JP5224202B2 - Light irradiator, image forming structure, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Light irradiator, image forming structure, and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP5224202B2
JP5224202B2 JP2012096501A JP2012096501A JP5224202B2 JP 5224202 B2 JP5224202 B2 JP 5224202B2 JP 2012096501 A JP2012096501 A JP 2012096501A JP 2012096501 A JP2012096501 A JP 2012096501A JP 5224202 B2 JP5224202 B2 JP 5224202B2
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light
light guide
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longitudinal direction
image carrier
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JP2012137791A (en
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一郎 河原
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、光照射体、像形成構造体及び画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a light irradiator, an image forming structure, and an image forming apparatus.

この種の画像形成装置では、像保持体が帯電装置により帯電され、潜像が光書込み装置により形成され、潜像が現像装置により可視像化され、像保持体に形成された現像剤像が用紙に転写される。転写後の像保持体は、光除電装置により除電される。   In this type of image forming apparatus, the image carrier is charged by the charging device, the latent image is formed by the optical writing device, the latent image is visualized by the developing device, and the developer image formed on the image carrier. Is transferred to the paper. The image carrier after the transfer is neutralized by an optical neutralization device.

特許文献１では、除電をするために感光体に光を照射する場合であっても、導光手段が画像形成装置本体からの光を利用して除電を行うプロセスカートリッジが開示されている。特許文献２では、被照明面上に均一な照度で照射できる線状照明が可能な照明装置が開示されている。   Patent Document 1 discloses a process cartridge in which a light guide unit uses a light from an image forming apparatus main body to remove electricity even when light is applied to a photoconductor to remove electricity. Patent Document 2 discloses an illumination device capable of linear illumination that can irradiate a surface to be illuminated with uniform illuminance.

特許文献３では、棒状の導光体の端部にＬＥＤランプを対向させ、前記導光体の側面に設けられた光放出部から光を放出して成るＬＥＤバー光源において、前記ＬＥＤランプは前記導光体の一方の端部にのみ対向する１個が設けられ、前記光放出部は前記ＬＥＤランプからの距離、および、前記導光体の他方の端部での前記ＬＥＤランプが反射して生じる写像からの距離を考慮した幅とされ、且つ、長手方向には略三角波状とされていることを特徴とするＬＥＤバー光源が開示されている。   In Patent Document 3, in an LED bar light source in which an LED lamp is opposed to an end portion of a rod-shaped light guide and light is emitted from a light emitting portion provided on a side surface of the light guide, the LED lamp is One that is opposed to only one end of the light guide is provided, and the light emitting part reflects the distance from the LED lamp, and the LED lamp at the other end of the light guide reflects. An LED bar light source is disclosed that has a width that takes into account the distance from the resulting map and that is substantially triangular in the longitudinal direction.

特許文献４では、電子写真方式の画像形成装置に搭載され、光照射により感光体の残留電荷を除去する光除電器において、画像形成装置本体に設けられる点光源と、該画像形成装置本体に対して着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジに搭載され、該点光源からの入射光を該感光体へと導く光路を構成する導光体とを含む光除電器が開示されている。   In Patent Document 4, in an optical static eliminator that is mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and removes residual charges on a photoconductor by light irradiation, a point light source provided in the image forming apparatus main body and the image forming apparatus main body An optical static eliminator including a light guide mounted on a removable process cartridge and constituting a light path for guiding incident light from the point light source to the photosensitive member is disclosed.

特許文献５では、電子写真方式の画像形成装置において感光体の電荷を除電するのに用いられる光除電装置であって、前記感光体に対向して配置される導光体と、その導光体の光入射面に光を照射する光源とを有し、前記導光体には前記光源からの光を前記感光体に向けて反射する拡散反射面が形成されているとともに、当該導光体の後端面が光透過面となっており、その導光体の後端面の後方に反射面が配置されていることを特徴とする光除電装置が開示されている。   In Patent Document 5, an optical charge eliminating device used to remove charges on a photoconductor in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a light guide disposed opposite to the photoconductor, and the light guide A light source that irradiates light to the light incident surface, and the light guide has a diffuse reflection surface that reflects light from the light source toward the photoconductor, and the light guide There is disclosed an optical static elimination device characterized in that a rear end surface is a light transmission surface, and a reflection surface is disposed behind the rear end surface of the light guide.

特許第３６５２２４６号明細書Japanese Patent No. 36552246 特開平１０−１３３０２６号公報JP 10-1333026 A 特開２００２−４４３７８号公報JP 2002-44378 A 特開２００２−２７８３９５号公報JP 2002-278395 A 特開２００６−１１３２１６号公報JP 2006-113216 A

本発明は、光源から離れた位置においても、光の反射量を確保することができる光照射体、像形成構造体及び画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a light irradiator, an image forming structure, and an image forming apparatus capable of ensuring a light reflection amount even at a position away from a light source.

請求項１に係る本発明は、静電潜像が形成される像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられ、光が通過する空間部と、前記空間部に隣接して設けられ、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記像保持体側に設けられていて、前記像保持体の長手方向における一端から光が入り、光が通過するとともに前記空間部を通過した光も通過させる透光性の導光体部と、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記導光体部と対向して設けられ、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第１の反射部と、前記導光体部の他端に形成された他端側開口を覆うように配置されていて、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第２の反射部と、を有し、前記第１の反射部に、前記導光体部が脱落することを防止する第１の突起部と、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させ、前記導光体部よりも柔らかい材料からなり、前記導光体部に押し付けられ前記導光体部の外形に沿うように変形することで前記導光体部に密着して、前記導光体部と前記反射部の間に空間が形成されるように前記導光体部を支持する第２の突起部と、が形成されていて、前記第２の反射部は、前記第１の反射部と一体として形成されていて、前記空間部及び前記導光体部を通過する光が、前記一端側から入り、前記導光体部における前記像保持体の長手方向に沿った方向と交わる方向から前記像保持体へ照射される光照射体である。
請求項２に係る本発明は、前記第１の反射部及び前記第２の反射部は、白色樹脂で形成されている請求項１記載の光照射体である。
請求項３に係る本発明は、前記導光体部は、前記一端側の端面が粗面化されている請求項１又は２記載に光照射体である。
The present invention according to claim 1 is provided along the longitudinal direction of an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and is provided adjacent to the space through which light passes, and the image holding. A light transmitting material that is provided on the image holding body side along the longitudinal direction of the body, allows light to enter from one end in the longitudinal direction of the image holding body, and allows light to pass through the space portion. A light guide body, and a first light reflector that is provided to face the light guide body portion along the longitudinal direction of the image holding body and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion . And the other end side opening formed at the other end of the light guide body portion so as to reflect light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion. and a second reflective portion, the first reflecting part, the light guide portion to fall off The first protrusion for preventing the light and the light that has passed through at least one of the light guide part and the space part are reflected and made of a material softer than the light guide part. The light guide so that a space is formed between the light guide body portion and the reflection portion by being pressed and deformed so as to conform to the outer shape of the light guide body portion so as to be in close contact with the light guide body portion. And a second projecting portion that supports the portion, and the second reflecting portion is formed integrally with the first reflecting portion, and passes through the space portion and the light guide portion. light will enter from the one end side, a light irradiator which is irradiated from a direction intersecting the direction along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier in the light guide portion to the image carrier.
The present invention according to claim 2 is the light irradiation body according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion are formed of a white resin.
The present invention according to claim 3 is the light irradiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide body has a roughened end surface on the one end side.

