JP4134208B2 - Electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a photosensitive member, and toner is supplied to the photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, whereby the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image. An image is formed by forming an image and transferring the toner image onto a recording medium.

Since there is residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred without being transferred to the recording medium, the residual toner is removed by a cleaning unit.

Various methods are known as a method for removing residual toner from the surface of the photoconductor. As an example, a method using a cleaning blade that scrapes off the residual toner on the photoconductor is widely known.

In a cleaning unit using a cleaning blade, the cleaning blade is arranged in parallel with the rotation center of the photosensitive member, the edge portion of the cleaning blade is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member, and residual toner is accompanied with the rotation of the photosensitive member. Scraping off.

If the contact pressure of the cleaning blade with respect to the photoconductor is too weak, the residual toner on the photoconductor cannot be scraped off sufficiently, and the residual toner is mixed in the next image, thereby degrading the image quality.

On the other hand, if the contact pressure of the cleaning blade with the photosensitive member is too strong, abnormal noise is generated from the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member, or the life of the cleaning blade or the photosensitive member is shortened due to wear.

Therefore, in a cleaning unit using a cleaning blade, it is necessary to optimally set cleaning conditions such as the contact pressure, contact angle, and biting amount between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member.

However, even if the cleaning conditions are set optimally, the cleaning conditions change as the temperature and humidity change, and the residual toner scraping performance (cleaning performance) by the cleaning blade decreases.

When the relationship between the cleaning performance of the cleaning blade and the temperature and humidity was tested, the following conclusions were obtained. As experimental conditions, the cleaning blade was made of polyurethane rubber having a rubber hardness of 70 °, and the free length was 8 mm. The linear velocity of the photosensitive member is 230 mm / second, and the diameter of the photosensitive member is 60 mm.

Good cleaning performance could not be obtained under the conditions of a temperature of 10 ° C. and a humidity of 15%. Good cleaning performance was obtained under the conditions of a temperature of 23 ° C. and a humidity of 65%. Good cleaning performance was obtained under conditions of a temperature of 27 ° C. and a humidity of 80%.

In recent years, therefore, it has been proposed to form the cleaning blade with a material that can maintain good cleaning performance even if the temperature and humidity change, and that can maintain good cleaning performance, for example, a material with a high Young's modulus and high resilience. ing.

However, when the cleaning blade is made of a material that has little change in cleaning conditions even if the temperature and humidity change, the degree of freedom in material selection is narrowed, and a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance can be freely selected. Can not do it.

Furthermore, even if the material changes little in the cleaning conditions even if the temperature and humidity change, the cleaning conditions change slightly as the temperature and humidity change increases, so the cleaning conditions are always maintained in an optimum state. It is not possible.

Further, it cannot cope with the change in the charge amount of the toner accompanying the change in humidity. When the humidity decreases, the amount of charge of the toner increases, the adhesion of the toner to the photoreceptor increases, and the scraping performance by the cleaning blade decreases.

Furthermore, the polyurethane rubber used as the material for the cleaning blade has the advantage of being excellent in toner resistance and abrasion resistance, but has a problem that it tends to be hydrolyzed in a high humidity environment and its life is shortened.

An object of the present invention is to improve the ability of the cleaning blade to scrape residual toner on the photoreceptor even when the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is installed have changed. Is to be able to maintain.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the image quality even when a small-diameter toner having a small particle diameter or a toner formed by a polymerization method is used. It is to be able to maintain a good state of scraping off the toner.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the air-conditioning means that is driven in order to maintain the performance of scraping off the residual toner on the photoreceptor by the cleaning blade in a good state.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that stores a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an outer peripheral surface, toner, and supplies the toner to the photosensitive member. A developing unit that visualizes a latent image as a toner image, a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that scrapes off residual toner on the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and heated air is supplied. comprising a temperature adjustment device which performs cooling operation for supplying heating operation and cooling air to the air conditioning means having a function of adjusting the temperature of said cleaning blade, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning blade, the cleaning The temperature sensor is adjusted so that the temperature of the blade can be appropriately scraped off the residual toner by the cleaning blade. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a temperature control means for driving the air-conditioning unit in accordance with the reference point temperature with the preset detection value, at least the photosensitive member and the developing unit and the cleaning unit Are housed in a case, a plurality of image forming modules are provided in which the inside of the case is formed as a substantially sealed space and image formation of different colors is performed, and the space in which the temperature is adjusted by the air conditioning means is the image forming module. The reference value temperature is set for each image forming module, and the air supplied from the air conditioning unit to the image forming module is returned to the air conditioning unit from the image forming module. It is characterized by comprising a circulating flow path .

