JP6277791B2 - Cleaning device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device and an image forming apparatus.

  As a technique related to the cleaning device, for example, those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have already been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a charging member that performs a charging process in contact with a photosensitive member and a cleaning unit that cleans the charging member. The cleaning unit has a cleaning capability that varies in the longitudinal direction of the charging member. It is comprised so that it may have.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 is configured such that a brush roller having a brush has different brush cleaning capabilities in the longitudinal direction of the brush roller.

  Patent Document 3 is a cleaning device that cleans the surface of a charging roll that contacts the image holding body and charges the surface of the image holding body, and is pressed along the longitudinal direction of the charging roll to clean the surface of the charging roll. A cleaning member that is disposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member, and a driving unit that contacts or separates the cleaning member from the surface of the charging roll, and is configured to change the cleaning characteristics in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member. It is.

JP-A-9-101661 JP 2007-94420 A JP 2008-112083 A

  An object of the present invention is to enable cleaning according to the contamination characteristics of a member to be cleaned.

The invention described in claim 1, e Bei brush member having a first region planted a plurality of types of fibers along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member, and a second region planted a single type of fiber ,
The brush member is made of two types of fibers having different thicknesses at least one end along the longitudinal direction, and the center portion is made of a relatively thick fiber among the two types of fibers having different thicknesses. It is the cleaning device characterized by this.

The invention described in claim 2 includes a brush member having a first region in which a plurality of types of fibers are implanted along a longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned , and a second region in which a single type of fibers is implanted.
The brush member is composed of two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at least one end along the longitudinal direction, and a fiber having a relatively large Young's modulus among the two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at the center. It is the cleaning apparatus characterized by comprising .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of types of fibers are each planted in an annular shape inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned, and the one type of fibers when the brush member rotates once. an annular portion but which are flocked, and the other type of fibers flocked annular portion, claim 1 or at least once with the end portions along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member, characterized in that contact 2. The cleaning device according to 2 .

In the invention described in claim 4 , the plurality of types of fibers are each planted in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned, the strip portion in which the one type of fiber is planted, and the other 3. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the belt-like portions in which the types of fibers are planted are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction.

The invention described in claim 5 includes an image carrier,
Roll-shaped charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier;
A cleaning unit disposed to contact the charging unit and cleaning a peripheral surface of the charging unit;
An image forming apparatus using the cleaning device according to claim 1 as the cleaning unit.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform cleaning according to the contamination characteristics of the member to be cleaned as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

Moreover, according to the invention described in claim 1 , the cleaning according to the contamination characteristic of the member to be cleaned is performed as compared with the case where fibers having the same thickness are planted along the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned. It becomes possible.

According to the invention described in claim 2 , it is possible to perform cleaning according to the contamination characteristics of the member to be cleaned as compared with the case where fibers having the same Young's modulus are planted along the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned. Become.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the member to be cleaned can be effectively cleaned with a plurality of types of fibers as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the member to be cleaned can be effectively cleaned with a plurality of types of fibers as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform cleaning according to the contamination characteristics of the member to be cleaned, and to suppress deterioration in image quality, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus to which the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows an image formation part. It is a block diagram which shows the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which expands and shows the surface of a charging roll. It is a graph which shows the resistance value along the axial direction of a charging roll. It is a graph which shows the resistance value along the axial direction of a charging roll. It is a graph which shows the resistance value along the axial direction of a charging roll. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the adhesion part accumulated on the surface of the charging roll. It is a block diagram which shows the cleaning brush of the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 5 is a chart showing results of experimental examples and comparative examples of the cleaning device according to Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows the cleaning brush of the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a graph which shows the result of the experiment example and comparative example of the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
1 and 2 show an outline of the entire image forming apparatus to which the cleaning device according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the entire image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 shows an enlarged main part (image forming apparatus, etc.) in the image forming apparatus.

<Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as a monochrome copying machine, for example. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading device 3 that reads an image of a document, and an image forming unit 2 as an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data. The image reading device 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 1 a that houses the image forming unit 2.