請求項４に係る本発明は、前記導光体部の前記一端には、光が入る一端側開口が形成され、前記空間部は、前記一端側開口に前記一端で隣接されている請求項１乃至３いずれかに記載の光照射体である。
The present invention according to claim 4, said one end of said light guide portion is one side opening through which light enters is formed, the space portion is claim 1 which is adjacent the one end to said one end opening It is a light irradiation body in any one of thru | or 3 .

請求項５に係る本発明は、前記第２の突起部は、矩形凸形状、針形凸形状及びドーム型凸形状のいずれかの形状を有する請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の光照射体である。
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the light irradiation according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second protrusion has a rectangular convex shape, a needle-shaped convex shape, or a dome-shaped convex shape. Is the body.

請求項６に係る本発明は、前記第２の突起部は、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられている請求項１乃至５のいずれかに記載の光照射体である。
The present invention according to claim 6 is the light irradiator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the second protrusion is provided along a longitudinal direction of the image carrier.

請求項７に係る本発明は、前記第２の突起部は、複数、設けられている請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載の光照射体である。
The present invention according to claim 7 is the light irradiation body according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein a plurality of the second protrusions are provided.

請求項８に係る本発明は、前記第２の突起部は、光が入る開口から長手方向に沿って数が増加するように設けられている請求項７に記載の光照射体である。
The present invention according to claim 8 is the light irradiation body according to claim 7 , wherein the second protrusions are provided so that the number thereof increases in the longitudinal direction from the opening into which the light enters.

請求項９に係る本発明は、前記導光体部は、アクリル樹脂、ポリカーボネート樹脂、ポリスチレン樹脂及びＡＢＳ樹脂のいずれかから成る請求項１乃至８のいずれかに記載の光照射体である。
The present invention according to claim 9 is the light irradiation body according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the light guide body portion is made of any one of an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polystyrene resin, and an ABS resin.

請求項１０に係る本発明は、静電潜像が形成される像保持体と、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って配置され、前記像保持体に光を照射して除電する光照射体と、を有し、前記光照射体は、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられ、光が通過する空間部と、前記空間部に隣接して設けられ、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記像保持体側に設けられていて、前記像保持体の長手方向における一端から光が入り、光が通過するとともに前記空間部を通過した光も通過させる透光性の導光体部と、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記導光体部と対向して設けられ、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第１の反射部と、前記導光体部の他端に形成された他端側開口を覆うように配置されていて、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第２の反射部と、を有し、前記第１の反射部に、前記導光体部が脱落することを防止する第１の突起部と、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させ、前記導光体部よりも柔らかい材料からなり、前記導光体部に押し付けられ前記導光体部の外形に沿うように変形することで前記導光体部に密着して、前記導光体部と前記反射部の間に空間が形成されるように前記導光体部を支持する第２の突起部と、が形成されていて、前記第２の反射部は、前記第１の反射部と一体として形成されていて、前記空間部及び前記導光体部を通過する光が、前記導光体部の一端側から入り、前記導光体部における前記像保持体の長手方向に沿った方向と交わる方向から前記像保持体へ照射される像形成構造体である。
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a light illuminator that is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the image carrier and irradiates the image carrier with light to remove static electricity. The light irradiator is provided along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier, and is provided adjacent to the space through which light passes, and in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier. A light-transmitting light guide part that is provided on the side of the image carrier along the optical axis and allows light to enter from one end in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier and allow light to pass through the space part. And a first reflecting portion that is provided to face the light guide portion along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide portion and the space portion; , it is arranged so as to cover the other end opening formed in the other end of the light guide portion, the guide And a second reflective portion that reflects light which has passed through at least one of the body portion and the space portion, the first reflecting part, the preventing the light guide portion from falling 1 The light guide body is made of a material that is softer than the light guide body portion and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion, and is pressed against the light guide body portion. A second supporting the light guide body part so that a space is formed between the light guide body part and the reflection part by being in close contact with the light guide body part by being deformed along the outer shape of the part; And the second reflection part is formed integrally with the first reflection part, and light passing through the space part and the light guide part is guided by the light guide part. Enter from one end side of the light body part and intersect the direction along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier in the light guide part. An image forming structure from that direction is irradiated to the image carrier.

請求項１１に係る本発明は、発光部材と、静電潜像が形成される像保持体と、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って配置され、前記像保持体に光を照射して除電する光照射体と、を有し、前記光照射体は、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられ、光が通過する空間部と、前記空間部に隣接して設けられ、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記像保持体側に設けられていて、前記像保持体の長手方向における一端から光が入り、光が通過するとともに前記空間部を通過した光も通過させる透光性の導光体部と、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記導光体部と対向して設けられ、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第１の反射部と、前記導光体部の他端に形成された他端側開口を覆うように配置されていて、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第２の反射部と、を有し、前記第１の反射部に、前記導光体部が脱落することを防止する第１の突起部と、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させ、前記導光体部よりも柔らかい材料からなり、前記導光体部に押し付けられ前記導光体部の外形に沿うように変形することで前記導光体部に密着して、前記導光体部と前記反射部の間に空間が形成されるように前記導光体部を支持する第２の突起部と、が形成されていて、前記第２の反射部は、前記第１の反射部と一体として形成されていて、前記空間部及び前記導光体部を通過する光が、前記導光体部の一端側から入り、前記導光体部における前記像保持体の長手方向に沿った方向と交わる方向から前記像保持体へ照射される画像形成装置である。
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light emitting member, an image holding body on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a longitudinal direction of the image holding body. A light irradiating body, and the light irradiating body is provided along a longitudinal direction of the image holding body, and is provided adjacent to the space portion through which light passes and the image holding body. A light transmitting material that is provided on the image holding body side along the longitudinal direction of the body, allows light to enter from one end in the longitudinal direction of the image holding body, and allows light to pass through the space portion. A light guide body, and a first light reflector that is provided to face the light guide body portion along the longitudinal direction of the image holding body and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion . a reflecting portion, is disposed so as to cover the other end opening formed in the other end of said light guide portion Te, and a second reflective portion that reflects light which has passed through at least one of said light guide portion and the space portion, the first reflecting part, said light guide portion from falling The first protrusion that prevents the light and the light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body and the space are reflected and made of a material softer than the light guide body, and pressed against the light guide body The light guide body part is deformed to conform to the outer shape of the light guide body part so as to be in close contact with the light guide body part so that a space is formed between the light guide body part and the reflection part. And a second projecting portion that is formed integrally with the first reflecting portion and passes through the space portion and the light guide body portion. Light enters from one end side of the light guide body portion and extends along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier in the light guide body portion. And an image forming apparatus which is irradiated from a direction intersecting the direction to the image carrier.

本発明によれば、本構成を有しない場合と比較して簡単な構造を採用しつつ、光源から離れた位置においても、光の反射量を確保することができる光照射体、像形成構造体、及び画像形成装置を提供することができる。
According to the present invention, a light irradiator and an image forming structure that can secure a light reflection amount even at a position away from a light source while adopting a simple structure as compared with the case without this configuration. And an image forming apparatus .

