａ）に示
すように、クエンチングランプ（除電装置）１０９と検
知装置Ｄの間に遮光部材Ｒｑを設け、また、露光装置１
０３が投射する潜像形成用の画像光と検知装置Ｄの間に
遮光部材Ｒｉを設けて、それぞれフレア光が検知装置Ｄ
の方向に侵入することを防止している。遮光部材Ｒｑ，
Ｒｉとしては透光性のないものがよく、黒塗装したＳＥ
ＣＣ，ＳＵＳ，Ａｌ等の金属や、ポリカ−ボネイト等の
樹脂でやはり黒塗装したものが望ましい。Therefore, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, a light blocking member Rq is provided between the quenching lamp (static elimination device) 109 and the detection device D, and the exposure device 1 is used.
A light shielding member Ri is provided between the image light for forming a latent image projected by 03 and the detection device D, and the flare light is detected by the detection device D.
To prevent intrusion in the direction of. Light blocking member Rq,
It is preferable that Ri has no translucency, and SE coated in black
It is preferable to use a metal such as CC, SUS, or Al, or a resin such as polycarbonate, which is also black-painted.

【００５３】クエンチングランプ１０９と検知装置Ｄの
間、及び露光装置１０３が投射する画像光と検知装置Ｄ
の間の遮光は、図７の（ｂ）に示すように、検知装置Ｄ
の上下流を覆うケ−ス状遮光板Ｒａにしてもよい。Between the quenching lamp 109 and the detection device D, and between the image light projected by the exposure device 103 and the detection device D.
As shown in (b) of FIG.
A case-shaped light-shielding plate Ra that covers the upper and lower sides of the case may be used.

【００５４】−第４実施例− 第４実施例を図８に示す。この第４実施例では、帯電ロ
−ラ１０２の表面をクリ−ニングする清掃部材１１０を
備えた。尚、第４実施例では、検知装置Ｄを帯電ロ−ラ
１０２の略中央に配置したが、他装置との位置関係にお
いて、清掃部材１１０が同じ対応域に配置可能であれ
ば、他の配置にしても性能上問題ない。-Fourth Embodiment- A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. In the fourth embodiment, a cleaning member 110 for cleaning the surface of the charging roller 102 is provided. In the fourth embodiment, the detection device D is arranged substantially at the center of the charging roller 102. However, in the positional relationship with other devices, if the cleaning member 110 can be arranged in the same corresponding area, another arrangement is possible. However, there is no problem in performance.

【００５５】帯電ロ−ラ清掃による経時品質維持の効果
を検証するため、３種のロ−ラ清掃部材１１０と清掃部
材無しの状態にある画像形成装置それぞれで、連続動作
試験を行い正常動作する寿命を調べた。In order to verify the effect of maintaining the quality over time due to the cleaning of the charging roller, a continuous operation test is performed on each of the three types of roller cleaning members 110 and the image forming apparatus in the state without the cleaning member to perform normal operation. I checked the life.

【００５６】図９に示す検証方法を参照されたい。パッ
ト部材３０１及びエメリペ−パ４０１はロ−ラ清掃効果
が高いが、反面、押圧されていることもあって、ロ−ラ
研磨作用も生じる。検知領域のみの清掃であると、研磨
の有／無で表面状態に差が生じ、帯電ムラが生じる可能
もあるので、画像域全域で行うのが望ましい。また、毛
ブラシ５０１はロ−ラ清掃効果が３０１，４０１に劣る
もののロ−ラ表面に対する負荷が小さく、検知領域のみ
の当接でよい。これら清掃部材の選択は、ロ−ラ材質の
強度，目標寿命，目標コストに応じて選択すればよい。Please refer to the verification method shown in FIG. The pad member 301 and the emery paper 401 have a high roller cleaning effect, but on the other hand, since they are pressed, a roller polishing action also occurs. If only the detection area is cleaned, a difference in surface condition may occur due to presence / absence of polishing, and uneven charging may occur. Therefore, it is desirable to perform cleaning in the entire image area. Further, although the bristle brush 501 is inferior in roller cleaning effect to 301 and 401, the load on the roller surface is small and only the detection area needs to be in contact. These cleaning members may be selected according to the strength of the roller material, the target life, and the target cost.

