JP3919516B2 - Toner processing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a toner processing apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0002]
Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a transfer material (paper, transparent film, etc.) as a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer or a laser beam printer), an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, and an electrophotographic word processor are included.
[0003]
The process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier are integrally formed, and the cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. To do.
[0004]
The charging device uniformly charges the electrophotographic photosensitive member to a predetermined polarity and potential.
[0005]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in electrophotographic printers, copiers, facsimiles, etc., processes such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) as an image carrier, a primary charger (charging device), a developing device, and a cleaning device. There is known a process cartridge system in which a process cartridge is configured by integrally incorporating a means into a cartridge container, and the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.
[0006]
This process cartridge system further improves operability, and the user can easily perform maintenance of the above-described process means. For this reason, this process cartridge system is widely used.
[0007]
In addition, a cartridge configuration is realized in which the process means is divided into those having a long life and those having a short life, each process means is made into a cartridge, and can be used according to the life of the main process means. For example, a developing cartridge in which a toner storage unit and a developing device are integrally formed, a drum cartridge in which a photosensitive drum, a primary charger, and a cleaning device are integrally formed are employed.
[0008]
In recent years, a so-called cleanerless type without a cleaning device has been proposed. In an image forming apparatus, a toner image (developer image) corresponding to image information is formed by applying an image forming process (image forming process) including a step of uniformly charging a photosensitive drum to a predetermined polarity and potential. The toner image is transferred to a transfer material such as paper or a transparent film. In the cleanerless system, the toner (residual toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum after the transfer process is removed and collected from the photosensitive drum by the development simultaneous cleaning in the developing device and reused. According to this cleanerless system, since there is no cleaning device, the image forming apparatus main body can be reduced in size.
[0009]
For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-137368, residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum after the transfer process is disposed downstream of the transfer charger and upstream of the primary charger along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum. A toner charge amount control means (developer charge amount control means) for aligning the charge polarity with the regular charge polarity is provided to prevent the residual toner from adhering to the contact charging member of the primary charger, and to prevent fogging images due to charging defects, etc. There have been proposed cleanerless type image forming apparatuses and process cartridges which prevent the occurrence.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The toner charge amount control means described above uses a fixed brush-shaped member having moderate conductivity. However, when the charge (tribo) of the residual toner is controlled to an appropriate charge amount with a normal polarity, In some cases, excessive charging of the residual toner may occur. If the residual toner is excessively charged, the reflection force between the photosensitive drum and the excessively charged residual toner is too strong, so that the residual toner does not adhere to the contact charging member and cannot be recovered by the developing device. Furthermore, the transfer charger cannot transfer to the transfer material. As a result, the excessively charged residual toner may be fused on the photosensitive drum, leading to image defects.
[0011]
It has been found that this is caused by the fact that the fixed brush member as the toner charge amount control means continues to be located at the same position on the photosensitive drum. That is, when there is uneven resistance in the toner charge amount control means, overcharging or undercharging will always occur at the same portion on the photosensitive drum. Of these, the excessively charged portion causes the above-mentioned problem of excessive charging and fusing of the residual toner. On the other hand, in the portion where charging is insufficient, the residual toner cannot be charged sufficiently, causing a problem that the contact charging member is contaminated with toner.
[0012]
Along with the diversification of user needs in recent years, a large amount of residual toner is generated at a time by continuous printing operation of images with a high printing rate such as photographic images, or by multiple development on a photosensitive drum with colorization. As a result, the above-described problem becomes more prominent.
[0013]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a toner processing apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus that can prevent defective charging and defective images by removing residual toner satisfactorily.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 processes the residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier by the charging unit, the exposure unit, and the developing unit is transferred to the other member by the transfer unit. In the toner processing apparatus, a developer disposed on the downstream side of the transfer unit and the upstream side of the charging unit along the moving direction of the surface of the image carrier to charge the residual toner with a predetermined polarity. A charge amount control means, wherein the developer charge amount control means is disposed at a predetermined distance from the surface of the image carrier and is in a facing position in contact with the surface of the image carrier. Supported to reciprocate in the direction,A support member that supports the developer charge amount control means, a spacer that holds the support member so as to be reciprocally movable, and the developer charge amount control means that faces the surface of the image carrier by contacting the spacer. An urging member that holds the posture, and the spacer has an arcuate portion that follows the shape of the surface of the image carrier at a contact portion with the surface of the image carrier.It is characterized by that.
[0017]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the toner processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the toner processing device further includes a guide portion that regulates a position of the spacer in the generatrix direction of the image carrier.
[0018]
  Claim 3The invention according toClaim 1 or 2In the toner processing apparatus described in the item 1, the developer charge amount control means includes a brush portion and a base portion that holds the brush portion, and the support member has the brush portion facing the center of the image carrier. The base portion is supported as described above.
[0020]
  Claim 4The invention according toClaim 3The toner processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the image carrier isBrush portion of developer charge amount control meansThe intrusion amount is 0.5 to 2.5 mm.
[0021]
  Claim 5The invention according toClaims 1 to 4The toner processing apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the residual toner is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer unit and the upstream side of the developer charge amount control unit along the moving direction of the image carrier to level the residual toner. It has a developer uniformizing means.
[0022]
  Claim 6The invention according toClaim 5In the toner processing apparatus described in the item 1, the residual developer uniformizing means is supported by the support member.
[0023]
  Claim 7The invention according toClaim 6In the toner processing apparatus described in the item 1, the residual developer uniformizing means has a brush part and a base part for holding the brush part, and the support member has the brush part facing the center of the image carrier. The base portion is supported as described above.
[0025]
  Claim 8The invention according toClaim 7The toner processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the image carrier isBrush portion of the residual developer uniformizing meansThe intrusion amount is 0.5 to 2.5 mm.