本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０を示す図である。1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 像保持体４０及び光除電装置４６を中心として像形成部６４を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image forming unit 64 with the image carrier 40 and the light neutralizing device 46 as the center. 光照射体６８の側面断面図を中心として光除電装置４６を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the optical static elimination apparatus 46 centering on the side surface sectional drawing of the light irradiation body 68. FIG. 発光部材７０側から見た光照射体６８の断面を示す図であって、図４（Ａ）は、第１の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の光照射体６８の断面図を示し、図４（Ｂ）は、図４（Ａ）の矢印Ｃで示される範囲の拡大図である。FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the light irradiator 68 viewed from the light emitting member 70 side, and FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the light irradiator 68 of the light static eliminator 46 according to the first embodiment. 4 (B) is an enlarged view of a range indicated by an arrow C in FIG. 4 (A). 像保持体４０に対向する開口側から見た反射部７２を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a reflection portion 72 as viewed from the opening side facing the image holding body 40. 像保持体４０に照射される光量と、発光部材７０側から距離との関係を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the relationship between the light quantity irradiated to the image holding body 40, and distance from the light emission member 70 side. 異なる実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の第２の突起部８２を示す図であって、図７（Ａ）〜図７（Ｃ）は、それぞれ第２の実施形態〜第４の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の突起部８２を示す。It is a figure which shows the 2nd projection part 82 of the optical static elimination apparatus 46 which concerns on different embodiment, Comprising: FIG. 7 (A)-FIG.7 (C) concern on 2nd Embodiment-4th Embodiment, respectively. The protrusion part 82 of the optical static elimination apparatus 46 is shown. 異なる実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の反射部７２を示す図であって、図８（Ａ）〜図８（Ｃ）は、それぞれ第５の実施形態〜第７の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の反射部７２を示す。It is a figure which shows the reflection part 72 of the optical static elimination apparatus 46 which concerns on different embodiment, Comprising: FIG. 8 (A)-FIG.8 (C) are the optical static elimination apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment-7th Embodiment, respectively. 46 reflective portions 72 are shown. 異なる実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の光照射体６８の断面を示す図であって、図９（Ａ）〜図９（Ｃ）は、それぞれ第８の実施形態〜第１１の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の光照射体６８の断面を示す。It is a figure which shows the cross section of the light irradiation body 68 of the light static elimination apparatus 46 which concerns on different embodiment, Comprising: FIG. 9 (A)-FIG.9 (C) concern on 8th Embodiment-11th Embodiment, respectively. The cross section of the light irradiation body 68 of the light static elimination apparatus 46 is shown.

まず、本発明の第１の実施形態を説明する。
図１は、本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０を示す図である。
図１に示すように、画像形成装置１０は、画像形成装置本体１２を有し、画像形成装置本体１２の下部には、給紙装置１４が配置されていると共に、画像形成装置本体１２の上部には排紙部１６が形成されている。 First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12, and a paper feeding device 14 is disposed below the image forming apparatus main body 12, and an upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 12. A paper discharge unit 16 is formed on the front side.

給紙装置１４は、用紙トレイ１８を有し、この用紙トレイ１８に多数の用紙が積層される。この用紙トレイ１８の一端上部には、フィードロール２０が配置されていると共に、このフィードロール２０に対向して捌きロール２２が設けられている。用紙トレイ１８の最上位にある用紙がフィードロール２０によりピックアップされ、フィードロール２０と捌きロール２２との協働により用紙が捌かれて搬送される。   The paper feeding device 14 includes a paper tray 18, and a large number of sheets are stacked on the paper tray 18. A feed roll 20 is disposed on the upper end of the paper tray 18, and a roll 22 is provided facing the feed roll 20. The uppermost sheet on the sheet tray 18 is picked up by the feed roll 20, and the sheet is rolled and conveyed by the cooperation of the feed roll 20 and the separating roll 22.

用紙トレイ１８から搬送された用紙は、レジストローラ２４により一時停止され、所定のタイミングにより後述する像保持体ユニット２６と転写ユニット２８との間及び定着装置３０を通って排紙ローラ３２により排紙部１６へ排出される。   The sheet conveyed from the sheet tray 18 is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 24, and is discharged by a discharge roller 32 between an image carrier unit 26 and a transfer unit 28 (to be described later) and through a fixing device 30 at a predetermined timing. It is discharged to the part 16.

画像形成装置本体１２内には、画像形成装置本体１２に対して着脱可能に取り付けられた像保持体ユニット２６、転写ユニット２８、電源ユニット３４、トナーボックス５０、光書込み装置５６及び制御部３６が配置されている。制御部３６は、各構成要素を制御する。   In the image forming apparatus main body 12, there are an image holding unit 26, a transfer unit 28, a power supply unit 34, a toner box 50, an optical writing device 56, and a control unit 36 that are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12. Has been placed. The control unit 36 controls each component.

像保持体ユニット２６には、例えば４つの像形成部６４（像形成構造体）が設けられている。像形成部６４には、像保持体４０が、回転自在に支持されている。像保持体４０は、後述する搬送ベルト６０又はこの搬送ベルト６０により搬送される用紙に転写される像を保持する。像保持体４０は、例えば、感光層を有する感光体からなる。像形成部６４において、像保持体４０の周囲には、像保持体４０を所定の極性に帯電する帯電ロールを備えた帯電装置４２、像保持体４０に形成された静電潜像を現像剤で現像する現像装置４４、転写後の像保持体４０を除電する光除電装置４６、及び転写がなされた後に像保持体４０に残留する現像剤を除去するクリーニング装置４８が設けられている。   For example, four image forming units 64 (image forming structures) are provided in the image carrier unit 26. The image carrier 40 is rotatably supported by the image forming unit 64. The image holding body 40 holds an image transferred onto a conveyance belt 60 described later or a sheet conveyed by the conveyance belt 60. The image carrier 40 is made of, for example, a photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer. In the image forming unit 64, around the image carrier 40, a charging device 42 including a charging roll that charges the image carrier 40 to a predetermined polarity, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 40 are developed as a developer. Are provided with a developing device 44 for developing, an optical charge removing device 46 for discharging the image holding member 40 after transfer, and a cleaning device 48 for removing the developer remaining on the image holding member 40 after transfer.

トナーボックス５０は、像保持体ユニット２６の裏面側側方に接続されている。トナーボックス５０は、トナー供給部５４とトナー回収部５２とが一体になって構成されている。トナー供給部５４は、現像装置４４に接続されてトナーを現像装置４４に供給し、トナー回収部５２は、クリーニング装置４８に接続されて各色のトナーを回収する。トナーボックス５０は、例えば、マゼンダ、イエロー、シアン及び黒用である。   The toner box 50 is connected to the back side of the image carrier unit 26. The toner box 50 is configured by integrating a toner supply unit 54 and a toner recovery unit 52. The toner supply unit 54 is connected to the developing device 44 and supplies toner to the developing device 44, and the toner recovery unit 52 is connected to the cleaning device 48 and recovers toner of each color. The toner box 50 is for magenta, yellow, cyan, and black, for example.

光書込み装置５６は、それぞれレーザー露光装置からなり、像保持体ユニット２６の背面側にあって各像保持体４０に対応した位置に配置され、一様に帯電された像保持体４０に対してレーザーを照射して潜像を形成するようになっている。   Each of the optical writing devices 56 is composed of a laser exposure device, and is disposed on the back side of the image carrier unit 26 and at a position corresponding to each image carrier 40, with respect to the uniformly charged image carrier 40. A latent image is formed by irradiating a laser.

転写ユニット２８は、像保持体ユニット２６の表側にあって像保持体ユニット２６に対向して縦方向に配置されている。この転写ユニット２８においては、搬送ベルト６０が、上下方向に設けられた二つの支持ロール５８に掛けられている。搬送ベルトは、像又は用紙を搬送する。また、転写ロール６２が、搬送ベルト６０を挟んで対向して像保持体４０に設けられている。   The transfer unit 28 is on the front side of the image carrier unit 26 and is disposed in the vertical direction so as to face the image carrier unit 26. In the transfer unit 28, the conveyance belt 60 is hung on two support rolls 58 provided in the vertical direction. The conveyance belt conveys an image or paper. A transfer roll 62 is provided on the image carrier 40 so as to face the conveyance belt 60.