Here, in the present invention and each of the following inventions, the “substantially sealed space” means a space having a sealing property that allows air conditioning by the air conditioning means to be distinguished from the outside. For example, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor in the imaging module is transferred to a recording medium as an opening in the imaging module where the atmosphere outside the imaging module may enter the imaging module. In the case where only the transfer opening is formed, the space in the image forming module can be said to be a substantially sealed space.
Therefore, when the air conditioning unit is driven by the temperature control unit, the temperature of the cleaning blade maintains the cleaning conditions such as the contact pressure, contact angle, and bite amount between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member in an optimum state. The temperature is adjusted to be adjusted. Therefore, the cleaning blade can be formed of a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance, and the residual toner can be scraped off with the cleaning blade, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. Can be improved.
Further, in an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming modules, the temperature of the cleaning blade is adjusted for each image forming module so that the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where the optimum temperature condition is different for each image forming module that forms an image of a different color, and it is possible to improve the image quality of the color image transferred to the recording medium.
Further, the air sucked into the air-conditioning means is the air whose temperature is once adjusted in the air-conditioning means by causing the air to flow back from the image forming module to the air-conditioning means by the circulation flow path. For this reason, compared with the case where the temperature is adjusted by inhaling new air into the air conditioning means, the power consumption required for adjusting the temperature can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that stores a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an outer peripheral surface, toner, and supplies the toner to the photosensitive member. A developing unit that visualizes a latent image as a toner image, a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that scrapes off residual toner on the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and humidified air are supplied. An air conditioning unit having a function of adjusting the humidity around the photoconductor, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity around the photoconductor, and a humidity adjusting device that performs a dehumidifying operation for supplying humidified operation and dehumidified air The detected value of the humidity sensor and a preset reference are set so that the humidity around the photoconductor becomes a humidity at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a humidity control means for driving the air-conditioning unit in accordance with the humidity, less the photosensitive member and said developing unit and the cleaning unit is accommodated in the case, the case There are provided a plurality of image forming modules in which the inside of the image forming module is provided with a plurality of image forming modules in which different color images are formed, and the space in which the humidity is adjusted by the air conditioning means is a substantially sealed space in the image forming module, and the reference A value humidity is set for each of the image forming modules, and a circulation flow path is provided for returning the air supplied from the air conditioning means into the image forming module to the air conditioning means. To do .

Therefore, when the air-conditioning means is driven by the humidity control means, the humidity around the photoconductor is in a high-humidity state where the cleaning blade deteriorates due to hydrolysis, or the charge amount of the toner is increased and the adhesion to the photoconductor is increased. Since the strength becomes stronger, it is possible to prevent the low-humidity state in which the performance of scraping off the residual toner by the cleaning blade is reduced, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved.
Furthermore, in an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming modules, adjustment is made so that the humidity around the photosensitive member becomes a humidity at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade for each image forming module. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case where the optimum humidity condition is different for each image forming module that forms an image of a different color, and the image quality of the color image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. .
Further, the air sucked into the air-conditioning means is the air whose humidity is once adjusted in the air-conditioning means by causing the air to flow back from the image forming module to the air-conditioning means by the circulation channel. For this reason, compared with the case where the humidity is adjusted by inhaling new air into the air conditioning means, the power consumption required for adjusting the humidity can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that stores a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an outer peripheral surface, toner, and supplies the toner to the photosensitive member. A developing unit that visualizes a latent image as a toner image, a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that scrapes off residual toner on the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and heated air is supplied. heating operation and cooling cooling operation for supplying air, comprising a humidified temperature and humidity adjusting apparatus performing dehumidification operation of supplying the humidified operation and dehumidified air supplying air, before and temperature of the cleaning blade and the air conditioning unit having a function of regulating the humidity around the serial photoreceptor, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of said cleaning blade, humidity sensor for measuring the humidity around the photosensitive member And the air conditioning means according to a detection value of the temperature sensor and a preset reference value temperature so that the temperature of the cleaning blade is a temperature at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. The temperature control means to be driven, and the detected value of the humidity sensor and a preset reference value humidity so that the humidity around the photoconductor becomes a humidity at which the cleaning blade can scrape off residual toner properly. Accordingly, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus having the humidity control means for driving the air conditioning means in response , at least the photoconductor, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit are housed in a case, and the inside of the case is substantially omitted. There are provided a plurality of image forming modules that are formed in sealed spaces to form images of different colors. The space in which at least one of temperature and humidity is adjusted by the means is a substantially sealed space in the imaging module, and at least one of the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity is set for each imaging module. And a circulation flow path for returning the air supplied from the air conditioning means into the image forming module to the air conditioning means .