[0026]
  Claim 9The invention relates to an image carrier on which a toner image is formed on a surface, and a toner processing device that processes toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image on the image carrier is transferred to another member. In a process cartridge that is integrally incorporated in a cartridge container and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, the toner processing apparatus includes:Claims 1 to 8Or a toner processing apparatus according to any one of the above.
[0027]
  Claim 10According to the invention, an image carrier having a movable surface, a charging unit for charging the surface of the image carrier, an exposure unit for exposing the surface of the image carrier after charging to form an electrostatic latent image, Developing means for developing the toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image, Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to another member, and the surface of the image carrier after transferring the toner image A toner processing apparatus for processing residual toner remaining in the toner processing apparatus, wherein the toner processing apparatus comprises:Claims 1 to 8Or a toner processing apparatus according to any one of the above.
[0028]
  Claim 11The invention according toClaim 10In the image forming apparatus described in the above, a process cartridge in which at least the image carrier and the toner processing apparatus are integrally incorporated in a cartridge container, and an image forming apparatus main body to which the process cartridge is detachably mounted. , Comprising.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol was attached | subjected about the member and apparatus common between each drawing, and the duplication description about these was abbreviate | omitted suitably.
[0030]
Here, in the following description, a direction along the axis (bus line) of the photosensitive drum is referred to as an axial direction or a longitudinal direction. This axial direction is a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction of the transfer material. Further, the left and right are the left and right when the transfer material is transported from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the upper and lower sides are the upper and lower sides in the process cartridge mounting state, respectively.
[0031]
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus shown in the figure is an electrophotographic four-color full-color laser beam printer. Hereinafter, it is referred to as an image forming apparatus.
[0032]
[Overall Description of Image Forming Apparatus]
First, an outline of a schematic configuration of the entire image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described.
[0033]
The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes four process cartridges each having a drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 2 as image carriers, ie, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Scanner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, and laser scanners 51Y, 51M, and 51C as exposure devices (exposure means) for the respective colors disposed above the respective process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K , 51K constitute an image forming unit. In the following description, when it is not particularly necessary to distinguish the colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) of each member including the process cartridge and the laser scanner, simply “process cartridge 1” and “laser scanner 51”. "
[0034]
Below the image forming unit, a feeding unit 53 that feeds and conveys the transfer material 52 and an intermediate transfer unit 54 as a transfer unit are disposed. Here, as the transfer material 52, for example, plain paper used for general copying, an OHP sheet in the form of a transparent film used for an overhead projector, cloth, or the like can be used. The above-described intermediate transfer unit 54 includes an intermediate transfer belt 54a as a transfer target onto which a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred, and a secondary that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 54a to the transfer material 52. And a transfer roller 54d.
[0035]
Further, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller 54d along the conveyance direction (arrow K direction) of the transfer material 52, a fixing device (fixing means) 56 for fixing the toner image transferred onto the transfer material 52, Discharging means 57 for discharging the transfer material 52 after fixing the toner image is provided.
[0036]
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that employs a cleanerless system as a cleaner system. Residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 is taken into a developing device (developing unit), and the residual toner is removed. A dedicated cleaner for collecting and storing is not arranged in the process cartridge.
[0037]
Next, the configuration of each member, device, means and the like of the above-described image forming apparatus will be sequentially described in detail.
[0038]
[Feeding means]
The feeding unit 53 feeds the transfer material 52 to the image forming unit, and feeds a sheet cassette 53a in which a plurality of transfer materials 52 are stacked and stored, a feed roller 53b, and a double feed prevention unit. A retard roller 53c, a feeding guide 53d, transport rollers 53e and 53f, and a registration roller 53g are provided.
[0039]
The feed roller 53b is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, and separates and feeds the transfer material 52 in the paper feed cassette 53a one by one. The transfer material 52 is guided by a feeding guide 53d and is conveyed to a registration roller 53g by conveyance rollers 53e and 53f. Immediately after the transfer material 52 is transported, the registration roller 53g stops rotating, and the skew of the transfer material 52 is corrected by abutting against the nip portion of the registration roller 53g. During the image forming operation, the registration roller 53g performs a non-rotating operation for causing the transfer material 52 to stand still and a rotating operation for conveying the transfer material 52 toward the intermediate transfer belt 54a in a predetermined sequence. The toner image and the transfer material 52 in a certain transfer process are aligned.
[0040]
[Process cartridge]
As shown in FIG. 2 (enlarged view of the process cartridge in FIG. 1), each process cartridge 1 includes a photosensitive drum 2 as an image carrier and a primary charger as a charging device (charging means) disposed around the photosensitive drum 2. 3 and a developing device (developing means) 4 are integrated into a cartridge container 1a. These process cartridges 1 are configured to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 100 individually and can be easily replaced by the user when the photosensitive drum 2 reaches the end of its life. It has become.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, for example, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 2 is counted, and when the predetermined count number is exceeded, it is notified that the process cartridge 1 has reached the end of its life.
[0042]
The photosensitive drum 2 according to the present embodiment has an OPC (organic photo semiconductor) photosensitive layer having a negative charge characteristic provided on an aluminum drum base having a diameter of about 30 mm, and charge injection is performed on the outermost layer of the photosensitive layer. A layer is provided. The charge injection layer is made of, for example, SnO as conductive fine particles on an insulating resin binder.₂A coating layer made of a material in which ultrafine particles are dispersed is used.
[0043]
The photosensitive drum 2 is rotationally driven at a predetermined process speed (about 117 mm / sec in the present embodiment) in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 2 by a driving means (not shown).