したがって、各像保持体４０は、帯電装置４２により一様に帯電され、光書込み装置５６により静電潜像が形成され、現像装置４４により静電潜像がトナーにより可視像化される。各像保持体４０に形成されたトナー像は、転写ユニット２８の搬送ベルト６０により搬送される用紙に転写され、定着装置３０により用紙に定着される。転写後の像保持体４０は、光除電装置４６により除電される。   Accordingly, each image carrier 40 is uniformly charged by the charging device 42, an electrostatic latent image is formed by the optical writing device 56, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by toner by the developing device 44. The toner image formed on each image carrier 40 is transferred to a sheet conveyed by the conveyance belt 60 of the transfer unit 28 and fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 30. The image carrier 40 after the transfer is neutralized by the light neutralization device 46.

図２は、像保持体４０及び光除電装置４６を中心として像形成部６４を示す図である。
図２に示すように、光除電装置４６は、光照射体６８と、発光部材７０とを有する。 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the image forming unit 64 with the image carrier 40 and the light neutralizing device 46 as the center.
As shown in FIG. 2, the light neutralizing device 46 includes a light irradiation body 68 and a light emitting member 70.

発光部材７０は、画像形成装置本体１２に設けられた光源であり、例えばＬＥＤ（Light Emitting Diode)である。発光部材７０は、光照射体６８の長手方向延長線上に位置し、発光部材７０と光照射体６８との距離は、例えば１〜３ｍｍである。発光部材７０は、矢印Ａで示すように、光照射体６８の長手方向端面に対して光を照射する。   The light emitting member 70 is a light source provided in the image forming apparatus main body 12 and is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting member 70 is located on the longitudinal extension line of the light irradiation body 68, and the distance between the light emitting member 70 and the light irradiation body 68 is, for example, 1 to 3 mm. The light emitting member 70 irradiates the longitudinal end surface of the light irradiator 68 with light as indicated by an arrow A.

光照射体６８は、像形成部本体６６に回転可能に支持された像保持体４０の長手方向に沿って、この像形成部本体６６に取り付けられている。光照射体６８は、矢印Ｂで示すように、発光部材７０から発せられた光を像保持体４０に一様に照射して、像保持体４０を除電する。   The light irradiation body 68 is attached to the image forming section main body 66 along the longitudinal direction of the image holding body 40 rotatably supported by the image forming section main body 66. As indicated by an arrow B, the light irradiator 68 uniformly irradiates the image carrier 40 with light emitted from the light emitting member 70 to neutralize the image carrier 40.

図３は、本実施形態に係る光照射体６８の側面断面図を中心として光除電装置４６を示す図である。
図３に示すように、光照射体６８は、光が通過する空間部７８と、この空間部７８に隣接して設けられた透光性の導光体部７６と、光を反射させるための反射部７２とを有する。空間部７８、導光体部７６及び反射部７２は、像保持体４０の長手方向に沿って設けられている。空間部７８は、導光体部７６の長手方向の一端に形成された開口７９に接続されている。即ち、空間部７８は、導光体部７６の開口７９に導光体部７６の長手方向の一端で隣接している。 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the light static elimination device 46 centering on the side sectional view of the light irradiation body 68 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the light irradiator 68 includes a space portion 78 through which light passes, a translucent light guide body portion 76 provided adjacent to the space portion 78, and light for reflecting light. And a reflection portion 72. The space portion 78, the light guide portion 76, and the reflection portion 72 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the image holding body 40. The space part 78 is connected to an opening 79 formed at one end of the light guide part 76 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the space 78 is adjacent to the opening 79 of the light guide 76 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 76.

導光体部７６は、光が入る開口７９が長手方向端面に形成された中空形状を有する。導光体部７６は、例えば、アクリル樹脂、ポリカーボネート樹脂、ポリスチレン樹脂及びＡＢＳ樹脂のいずれかから成り、押出成形されている。導光体部７６の内径は、例えば３ｍｍであり、導光体部７６の外径は、例えば５ｍｍである。ここで、発光部材７０の外径は、導光体部７６の内径より大きいことが好ましく、例えば３ｍｍ以上であり、さらに好ましくは５ｍｍである。   The light guide body 76 has a hollow shape in which an opening 79 into which light enters is formed on an end surface in the longitudinal direction. The light guide body 76 is made of, for example, one of acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polystyrene resin, and ABS resin, and is extrusion-molded. The inner diameter of the light guide section 76 is, for example, 3 mm, and the outer diameter of the light guide section 76 is, for example, 5 mm. Here, the outer diameter of the light emitting member 70 is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the light guide section 76, for example, 3 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm.

導光体部７６は、光が入る開口７９側の端面が粗面化されて成る。導光体部７６の端面の粗さは、例えばＲｚ＝３〜１５μｍであり、好ましくは、Ｒｚ＝１５μｍ以上である。   The light guide section 76 has a roughened end surface on the opening 79 side where light enters. The roughness of the end surface of the light guide body 76 is, for example, Rz = 3 to 15 μm, and preferably Rz = 15 μm or more.

反射部７２は、例えば白色樹脂で形成されたケースであり、導光体部７６の少なくとも一部を覆っている。より具体的には、反射部７２は、長手方向の沿って導光体部７６を覆っており、導光体部７６に光を入射するための光入射面、及び像保持体４０に近接する対向面で開口している。さらに、反射部７２は、導光体部７６の端部であって光が入る開口７９が形成された端部とは異なる端部を覆う終端部７４を有する。   The reflection portion 72 is a case formed of, for example, a white resin, and covers at least a part of the light guide portion 76. More specifically, the reflection part 72 covers the light guide part 76 along the longitudinal direction, and is close to the light incident surface for entering light into the light guide part 76 and the image holding body 40. Open on the opposite surface. Furthermore, the reflection part 72 has the terminal part 74 which covers the edge part different from the edge part which is the edge part of the light guide part 76, and the opening 79 into which light enters is formed.

したがって、図中の矢印で示すように、発光部材７０から照射された光は、光照射体６８の空間部７８又は導光体部７６の内部を通り、導光体部７６及び反射部７２の少なくともいずれかにより反射され、像保持体４０に照射する。   Therefore, as indicated by the arrows in the figure, the light emitted from the light emitting member 70 passes through the space 78 of the light emitter 68 or the inside of the light guide 76 and passes through the light guide 76 and the reflector 72. The light is reflected by at least one of the light and is applied to the image carrier 40.

光が空間部７８を通過すると、導光体部７６を通過する場合と比較して、光エネルギーの損失が少ない。したがって、空間部７８を通過する光は、光量の減衰が抑えられて、発光部材７０側から当該発光部材７０の反対側へと移動する。これにより、発光部材７０側から離れた箇所でも、像保持体４０に照射する光量を確保し易くなる。   When the light passes through the space portion 78, the loss of light energy is less than when the light passes through the light guide portion 76. Therefore, the light passing through the space 78 is suppressed from attenuation of the light amount and moves from the light emitting member 70 side to the opposite side of the light emitting member 70. Thereby, it becomes easy to ensure the light quantity irradiated to the image holding body 40 also in the location away from the light emitting member 70 side.

さらに、終端部７４が、発光部材７０の反対側の端部に設けられている場合、光は、終端部７４で反射し、戻りながら反射と透過を繰り広げる。これにより、終端部７４側から像保持体４０に照射する光量が増加する。   Furthermore, when the termination | terminus part 74 is provided in the edge part on the opposite side of the light emitting member 70, light reflects in the termination | terminus part 74 and unfolds reflection and permeation | transmission while returning. Thereby, the light quantity irradiated to the image holding body 40 from the termination | terminus part 74 side increases.