  The image forming unit 2 transfers an image forming device 10 that forms a toner image to be developed with toner constituting the developer, and a toner image formed by the image forming device 10 to a recording sheet 5 as an example of a recording medium. The transfer device 20, the paper supply device 50 that accommodates and transports the recording paper 5 as an example of a required recording medium to be supplied to the transfer position of the transfer device 20, and the recording paper 5 transferred by the transfer device 20 A fixing device 40 for fixing the toner image is provided. The apparatus main body 1a is formed of a support structure member, an exterior cover, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is composed of one image forming apparatus that exclusively forms a black (K) toner image. The image forming apparatus 10 is disposed at a required position in the internal space of the apparatus main body 1a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an example of a rotating image carrier, and the following apparatuses are mainly disposed around the photosensitive drum 11. Has been placed. The main devices are a charging device 12 that charges the peripheral surface (image holding surface) on the photosensitive drum 11 on which an image can be formed to a required potential, and the present embodiment that cleans the peripheral surface of the charging device 12. A cleaning device 16 and an exposure device as an electrostatic latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image having a potential difference by irradiating the charged peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with light LB based on image information (signal). 13 and a developing device 14 as a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner of a black color (K) developer to form a toner image, and remains on the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after transfer. And a drum cleaning device 15 that removes adhering substances such as toner adhering thereto and cleans them.

  The photosensitive drum 11 is formed by forming an image holding surface having a photoconductive layer (photosensitive layer) made of a photosensitive material on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical or columnar base material to be grounded. The photosensitive drum 11 is supported so as to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow A when power is transmitted from a rotation driving device (not shown).

  The charging device 12 includes a contact-type charging roll that is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 11. A charging voltage is supplied to the charging roll 12. As the charging voltage, when the developing device 14 performs reversal development, a voltage or current having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner supplied from the developing device 14 is supplied. The charging device 12 and the cleaning device 16 for cleaning the peripheral surface of the charging device 12 will be described later.

  The exposure device 13 forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with light LB configured according to image information input to the image forming device 1. To do. When a latent image is formed, the exposure device 13 is input to the image forming device 1 by any means, and transmits information (signal) of an image that has been subjected to image processing by an image processing device described later.

  The developing device 14 agitates the developer, a developing roll 141 that holds the developer and transports it to a developing region facing the photosensitive drum 11 inside a housing in which an opening and a developer storage chamber are formed. Two stirring agitators 142 and 143 such as a screw auger that convey the developing roll 141 while passing therethrough, and a layer thickness regulating member 144 that regulates the amount (layer thickness) of the developer held on the developing roll 141 are arranged. It is configured as follows. A developing voltage is supplied to the developing device 14 from a power supply device (not shown) between the developing roll 141 and the photosensitive drum 11. Further, the developing roll 141 and the agitating / conveying members 142 and 143 are rotated in a required direction by receiving power from a rotation driving device (not shown). Further, as the developer, a two-component developer containing a nonmagnetic toner and a magnetic carrier is used. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 145 denotes a developer container that contains a developer containing at least toner to be supplied to the developing device 14, and 146 denotes that the developer contained in the developer container 145 is replenished to the developing device 14. Each of the developer replenishing devices is shown.

  The transfer device 20 is a belt-type transfer device that rotates in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and is supplied with a transfer voltage. This belt-type transfer device 20 is disposed inside a transfer belt 23 that is stretched between a drive roll 21 and a driven roll 22, and is disposed inside the transfer belt 23. And a transfer roll 24 that rotates in contact with the peripheral surface. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roll 24. As the transfer voltage, a DC voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is supplied from a power supply device (not shown).

  The drum cleaning device 15 is disposed so as to come into contact with the container-shaped main body 150 that is partially opened and the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after the transfer with a required pressure, and removes deposits such as residual toner and cleans the drum. A cleaning plate 151 to be rotated, a rotating brush roll 152 disposed so as to rotate in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 11 with respect to the cleaning plate 151, recovered residual toner, and the like The transporting auger 153 and the like for discharging the attached matter to the outside. The cleaning plate 151 is configured as a cleaning blade, for example.

  The fixing device 40 is in contact with a rotating rotator 41 in the form of a roll or belt heated by heating means so that the surface temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and the rotating rotator 41 for heating at a required pressure. And a pressurizing rotating body 42 in the form of a roll that rotates. In the fixing device 40, a contact portion where the heating rotator 41 and the pressing rotator 42 come into contact becomes a fixing processing unit that performs a required fixing process (heating and pressing).

  The paper feeding device 50 is arranged so as to exist at a position below the device housing 1a. The paper feeding device 50 includes a plurality (or a single number) of paper storage bodies 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d for storing recording paper 5 having a desired size and type, and paper storage bodies 51a, 51b, 51c. , 51d, and feeding devices 52, 53 that send out the recording paper 5 one by one. The paper containers 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d are attached so that they can be pulled out, for example, to the front side (side surface on which the user faces during operation) of the housing 1a.