【００５７】（１）試験条件 感光体 ：ＯＰＣ 感光体線速 ：１２０ｍｍ／ｓｅｃ 帯電ロ−ラ ：φ１４×３００ 基準印加電圧 ：−１６００ｖ／水分率０．２％ 通紙サイズ ：Ａ４ 現像方式 ：乾式２成分 クリ−ニング方式 ：カウンタブレ−ド 試験環境（温示／相対湿度）：１０℃／１５％ ２３℃／６５％ ３０℃／９０％ をランダムに５００００枚ごとに切り替えてい く。(1) Test conditions Photoconductor: OPC Photoconductor linear velocity: 120 mm / sec Charging roller: φ14 × 300 Standard applied voltage: -1600 v / 0.2% moisture content Paper size: A4 Development method: Dry type 2-component cleaning method: counter blade Test environment (indicating temperature / relative humidity): 10 ° C / 15% 23 ° C / 65% 30 ° C / 90% Randomly switch every 50000 sheets.

【００５８】[0058]

【表１】 [Table 1]

【００５９】ロ−ラ表面強度によっては、水準１，２，
３の優劣は逆転すると考えられる。いずれにせよ、水準
１，２，３はいずれも清掃部材なしの水準４よりも長寿
命効果があることがわかる。Depending on the roller surface strength, levels 1, 2,
The superiority and inferiority of 3 are considered to be reversed. In any case, it can be seen that the levels 1, 2, and 3 all have a longer life effect than the level 4 without the cleaning member.

【００６０】[0060]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、接触帯電部材の非
画像部領域において、帯電ローラ表面と対向位置に配置
した水分検知装置により、水分量を非接触による方法で
直接検知し、検知した水分量に応じて感光体への帯電印
加電圧条件を制御／更新しているので、帯電ローラの吸
湿履歴によらず帯電電位を一定にすることが出来、又、
水の吸収スペクトル波長帯の受光部と比較波長帯の受光
部を共通とする構成にしているので、帯電ローラを用い
た接触帯電装置に塔載可能なサイズ及び検知速度を達成
している。As described above, in the non-image area of the contact charging member, the water content is directly detected by the non-contact method by the water content detection device arranged at the position facing the surface of the charging roller, and the detected water content is detected. Since the voltage applied to the photoconductor is controlled / updated according to the amount, the charge potential can be kept constant regardless of the moisture absorption history of the charging roller.
Since the light receiving part in the absorption spectrum wavelength band of water and the light receiving part in the comparative wavelength band are made common, a size and a detection speed which can be mounted on a contact charging device using a charging roller are achieved.

【００６１】非接触／光学式水分量検知装置であるの
で、帯電ローラテ−パ面に１ｍｍ幅程度の検知領域があ
れば十分であり、かつ、光を用いることで、検知装置の
配置自由度を高め、結果的に装置全体の小型化が可能と
なる。また、テ−パ面は、感光体に非接触であるので、
端部シ−ル等の破損による端部クリ−ニング不良に起因
より、感光体非画像部に黒スジ等の汚染が発生しても、
検知領域にその原因となるトナ−が付着して黒色化する
ことはなく、検知の際に影響を受けることはない。 遮
光部材により像担持体を露光除電する除電装置からのフ
レア光の侵入を防止しているので、検知装置の受光検知
に誤検知が生じることがなく、画像形成タイミングの制
約を設けることなく水分量検知を行なうことができる。Since it is a non-contact / optical moisture detector, it suffices if the charging roller taper surface has a detection region of about 1 mm width, and by using light, the detector can be arranged freely. As a result, the overall size of the device can be reduced. Further, since the taper surface is not in contact with the photoconductor,
Even if contamination such as black streaks occurs in the non-image area of the photoconductor due to defective edge cleaning caused by damage to the edge seal,
The toner that causes the phenomenon does not adhere to the detection area to turn black, and the toner is not affected during the detection. The light-shielding member prevents flare light from entering from the static eliminator that exposes and neutralizes the image bearing member, so there is no erroneous detection in the detection of the light received by the detector, and there is no restriction on the image formation timing. Detection can be performed.

【００６２】遮光部材により像担持体に画像情報を光書
き込みする潜像形成装置からのフレア光の侵入を防止し
ているので、検知装置の受光検知に誤検知が生じること
がなく、画像形成タイミングの制約を設けることなく水
分量検知を行なうことができる。Since the light blocking member prevents the flare light from entering from the latent image forming device for optically writing the image information on the image carrier, the detection of light by the detection device does not cause an erroneous detection, and the image forming timing. It is possible to detect the water content without the restriction of.