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 4 (cross-sectional views passing through the shafts of the photosensitive drum, the charging roller, and the stirring screw), a drum flange (drive flange) is provided at the back end portion (right end portion in the figure) of the photosensitive drum 2. 2b is fixed, and a non-driving flange 2d is fixed to the front side end (the left side in the figure). The drum shaft 2a passes through the center of the drum flange 2b and the non-drive flange 2d, and the drum shaft 2a, the drum flange 2b, and the non-drive flange 2d are rotated together. That is, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated around the axis of the drum shaft 2a. The front end of the drum shaft 2a is rotatably supported by a bearing 2e, and the bearing 2e is fixed to the bearing case 2c. The bearing case 2 c is fixed to the frame of the process cartridge 1.
[0045]
[Primary charger (charging device)]
A primary charger (charging device) 3 as a charging means uses a contact charging method. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a charging roller 3a is used as a charging member.
[0046]
The charging roller 3a rotatably holds both ends of the cored bar 3b by bearing members (not shown), and is urged toward the photosensitive drum 2 by a pressing spring 3d, with respect to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. It is brought into pressure contact with a pressing force, and rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2.
[0047]
A charging roller cleaning member 3c formed of a flexible cleaning film 3e is in contact with the surface of the charging roller 3a. The cleaning film 3e is arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 3a, and is fixed at the upper end side with respect to the support member 3f that reciprocates a certain amount in the longitudinal direction, and the lower end side is a free end for charging. A contact nip is formed between the surface of the roller 3 a and the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The supporting member 3f is reciprocated by a predetermined amount in the longitudinal direction by a driving means (not shown), and the surface of the charging roller is rubbed with the cleaning film 3e. As a result, deposits on the surface of the charging roller (fine toner, external additives, etc.) are removed.
[0048]
The primary charger 3 will be described in detail later.
[0049]
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment employs a cleanerless system as a cleaner system. Next, this cleanerless system will be described.
[0050]
[Cleanerless system (cleaner system)]
The outline of the cleanerless system in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described first. Residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2 after transfer is charged with the charging portion (charging position) in FIG. 2 as the photosensitive drum 2 continues to rotate. a, an exposure section (exposure position) b is passed through and carried to a development section (development position) c, and the development device (development means) 4 performs cleaning (collection) simultaneously. In the figure, the transfer portion (transfer position) is indicated by d.
[0051]
Since the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2 passes through the exposure part b, the exposure process is performed on the residual toner. However, since the amount of residual toner is small, there is no significant influence. However, residual toners of normal polarity, reverse polarity (reversed toner), and those with a small charge amount are mixed, and when the reversal toner or the toner with a small charge amount passes through the charging portion a. By adhering to the charging roller 3a, the charging roller 3a contaminates the toner more than permissible and causes a charging failure.
[0052]
In order to effectively perform the simultaneous cleaning of the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2 by the developing device 4, the charged polarity of the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2 carried to the developing unit c is one polarity, In addition, the charge amount needs to be a charge amount with which the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 can be developed by the developing device 4. Among the residual toner, the reversal toner and the toner with an inappropriate charge amount cannot be removed / collected from the photosensitive drum 2 by the developing device 4 and cause image defects.
[0053]
In addition, with the diversification of user needs in recent years, a large amount of residual toner is generated at a time due to continuous printing operation (continuous image forming operation) such as an image with a high printing rate such as a photographic image. Is further encouraged.
[0054]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum is located at a position downstream of the transfer portion d and upstream of the charging portion a along the rotation direction (arrow R direction) of the photosensitive drum 2. 2 to provide a residual toner (residual developer) equalizing means 3g for equalizing the residual toner on the image forming apparatus 2 at a position downstream of the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and upstream of the charging portion a. At the position, there is provided toner (developer) charge amount control means 3h for aligning the charging polarity of the residual toner with the negative polarity which is the normal polarity. Both the residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are provided over almost the entire length of the photosensitive drum 2 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction).
[0055]
By providing the residual toner uniformizing means 3g, even if the residual toner on the pattern on the photosensitive drum 2 carried from the transfer portion d to the toner charge amount control means 3h is large, the toner remains on the photosensitive drum 2. (The axial direction and the circumferential direction) are distributed and non-patterned, so that the toner does not concentrate on a part of the toner charge amount control means 3h, and the residual toner amount by the toner charge amount control means 3h is reduced. The entire normal polarity charging process is always sufficiently performed to effectively prevent residual toner from adhering to the charging roller 3a. Further, the occurrence of a ghost image of the residual toner image pattern is also prevented.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, the residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are brush-like members having appropriate conductivity, and hold the brush portions 3ga and 3ha and the brush portions 3ga and 3ha, respectively. Base portions 3gb and 3hb. These brush parts 3ga and 3ha are comprised by planting the fibrous member which has electroconductivity. The residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h include brush bases 11a and 11b fixed to the base frame 12a so that the fibrous members of the brush portions 3ga and 3ha face the substantially center of the photosensitive drum 2. Is held by. A support member 12 is constituted by the base frame 12a and the brush bases 11a and 11b. The brush portions 3ga and 3ha are in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, and are disposed so that the amounts of penetration into the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 at this time are X1 and X2. The intrusion amounts X1 and X2 will be described later.
[0057]
Further, the above-mentioned residual toner uniformizing means 3g and toner charge amount control means 3h are moved (reciprocated) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 2 by a driving means (not shown). By doing so, the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h do not continue to be located at the same place on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, and for example, charging due to uneven resistance of the toner charge amount control means 3h. Even if there is an excessive portion or an insufficiently charged portion, these will not occur at the same location on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, so that the toner is fused onto the photosensitive drum 2 due to a minimal (local) excessive residual toner charge. And residual toner adhering to the charging roller 3a due to insufficient charging is suppressed or prevented.