  Between the paper feeding device 50 and the transfer device 20, a plurality of paper conveyance roll pairs 54, 55, and 56 that convey the recording paper 5 delivered from the paper feeding device 50 to the transfer position and a conveyance guide material are provided. A paper transport path 57 is provided. The pair of paper transport rollers 56 disposed at the position immediately before the transfer position in the paper feed transport path 57 is configured, for example, as a roll (registration roll) that adjusts the transport timing of the recording paper 5. Further, on the downstream side of the fixing device 40 along the paper conveyance direction, a switching member (not shown) that switches the conveyance direction of the recording paper 5 and the recording paper 5 whose conveyance direction is switched to one (right side in the figure) by the switching member. A pair of discharge rolls 72 for discharging the recording sheet 5 to the discharge container 71, a pair of reversing rolls 73 for reversing the front and back of the recording paper 5 whose transport direction is switched to the other (downward in the figure) by the switching member, and the front and back are reversed A plurality of paper conveyance roll pairs 74 for conveying the recording paper 5 to the paper conveyance path 57 and a double-sided paper conveyance path 75 constituted by a conveyance guide material are arranged.

<Basic operation of image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, a basic image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  An image forming operation when a monochrome image composed of a black (K) toner image is formed using the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives command information for requesting an image forming operation (printing), the image forming apparatus 10, the transfer apparatus 20, the fixing apparatus 40, and the like are started.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, first, the photosensitive drum 11 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and the charging device 12 sets the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to a required polarity (negative polarity in the first embodiment) and a potential. Charge. Subsequently, the exposure device 13 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with the light LB emitted based on the image signal input to the image forming device 1, and the surface is irradiated with a required potential difference. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  Subsequently, the developing device 14 supplies toner charged to a required polarity (minus polarity) to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 and electrostatically attaches it to perform development. By this development, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is visualized as a toner image developed with toner.

  Subsequently, when the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 of the image forming device 10 is conveyed to the transfer position, the transfer roll 24 of the transfer device 20 records the toner image on the transfer belt 23. 5 is transferred.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 that has completed the transfer, the drum cleaning device 15 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by removing the deposits such as toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 so as to scrape off. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 10 is brought into a state in which the next image forming operation can be performed.

  On the other hand, in the paper feeding device 50, the required recording paper 5 is sent out to the paper feeding conveyance path 57 in accordance with the image forming operation. In the paper feed conveyance path 57, a pair of paper conveyance rolls 56 as registration rolls feeds the recording paper 5 to the transfer position in accordance with the transfer timing.

  Subsequently, the recording paper 5 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 40 by the transfer belt 23. In the fixing device 40, a necessary fixing process (heating and pressing) is performed to fix the unfixed toner image on the paper 5. Finally, the recording paper 5 after the fixing is completed is, for example, in a discharge accommodating portion 71 installed outside the housing 1a by a paper discharge roll pair 72 via a switching member during a normal image forming operation. Discharged.

  In the image forming operation in the duplex mode, the recording sheet 5 after the fixing by the fixing device 40 is reversed by the reverse roll pair 73 via the switching member, and then by the paper transport roll pair 74. The paper is conveyed along the double-sided paper feed conveyance path 75 and conveyed to the transfer position via the paper feed conveyance path 57. Then, the recording paper 5 on which the toner image is transferred to the back surface at the transfer position is subjected to a fixing process by the fixing device 40 and is discharged to the discharge accommodating portion 71 by the paper discharge roll pair 72 via the switching member.

  Through the above operation, the recording paper 5 on which a monochrome image is formed on one side or both sides is output.

<Configuration of cleaning device>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a cleaning device applied to the charging device according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the charging device 12 is formed in a roll shape in which the outer periphery of a cored bar 121 made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum is coated with a conductive layer 122 made of conductive synthetic resin or synthetic rubber. Has been. As the charging roll 12, a filler (filler) is dispersed in a conductive layer 122 formed on the surface or a surface layer (not shown) coated on the surface of the conductive layer 122, and as shown in FIG. In some cases, those having minute irregularities 124a and 124b are used. Further, a required voltage (for example, about −1050 V) is applied to the cored bar 121 of the charging roll 12 by the charging high-voltage power supply 123. The charging roll 12 is driven to rotate along with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11 by being pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown). The charging roll 12 may be configured to be rotationally driven by a driving source (not shown).