【００６３】除電装置の除電露光に対する遮光部材を設
けなくとも、フレア光の影響を受けることを防止する制
御を達成したので、検知装置の受光検知に誤検知が生じ
ることがない。Since the control for preventing the influence of the flare light is achieved without providing the light shielding member for the static elimination exposure of the static eliminator, there is no erroneous detection in the light detection of the detector.

【００６４】前記潜像形成装置の画像光に対する遮光部
材を設けなくとも、フレア光の影響を受けることを防止
する制御を達成したので、検知装置の受光検知に誤検知
が生じることがない。Even if the light shielding member for the image light of the latent image forming device is not provided, the control for preventing the influence of the flare light is achieved, so that the detection of light by the detection device does not cause an erroneous detection.

【００６５】検知装置の検知領域を清掃する清掃部材を
備えたことで、経時での検知領域の黒色化を防止し、水
分量誤検知による帯電ローラへの印加電圧の誤制御の可
能性をなくしている。By providing the cleaning member for cleaning the detection area of the detection device, blackening of the detection area over time is prevented, and the possibility of erroneous control of the voltage applied to the charging roller due to erroneous detection of water content is eliminated. ing.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】 本発明の第１実施例の電子写真装置の主要構
成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an electrophotographic apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】 図１に示す帯電ロ−ラ１０２の拡大正面図で
ある。FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the charging roller 102 shown in FIG.

【図３】 図１に示す帯電ロ−ラ１０２，水分検知装置
Ｄおよび帯電電源とコントロ−ラＣの組合せを示すブロ
ック図であり、帯電ロ−ラ１０２は横断面を示す。3 is a block diagram showing a combination of a charging roller 102, a moisture detector D, a charging power source and a controller C shown in FIG. 1, and the charging roller 102 shows a cross section.

【図４】 図３に示すコントロ−ラＣの制御動作を示す
フロ−チャ−トである。FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the controller C shown in FIG.

【図５】 （ａ）は図１に示す水分検知装置Ｄの受光器
および発光器の分光感度を示すグラフであり、（ｂ）は
水分検知装置Ｄの検出値に基づいたレベル比Ａ／Ｂ，帯
電ロ−ラ１０２の水分率およびそれに対応して帯電ロ−
ラ１０２に印加すべき帯電電圧の関係を示すグラフであ
り、（ｃ）は水分検知装置Ｄの検出値に基づいたレベル
比Ａ／Ｂとそれに対応して帯電ロ−ラ１０２に印加すべ
き帯電電圧の関係を示すグラフである。5A is a graph showing the spectral sensitivity of the light receiver and the light emitter of the moisture detector D shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a level ratio A / B based on the detection value of the moisture detector D. , The moisture content of the charging roller 102 and the charging roller corresponding thereto.
3 is a graph showing the relationship of the charging voltage to be applied to the roller 102, and FIG. 6C is a level ratio A / B based on the detection value of the moisture detector D and the charging to be applied to the charging roller 102 corresponding to it. It is a graph which shows the relationship of voltage.

【図６】 （ａ）は第２実施例の、帯電ロ−ラ１０２に
対する水分検出装置Ｄの配置位置を示す斜視図であり、
（ｂ）は第２実施例の変形例の、帯電ロ−ラ１０２に対
する水分検出装置Ｄの配置位置を示す斜視図である。FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the arrangement position of the moisture detector D with respect to the charging roller 102 of the second embodiment,
FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing the arrangement position of the moisture detecting device D with respect to the charging roller 102 in the modification of the second embodiment.

【図７】 （ａ）は第３実施例の、水分検知装置Ｄに対
する遮光板Ｒｑ，Ｒｉの配置位置を示す側面図であり、
（ｂ）は第３実施例の変形例の、水分検知装置Ｄに対す
る遮光板Ｒａの配置位置を示す側面図である。FIG. 7A is a side view showing the arrangement positions of the light shielding plates Rq and Ri with respect to the moisture detector D of the third embodiment,
(B) is a side view showing an arrangement position of the light shielding plate Ra with respect to the moisture detector D in a modification of the third embodiment.

【図８】 （ａ）は第４実施例の、帯電ロ−ラ１０２に
対する清掃手段２０１の設置を示す側面図であり、
（ｂ）は（ａ）に示す帯電ロ−ラ１０２の拡大正面図で
ある。FIG. 8A is a side view showing the installation of the cleaning means 201 on the charging roller 102 according to the fourth embodiment,
(B) is an enlarged front view of the charging roller 102 shown in (a).