なお、図３に示される矢印は、導光体部７６及び反射部７２のいずれかの界面で光が反射又は透過していることを模式的に示す。したがって、図中の矢印は、入射角、反射角、屈折角の関係や全ての光の筋道を正確に表していない。実際には、図示した以上に無数の光が、反射又は透過している。   Note that the arrows shown in FIG. 3 schematically indicate that light is reflected or transmitted at either interface of the light guide 76 and the reflector 72. Therefore, the arrows in the figure do not accurately represent the relationship between the incident angle, the reflection angle, the refraction angle, or the path of all light. Actually, innumerable light is reflected or transmitted more than shown.

図４は、発光部材７０側から見た光照射体６８の断面を示す図であって、図４（Ａ）は、光照射体６８の断面図を示し、図４（Ｂ）は、図４（Ａ）の矢印Ｃで示される範囲の拡大図である。
図４（Ａ）に示すように、光照射体６８の反射部７２には、像保持体４０に対向する開口部に、突出する例えば爪形状又は凸形状の脱落防止用の第１の突起部８０が設けられている。開口部の一方に設けられた第１の突起部８０の先端と、他方に設けられた第１の突起部８０の先端との距離Ｌは、導光体部７６の直径より小さい。第１の突起部８０は、導光体部７６が反射部７２に嵌め込まれた場合、導光体部７６を支持して、導光体部７６が脱落することを防止する。 4 is a view showing a cross section of the light illuminating body 68 viewed from the light emitting member 70 side. FIG. 4A shows a cross section of the light illuminating body 68, and FIG. 4B shows a cross section of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the range shown by arrow C of (A).
As shown in FIG. 4A, the reflecting portion 72 of the light irradiating body 68 has a first protrusion for preventing, for example, a nail shape or a convex shape that protrudes from an opening facing the image holding body 40. 80 is provided. The distance L between the tip of the first protrusion 80 provided at one of the openings and the tip of the first protrusion 80 provided at the other is smaller than the diameter of the light guide 76. The first protrusion 80 supports the light guide unit 76 and prevents the light guide unit 76 from falling off when the light guide unit 76 is fitted into the reflection unit 72.

また、反射部７２には、第２の突起部８２が、導光体部７６と対向して設けられている。第２の突起部８２は、複数、設けられている（本実施形態では、２つ）。第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６及び空間部７８の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる。   In addition, a second protrusion 82 is provided on the reflecting portion 72 so as to face the light guide portion 76. A plurality of second protrusions 82 are provided (two in this embodiment). The second protrusion 82 reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide 76 and the space 78.

図４（Ｂ）に示すように、第２の突起部８２は、凸形状を有し、好適には、矩形凸形状を有する。第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６より柔らかい材料からなる。したがって、導光体部７６が反射部７２に嵌め込まれると、導光体部７６は第２の突起部８２に押し付けられ、第２の突起部８２の先端が潰れる。第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６の外形に沿うように変形するので、第２の突起部８２と導光体部７６とは密着し、第２の突起部８２と導光体部７６との接触面は安定する。   As shown in FIG. 4B, the second protrusion 82 has a convex shape, and preferably has a rectangular convex shape. The second protrusion 82 is made of a material softer than the light guide body 76. Therefore, when the light guide body 76 is fitted into the reflection section 72, the light guide body 76 is pressed against the second protrusion 82 and the tip of the second protrusion 82 is crushed. Since the second protrusion 82 is deformed so as to follow the outer shape of the light guide body 76, the second protrusion 82 and the light guide body 76 are in close contact, and the second protrusion 82 and the light guide. The contact surface with the part 76 is stable.

図５は、像保持体４０に対向する開口側から見た反射部７２を示す図である。
図５に示すように、第１の突起部８０は、当該開口部に複数設けられている。第２の突起部８２は、像保持体４０の長手方向に沿って設けられている。 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the reflecting portion 72 as viewed from the opening side facing the image carrier 40.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of first protrusions 80 are provided in the opening. The second projecting portion 82 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier 40.

なお、反射部７２が設けられる代わりに、導光体部７６の外側表面が白色塗料等の光を反射し易い色の塗料で塗られた形態や、導光体部７６の外側表面に銀色のテープ等の光を反射し易い色のテープが貼られた形態、が用いられてもよい。このような形態が用いられた場合においても、像保持体４０に対向する開口部は確保される。   Instead of providing the reflective portion 72, the outer surface of the light guide portion 76 is coated with a color paint that easily reflects light, such as a white paint, or the outer surface of the light guide portion 76 is silver-colored. The form with which the tape of the color which reflects light easily, such as a tape, was stuck may be used. Even when such a configuration is used, an opening facing the image carrier 40 is secured.

図６は、像保持体４０に照射される光量と、発光部材７０側から距離との関係を示す図である。
図６（ａ）は、特許文献１等に開示されている導光手段のように、長手方向と交わる方向に細かな凹凸形状が形成された導光手段により像保持体４０に照射される光量と発光部材７０側から距離との関係を示し、図６（ｂ）は、本実施形態に係る光照射体６８により像保持体４０に照射される光量と発光部材７０側から距離との関係を示す。 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the amount of light applied to the image carrier 40 and the distance from the light emitting member 70 side.
FIG. 6A shows the amount of light irradiated to the image holding body 40 by the light guide means in which fine irregularities are formed in the direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction, like the light guide means disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like. 6B shows the relationship between the distance from the light emitting member 70 side, and FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the light amount irradiated to the image holding body 40 by the light irradiation body 68 according to this embodiment and the distance from the light emitting member 70 side. Show.

図６（ａ）に示される場合では、巨視的に見ると、発光部材７０側、発光部材７０の反対側（終端部７４側）及びその中間部において、光量の減衰は、図６（ｂ）に示される場合と比べて少ない。また、微視的に見ると、導光手段の長手方向と交わる方向に細かな凹凸形状が形成されているので、光量の強弱の差が、図６（ｂ）に示される場合と比べて大きく現れる。   In the case shown in FIG. 6 (a), when viewed macroscopically, the attenuation of the amount of light on the light emitting member 70 side, the opposite side of the light emitting member 70 (the end portion 74 side), and the intermediate portion thereof is shown in FIG. 6 (b). Compared to the case shown in Further, when viewed microscopically, since a fine uneven shape is formed in the direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the light guide means, the difference in intensity of the light intensity is large compared to the case shown in FIG. appear.

一方、図６（ｂ）に示される場合では、巨視的に見ると、発光部材７０側から終端部７４側に向けて、光量の減衰が、図６（ａ）に示される場合と比べて大きい。また、光が終端部７４で反射するので、中間部から終端部７４側に向けて、光量が増している。微視的に見ると、導光体部７６の像保持体４０に沿った方向と交わる方向に細かな凹凸形状が形成されていないので、光量の強弱の差は、表れない。なお、細かなキズ状の溝が、導光体部７６の像保持体４０に沿った方向に形成されると、巨視的に見た場合における、発光部材７０側から終端部７４側に向けての光量の減衰が、緩やかになる。   On the other hand, in the case shown in FIG. 6B, when viewed macroscopically, the attenuation of the amount of light from the light emitting member 70 side toward the terminal end 74 side is larger than in the case shown in FIG. . Further, since the light is reflected by the terminal end portion 74, the amount of light increases from the intermediate portion toward the terminal end portion 74 side. When viewed microscopically, since a fine uneven shape is not formed in a direction intersecting with the direction along the image holding body 40 of the light guide body portion 76, a difference in intensity of light quantity does not appear. In addition, when a fine scratch-like groove is formed in a direction along the image carrier 40 of the light guide body 76, the macroscopic view leads from the light emitting member 70 side toward the terminal end 74 side. The attenuation of the amount of light becomes moderate.