  The cleaning device 16 that cleans the surface of the charging roll 12 includes a shaft-shaped member 161 formed in a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape from a rigid material such as a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or a synthetic resin, and an outer periphery of the shaft-shaped member 161. A cleaning brush 160 as an example of a brush member having a large number of fibers 162 electrostatically flocked radially outwardly on the surface is provided. The cleaning brush 160 is disposed so as to be rotated in contact with the surface of a charging roll 12 as an example of a member to be cleaned. The cleaning brush 160 may be configured to be rotationally driven by a driving force transmitted from a driving source (not shown). The fibers 162 to be planted on the cleaning brush 160 are not limited to those by electrostatic flocking, but may be those planted by winding a pile fabric in which fibers are knitted around the outer periphery of the shaft-shaped member 161.

In the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1, after the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the recording paper 5, the drum cleaning device 15 is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned by removing the remaining adhering material such as toner so as to be scraped off. At that time, as shown in FIG. 2, the drum cleaning device 15 has a contact pressure of a cleaning plate (cleaning blade) 151 arranged so as to contact the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after transfer with a required pressure. Depending on various factors such as an external force acting on a driving force transmission mechanism for driving a transfer auger 153 provided at one end of the drum cleaning device 15 along the longitudinal direction of the drum cleaning device 15 In some cases, the body drum 11 may not be uniform along the axial direction. For example, the contact pressure of the cleaning plate 151 is increased at both end portions along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11. Therefore, when the photoconductive layer (photosensitive layer) of the photoconductive drum 11 is worn at both ends along the axial direction and the film thickness of the photoconductive layer at both ends of the photoconductive drum 11 becomes thin, the charging roll The amount of discharge 12 increases, and a large amount of discharge products such as ozone (O ₃ ) and nitrogen oxide (NO _x ) are likely to adhere to both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12.

  Since the discharge product adhering to the peripheral surface of the charging roll 12 is likely to act as a binder, an external additive such as silica released from the toner in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is used to bind the discharge product. To adhere to the surface of the charging roll 12. As a result, both end portions along the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the charging roll 12 where a large amount of discharge generation parts are likely to adhere tend to be easily contaminated by external additives such as silica. The charging roll 12 with an external additive such as silica on the outer peripheral surface has a resistance value higher at the end than at the center, causing a charging failure relatively early and causing streak-like image defects on the print. It's easy to do. Incidentally, in FIG. 5, in the image forming apparatus 1 that does not include the drum cleaning device 15, an image in which the area of the image portion in the A3 size sheet is 5% is continuously printed on the 10,000 A3 size recording sheets 5. The distribution of the resistance value along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 in the case of the above is shown.

  Note that the region of the charging roll 12 to which a deposit made of an external additive such as silica adheres is not limited to both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, but depends on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. There is a case where it is one end portion along the direction or a central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. In this case, the resistance value along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 changes, for example, as shown in the measurement result of FIG. 6 and the schematic diagram of FIG.

  As described above, the deposit made of an external additive such as silica attached to both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 uniformly flocks a single type of fiber on the outer peripheral surface of the conventional shaft-shaped member. It is difficult to remove with a brush roll. In particular, in the case of the charging roll 12 in which the filler is dispersed on the surface and the surface is uneven, it is difficult to remove the adhering substance made of an external additive such as silica adhering to both ends along the axial direction. It is easy to cause.

  More specifically, in the charging roll 12 in which the filler is dispersed on the surface and the surface is uneven, as shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 124 b on the roll surface is selectively in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. A deposit 125 such as an external additive attached to the surface of the body drum 11 is scraped off by the convex portion 124b of the charging roll 12, and as shown in FIG. 8A, on the convex portion 124b of the surface of the charging roll 12. Aggregates and accumulates. Further, the convex portion 124b on the surface of the charging roll 12 is pressed by contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the aggregate composed of the adhering material 125 such as an external additive is easily firmly fixed to the convex portion 124b. In severe cases, filming occurs in which the aggregates adhere to the film.

  On the other hand, since the concave portion 124a on the surface of the charging roll 12 does not come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, the deposit 125 such as an external additive is hardly transferred and adhered directly from the photosensitive drum 11. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, there is a tendency that a part of the adhering matter 125 grown on the convex portion 124b on the surface of the charging roll 12 breaks down to become an aggregate piece 126 and falls into the concave portion 124a and accumulates. . Since the aggregated pieces 126 accumulated in the recesses 124a are not rubbed by the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, the adhesion force of the aggregated pieces 126 to the recesses 124a is not as strong as the convex portions 124b.