【図９】 図８に示す清掃手段２０１の効果を検証する
態様を示す斜視図および側面図である。9A and 9B are a perspective view and a side view showing a mode for verifying the effect of the cleaning means 201 shown in FIG.

【図１０】 従来の一般的な接触帯電装置を示す横断面
図である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional general contact charging device.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１０１：感光体ドラム １０２：帯電ロ−ラ １０３：画像光 １０４：現像装置 １０５：レジストロ−ラ １０６：転写チャ−ジ
ャ １０７：分離チャ−ジャ １０８：クリ−ニング
装置 １０９：クエンチングランプ １１０：帯電ロ−ラ清
掃部材 ２０１：芯金 ２０２：中間層（導電
層） ２０３：表面層 ２０４：軸受 ２０５：スプリング ２０６：給電リセプタ
クル ２０７：帯電用電源 Ｃ：コントロ−ラ Ｄ：水分量検知装置 Ｇ：増幅器 Ｍ：ミラ− Ｒｑ：対クエンチング
ランプ遮光板 Ｒｉ：対画像光遮光板 Ｒａ：遮光板101: Photosensitive drum 102: Charging roller 103: Image light 104: Developing device 105: Regist roller 106: Transfer charger 107: Separation charger 108: Cleaning device 109: Quenching lamp 110: Charging Roller cleaning member 201: Core metal 202: Intermediate layer (conductive layer) 203: Surface layer 204: Bearing 205: Spring 206: Power supply receptacle 207: Charging power supply C: Controller D: Moisture amount detection device G: Amplifier M: Mira-Rq: Anti-quenching light shield plate Ri: Anti-image light shield plate Ra: Light shield plate

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 田 淵 健 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー (56)参考文献 特開 平７−209931（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平６−274000（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平２−3308（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭61−4945（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭59−72047（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平７−18252（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平６−288906（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平３−115835（ＪＰ，Ａ) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) G03G 15/02 G03G 15/16 103 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Ken Tabuchi Ken 3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP 7-209331 (JP, A) JP Hei 6-274000 (JP, A) JP-A 2-3308 (JP, A) JP-A 61-4945 (JP, A) JP-A 59-72047 (JP, A) JP-A 7-18252 (JP, A) A) JP-A-6-288906 (JP, A) JP-A-3-115835 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) G03G 15/02 G03G 15/16 103