[0058]
[Exposure device (exposure means)]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the above-described exposure to the photosensitive drum 2 is performed using laser scanners 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K as exposure apparatuses (exposure means). That is, when an image signal is sent from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the laser beam L modulated in accordance with this signal is scanned and exposed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after charging. By this exposure, the charge on the exposed portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is removed, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is selectively formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The laser scanner 51 includes a solid-state laser element (not shown), a polygon mirror 51a, an imaging lens 51b, a reflection mirror 51c, and the like. Based on the input image signal, the solid-state laser element is controlled to emit light ON / OFF at a predetermined timing by a light emission signal generator (not shown). Laser light L emitted from the solid-state laser element is converted into a substantially parallel light beam by a collimator lens system (not shown) and scanned by a polygon mirror 51a that rotates at high speed. Then, an image is formed in a spot shape on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 through the imaging lens 51b and the reflection mirror 51c. In this way, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is exposed in the main scanning direction by laser beam scanning and further in the sub-scanning direction by rotating the photosensitive drum 2 in the direction of the arrow, and an exposure distribution according to the image signal is obtained. . That is, by the irradiation and non-irradiation of the laser light L, a bright part potential with a reduced surface potential and a dark part potential with no surface potential are formed. The electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed by the contrast between the bright part potential and the dark part potential.
[0059]
[Developing device (developing means)]
The developing device 4 as a developing means is a two-component contact developing device (two-component magnetic brush developing device), and as shown in FIG. 2, a carrier is placed on a developing sleeve (developer carrier) 4a including a magnet roller 4b. And a developer mainly composed of toner. The developing sleeve 4a is provided with a regulating blade 4c having a predetermined gap. The regulating blade 4c is a thin developer layer on the surface of the developing sleeve 4a as the developing sleeve 4a rotates in the arrow direction. Form.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 4, the developing sleeve 4a is disposed so as to have a predetermined gap from the photosensitive drum 2 by rotatably fitting spacers 4k to the journal portions 4a1 having reduced diameters on both sides thereof. Is set so that the developer layer formed on the developing sleeve 4a can be developed in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. The developing sleeve 4a is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed in a direction indicated by an arrow (counterclockwise) as a counter direction with respect to the rotation direction (arrow R direction) of the photosensitive drum 2 in the developing section c (see FIG. 2).
[0061]
In this embodiment, a negatively charged toner having an average particle diameter of 6 μm is used as the toner, and the saturation magnetization is 205 emu / cm as the magnetic carrier.³A magnetic carrier having an average particle size of 35 μm was used. Further, a mixture of toner and carrier at a weight ratio of 6:94 is used as a developer.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 2, the developer accommodating portion 4h in which the developer circulates is divided into two by a longitudinal partition 4d except for both ends. And stirring screw 4eA, 4eB is arrange | positioned on both sides of this partition 4d.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 4, the toner replenished from a toner replenishing container 5 (described later) disposed above the developing device 4 falls to the back side (right side in the figure) of the stirring screw 4eB, and the front side in the longitudinal direction. The mixture is stirred while being sent in the direction of arrow K1 and passes through the front end portion (left side of the figure) where there is no partition 4d. Then, it is further fed to the back side in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of the arrow K2) by the stirring screw 4eA, passes through the portion without the partition wall 4d on the back side, is stirred while being sent by the stirring screw 4eB, and is repeatedly circulated.
[0064]
Here, a developing process for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by the two-component magnetic brush method using the developing device 4 and a developer circulation system will be described.
[0065]
With the rotation of the developing sleeve 4a shown in FIG. 2, the developer in the developing container is pumped to the surface of the developing sleeve 4a by the pumping pole of the magnet roller 4b and conveyed. In the process of being conveyed, the layer thickness of the developer is regulated by the regulating blade 4c arranged perpendicular to the developing sleeve 4a, and a thin developer layer is formed on the developing sleeve 4a. When the developer layer is transported to the development pole corresponding to the development part c, a spike is formed by the magnetic force. The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is developed as a toner image by the toner in the developer formed in the spike shape. In the present embodiment, the electrostatic latent image is reversely developed.
[0066]
The developer layer on the developing sleeve 4a that has passed through the developing portion c continues to enter the developing container as the developing sleeve 4a rotates, and is separated from the developing sleeve 4a by the repulsive magnetic field of the transport pole, and the developer in the developing container Returned to the pool. A direct current (DC) voltage and an alternating current (AC) voltage are applied to the developing sleeve 4a from a developing bias application power source (not shown). In the present embodiment, a DC voltage of −500 V and an AC voltage having a frequency of 2000 Hz and a peak-to-peak voltage of 1500 V are applied, and only the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 2 is selectively developed.
[0067]
In general, in the two-component development method, when an AC voltage is applied, the development efficiency increases and the image becomes high-quality, but conversely, fogging tends to occur. For this reason, in general, it is possible to prevent fogging by providing a potential difference between the DC voltage applied to the developing sleeve 4 a and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 2. More specifically, a developing bias voltage having a potential between the potential of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 2 and the potential of the non-exposed portion is applied. This prevents fogging.
[0068]
When the toner is consumed by development, the toner concentration in the developer decreases. In the present embodiment, a sensor 4g (see FIG. 2) that detects the toner concentration is disposed at a position close to the outer peripheral surface of the stirring screw 4eB. When the sensor 4g detects that the toner density in the developer has dropped below a predetermined density level, a command to replenish toner from the toner replenishing container 5 into the developing device 4 is issued. By this toner replenishment operation, the toner density of the developer is always maintained at a predetermined level.