Therefore, when the air conditioning unit is driven by the temperature control unit, the temperature of the cleaning blade maintains the cleaning conditions such as the contact pressure, contact angle, and bite amount between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member in an optimum state. The temperature is adjusted to be adjusted. For this reason, the cleaning blade can be formed of an inexpensive material with excellent cleaning performance, and the residual toner can be scraped off with the cleaning blade, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. Can be improved.
Further, in an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming modules, adjustment is made so that the temperature of the cleaning blade becomes a temperature at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by each cleaning module. Since the humidity around the photosensitive member is adjusted so that the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade, the temperature and the temperature are set for each image forming module that forms an image of a different color. It is possible to cope with the case where the optimum conditions of humidity are different, and it is possible to improve the image quality of the color image transferred to the recording medium.
Further, the air sucked into the air-conditioning means is the air whose temperature and humidity are once adjusted in the air-conditioning means by recirculating air from the image forming module to the air-conditioning means by the circulation channel. For this reason, compared with the case where temperature and humidity are adjusted by inhaling new air into the air conditioning means, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for adjusting the temperature and humidity.

Further, when the air conditioning means is driven by the humidity control means, the humidity around the photoconductor is in a high humidity state where the cleaning blade deteriorates due to hydrolysis, or the charge amount of the toner is increased and the adhesion to the photoconductor is increased. Since the strength becomes stronger, it is possible to prevent the low-humidity state in which the performance of scraping off the residual toner by the cleaning blade is reduced, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first or third aspect, the temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of the cleaning blade.

Therefore, the temperature of the cleaning blade can be accurately measured by the temperature sensor.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the humidity sensor is installed in the development unit or in the vicinity of the development unit.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately measure the humidity supplied to the photosensitive member by the humidity sensor and the humidity around the cleaning blade.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity can be changed.

Therefore, when the cleaning conditions between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor change, or when the type of toner used changes, the reference value temperature and reference value humidity can be changed accordingly, Temperature and humidity can be adjusted by air conditioning means in an optimal state.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a chip storing at least one of the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity is provided. The tip is mounted so as to be replaceable.

Therefore, the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity can be easily changed by replacing the chip.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the toner is a small particle size toner having an average particle size of 10 μm or less.

Here, by using a small particle diameter toner having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less, fine and high-quality image formation is possible. On the other hand, the cleaning conditions that can favorably scrape off the residual toner from the photosensitive member by the cleaning blade are narrowed, and the residual toner is hardly scraped off by the cleaning blade. For this reason, when using a toner having a small particle size, it is necessary to bring the cleaning blade into strong contact with the photosensitive member. Due to the contact, abnormal noise is generated from the contact portion, and the cleaning blade or the photosensitive member is caused by wear. The life of the is shortened.

Therefore, by adjusting the temperature and humidity by the air conditioning means, the temperature of the cleaning blade is maintained at a temperature at which the cleaning condition between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member is optimal in order to scrape off residual toner satisfactorily. Even when a small particle diameter toner having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less is used, the cleaning blade or the photoconductor is not generated by an abnormal noise from the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor, and due to wear. Therefore, it is possible to form a high-quality image that is fine in texture and not affected by the residual toner without shortening the life of the toner.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the toner is formed by a polymerization method.

Here, the toner formed by the polymerization method has a spherical shape or an elliptical spherical shape, and since the particle size and polarity are uniform, there is little loss in the development process and the transfer process, and high-quality image formation is possible. . On the other hand, when the residual toner is scraped off from the photosensitive member by the cleaning blade, the toner rolls on the photosensitive member, and the residual toner is hardly scraped off by the cleaning blade. For this reason, when using toner formed by the polymerization method, it is necessary to make the cleaning blade come into strong contact with the photosensitive member. And the life of the photoconductor is shortened.

Therefore, by adjusting the temperature and humidity by the air conditioning means, it is possible to maintain the cleaning condition that allows the residual toner to be scraped off favorably by the cleaning blade, and it is not necessary to strongly contact the cleaning blade with the photosensitive member. Even when the toner formed by the polymerization method is used, no noise is generated from the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member, and the life of the cleaning blade or the photosensitive member is not shortened due to wear. Therefore, it is possible to form a high-quality image without being affected by residual toner.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, a dedicated power source for always driving the air conditioning unit is provided.