像保持体４０が経時劣化を起こした場合、光が強く照射した部位と光が弱く照射した部位とで、像保持体４０の帯電量に、差異が生じる。この場合、図６（ａ）に示される導光手段の形態では、ハーフトーン画像等の中間的な画像密度の画像が印刷される際、細かな線状濃淡画像が、人目につく画像欠陥として表れる。一方、図６（ｂ）に示される形態では、微視的な光の強弱の差がないため、ハーフトーン画像等の中間的な画像密度の画像が印刷される場合においても、細かな線状濃淡画像は表れず、人目につく画像欠陥とはならない。   When the image carrier 40 is deteriorated with time, there is a difference in the charge amount of the image carrier 40 between a portion irradiated with light strongly and a portion irradiated with light weakly. In this case, in the form of the light guiding means shown in FIG. 6A, when an image having an intermediate image density such as a halftone image is printed, a fine linear gray image is an image defect that is noticeable to the human eye. appear. On the other hand, in the form shown in FIG. 6B, since there is no difference in intensity of microscopic light, even when an image having an intermediate image density such as a halftone image is printed, a fine line shape is obtained. The grayscale image does not appear and the image defect is not noticeable.

さらに、図６（ａ）に示される導光手段は、一般的に型加工にて成型されるが、図６（ｂ）に示される導光体部７６は、引き抜き加工、押し出し加工等の簡易で低コストの加工で作られてもよい。導光体部７６がこのような加工で作られた場合においても、像保持体４０が経時劣化を起した際、光の強弱の差による細かな線状濃淡画像は表れない。   Further, the light guide means shown in FIG. 6A is generally molded by mold processing, but the light guide body portion 76 shown in FIG. 6B is simple such as drawing processing and extrusion processing. And may be made with low cost processing. Even when the light guide body 76 is made by such processing, when the image carrier 40 is deteriorated with time, a fine linear grayscale image due to the difference in intensity of light does not appear.

なお、像保持体４０を除電させる程度は、像保持体４０が適用された画像形成装置等の装置の事情で決まる。したがって、所望のレベル以上、除電させることができれば、その除電の程度や均一性は、除電という観点からは格別気にする必要はなく、適宜設定されるものである。像保持体４０の長手方向で所望のレベル以上の除電を行うためには、発光部材７０の大きさ、光量及び光強度等、光照射体６８の長さ、厚み、形状及び透明度等、像保持体４０の感度及び移動速度等、ならびに光照射体６８を構成する空間部７８、導光体部７６及び反射部７２それぞれの長さ、厚み、形状及び透明度等を、それぞれ設定すればよい。   Note that the degree to which the image carrier 40 is neutralized is determined by the circumstances of an apparatus such as an image forming apparatus to which the image carrier 40 is applied. Therefore, if the charge removal can be performed at a desired level or higher, the degree and uniformity of the charge removal need not be special from the viewpoint of charge removal and can be set as appropriate. In order to perform static elimination at a desired level or more in the longitudinal direction of the image holding body 40, image holding such as the size, light amount, and light intensity of the light emitting member 70, the length, thickness, shape, and transparency of the light irradiation body 68, etc. What is necessary is just to set the sensitivity, moving speed, etc. of the body 40, and the length, thickness, shape, transparency, etc. of the space part 78, the light guide part 76, and the reflection part 72 which comprise the light irradiation body 68, respectively.

次に、第２の実施形態〜第４の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０を説明する。第２の実施形態〜第４の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０では、光除電装置４６に設けられた第２の突起部８２の形状が異なる。   Next, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second to fourth embodiments will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second to fourth embodiments, the shape of the second protrusions 82 provided in the light neutralizing device 46 is different.

図７は、異なる実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の第２の突起部８２を示す図であって、図７（Ａ）〜図７（Ｃ）は、それぞれ第２の実施形態〜第４の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の突起部８２を示す。
図７（Ａ）に示すように、第２の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、湾曲した断面の第２の突起部８２を有する。本実施形態では、第１の実施形態に係る第２の突起部８２と比較して、第２の突起部８２と導光体部７６とが接触する面積が小さく、第２の突起部８２の先端は容易に潰れる。 FIG. 7 is a view showing the second protrusion 82 of the light neutralizing device 46 according to different embodiments, and FIGS. 7A to 7C show the second embodiment to the fourth embodiment, respectively. The protrusion part 82 of the optical static elimination apparatus 46 which concerns on embodiment is shown.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the optical static elimination device 46 according to the second embodiment includes a second protrusion 82 having a curved cross section. In this embodiment, compared with the 2nd projection part 82 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the area where the 2nd projection part 82 and the light guide part 76 contact is small, and the 2nd projection part 82 of FIG. The tip is easily crushed.

図７（Ｂ）に示すように、第３の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、断面がドーム状の凸形状である第２の突起部８２を有する。本実施形態では、第１の実施形態に係る第２の突起部８２と比較して、第２の突起部８２と導光体部７６とが接触する面積が大きい。   As shown in FIG. 7B, the light neutralizing device 46 according to the third embodiment has a second protrusion 82 having a dome-shaped convex shape in cross section. In this embodiment, compared with the 2nd projection part 82 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the area where the 2nd projection part 82 and the light guide part 76 contact is large.

図７（Ｃ）に示すように、第４の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、針状の凸形状の第２の突起部８２を有する。第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６により曲げられ、曲げられた方向とは反対側の側面が、導光体部７６と密着する。   As shown in FIG. 7C, the light neutralizing device 46 according to the fourth embodiment has a second protrusion 82 having a needle-like convex shape. The second protrusion 82 is bent by the light guide body 76, and the side surface opposite to the bent direction is in close contact with the light guide body 76.

次に、第５の実施形態〜第７の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０を説明する。第５の実施形態〜第７の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０では、光除電装置４６の反射部７２に設けられる第２の突起部８２の数及び位置が異なる。   Next, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the fifth to seventh embodiments will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment to the seventh embodiment, the number and positions of the second protrusions 82 provided on the reflection portion 72 of the light static elimination device 46 are different.

図８は、異なる実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の反射部７２を示す図であって、図８（Ａ）〜図８（Ｃ）は、それぞれ第５の実施形態〜第７の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の反射部７２を示す。
図８（Ａ）に示すように、第５の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、１つの第２の突起部８２が、長手方向に沿って設けられた反射部７２を有する。本実施形態では、第１の実施形態に係る第２の突起部８２と比較して、第２の突起部８２と導光体部７６とが接触する全体の面積が小さい。第２の突起部８２の数は、特に限定されず、３以上であってもよい。また、第２の突起部８２は、長手方向に対して角度を持って設けられてもよい。 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the reflecting portion 72 of the light static eliminator 46 according to different embodiments, and FIGS. 8A to 8C are respectively in the fifth embodiment to the seventh embodiment. The reflection part 72 of the light static elimination apparatus 46 which concerns is shown.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the light neutralizing device 46 according to the fifth embodiment has a reflecting portion 72 in which one second protrusion 82 is provided along the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the entire area where the second protrusion 82 and the light guide 76 are in contact with each other is smaller than that of the second protrusion 82 according to the first embodiment. The number of the second protrusions 82 is not particularly limited, and may be three or more. Moreover, the 2nd projection part 82 may be provided with an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction.