[0069]
[Toner supply container]
As shown in FIG. 1, the toner supply containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are arranged above the process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K for the respective colors. As shown in FIG. The front door 58 is opened from the front side of the main body 100 and is attached and detached.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 2, a stirring plate 5b fixed to the stirring shaft 5c and a screw 5a are disposed inside the toner supply container 5, and a discharge opening 5f for discharging the toner is formed on the bottom of the container. Yes. As shown in FIG. 5 (longitudinal sectional view passing through the shaft of the stirring shaft 5c and the screw 5a), both ends of the screw 5a and the stirring shaft 5c are rotatably supported by bearings 5d, and the back side (right side in the figure). A drive coupling (concave) 5e is provided at the end of the. The drive coupling (concave) 5e receives a drive transmission from the drive coupling (convex) 62b of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and is driven to rotate. The outer portion of the screw 5a has a spiral rib shape, and the twisting direction of the spiral is reversed around the discharge opening 5f. The screw 5a is rotated in a predetermined rotation direction by the rotation of the drive coupling (convex) 62b. Then, the toner is conveyed toward the discharge opening 5f, the toner is freely dropped from the opening of the discharge opening 5f, and the process cartridge 1 is replenished with toner. The tip end portion of the stirring plate 5b in the rotational radius direction is inclined, and when the slide plate comes into sliding contact with the wall surface 5g of the toner replenishing container 5, the tip end portion comes into contact with an angle. Specifically, the tip end side of the stirring plate 5b is twisted to become a spiral state. As described above, the tip side of the stirring plate 5b is twisted and inclined, thereby generating a conveying force in the axial direction and feeding the toner in the longitudinal direction. The toner supply container 5 of the present embodiment is not limited to the two-component development method, and can supply toner to a process cartridge or a development cartridge that uses the one-component development method. Needless to say, the powder to be stored is not limited to the toner but may be a so-called developer in which the toner and the magnetic carrier are mixed.
[0071]
[Intermediate transfer unit (transfer means)]
The intermediate transfer unit 54, which is a transfer unit, performs secondary transfer of toner images of a plurality of colors, which are sequentially primary-transferred from the photosensitive drums 2 of the respective colors, to the transfer material 52 at once.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 54 includes an intermediate transfer belt (another member) 54a that travels in the direction of arrow R1 (clockwise). The intermediate transfer belt 54a is connected to the process speed of the photosensitive drum 2. It is running at almost the same speed (about 117 mm / sec). The intermediate transfer belt 54a is an endless belt having a circumferential length of about 940 mm, and is stretched around three rollers: a driving roller 54b, a secondary transfer counter roller 54g, and a driven roller 54c. Further, inside the intermediate transfer belt 54 a, four transfer charging rollers 54 f as transfer chargers are disposed so as to be rotatable at positions facing the photosensitive drum 2, and are pressed toward the center of the photosensitive drum 2. . These transfer charging rollers 54f are supplied with power by a high-voltage transfer bias application power source (not shown), and are charged with the opposite polarity to the toner from the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 54a, so that the toner images on the respective photosensitive drums 2 are sequentially intermediated. Primary transfer is performed on the surface of the transfer belt 54a. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 54a.
[0073]
In the secondary transfer portion, a secondary transfer roller 54d as a transfer member is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 54a at a position facing the secondary transfer counter roller 54g. The secondary transfer roller 54d can rotate and can move (swing) in the vertical direction in FIG. Here, the intermediate transfer belt 54a and the secondary transfer roller 54d are individually driven. When the transfer material 52 enters the secondary transfer portion in a state where the secondary transfer roller 54d is moved upward and is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 54a, a predetermined secondary is applied from a secondary transfer bias application power source (not shown). A transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 54d, whereby the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 54a are secondarily transferred to the transfer material 52 at once. At this time, the transfer material 52 sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 54a and the secondary transfer roller 54d is transferred at a predetermined speed to the left in FIG. Then, it is conveyed toward the fixing device 56 that performs the above.
[0074]
A cleaning unit 55 that can be brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 54a is provided at a predetermined position (in the vicinity of the driven roller 54c) of the intermediate transfer belt 54a on the most downstream side of the transfer process. The residual toner remaining in 54a is removed. A cleaning blade 55 a for removing residual toner is disposed in the cleaning unit 55. The cleaning unit 55 is mounted so as to be swingable at the center of rotation (not shown), and the cleaning blade 55a is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 54a. The residual toner taken into the cleaning unit 55 is conveyed and stored in a waste toner tank (not shown) by a feed screw (not shown).
[0075]
Here, as the intermediate transfer belt 54a, a belt made of polyimide resin can be used. The material is not limited to polyimide resin. Other materials include polycarbonate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyvinylidene fluoride resin, polyethylene naphthalate resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyether sulfone resin, polyurethane resin, etc. These plastics, fluorine-based and silicon-based rubbers can be preferably used.
[0076]
[Fixing device (fixing means)]
The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by the developing device 4 is transferred onto the transfer material 52 via the intermediate transfer belt 54a. The fixing device 56 fixes the toner image transferred onto the transfer material 52 to the transfer material 52 using heat.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 56 includes a fixing roller 56a for applying heat to the transfer material 52 and a pressure roller 56b for pressing the transfer material 52 against the fixing roller 56a. It is a hollow roller. A heater (not shown) is arranged in each of them. Then, the transfer material 52 is simultaneously conveyed by being driven to rotate. That is, the transfer material 52 holding the toner image is nipped and conveyed by the fixing roller 56a and the pressure roller 56b, and the toner image is fixed on the surface by applying heat and pressure. The fixed transfer material 52 is discharged and stacked on a discharge tray 57d formed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 by discharge rollers 57a, 57b, and 57c of a discharge unit 57.