Therefore, high-quality image formation can be performed at any time by always driving the air-conditioning means by supplying power from a dedicated power source.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the cleaning blade is changed to the contact pressure between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member by driving the air conditioning means by the temperature control means. The cleaning conditions such as the contact angle and the amount of biting can be adjusted so that the temperature is maintained in an optimum state. Therefore, the cleaning blade can be made of a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance. The residual toner can be scraped off with the cleaning blade, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to cope with the case where the optimum temperature condition is different for each image forming module that forms an image of a different color, and the image quality of the color image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. In addition, since the air sucked into the air-conditioning means is the air whose temperature has been adjusted once in the air-conditioning means, the power consumption required for adjusting the temperature is compared with the case where the temperature is adjusted by sucking new air into the air-conditioning means. Etc. can be reduced.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, the humidity around the photoconductor is driven by the air conditioning unit by the humidity control unit. The recording medium can be adjusted to prevent a low humidity condition in which the cleaning toner blade scrapes off the remaining toner because the toner charge amount is increased and the adhesion force to the photoreceptor is increased. It is possible to improve the image quality of the image transferred to the image. Furthermore, it is possible to cope with the case where the optimum conditions of humidity differ for each image forming module that forms images of different colors, and the image quality of the color image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. In addition, since the air sucked into the air-conditioning means is air whose humidity has been adjusted once in the air-conditioning means, the power consumption required for adjusting the humidity is greater than when adjusting the humidity by sucking new air into the air-conditioning means. Etc. can be reduced.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the invention, the temperature of the cleaning blade is changed to the contact pressure between the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member by driving the air conditioning means by the temperature control means. The cleaning conditions such as the contact angle and the amount of biting can be adjusted so that the temperature is maintained in an optimum state. Therefore, the cleaning blade can be made of a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance. The residual toner can be scraped off with the cleaning blade, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. Further, when the air conditioning means is driven by the humidity control means, the humidity around the photosensitive member is reduced to a high humidity state where the cleaning blade deteriorates due to hydrolysis, or the charge amount of the toner is increased and the adhesion to the photosensitive member is increased. It can be adjusted so as to prevent a low-humidity state in which the performance of scraping off the residual toner by the cleaning blade is lowered, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to cope with the case where the optimum conditions of temperature and humidity are different for each image forming module that forms images of different colors, and the image quality of the color image transferred to the recording medium can be improved. In addition, since the air sucked into the air-conditioning means is air whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted once in the air-conditioning means, the temperature and humidity are compared with the case where new air is sucked into the air-conditioning means and the temperature and humidity are adjusted. It is possible to reduce the power consumption required for adjustment.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first or third aspect, since the temperature sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the cleaning blade, the temperature of the cleaning blade by the temperature sensor is determined. Measurement can be performed with high accuracy.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the humidity sensor is installed in the development unit or in the vicinity of the development unit. It is possible to accurately measure the humidity supplied to the photoreceptor and the surrounding humidity of the cleaning blade.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity can be changed. If the cleaning conditions with the photoconductor change or the type of toner used changes, the reference value temperature and reference value humidity can be changed accordingly. The humidity can be adjusted optimally.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a chip storing at least one of the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity is provided. Since the chip is attached so as to be exchangeable, the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity can be easily changed by exchanging the chip.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the toner is a small particle size toner having an average particle size of 10 μm or less. Even when a small particle size toner having a particle size of 10 μm or less is used, the life of the cleaning blade or the photoconductor is shortened without causing abnormal noise from the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor and by wear. Therefore, it is possible to form a high-quality image that is fine and is not affected by the residual toner.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, since the toner is formed by a polymerization method, the toner is formed by a polymerization method. Even when toner is used, it is affected by residual toner without generating abnormal noise from the contact point between the cleaning blade and the photoconductor, and without shortening the life of the cleaning blade or photoconductor due to wear. High quality image formation can be performed.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the dedicated power source for always driving the air conditioning means is provided. High-quality image formation can be performed at any time by always driving the air-conditioning means by supplying power from the air-conditioner.

A reference configuration according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a longitudinal front view showing a schematic structure of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image forming module, FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a structure of air conditioning means, and FIG. 4 is an image forming module and an air conditioner. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a portion related to temperature adjustment and humidity adjustment, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of temperature adjustment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of humidity adjustment.

In the apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, a recording medium conveyance path 4 is formed from a paper feeding unit 2 on which recording media are stacked and held to a paper discharge unit 3 where a recording medium on which an image is formed is discharged. A registration roller 5, an image forming module 6, a transfer device 7, a fixing device 8, and the like are arranged along the recording medium conveyance path 4. Further, in the apparatus main body 1, exposure means 9 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member, which will be described later, by emitting laser light that is latent image forming light in accordance with image data; Exhaust means 10 for exhausting air from the air conditioner 11 and air conditioning means 11 for adjusting the temperature and humidity in the image forming module 6 are provided as will be described later.