  Therefore, it is desirable that the cleaning brush 160 for cleaning the surface of the charging roll 12 has a large force for scraping off the adhering matter 125 attached to the convex portion 124b having a strong adhesive force, and the aggregate 126 accumulated in the concave portion 124a having a weak adhesive force. The power to scrape off may be weak. Further, if the force to scrape the convex portion 124b of the charging roll 12 is weak, it becomes difficult to scrape the deposit 125 attached to the convex portion 124b, while the concave portion 124a has an excessive scraping force. In contrast, the aggregate 126 is rubbed against the recess 124a.

  Thus, the convex portion 124b and the concave portion 124a on the surface of the charging roll 12 are different in pressure (scraping force) suitable for cleaning, and the concave portion 124a is preferably smaller than the convex portion 124b. Further, the convex portion 124b of the charging roll 12 can be removed regardless of the size (thickness) of the contact (fiber) of the cleaning brush 160 even if the scraping force is set large because the cleaning brush 160 contacts. Is possible. On the other hand, if the size (thickness) of the contact (fiber) of the cleaning brush 160 is larger than the area of the recess 124a, it is difficult for the contact to enter the recess 124a. It cannot be removed effectively. Therefore, the preferred size of the contact (fiber) of the cleaning brush 160 differs between the convex portion 124b and the concave portion 124a of the charging roll 12, and the concave portion 124a is desirably small.

  Further, as described above, the adhesion amount of the adhering substance 125 such as an external additive on the surface of the charging roll 12 is relatively large at both ends along the axial direction, and relatively at the center along the axial direction. There are few. For this reason, in the central portion 12a of the charging roll 12 to which the adherent 125 such as the external additive is relatively difficult to adhere, the adherent 125 such as the external additive first adheres to the convex portion 124b that is agglomerated and grown. Since the speed is slow, cleaning with an appropriate pressure (relatively high pressure) can remove the aggregate 126 of the adhering material adhering to the convex portion 124b before it falls into the concave portion 124a. There is little need to deal with the aggregates 126 of the deposits deposited in the recesses 124a.

  On the other hand, since both the end portions 12b and 12c along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 are likely to be attached with the attached matter 125 such as the external additive, the attached matter 125 such as the external additive is attached and deposited on the convex portion 124b. The speed is very high, and even if cleaning is performed with a scraping force (pressure) suitable for the convex portion 124b, the cleaning speed does not catch up, and as shown in FIG. 8B, the deposit 125 grown on the convex portion 124b In many cases, the aggregated pieces 126 fall and accumulate in the recesses 124a. Therefore, at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, it is necessary to consider not only the convex portion 124b but also the cleaning force for the concave portion 124a.

  Since the conventional cleaning apparatus does not consider the contamination characteristics of the surface of the charging roll 12 described above, the charging roll 12 having unevenness on the surface has an outer surface that accumulates on the convex portions 124b and the concave portions 124a at the end portions along the axial direction. The deposits 125 and 126 such as additives are difficult to remove, and the occurrence of poor charging tends to be a problem.

  Therefore, in the cleaning device 16 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a first type in which a plurality of types of fibers are implanted in the end portions 16 b and 16 c corresponding to both end portions along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. While providing the area | region 163, it has comprised so that the 2nd area | region 164 which planted a single kind of fiber in the center part 16a along the axial direction may be provided.

  More specifically, the cleaning brush 160 of the cleaning device 16 according to the present embodiment includes a first region 163 in which both ends 16b and 16c along the longitudinal direction are planted with two types of fibers having different thicknesses, and a central portion. 16a consists of the 2nd area | region 164 which planted the fiber which is relatively thick among two types of fibers from which thickness differs.

  In the first region 163 of the cleaning brush 160, two types of fibers 162 having different thicknesses are planted in an annular shape inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the charging roll 12, and the cleaning brush 160 is 1 A first annular portion 165 in which relatively thick fibers are implanted when rotated and a second annular portion 166 in which relatively thin fibers are implanted have at least one end along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. The times are set to touch.