図８（Ｂ）に示すように、第６の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、６つの第２の突起部８２を有する。本実施形態では、長手方向中央部の２つの第２の突起部８２の間の距離が、当該中央部の両側部分の２つの第２の突起部８２の間の距離より狭くなるように、第２の突起部８２が設けられている。したがって、第１の実施形態に係る第２の突起部８２と比較して、第２の突起部８２と導光体部７６とが接触する全体の面積は略同じである一方、光が反射する位置が異なる。このように、２つの第２の突起部８２の間の距離は、長手方向の位置においてどのような値であってもよい。   As shown in FIG. 8B, the optical static elimination device 46 according to the sixth embodiment has six second protrusions 82. In the present embodiment, the distance between the two second protrusions 82 in the central portion in the longitudinal direction is narrower than the distance between the two second protrusions 82 in both side portions of the central portion. Two protrusions 82 are provided. Therefore, as compared with the second protrusion 82 according to the first embodiment, the entire area where the second protrusion 82 and the light guide body 76 are in contact with each other is substantially the same, but the light is reflected. The position is different. Thus, the distance between the two second protrusions 82 may be any value at the position in the longitudinal direction.

図８（Ｃ）に示すように、第７の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６では、光が入る開口７９から長手方向に沿って、第２の突起部８２の数が増加するように、第２の突起部８２が設けられている。したがって、導光体部７６と第２の突起部８２とが接触する面積は、光が入る開口７９から長手方向に沿って広くなる。また、本実施形態に係る光除電装置４６では、第２の突起部８２の端部は、光が入る開口７９及び終端部７４と所定の距離をおいて設けられている。即ち、光が入る開口７９及び終端部７４の近傍には、第２の突起部８２は、設けられていない。   As shown in FIG. 8C, in the light static eliminator 46 according to the seventh embodiment, the number of the second protrusions 82 increases in the longitudinal direction from the opening 79 into which light enters. Two protrusions 82 are provided. Therefore, the area where the light guide member 76 and the second protrusion 82 are in contact with each other becomes wider along the longitudinal direction from the opening 79 through which light enters. In the light static elimination apparatus 46 according to the present embodiment, the end portion of the second protrusion 82 is provided at a predetermined distance from the opening 79 and the end portion 74 into which light enters. That is, the second protrusion 82 is not provided in the vicinity of the opening 79 through which light enters and the end portion 74.

次に、第８の実施形態〜第１１の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０を説明する。第８の実施形態〜第１１の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１０では、光除電装置４６の導光体部７６の断面の形状及び第２の突起部８２が設けられる位置が異なる。   Next, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the eighth to eleventh embodiments will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the eighth embodiment to the eleventh embodiment, the shape of the cross section of the light guide section 76 of the light static elimination apparatus 46 and the position where the second protrusion 82 is provided are different.

図９は、異なる実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の光照射体６８の断面を示す図であって、図９（Ａ）〜図９（Ｃ）は、それぞれ第８の実施形態〜第１１の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６の光照射体６８の断面を示す。
図９（Ａ）に示すように、第８の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、空間部７８が、導光体部７６と反射部７２とにより形成される光照射体６８を有する。本実施形態では、第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６を挟むように、対向する位置に設けられている。 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross section of the light irradiator 68 of the light static eliminator 46 according to a different embodiment, and FIGS. 9A to 9C show the eighth embodiment to the eleventh embodiment, respectively. The cross section of the light irradiation body 68 of the light static elimination apparatus 46 which concerns on embodiment is shown.
As shown in FIG. 9A, in the light static eliminator 46 according to the eighth embodiment, the space 78 has a light irradiator 68 formed by a light guide 76 and a reflector 72. In the present embodiment, the second protrusions 82 are provided at opposing positions so as to sandwich the light guide member 76.

図９（Ｂ）に示すように、第９の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、空間部７８が、断面が略半円形状である導光体部７６と反射部７２とにより形成される光照射体６８を有する。本実施形態では、第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６の断面により形成される円弧の端部と接するように設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 9B, in the light static eliminator 46 according to the ninth embodiment, the space portion 78 is formed by a light guide portion 76 and a reflecting portion 72 having a substantially semicircular cross section. A light irradiation body 68 is provided. In the present embodiment, the second projecting portion 82 is provided so as to be in contact with an end portion of an arc formed by the cross section of the light guide portion 76.

図９（Ｃ）に示すように、第１０の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、導光体部７６の開口７９の形状が矩形である光照射体６８を有する。本実施形態では、第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６の所定の側面に接するように設けられている。   As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the light neutralizing device 46 according to the tenth embodiment includes a light irradiation body 68 in which the shape of the opening 79 of the light guide body 76 is rectangular. In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 82 is provided in contact with a predetermined side surface of the light guide body 76.

図９（Ｄ）に示すように、第１１の実施形態に係る光除電装置４６は、複数の空間部７８が、導光体部７６と反射部７２とにより形成される光照射体６８を有する。本実施形態では、第２の突起部８２は、導光体部７６の断面により形成される所定の角と接するように設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 9D, in the light static eliminator 46 according to the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of space portions 78 have a light irradiation body 68 formed by a light guide body portion 76 and a reflection portion 72. . In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 82 is provided so as to contact a predetermined corner formed by the cross section of the light guide body 76.

１０・・・画像形成装置
１２・・・画像形成装置本体
２６・・・像保持体ユニット
４０・・・像保持体
４２・・・帯電装置
４４・・・現像装置
４６・・・光除電装置
６４・・・像形成部
６６・・・像形成部本体
６８・・・光照射体
７０・・・発光部材
７２・・・反射部
７４・・・終端部
７６・・・導光体部
７８・・・空間部
７９・・・開口
８０・・・第１の突起部
８２・・・第２の突起部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 12 ... Image forming apparatus main body 26 ... Image holding body unit 40 ... Image holding body 42 ... Charging apparatus 44 ... Developing apparatus 46 ... Light static elimination apparatus 64 ... Image forming part 66 ... Image forming part main body 68 ... Light irradiator 70 ... Light emitting member 72 ... Reflecting part 74 ... Terminal part 76 ... Light guide part 78 ... Space part 79 ... Opening 80 ... First protrusion 82 ... Second protrusion

Claims (11)