The image forming module 6 is formed by housing a photoconductor 13, a developing unit 14, a charger 15, and a cleaning unit 16 in a case 12. In the case 12 of the image forming module 6, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 13 is transferred to a recording medium as an opening through which the atmosphere outside the image forming module 6 may enter the image forming module 6. Only the transfer opening 17 is formed, and the space inside the image forming module 6 is a substantially sealed space. Further, the case 12 is formed with a slit-shaped exposure port 18 for exposing the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 13 with laser light (latent image forming light) emitted from the exposure means 9. The exposure port 18 is covered with a transparent plate 19 such as glass or resin so that the space in the image forming module 6 is hermetically sealed.

A cleaning blade 16 a is provided in the cleaning unit 16. The cleaning blade 16 a is a rectangular member made of polyurethane rubber, and is arranged in a direction extending in parallel with the rotation center of the photosensitive member 13, and an edge portion of the cleaning blade 16 a contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 13 with a predetermined pressure. Has been. Further, in the cleaning unit 16, a temperature sensor 20 is disposed that is disposed in the vicinity of the cleaning blade 16a and measures the temperature of the cleaning blade 16a.

In the developing unit 14, a small-diameter toner formed by a polymerization method and having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less is stored. The developing unit 14 is of a type that replenishes toner from a toner bottle (not shown). In the vicinity of a toner replenishing port (not shown) where toner is replenished from the toner bottle, A humidity sensor 21 for detecting the humidity is disposed. Here, the humidity around the photosensitive member 13 means the humidity of the area in the developing unit 14 where the toner is stored and the humidity of the area where the cleaning blade 16a is installed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning means 11 includes a case 22, an air conditioner 23 accommodated in the case 22, a dehumidifier 24, a humidifier 25, a pump 26, and the like. The case 22 is formed with an intake port 27 and an exhaust port 28.

The air conditioning means 11 and the image forming module 6 are connected as shown in FIG. In other words, the exhaust port 28 of the air conditioning unit 11 and the inflow port 29 formed in the image forming module 6 are connected by the connection pipe 30. By such a connection, the pump 26 is driven, whereby the air in the apparatus main body 1 is sucked into the case 22 from the air inlet 27, and the temperature and humidity are adjusted in the case 22 so that the temperature and humidity are adjusted. The air whose humidity is adjusted flows from the exhaust port 28 through the connection pipe 30 into the image forming module 6 through the inflow port 29. Then, after passing through the inside of the imaging module 6, it flows out of the imaging module 6 from the outlet 31. In this way, the air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted in the air conditioning unit 11 is supplied into the image forming module 6, whereby the temperature of the cleaning blade 16 a and the humidity around the photoconductor 13 are adjusted.

A chip 32 is attached to the outer periphery of the case 12 of the image forming module 6. The chip 32 stores a reference value temperature that serves as a reference value when the air conditioning unit 11 adjusts the temperature, and a reference value humidity that serves as a reference value when the air conditioning unit 11 adjusts the humidity. The chip 32 is attached to the case 12 so as to be exchangeable. That is, the chip 32 attached to the case 12 can be exchanged for one having a different reference value temperature or reference value humidity as required. By attaching the image forming module 6 to which the chip 32 is attached to the apparatus main body 1, the chip 32 is electrically connected to a contact (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 1 and stored in the chip 32. The reference value temperature and the reference value humidity are input to the control unit 33 of the image forming apparatus.

The control unit 33 of the image forming apparatus includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 33 includes a chip 32, a temperature sensor 20, a humidity sensor 21, an air conditioner 23, a humidifier 24, a dehumidifier 25, A pump 26 and the like are connected.

The image forming apparatus is provided with a dedicated power source (not shown) for constantly driving the air conditioning unit 11. By turning on the dedicated power source, the temperature and humidity can be constantly adjusted by the air conditioning means 11.

In such a configuration, the detection value from the temperature sensor 20 and the detection value from the humidity sensor 21 are input to the control unit 33, and the input detection value and the reference value temperature and reference value stored in the chip 32 are input. Humidity is compared, air conditioning means 11 is driven according to the comparison result, and temperature and humidity in image forming module 6 are adjusted.

Here, the adjustment of the temperature in the image forming module 6 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the detection value of the temperature sensor 20 is lower than the reference value temperature range (step S1).

When it is determined in step S1 that the detected value is lower than the reference temperature range (Y in step S1), the heating operation by the air conditioning unit 11 is started (step S2). In this heating operation, the heating operation of the air conditioner 23 and the operation of the pump 26 are performed, and the air heated in the case 22 is supplied into the image forming module 6. Then, it is determined whether or not the detection value from the temperature sensor 20 has increased to a predetermined value (step S3). As the predetermined value, for example, the median value of the reference value temperature range is set. When the detected value from the temperature sensor 20 has increased to a predetermined value (Y in step S3), the heating operation is ended (step S4).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that the detected value is not lower than the reference value temperature range (N in step S1), it is determined whether or not the detected value is higher than the reference value temperature range ( Step S5).