Claims (13)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項１】電荷担持体に接触し該電荷担持体を帯電す
る接触帯電部材；前記接触帯電部材に波長が異なる光を
照射する発光器および接触帯電部材が反射した光を検出
する受光器；該受光器が検出した前記異なる光のレベル
の相対関係より接触帯電部材の水分量を検出する湿度検
出手段；前記電荷担持体の水分量対応の、該水分量にお
いて電荷担持体を実質上一定に帯電するために前記接触
帯電部材に印加すべき電圧デ−タを格納したメモリ手
段； 前記湿度検出手段が検出した水分量に対応する電
圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段から読み出す手段；および、 読み出された電圧デ−タが指定する電圧を前記接触帯電
部材に印加する帯電電源；を備える接触帯電装置。1. A contact charging member for contacting a charge carrier to charge the charge carrier; a light emitter for irradiating the contact charge member with light having a different wavelength and a light receiver for detecting light reflected by the contact charge member; Humidity detecting means for detecting the water content of the contact charging member based on the relative relationship of the different light levels detected by the light receiver; the water content of the charge carrier, which corresponds to the water content of the charge carrier, makes the charge carrier substantially constant. Memory means for storing voltage data to be applied to the contact charging member for charging; means for reading out voltage data corresponding to the amount of moisture detected by the humidity detecting means from the memory means; and reading A contact charging device comprising a charging power supply for applying a voltage designated by the applied voltage data to the contact charging member. 【請求項２】電荷担持体に接触し該電荷担持体を帯電す
る接触帯電部材；前記接触帯電部材に波長が異なる光を
照射する発光器および接触帯電部材が反射した光を検出
する受光器；該受光器が検出した前記異なる光のレベル
比を検出する湿度検出手段；前記電荷担持体の前記レベ
ル比対応の、該レベル比において電荷担持体を実質上一
定に帯電するために前記接触帯電部材に印加すべき電圧
デ−タを格納したメモリ手段；前記湿度検出手段が検出
したレベル比に対応する電圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段か
ら読み出す手段；および、 読み出された電圧デ−タが指定する電圧を前記接触帯電
部材に印加する帯電電源；を備える接触帯電装置。2. A contact charging member for contacting and charging the charge carrier; a light emitter for irradiating the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths and a light receiver for detecting light reflected by the contact charging member; Humidity detection means for detecting the level ratio of the different light detected by the light receiver; the contact charging member corresponding to the level ratio of the charge carrier to charge the charge carrier substantially constant at the level ratio. Memory means for storing voltage data to be applied to the memory means; means for reading the voltage data corresponding to the level ratio detected by the humidity detecting means from the memory means; and the read voltage data is designated. A contact charging device including a charging power supply for applying a voltage to the contact charging member. 【請求項３】発光器は実質上波長０．８μｍに強度ピ−
クがある光を照射する第１発光器および実質上波長１．
４５μｍに強度ピ−クがある光を照射する第２発光器を
含み、受光器は波長０．８μｍおよび１．４５μｍに光
電変換感度がある１つの光電変換器である、請求項１又
は請求項２記載の接触帯電装置。3. The light emitter has an intensity peak at a wavelength of substantially 0.8 μm.
The first light emitter that emits a certain amount of light and a wavelength of substantially 1.
2. A second light emitter for radiating light having an intensity peak at 45 [mu] m, wherein the light receiver is one photoelectric converter having photoelectric conversion sensitivity at wavelengths 0.8 [mu] m and 1.45 [mu] m. 2. The contact charging device according to 2. 【請求項４】少くとも接触帯電部材表面の、発光器が照
射した光の反射光を受光器が検出する位置を清掃するク
リ−ニング手段を備える、請求項１又は請求項２記載の
接触帯電装置。4. The contact charging according to claim 1, further comprising cleaning means for cleaning at least a position on the surface of the contact charging member where a light receiver detects reflected light emitted from the light emitter. apparatus. 【請求項５】感光体；該感光体に接触し感光体を帯電す
る接触帯電部材；前記感光体の帯電面に画像光を投射す
る露光手段；前記感光体の前記画像光の投射により形成
された静電潜像を現像する現像手段； 前記感光体の前
記現像により形成された顕像を記録媒体に転写する転写
手段；前記接触帯電部材に波長が異なる光を照射する発
光器および接触帯電部材が反射した光を検出する受光
器；制御手段が指定する電圧を前記接触帯電部材に印加
する帯電電源；前記接触帯電部材の水分量対応の、該水
分量において感光体を実質上一定に帯電するために前記
接触帯電部材に印加すべき電圧デ−タを格納したメモリ
手段；前記受光器が検出した前記異なる光のレベルの相
対関係より接触帯電部材の水分量を検出し、検出した水
分量に対応する電圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段から読み出
し、前記帯電電源に該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指
定する制御手段；を備える画像形成装置。5. A photoconductor; a contact charging member for contacting the photoconductor to charge the photoconductor; an exposing means for projecting image light on a charged surface of the photoconductor; formed by projecting the image light on the photoconductor. Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image; transfer means for transferring the visible image formed by the development of the photoconductor onto a recording medium; light emitter and contact charging member for irradiating the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths A light receiver for detecting the light reflected by the light source; a charging power source for applying a voltage designated by the control means to the contact charging member; and a photosensitive member which is substantially constant at the water amount corresponding to the water amount of the contact charging member. Memory means for storing voltage data to be applied to the contact charging member in order to detect the water content of the contact charging member from the relative relationship between the different light levels detected by the photodetector The corresponding voltage An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for reading data from the memory unit and designating application of a voltage corresponding to the voltage data to the charging power source. 【請求項６】感光体；該感光体に接触し感光体を帯電す