The fibers 162 of the cleaning brush 160 have, for example, conductivity whose volume resistivity is adjusted by spinning a synthetic resin such as nylon, acrylic, rayon or polyester in which a conductive material such as carbon black is dispersed. Synthetic resin fibers are used. In this embodiment, nylon fibers in which carbon black is dispersed are used. The volume resistivity of the conductive fiber 162 is set to 10 ³ to 10 ¹⁰ Ω · cm, for example. In addition, as a fiber of the cleaning brush 160, it is not limited to a conductive fiber, You may use the insulating fiber which does not have electroconductivity.

Moreover, the length of the fiber 162 is set to about 0.5 to 2.0 mm, for example. In this embodiment, conductive fibers 162 having a length (pile length) of 0.8 mm are used. In addition, the flocking density of the conductive fibers 162 is often set relatively densely, for example, about 5 to 1,000,000 / inch ^2, but is not limited thereto.

  The thickness of the fibers to be planted in the first region 163 is set to 6d (denier) for relatively thick fibers and 0.8d for relatively thin fibers, for example. The thickness of the fibers 162 to be planted in the first region 163 is not limited to this, and may be set to other thicknesses. Moreover, the thickness of the fiber planted in the 2nd area | region 164 is set to 6d relatively thick among two types of fibers, for example. The thickness of the fibers 162 to be implanted in the first region 163 and the second region 164 is not limited to this, and may be set to other thicknesses.

<Operation of Characteristic Part of Image Forming Apparatus>
As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the command information for requesting the image forming operation (printing), the image forming apparatus 10, the transfer apparatus 20, the fixing apparatus 40, and the like are started.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photosensitive drum 11 first rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and the charging roll 12 moves the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to a required polarity ( In Embodiment Mode 1, it is charged with a negative polarity) and a potential.

  Since the charging roll 12 is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, the surface of the charging roll 12 adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer residual toner or toner outside the toner that has passed through the drum cleaning device 15. The deposit 125 such as an additive is transferred and adhered. This phenomenon occurs particularly remarkably in an image forming apparatus that employs a cleaner-less system that does not include the drum cleaning device 15.

  Meanwhile, a cleaning device 16 for the charging device is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the charging roll 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning device 16 includes a cylindrical cleaning brush 160 in which conductive fibers 162 are implanted. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, first regions 163 made of two types of fibers having different thicknesses are provided at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160.

  In the case where the charging roll 12 has fillers dispersed on the surface and has irregularities 124a and 124b, the convex part 124b on the roll surface comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 as shown in FIG. An attached matter 125 such as an external additive attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is scraped off by the convex portion 124b of the charging roll 12, and aggregates and accumulates on the convex portion 124b of the surface of the charging roll 12. Further, the convex portion 124b on the surface of the charging roll 12 is pressed by contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the aggregate 125 made of an adhering substance such as an external additive is easily firmly fixed to the convex portion 124b. In severe cases, filming is likely to occur in which the aggregates adhere to the film.

  By the way, since the cleaning brush 160 has two types of fibers 162 having different thicknesses planted at positions corresponding to both end portions along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, the cleaning brush 160 is formed on the convex portion 124b on the surface of the charging roll 12. The adhering material 125 that has aggregated and accumulated is scraped off by the annular portion 165 in which the relatively thick fibers 162a of the cleaning brush 160 are planted. Further, the adhering material 125 grown on the convex portion 124b on the surface of the charging roll 12 is broken into pieces and deposited in the concave portion 124a. The aggregated piece 126 of the cleaning brush 160 is formed by the annular portion 166 in which relatively thin fibers are planted. , Fine fibers enter the recess 124a and are scraped off. Therefore, the protrusions 124 b and the deposits 125 and the aggregates 126 attached to the both ends of the surface of the charging roll 12 are effectively cleaned by the first region 163 of the cleaning brush 160.

  On the other hand, in a position corresponding to the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, a second region 164 in which relatively thick fibers are planted out of two types of fibers 162 having different thicknesses is provided. . Therefore, the adhering matter 125 adhered to the central portion where the amount of adhesion is small compared to both end portions along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 is caused by the second region 164 in which relatively thick fibers are planted. By applying a relatively large scraping force to the surface, the surface is scraped before agglomerating on the convex portion 124b on the surface of the charging roll 12.

  Therefore, by using the cleaning brush 160 according to this embodiment, the surface of the charging roll 12 can be effectively cleaned according to its contamination characteristics, and good charging characteristics can be maintained over a long period of time. It becomes.