If it is determined in step S5 that the detected value is higher than the reference temperature range (Y in step S5), the cooling operation by the air conditioning unit 11 is started (step S6). In this cooling operation, the cooling operation of the air conditioner 23 and the operation of the pump 26 are performed, and the air cooled in the case 22 is supplied into the image forming module 6. Then, it is determined whether or not the detection value from the temperature sensor 20 has dropped to a predetermined value (step S7). If the detected value from the temperature sensor 20 has dropped to a predetermined value (Y in step S7), the cooling operation is terminated (step S8).

On the other hand, when the detection value of the temperature sensor 20 is within the reference temperature range (N in step S1 and N in step S5), the heating operation and the cooling operation by the air conditioning unit 11 are not performed.

Here, the temperature control means for driving the air-conditioning means 11 according to the detected value of the temperature sensor 20 and the preset reference value temperature in the processes of steps S2 to S4 and the processes of steps S6 to S8 described above. It is executed as a function.

Next, the adjustment of the humidity in the image forming module 6 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the detected value of the humidity sensor 21 is lower than the reference humidity range (step S11).

If it is determined in step S1 that the detected value is lower than the reference humidity range (Y in step S1), the humidifying operation by the air conditioning unit 11 is started (step S12). In this humidification operation, the humidifier 24 and the pump 26 are operated, and the air humidified in the case 22 is supplied into the image forming module 6. Then, it is determined whether or not the detection value from the humidity sensor 21 has increased to a predetermined value (step S13). As this predetermined value, for example, the median value of the reference value humidity range is set. When the detected value from the humidity sensor 21 has increased to a predetermined value (Y in step S13), the humidifying operation is terminated (step S14).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the detected value is not lower than the reference humidity range (N in step S11), it is determined whether or not the detected value is higher than the reference humidity range ( Step S15).

When it is determined in step S15 that the detected value is higher than the reference humidity range (Y in step S15), the dehumidifying operation by the air conditioning unit 11 is started (step S16). In this dehumidifying operation, the dehumidifier 25 and the pump 26 are operated, and the air humidified in the case 22 is supplied into the image forming module 6. Then, it is determined whether or not the detection value from the humidity sensor 21 has increased to a predetermined value (step S17). If the detected value from the humidity sensor 21 has dropped to a predetermined value (Y in step S17), the dehumidifying operation is terminated (step S18).

On the other hand, when the detected value of the humidity sensor 21 is within the range of the reference value humidity (N in Step S11, N in Step S15), the humidifying operation and the dehumidifying operation by the air conditioning unit 11 are not performed.

Here, the processes of steps S12 to S14 and the processes of steps S16 to S18 described above are humidity control means for driving the air conditioning means 11 in accordance with the detected value of the humidity sensor 21 and a preset reference value humidity. It is executed as a function.

As described above, the air conditioning unit 11 is driven based on both the detection value of the temperature sensor 20 and the reference value temperature set in advance and stored in the chip 32, so that the temperature in the image forming module 6, that is, The temperature of the cleaning blade 16a provided in the image forming module 6 is maintained in an optimal state with respect to the cleaning conditions such as the contact pressure, contact angle, and biting amount between the cleaning blade 16a and the photosensitive member 13. The temperature can be adjusted. Therefore, the cleaning blade 16a can be formed of a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance, and the residual toner can be scraped off with the cleaning blade 16a, and the image transferred to the recording medium. Image quality can be improved.

Further, the air conditioning means 11 is driven based on the detection value of the humidity sensor 21 and the reference value humidity set in advance and stored in the chip 32, whereby the humidity in the image forming module 6, that is, the photoconductor. The humidity around 13 is a high humidity state in which the cleaning blade 16a deteriorates due to hydrolysis, or the toner charge amount increases and the adhesion to the photosensitive member 13 increases, so that the cleaning blade 16a scrapes off residual toner. It is possible to adjust the humidity so that the humidity does not become low and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved.

In addition, the area to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning means 11 is only a substantially sealed space in the image forming module 6, which is significantly smaller than the case where the entire image forming apparatus is air-conditioned. The noise generated during the operation of the means 11 can be reduced, and the power consumption accompanying the operation of the air conditioning means 11 can be reduced.