[0078]
[Installation of process cartridge and toner supply container]
Next, the mounting procedure of the process cartridge 1 and the toner supply container 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. FIG.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 3, a front door 58 that can be opened and closed is provided in front of the image forming apparatus main body 100. When the front door 58 is pulled forward and opened, the opening for attaching / detaching (inserting / removing) the process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) and the toner supply container 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K) is exposed. Is done.
[0080]
A centering plate 59 that can be opened and closed around the lower end side is further attached to the opening into which the process cartridge 1 is inserted. The process cartridge 1 is attached / detached after the centering plate 59 is opened.
[0081]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming apparatus main body 100, a pair of guide rails 60 for guiding the attachment / detachment operation of the process cartridge 1 and a pair of guide rails 61 for guiding the attachment / detachment of the toner supply container 5. And are provided. The process cartridge 1 and the toner supply container 5 are attached / detached in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2, and the guide rails 60 and 61 are formed in the same direction. The process cartridge 1 and the toner supply container 5 are inserted by being slid from the front side to the back side in the image forming apparatus main body 100 along the guide rails 60 and 61 described above. As shown in FIG. 4, when the process cartridge 1 is inserted to the innermost part, the centering shaft 66 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is inserted into the center hole 2f of the drum flange 2b, and the inner side of the photosensitive drum 2 is inserted. Is determined with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100. At the same time, the drive transmission portion 2g formed on the drum flange 2b and the drive coupling (convex) 62a are connected, and the photosensitive drum 2 can be driven to rotate. The drive transmission unit 2g used in the present embodiment has a twisted triangular prism shape, and the drive force from the image forming apparatus main body 100 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 2 and the photosensitive drum. The force which pulls 2 in the back side is generated. Further, a support pin 63 for positioning the process cartridge 1 is provided on the rear plate 65 of the image forming apparatus main body 100, and the support pin 63 is inserted into the frame of the process cartridge 1. The position is fixed.
[0082]
The rotatable centering plate 59 is disposed on the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus main body 100. By closing the centering plate 59, a bearing on the front side of the process cartridge 1 is disposed. The case 2c is fixedly supported by the centering plate 59. By these series of insertion operations, the photosensitive drum 2 and the process cartridge 1 are positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100.
[0083]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the toner supply container 5 is inserted to the innermost part, the toner supply container 5 is positioned and fixed with respect to the support pins 64 protruding from the rear side plate 65. At the same time, the drive coupling (concave) 5e and the drive coupling (convex) 62b are connected to enable rotation of the screw 5a and the stirring shaft 5c (stirring plate 5b).
[0084]
[Configuration of toner processing device (brush unit)]
Next, the toner processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the toner processing apparatus is constituted by a brush unit 3j. The brush unit 3j is attached to the frame 3k of the primary charger 3. Of course, the brush unit may be configured separately from the primary charger 3. Here, FIGS. 6 to 10 are all diagrams of the brush unit (toner processing device) 3j and the primary charger 3. Of these, FIG. 6 is a perspective view, and FIG. 7 intersects the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 3a. 8 is a front view, FIG. 9 is a side view, and FIG. 10 is a top view of the primary charger 3 and the brush unit 3j.
[0085]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are unitized to constitute a brush unit 3j. In the brush unit 3j, the residual toner uniformizing means 3g is fixedly supported on a brush base 11a, and the brush base 11a is fixed to a base frame 12a made of sheet metal by heat caulking, screw tightening, double-sided tape or the like. Similarly, the toner charge amount control means 3h is fixedly supported on the brush base 11b, and the brush base 11b is fixed on the support member 12. As shown in FIG. 8, shafts 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are extended outward from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the support member 12, and the drive-side (left side in the figure) shaft 13a, A transmission arm member 14 is attached to 13b. The above-described brush bases 11 a and 11 b are arranged such that the attachment surfaces of the residual toner uniformizing member 3 g and the toner charge amount control means 3 h are orthogonal to the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 2. Thus, the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are attached at an angle so that the respective brushes are directed toward the center of the photosensitive drum 2. As described above, the brush unit 3j has the residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h attached to and integrated with the support member 12, respectively. This is a unit used so that the tip of the brush of the means 3h abuts on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 respectively.
[0086]
[Brush unit drive configuration]
The primary charger (charging means) 3 has a coupling gear 15 and a reciprocating cam 16 as drive transmission means on the driving side which is the end on the far side in the longitudinal direction (left side in FIG. 8). The ring gear 15 and the reciprocating cam 16 are rotatably supported by the frame 3k of the primary charger 3. The reciprocating cam 16 has a cam gear 16a meshing with the coupling gear 15 and a cam portion 16b, and an oblique cam groove 16c is formed in the cam 16b. The cam groove 16c is engaged with the protrusion 14a of the transmission arm member 14 of the brush unit 3j described above. When the primary charger 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100, a main body coupler (not shown) on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side meshes with the coupling gear 15, and the rotational driving force on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side becomes the main body coupler. , Are transmitted to the reciprocating cam 16 engaged therewith via the coupling gear 15. As a result, the reciprocating cam 16 rotates.
[0087]
When the reciprocating cam 16 rotates, the protrusion 14a of the transmission arm member 14 of the brush unit 3j engaged with the cam groove 16c is moved in the longitudinal direction of the primary charger 3 along the cam groove 16c, and thereby the brush unit 3j. The whole reciprocates in the same direction as the transmission arm member 14 (the direction of the arrow K3 in FIGS. 8 and 10). In the present embodiment, the brush unit 3j is configured to reciprocate at a constant cycle within a range of about 0.5 to 2.5 seconds with a stroke of 5 mm.