Experimental Example Next, in order to confirm the effect of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment, the present inventor prototyped a bench model including the image forming device 10 as shown in FIG. A first region 163 in which two types of nylon fibers of 6d and 0.8d having different thicknesses are planted at both ends along the axial direction as shown in FIG. 9 as the cleaning brush 160, and a center along the axial direction Among the two types of fibers having different thicknesses, a portion having a second region 164 in which a relatively thick 6d nylon fiber is planted is used, and a charging voltage of −1050 V is applied to the charging roll 12. An experiment for confirming the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12 was conducted. The image forming apparatus 10 formed 10,000 images on the A3 size recording paper 5 with an image area of 5% in the A3 size paper.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing results of experimental examples.

  As can be seen from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to the first embodiment is used, the adhering matter 125 such as an external additive of the toner is present at both ends and the central portion along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160. Was found to be well cleaned without agglomeration and accumulation.

Comparative Example 1
As Comparative Example 1, a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 6d are planted over the entire area along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 is applied, a charging voltage of −1050 V is applied to the charging roll 12, and the surface of the charging roll 12 An experiment was conducted to confirm the cleaning condition.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 1 as well.

  As is apparent from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 1 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the concave portions 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, and cleaning is performed. A defect occurred. On the other hand, it was found that deposits such as external additives do not accumulate in the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 and can be cleaned well.

Comparative Example 2
As Comparative Example 2, a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8 d are planted over the entire area along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, a charging voltage of −1050 V is applied to the charging roll 12, and the charging roll An experiment was conducted to confirm the cleaning condition of the 12 surfaces.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 2.

  As is apparent from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 2 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, A cleaning failure occurred. Further, it has been found that deposits such as external additives accumulate on the central portion of the charging roll 12 along the axial direction, resulting in poor cleaning.

Comparative Example 3
As Comparative Example 3, using a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8d are planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 and nylon fibers having a thickness of 6d are planted in the center, An experiment was performed in which a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the roll 12 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 3 as well.

  As is apparent from FIG. 10, when the cleaning member 160 according to Comparative Example 3 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, A cleaning failure occurred. On the other hand, it was found that deposits such as external additives do not accumulate in the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 and can be cleaned well.

Comparative Example 4
As Comparative Example 4, using a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 6d are planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 and nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8d are planted in the center, An experiment was performed in which a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the roll 12 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 4 as well.

  As is clear from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 4 is used, aggregated pieces of deposits such as external additives are accumulated in the concave portions 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. Inadequate cleaning occurred. In addition, it was found that in the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124 b of the charging roll 12, resulting in poor cleaning.

Comparative Example 5
As Comparative Example 5, a cleaning brush in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 6d are planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 and two types of nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8d and 6d are planted in the center portion. An experiment was conducted in which a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 using 160 and the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12 was confirmed.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 5 as well.

  As can be seen from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 5 is used, aggregates of adhering substances such as external additives accumulate in the concave portions 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. Inadequate cleaning occurred. In addition, the central concave portion 124a along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 has no deposit 126 unlike the concave portion 124a at the end. There is no problem when scraping with the cleaning brush 160 including relatively thin fibers in the state where the deposits 126 are in the recesses 124a, but in the state where the deposits 126 are not in the recesses 124a, the fibers are used for a long time. It has been found that the external additive adhering to the film is rubbed against the recesses 124a by relatively thin fibers and filming is likely to occur, resulting in a deterioration in the cleaning properties of the recesses 124a located at the center.

Comparative Example 6
As Comparative Example 6, a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8d are planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 and nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8d and 6d are planted in the central portion. In this experiment, a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 6 as well.

  As is apparent from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 6 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, A cleaning failure occurred. In addition, the central concave portion 124a along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 has no deposit 126 unlike the concave portion 124a at the end. There is no problem when scraping with the cleaning brush 160 including relatively thin fibers in the state where the deposits 126 are in the recesses 124a, but in the state where the deposits 126 are not in the recesses 124a, the fibers are used for a long time. It has been found that the external additive adhering to the film is rubbed against the recesses 124a by relatively thin fibers and filming is likely to occur, resulting in a deterioration in the cleaning properties of the recesses 124a located at the center.

Comparative Example 7
As Comparative Example 7, a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a thickness of 0.8 and 6d are planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, and a nylon fiber having a thickness of 0.8d is planted in the center. In this experiment, a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 7 as well.