Next, an embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment and each of the following embodiments, the same parts as those of the reference configuration described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted. In the present embodiment, a circulation flow path 34 is formed for returning the air supplied from the air conditioning means 11 into the image forming module 6 to the air conditioning means 11. The circulation channel 34 connects the inlet 29 of the image forming module 6 and the exhaust outlet 28 of the air conditioning unit 11 with a connection pipe 30, and connects the outlet 31 of the image forming module 6 and the inlet 26 of the air conditioning unit 11. The connection pipe 35 is used for connection. The configuration of other parts is the same as that of the reference configuration .

In such a configuration, the air sucked into the case 22 of the air conditioning unit 11 is air whose temperature and humidity are once adjusted in the air conditioning unit 11. For this reason, compared with the case where temperature and humidity are adjusted by inhaling new air into the case 22, the power consumption required for adjusting the temperature and humidity can be reduced.

Next, the implementation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, four image forming modules 6 described in the embodiments applicable to the present invention are provided in the apparatus main body 1a, and each image forming module 6 forms a toner image of a different color. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus. The image forming modules 6 are arranged in a line along the recording medium conveyance direction, and an air conditioning unit 11 is connected to each image forming module 6. The structure of each image forming module 6 and the basic structure of each air-conditioning means 11 are the same as those of the above-described reference configuration .

A chip 32 is attached to the case 12 of each image forming module 6. Each chip 32 stores a reference value temperature as a reference when adjusting the temperature by the air conditioner 11 and a reference value humidity as a reference value when adjusting the humidity by the air conditioner 11. The reference value temperature is set to the same value in each chip 32, but the reference value humidity is set to a different value for each image forming module 6. Specifically, an image forming module 6 that forms a yellow image, an image forming module 6 that forms a magenta image, an image forming module 6 that forms a cyan image, and an image forming module 6 that forms a black image. The reference humidity value is low.

In such a configuration, for each image forming module 6, the temperature of the cleaning blade 16a is in a state where the cleaning conditions such as the contact pressure, contact angle, and biting amount between the cleaning blade 16a and the photosensitive member 13 are optimal. Therefore, the cleaning blade 16a can be formed of a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance, and the cleaning blade 16a can scrape off residual toner satisfactorily. Can do.

Further, the humidity around the photosensitive member 13 is high due to hydrolysis of the cleaning blade blade 16a, or the toner charge amount is increased and the adhesion force to the photosensitive member 13 is increased. It is possible to prevent a low humidity state in which the toner scraping performance is deteriorated, and to improve the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium. Note that the reference humidity value stored in the chip 32 is different for each chip 32 and decreases in the order of the image forming module 6 for forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images. This is because the toner charge amounts are in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. By increasing the degree of dehumidification (increasing the reference humidity value) in this order, recording of toner of each color is performed. This is because the transfer state to the medium can be made uniform and the image quality of the color image can be improved.

Further, the color image forming apparatus of the present embodiment has been described by taking as an example a type in which images are transferred one after another in the respective image forming modules 6 to a conveyed recording medium. The present invention can also be applied to the type of color image forming apparatus used.

Next, a second reference configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Form of implementation described above is, to form an imaging module 6 had to be conditioned only this image forming module 6, in the embodiment of the present reference configuration, in the apparatus main body 1, the photoreceptor 13 The developing unit 14, the charger 15, the cleaning unit 16, and the like are accommodated, and the air conditioning unit 11 and the exposure unit 9 are accommodated in the measure body 1.

In such a configuration, in the configuration of the present reference configuration , the temperature adjustment and the humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit 11 are performed on the entire area in the apparatus main body 1.

Accordingly, the temperature of the cleaning blade 16a is, like the form of implementation described above, contact pressure, contact angle, the cleaning conditions, such as amount of engagement optimal state between the cleaning blade 16a and the photosensitive member 13 The temperature is adjusted so as to be maintained at a temperature. As a result, the cleaning blade 16a can be formed of a material that is inexpensive and has excellent cleaning performance, and the residual toner can be scraped off favorably by the cleaning blade 16a, and the image transferred to the recording medium. Image quality can be improved.

Further, the humidity around the photosensitive body 13, like the form of implementation described above, with the cleaning blade 16a is and high humidity conditions to deteriorate by hydrolysis, to the photosensitive member 13 becomes higher charge amount of toner Since the adhesion force becomes strong, it is possible to prevent the low-humidity state where the cleaning performance of the residual toner by the cleaning blade 16a is lowered, and the image quality of the image transferred to the recording medium can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the case where the reference value humidity is changed for each image forming module 6 has been described as an example. However, in each image forming module 6, the material of the cleaning blade 16a, the contact pressure, and the like are changed. In this case, it is also effective to change the reference value temperature for each image forming module 6 accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal front view showing a schematic structure of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus as a reference configuration according to the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows an image creation module. It is the schematic which shows the structure of an air conditioning means. It is the schematic which shows the connection structure of an image formation module and an air conditioning means. It is a block diagram of the part relevant to temperature control and humidity control. It is a flowchart which shows the content of temperature control. It is a flowchart which shows the content of humidity adjustment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a connection structure between an image forming module and an air conditioning unit in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that is an embodiment applicable to the present invention. It is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus in the form of implementation of the present invention. It is a longitudinal front view which shows the schematic structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus which is the form of the 2nd reference structure which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