静電潜像が形成される像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられ、光が通過する空間部と、
前記空間部に隣接して設けられ、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記像保持体側に設けられていて、前記像保持体の長手方向における一端から光が入り、光が通過するとともに前記空間部を通過した光も通過させる透光性の導光体部と、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記導光体部と対向して設けられ、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第１の反射部と、
前記導光体部の他端に形成された他端側開口を覆うように配置されていて、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第２の反射部と、
を有し、
前記第１の反射部に、
前記導光体部が脱落することを防止する第１の突起部と、
前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させ、前記導光体部よりも柔らかい材料からなり、前記導光体部に押し付けられ前記導光体部の外形に沿うように変形することで前記導光体部に密着して、前記導光体部と前記反射部の間に空間が形成されるように前記導光体部を支持する第２の突起部と、
が形成されていて、
前記第２の反射部は、前記第１の反射部と一体として形成されていて、
前記空間部及び前記導光体部を通過する光が、前記一端側から入り、前記導光体部における前記像保持体の長手方向に沿った方向と交わる方向から前記像保持体へ照射される
光照射体。 A space provided along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, through which light passes;
Provided adjacent to the space portion, provided on the image carrier side along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier , light enters from one end in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier, and light passes through the light carrier. A translucent light guide that allows light that has passed through the space to pass through;
A first reflecting portion that is provided to face the light guide portion along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide portion and the space portion;
A second reflecting portion that is disposed so as to cover the other end side opening formed at the other end of the light guide body portion and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion. When,
Have
In the first reflecting portion,
A first protrusion that prevents the light guide body from falling off;
Light that has passed through at least one of the light guide part and the space part is reflected, is made of a softer material than the light guide part, and is pressed against the light guide part and follows the outer shape of the light guide part A second protrusion that supports the light guide part so that a space is formed between the light guide part and the reflection part, in close contact with the light guide part by deformation
Is formed,
The second reflecting portion is formed integrally with the first reflecting portion,
The space portion and the light passing through the light guide portion enters from the one end side, is irradiated from a direction intersecting the direction along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier in the light guide portion to the image carrier Light irradiated body. 前記第１の反射部及び前記第２の反射部は、白色樹脂で形成されている請求項１記載の光照射体。The light irradiation body according to claim 1, wherein the first reflection portion and the second reflection portion are formed of a white resin. 前記導光体部は、前記一端側の端面が粗面化されている請求項１又は２記載に光照射体。The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the light guide body has a roughened end surface on one end side. 前記導光体部の前記一端には、光が入る一端側開口が形成され、
前記空間部は、前記一端側開口に前記一端で隣接されている
請求項１乃至３いずれかに記載の光照射体。 It said one end of said light guide portion, one end side opening which light enters is formed,
The space portion, the light irradiator according to any of claims 1 to 3 being adjacent the one end to the one end opening. 前記第２の突起部は、矩形凸形状、針形凸形状及びドーム型凸形状のいずれかの形状を有する請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の光照射体。 The light irradiation body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second protrusion has any one of a rectangular convex shape, a needle-shaped convex shape, and a dome-shaped convex shape. 前記第２の突起部は、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられている
請求項１乃至５のいずれかに記載の光照射体。 The second protrusion, the light irradiator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier. 前記第２の突起部は、複数、設けられている
請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載の光照射体。 The second protrusion, a plurality, the light irradiator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is provided. 前記第２の突起部は、光が入る開口から長手方向に沿って数が増加するように設けられている請求項７に記載の光照射体。 The light irradiation body according to claim 7 , wherein the second protrusions are provided so that the number increases in the longitudinal direction from an opening through which light enters. 前記導光体部は、アクリル樹脂、ポリカーボネート樹脂、ポリスチレン樹脂及びＡＢＳ樹脂のいずれかから成る
請求項１乃至８のいずれかに記載の光照射体。 The light guide unit, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, the light irradiator according to any one of claims 1 to 8 consisting of either polystyrene resins and ABS resins. 静電潜像が形成される像保持体と、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って配置され、前記像保持体に光を照射して除電する光照射体と、
を有し、
前記光照射体は、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられ、光が通過する空間部と、
前記空間部に隣接して設けられ、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記像保持体側に設けられていて、前記像保持体の長手方向における一端から光が入り、光が通過するとともに前記空間部を通過した光も通過させる透光性の導光体部と、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記導光体部と対向して設けられ、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第１の反射部と、
前記導光体部の他端に形成された他端側開口を覆うように配置されていて、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第２の反射部と、
を有し、
前記第１の反射部に、
前記導光体部が脱落することを防止する第１の突起部と、
前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させ、前記導光体部よりも柔らかい材料からなり、前記導光体部に押し付けられ前記導光体部の外形に沿うように変形することで前記導光体部に密着して、前記導光体部と前記反射部の間に空間が形成されるように前記導光体部を支持する第２の突起部と、
が形成されていて、
前記第２の反射部は、前記第１の反射部と一体として形成されていて、
前記空間部及び前記導光体部を通過する光が、前記導光体部の一端側から入り、前記導光体部における前記像保持体の長手方向に沿った方向と交わる方向から前記像保持体へ照射される
像形成構造体。 An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
A light irradiating body disposed along the longitudinal direction of the image holding body to irradiate the image holding body with light,
Have
The light irradiator is
A space provided along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier, through which light passes;
Provided adjacent to the space portion, provided on the image carrier side along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier , light enters from one end in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier, and light passes through the light carrier. A translucent light guide that allows light that has passed through the space to pass through;
A first reflecting portion that is provided to face the light guide portion along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide portion and the space portion;
A second reflecting portion that is disposed so as to cover the other end side opening formed at the other end of the light guide body portion and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion. When,
Have
In the first reflecting portion,
A first protrusion that prevents the light guide body from falling off;
Light that has passed through at least one of the light guide part and the space part is reflected, is made of a softer material than the light guide part, and is pressed against the light guide part and follows the outer shape of the light guide part A second protrusion that supports the light guide part so that a space is formed between the light guide part and the reflection part, in close contact with the light guide part by deformation
Is formed,
The second reflecting portion is formed integrally with the first reflecting portion,
The image holding from the direction in which the light passing through the space portion and the light guide portion enters from one end side of the light guide portion and intersects the direction along the longitudinal direction of the image holder in the light guide portion. An imaging structure that is irradiated onto the body. 発光部材と、
静電潜像が形成される像保持体と、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って配置され、前記像保持体に光を照射して除電する光照射体と、
を有し、
前記光照射体は、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って設けられ、光が通過する空間部と、
前記空間部に隣接して設けられ、前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記像保持体側に設けられていて、前記像保持体の長手方向における一端から光が入り、光が通過するとともに前記空間部を通過した光も通過させる透光性の導光体部と、
前記像保持体の長手方向に沿って前記導光体部と対向して設けられ、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第１の反射部と、
前記導光体部の他端に形成された他端側開口を覆うように配置されていて、前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させる第２の反射部と、
を有し、
前記第１の反射部に、
前記導光体部が脱落することを防止する第１の突起部と、
前記導光体部及び前記空間部の少なくともいずれかを通過した光を反射させ、前記導光体部よりも柔らかい材料からなり、前記導光体部に押し付けられ前記導光体部の外形に沿うように変形することで前記導光体部に密着して、前記導光体部と前記反射部の間に空間が形成されるように前記導光体部を支持する第２の突起部と、
が形成されていて、
前記第２の反射部は、前記第１の反射部と一体として形成されていて、
前記空間部及び前記導光体部を通過する光が、前記導光体部の一端側から入り、前記導光体部における前記像保持体の長手方向に沿った方向と交わる方向から前記像保持体へ照射される
画像形成装置。 A light emitting member;
An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
A light irradiating body disposed along the longitudinal direction of the image holding body to irradiate the image holding body with light,
Have
The light irradiator is
A space provided along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier, through which light passes;
Provided adjacent to the space portion, provided on the image carrier side along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier , light enters from one end in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier, and light passes through the light carrier. A translucent light guide that allows light that has passed through the space to pass through;
A first reflecting portion that is provided to face the light guide portion along the longitudinal direction of the image carrier and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide portion and the space portion;
A second reflecting portion that is disposed so as to cover the other end side opening formed at the other end of the light guide body portion and reflects light that has passed through at least one of the light guide body portion and the space portion. When,
Have
In the first reflecting portion,
A first protrusion that prevents the light guide body from falling off;
Light that has passed through at least one of the light guide part and the space part is reflected, is made of a softer material than the light guide part, and is pressed against the light guide part and follows the outer shape of the light guide part A second protrusion that supports the light guide part so that a space is formed between the light guide part and the reflection part, in close contact with the light guide part by deformation
Is formed,
The second reflecting portion is formed integrally with the first reflecting portion,
The image holding from the direction in which the light passing through the space portion and the light guide portion enters from one end side of the light guide portion and intersects the direction along the longitudinal direction of the image holder in the light guide portion. An image forming apparatus that irradiates the body.
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