[0088]
[Brush unit support and brush penetration]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the above-described brush unit 3j, the residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h, which are brush-like members, are arranged so that the respective brushes face the center of the photosensitive drum 2. The intrusion amount of the brush tip portion with respect to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 at this time is supported so as to become the predetermined intrusion amounts X1 and X2. If the predetermined intrusion amounts X1 and X2 are not satisfied, for example, if the intrusion amount is small, the residual toner is likely to pass through the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h, and sufficient charge is not imparted respectively. Unevenness occurs in the charge amount of the residual toner. On the other hand, if the intrusion amount is large, the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h have a large contact pressure with respect to the photosensitive drum 2, and the residual toner may be excessively damped and scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. .
[0089]
Similarly, if the postures of the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are not in the state of being directed toward the center of the photosensitive drum 2, the predetermined intrusion amount is lost and the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 2 is not affected. The toner is positively brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 in a counter state, and the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is scraped off.
[0090]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the postures of the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are held in the state of being directed toward the center of the photosensitive drum 2, respectively. Spacers 17 that are members for controlling the intrusion amounts of the portions to be the predetermined intrusion amounts X1 and X2 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the brush unit 3j.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 9, the spacer 17 is a synthetic resin member in which a contact surface 17 c that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is formed in an arc shape that follows the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Specifically, for example, a synthetic resin excellent in slidability such as polyacetal resin (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyamide resin (nylon (registered trademark)) may be used. The spacer 17 has a determination hole 17a on the lower side and an oblong hole 17b on the upper side. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shaft 13 c and 13 d described above are formed in the near-side determination hole 17 a and the elongated round hole 17 b, respectively, and similarly, the long-side spacer 17 and the determination hole 17 a are long. The above-mentioned shafts 13a and 13b are inserted into the round holes 17b so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). As a result, the brush unit 3j is movable in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow K3 in FIGS. 8 and 10) while the position of the photosensitive drum 2 is restricted.
[0092]
Further, the brush unit 3j is urged by a compression coil spring 18 as an urging member, whereby the contact surfaces (arc-shaped portions) 17c of the spacers 17 arranged at both ends are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. It contacts with a predetermined pressure. The contact surface 17 c is formed in an arc shape that follows the shape of the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the compression coil spring 18 is attached to the spacers 17 arranged at both ends of the brush unit 3j, and the spacer 17 itself supporting the brush unit 3j is directly attached. Energized. The spacer 17 is regulated in position in the longitudinal direction by a guide portion 3m (see FIG. 9) provided at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the frame 3k of the primary charger 3, and along the guide 3m in the photosensitive drum 2 direction. And are movably engaged. The above-described compression coil spring 18 is interposed between the frame 3 k of the primary charger 3 and the spacer 17, and biases the spacer 17 toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Since the spacer 17 does not reciprocate in the longitudinal direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 2, the brush unit 3 j can be stably urged to the photosensitive drum 2 by directly urging the spacer 17 regardless of the reciprocating motion.
[0093]
Accordingly, the brush unit 3j is positioned at a predetermined distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by the spacer 17 in a state in which the posture is maintained. That is, the brush front end of the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the brush front end of the toner charge amount control means 3h are held at predetermined positions, whereby predetermined intrusion amounts X1 and X2 are respectively given to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. I try to secure it. The intrusion amounts X1 and X2 of the respective brush tip portions are preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the intrusion amounts X1 and X2 = 1.5 mm. The compression coil spring 18 preferably has a spring pressure in the range of 0.5 to 2 kgf. In the present embodiment, the spring pressure is 1 kgf.
[0094]
When driven by the image forming apparatus main body 100, the spacer 17 is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 with a predetermined pressure, that is, the brush unit 3j is kept in the posture with respect to the photosensitive drum 2. The shafts 13a to 13d extending to both ends slide in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed hole 17a and the oblong hole 17b of the spacer 17, so that the brush unit 3j enters the above-described brush tip. The reciprocating motion can be performed in the longitudinal direction with the amounts X1 and X2 secured.
[0095]
According to the above-described embodiment, the photosensitive drum is caused by the excessive charge of the residual toner in the minimum (local) by moving the toner charge amount control means 3h in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow K3 in FIGS. 8 and 10). 2 to prevent the toner from fusing to the surface, to prevent the residual toner from adhering to the primary charger 3 due to the insufficiently charged portion, and to further prevent the residual toner in the developing device 4 from being contaminated. Since recovery can be performed more effectively, there is no charging failure or image failure, and further, downsizing, which is a merit when the cleanerless system is adopted as the cleaner system, can be realized.
[0096]
<Reference Example 1>
  FIG.Reference example 1It is a side view of the brush unit 3j which concerns on.Reference example 1The configuration of the spacer 17A is different from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same, redundant description is omitted.
[0097]
  Reference example 1In the spacer 17 </ b> A in FIG. 5, the rotatable disks (roller members) 17 d and 17 e are replaced with the photosensitive drum 2 in place of the spacer 17 of the first embodiment having the contact surface 17 c in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. It is made to contact | abut on the surface.
[0098]
The spacer 17A has rotatable disks 17d and 17e at a portion facing the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. These discs 17 d and 17 are urged by the compression coil spring 18 and are in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. 11 illustrates the front side spacer 17A, the back side spacer 17A (not shown) has the same configuration. As described above, the two discs 17d and 17e abut on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 in each spacer 17A, whereby the brush unit 3j is maintained in an attitude with respect to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and has a predetermined distance. Arranged to keep.
[0099]
  Reference example 1According to the above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, the disks 17d and 17e are driven to rotate as the photosensitive drum 2 rotates, so that the contact portion between the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and the disks 17d and 17e. The brush unit 3j is held at a predetermined distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 for a long period of time, so that the intrusion amounts X1 and X2 of the residual toner uniformizing means 3g and the toner charge amount control means 3h are respectively set to a predetermined distance. The effect that it can be maintained until the product lifetime can be obtained.