6 image forming module 11 air conditioning means 12 case 13 photoconductor 14 image forming unit 16 cleaning unit 16a cleaning blade 20 temperature sensor 21 humidity sensor 32 chips

Claims (10)

A photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface;
A developing unit that stores toner and visualizes the electrostatic latent image as a toner image by supplying the toner to the photoreceptor;
A cleaning unit comprising a cleaning blade that scrapes off residual toner on the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium;
An air conditioning means comprising a temperature adjusting device for performing a heating operation for supplying warmed air and a cooling operation for supplying cooled air, and having a function of adjusting the temperature of the cleaning blade;
A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning blade;
The air conditioning unit is driven in accordance with a detection value of the temperature sensor and a preset reference value temperature so that the temperature of the cleaning blade is a temperature at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a temperature control means ,
At least the photoconductor, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit are housed in a case, and a plurality of image forming modules are provided in which the inside of the case is formed as a substantially sealed space and image formation of different colors is performed, and the air conditioning The space in which the temperature is adjusted by the means is a substantially sealed space in the imaging module, and the reference value temperature is set for each imaging module,
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a circulation flow path for returning air supplied from the air conditioning means into the image forming module to the air conditioning means . A photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface;
A developing unit that stores toner and visualizes the electrostatic latent image as a toner image by supplying the toner to the photoreceptor;
A cleaning unit comprising a cleaning blade that scrapes off residual toner on the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium;
An air conditioning means comprising a humidity adjusting device for performing a humidifying operation for supplying humidified air and a dehumidifying operation for supplying dehumidified air, and having a function of adjusting the humidity around the photosensitive member;
A humidity sensor for measuring the humidity around the photoreceptor;
The air-conditioning means is driven according to the detected value of the humidity sensor and a preset reference value humidity so that the humidity around the photoconductor becomes a humidity at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a humidity control means ,
At least the photoconductor, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit are housed in a case, and a plurality of image forming modules are provided in which the inside of the case is formed as a substantially sealed space and image formation of different colors is performed, and the air conditioning The space in which the humidity is adjusted by the means is a substantially sealed space in the imaging module, and the reference value humidity is set for each imaging module,
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a circulation flow path for returning air supplied from the air conditioning means into the image forming module to the air conditioning means . A photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface;
A developing unit that stores toner and visualizes the electrostatic latent image as a toner image by supplying the toner to the photoreceptor;
A cleaning unit comprising a cleaning blade that scrapes off residual toner on the photoconductor after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium;
A temperature / humidity adjusting device for performing a heating operation for supplying warmed air, a cooling operation for supplying cooled air, a humidifying operation for supplying humidified air, and a dehumidifying operation for supplying dehumidified air; and the air conditioning unit having a function of regulating the humidity around blade temperature before Symbol photoreceptor,
A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning blade;
A humidity sensor for measuring the humidity around the photoreceptor;
The air conditioning unit is driven in accordance with a detection value of the temperature sensor and a preset reference value temperature so that the temperature of the cleaning blade is a temperature at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. Temperature control means;
The air-conditioning means is driven according to the detected value of the humidity sensor and a preset reference value humidity so that the humidity around the photoconductor becomes a humidity at which the residual toner can be scraped off appropriately by the cleaning blade. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a humidity control means ,
At least the photoconductor, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit are accommodated in a case, and a plurality of image forming modules are provided in which the inside of the case is formed as a substantially sealed space and image formation of different colors is performed, and the air conditioning The space in which at least one of temperature and humidity is adjusted by the means is a substantially sealed space in the imaging module, and at least one of the reference value temperature and the reference value humidity is set for each imaging module. And
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a circulation flow path for returning air supplied from the air conditioning means into the image forming module to the air conditioning means .   4. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of the cleaning blade. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the humidity sensor is installed in the development unit or in the vicinity of the development unit . Before Symbol reference value temperature and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 with the reference value humidity can be changed. At least one storage chips is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of any one description of 5 to the tip claims 1 mounted freely exchanged between the reference value humidity and the reference value temperature. The toner has an average particle size of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of any one described in claims 1 or less of the small particle size toner 10 [mu] m 7. The toner is one formed by polymerization an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 dedicated power supply is provided for driving the air-conditioning unit at all times.

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