る接触帯電部材；前記感光体の帯電面に画像光を投射す
る露光手段；前記感光体の前記画像光の投射により形成
された静電潜像を現像する現像手段； 前記感光体の前
記現像により形成された顕像を記録媒体に転写する転写
手段；前記接触帯電部材に波長が異なる光を照射する発
光器および接触帯電部材が反射した光を検出する受光
器；制御手段が指定する電圧を前記接触帯電部材に印加
する帯電電源；レベル比対応の、該レベル比において感
光体を実質上一定に帯電するために前記接触帯電部材に
印加すべき電圧デ−タを格納したメモリ手段；前記受光
器が検出した前記異なる光のレベル比を検出し、検出し
たレベル比に対応する電圧デ−タを前記メモリ手段から
読み出し、前記帯電電源に該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印
加を指定する制御手段；を備える画像形成装置。6. A photoconductor; a contact charging member for contacting the photoconductor to charge the photoconductor; an exposing means for projecting image light on a charged surface of the photoconductor; formed by projecting the image light on the photoconductor. Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image; transfer means for transferring the visible image formed by the development of the photoconductor onto a recording medium; light emitter and contact charging member for irradiating the contact charging member with light of different wavelengths A photodetector for detecting the light reflected by the light source; a charging power source for applying a voltage designated by the control means to the contact charging member; the contact charging for charging the photoconductor substantially constant at the level ratio corresponding to the level ratio Memory means for storing voltage data to be applied to the member; detecting the level ratio of the different lights detected by the photodetector, reading out voltage data corresponding to the detected level ratio from the memory means, Electrostatic charge An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that specifies application of a voltage corresponding to the voltage data to a power source. 【請求項７】画像形成装置は更に、転写を終えた感光体
面に光を照射して除電する除電装置を備え、制御手段
は、除電装置が光非照射の間に前記検出を実行する、請
求項５又は請求項６記載の画像形成装置。7. The image forming apparatus further comprises a static eliminator for irradiating light to the surface of the photoconductor that has finished the transfer to eliminate static electricity, and the control means executes the detection while the static eliminator is not radiating light. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6. 【請求項８】制御手段は、露光手段が画像光非投射の間
に前記検出を実行する、請求項５又は請求項６記載の画
像形成装置。8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit executes the detection while the exposure unit does not project the image light. 【請求項９】制御手段は、画像形成装置に電源が投入さ
れた直後に前記検出を実行し、感光体を帯電するとき、
前記メモリ手段から電圧デ−タを読み出して帯電電源に
該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指定する、請求項５又
は請求項６記載の画像形成装置。9. The control means executes the detection immediately after the image forming apparatus is powered on to charge the photoconductor,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the voltage data is read from the memory means and the application of a voltage corresponding to the voltage data to the charging power source is designated. 【請求項１０】制御手段は、指定数の画像形成を終了し
た後に前記検出を実行し、次回に感光体を帯電すると
き、前記メモリ手段から電圧デ−タを読み出して帯電電
源に該電圧デ−タ対応の電圧の印加を指定する、請求項
５，請求項６又は請求項９記載の画像形成装置。10. The control means executes the detection after the formation of a specified number of images is completed, and when the photosensitive member is charged next time, the voltage data is read from the memory means and is supplied to the charging power source. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, claim 6, or claim 9, wherein application of a voltage corresponding to the input voltage is designated. 【請求項１１】接触帯電部材表面の、発光器が照射した
光の反射光を受光器が検出する位置は、感光体の画像形
成領域に対応する領域の外である、請求項５又は請求項
６記載の画像形成装置。11. The method according to claim 5, wherein the position where the light receiver detects the reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitter on the surface of the contact charging member is outside the area corresponding to the image forming area of the photoconductor. 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 6. 【請求項１２】発光器と露光手段の間に、相互間の光の
侵入を防止する遮光体を備えた、請求項５又は請求項６
記載の画像形成装置。12. A light-shielding member for preventing the intrusion of light between the light-emitting device and the exposing means is provided.
The image forming apparatus described. 【請求項１３】画像形成装置は更に、転写を終えた感光
体面に光を照射して除電する除電装置、ならびに、この
除電装置と発光器の間に、相互間の光の侵入を防止する
遮光体、を備えた、請求項５，請求項６又は請求項１２
記載の画像形成装置。13. The image forming apparatus further comprises a static eliminator for irradiating light to the surface of the photoconductor after transfer to eliminate static electricity, and a light shield for preventing mutual intrusion of light between the static eliminator and the light emitter. Claim 5, Claim 6 or Claim 12 comprising a body.
The image forming apparatus described.
JP21636695A 1995-08-24 1995-08-24 Contact charging device and image forming device Expired - Fee Related JP3380655B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP21636695A JP3380655B2 (en) 1995-08-24 1995-08-24 Contact charging device and image forming device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP21636695A JP3380655B2 (en) 1995-08-24 1995-08-24 Contact charging device and image forming device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH0962062A JPH0962062A (en) 1997-03-07
JP3380655B2 true JP3380655B2 (en) 2003-02-24

Family

ID=16687456

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4522776B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2010-08-11 株式会社リコー Belt device and image forming apparatus

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