[0100]
  In addition,Reference example 1Then, in order to control the posture of the brush unit 3j, two discs 17d and 17e are provided for each spacer 17A, but a configuration having two or more discs can obtain substantially the same effect. Can do.
[0101]
In the above embodiment, the case where the image carrier is a drum-type photosensitive drum has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the image carrier is a belt-like photosensitive belt. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.
[0102]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the residual toner uniformizing unit 3g and the toner charge amount control unit 3h are unitized to form the brush unit 3j has been described. Any one of 3g and toner charge amount control means 3h may be provided. Even in this case, a corresponding effect can be obtained.
[0103]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the brush unit 3j is attached to the frame 3k of the primary charger 3 and a part of the process cartridge 1 is configured together with the primary charger 3 has been described. It may be arranged outside the cartridge. That is, it may be arranged not on the process cartridge side but on the image forming apparatus main body side.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the transfer is predetermined on the downstream side of the transfer unit and the upstream side of the charging unit along the moving direction of the image carrier surface. The developer charge amount control means for performing the charging process to the polarity of the image is arranged, and the developer charge amount control means is disposed at a predetermined distance from the surface of the image carrier and is held in an opposed posture in contact with the surface of the image carrier. By reciprocating in the generatrix direction of the body surface, the residual toner can be charged satisfactorily without unevenness, so that charging failure (primary charging failure) and image failure can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing configurations of a process cartridge and a toner supply container.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a toner supply container and a process cartridge are exposed by opening a front door and a centering plate on the front side of the image forming apparatus main body.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view passing through respective axes of a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, and a stirring screw.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view passing through a stirring shaft and a screw shaft.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a primary charger and a brush unit.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a primary charger and a brush unit in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of a charging roller.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a primary charger and a brush unit.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a primary charger and a brush unit.
FIG. 10 is a top view of a primary charger and a brush unit.
FIG. 11Reference example 1FIG. 2 is a side view of the primary charger and the brush unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K process cartridge
1a Cartridge container
2 Image carrier (photosensitive drum)
3 Charging means (primary charger, charging device)
3a Charging roller
3g Residual developer uniformizing means (residual toner uniformizing means)
3ga brush part
3gb base
3ha brush part
3hb base
3j Toner processing device (brush unit)
4 Development means (developing device)
11a, 11b brush stand
12 Support members
12a base frame
17 Spacer
17c Arc-shaped part (contact surface)
17d, 17e roller member (disc)
18 Biasing member (compression coil spring)
51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K exposure means (laser scanner)
54 Transfer means (intermediate transfer unit)
54a Other members (intermediate transfer belt)
100 Image forming apparatus main body
X1 Amount of penetration of the brush part of the residual toner (residual developer) uniformizing means to the surface of the image carrier (photosensitive drum),
X2 Amount of penetration of the brush portion of the toner charge amount (developer charge amount) control means to the surface of the image carrier (photosensitive drum)

Claims (11)

In a toner processing apparatus for processing a residual toner remaining on the surface of an image carrier after the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier by a charging unit, an exposure unit, and a developing unit is transferred to another member by a transfer unit.
A developer charge amount control unit arranged on the downstream side of the transfer unit and the upstream side of the charging unit along the moving direction of the surface of the image carrier to charge the residual toner to a predetermined polarity; Have
The developer charge amount control means is supported so as to reciprocate in the generatrix direction of the surface of the image carrier in an opposing posture arranged at a predetermined distance from the surface of the image carrier and in contact with the surface of the image carrier. And
A support member that supports the developer charge amount control means, a spacer that holds the support member so as to be reciprocally movable, and the developer charge amount control means that faces the surface of the image carrier by contacting the spacer. An urging member that holds the posture;
The toner processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spacer has an arc-shaped portion that follows the shape of the surface of the image carrier at a contact portion with the surface of the image carrier. The toner processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion that regulates a position of the spacer in a generatrix direction of the image carrier. The developer charge amount control means includes a brush portion and a base portion that holds the brush portion, and the support member supports the base portion so that the brush portion faces the center of the image carrier. The toner processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the toner processing apparatus is a toner processing apparatus. The toner processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein an amount of penetration of the brush portion of the developer charge amount control unit with respect to the surface of the image carrier is 0.5 to 2.5 mm. A residual developer uniformizing unit disposed on the downstream side of the transfer unit along the moving direction of the image carrier and on the upstream side of the developer charge amount control unit to equalize the residual toner. The toner processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the toner processing device is a toner processing device. The toner processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the residual developer uniformizing unit is supported by the support member. The residual developer uniformizing means has a brush part and a base part for holding the brush part, and the support member supports the base part so that the brush part faces the center of the image carrier. The toner processing apparatus according to claim 6 . The toner processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein an amount of penetration of the brush portion of the residual developer uniforming unit with respect to the surface of the image carrier is 0.5 to 2.5 mm. An image carrier on which a toner image is formed on the surface, and a toner processing device for processing the toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image on the image carrier is transferred to another member, are integrated with the cartridge container. In a process cartridge that is built in and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body,
A process cartridge, wherein the toner processing apparatus is the toner processing apparatus according to claim 1 . An image carrier having a movable surface, a charging unit for charging the surface of the image carrier, an exposure unit for exposing the charged image carrier surface to form an electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image A developing means for developing a toner image by attaching toner to the toner, a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to another member, and a residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image is transferred In an image forming apparatus comprising a toner processing device for processing
An image forming apparatus, wherein the toner processing apparatus is the toner processing apparatus according to claim 1 . A process cartridge configured by integrating at least the image carrier and the toner processing device into a cartridge container; and an image forming apparatus main body to which the process cartridge is detachably mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 .

Images