  As can be seen from FIG. 10, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 7 is used, deposits such as external additives are not deposited on both end portions along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, which is good. I was able to clean it. On the other hand, it was found that deposits such as external additives were deposited on the convex portions 124b of the charging roll 12 at the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, resulting in poor cleaning.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 11: is a schematic block diagram which shows the cleaning member of the cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (a), the cleaning brush 160 includes a strip-shaped portion 167 in which relatively thick fibers are planted along a longitudinal direction (axial direction) thereof, and a strip-shaped portion in which relatively thin fibers are planted. 168 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction.

  Further, in the cleaning brush 160 shown in FIG. 11B, the band-shaped portion 167 in which relatively thick fibers are planted and the band-shaped portion 168 in which relatively thin fibers are planted are not only in the circumferential direction but also in the axial direction. It is comprised so that it may arrange | position alternately.

  As described above, the belt-shaped portions 167 in which relatively thick fibers are planted along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 and the strip-shaped portions 168 in which relatively thin fibers are planted are alternately arranged, so that the charging roll 12 Both end portions can be effectively cleaned with relatively thick fibers and relatively thin fibers.

Embodiment 3
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cleaning member of a cleaning device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  This cleaning brush 160 includes first regions 163 made of two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at both end portions along the longitudinal direction, and has a large Young's modulus among the two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at the central portion 164. It is comprised so that the 2nd area | region 164 consisting of a fiber may be provided.

  More specifically, in the cleaning brush 160, two types of fibers having different Young's moduli are each planted in an annular shape inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, and a fiber having a relatively high Young's modulus when the cleaning brush 160 makes one rotation. The annular portion 169 in which the fibers are implanted and the annular portion 170 in which fibers having a relatively low Young's modulus are implanted are in contact with the end portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 at least once.

As the fiber having a relatively high Young's modulus, for example, an acrylic fiber having a Young's modulus of 250 to 600 kg / mm ² is used, and as the fiber having a relatively low Young's modulus, for example, 80 to 300 kg / mm A nylon fiber having a Young's modulus of ² is used.

  In this embodiment, an acrylic fiber having a thickness of 2d is used as a fiber having a relatively high Young's modulus, and a nylon fiber having a thickness of 0.8d is used as a fiber having a relatively low Young's modulus. Used. In addition, the length (pile length) of any fiber was set to 1.5 mm. In the present embodiment, the fiber thickness is changed together with the fiber material, but only the fiber material may be changed to set the fiber thickness to the same value.

  As described above, the cleaning brush 160 uses two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at both ends thereof, so that an external additive or the like deposited on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 is attached. The kimono 125 can be effectively removed by acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus, and an additive such as an external additive attached to the concave portions 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 can be used. The agglomerated pieces 126 of the kimono can be effectively removed by the nylon fibers having a relatively low Young's modulus being bent and deformed and entering the recesses 124a.

Experimental Example Next, in order to confirm the effect of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment, the present inventor prototyped a bench model including the image forming device 10 as shown in FIG. A first region 163 in which nylon fibers and acrylic fibers are planted as two types of fibers having different Young's modulus at both ends along the axial direction as shown in FIG. 12 as the cleaning brush 160, and along the axial direction. The surface of the charging roll 12 is cleaned by applying a charging voltage of −1050 V to the charging roll 12 using a second area 164 in which acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus are planted. An experiment was conducted to confirm the state. The image forming apparatus 10 formed 10,000 images on the A3 size recording paper 5 with an image area of 5% in the A3 size paper.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing results of experimental examples.

  As can be seen from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to the second embodiment is used, the adhering matter 125 such as an external additive of the toner is present at both ends and the center along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160. Was found to be well cleaned without agglomeration and accumulation.

Comparative Example 1
As Comparative Example 1, using a cleaning brush 160 in which acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus are planted over the entire area along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, a charging voltage of −1050 V is applied to the charging roll 12, An experiment was conducted to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 1 as well.

  As is apparent from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 1 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the concave portions 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, and cleaning is performed. A defect occurred. On the other hand, it was found that deposits such as external additives do not accumulate in the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 and can be cleaned well.

Comparative Example 2
As Comparative Example 2, using a cleaning brush 160 in which fibers made of nylon having a relatively low Young's modulus are planted over the entire region along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, a charging voltage of −1050 V is applied to the charging roll 12, An experiment was conducted to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 2 as well.

  As is apparent from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 2 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, A cleaning failure occurred. Further, it has been found that deposits such as external additives accumulate on the central portion of the charging roll 12 along the axial direction, resulting in poor cleaning.

Comparative Example 3
As Comparative Example 3, the cleaning was carried out by implanting nylon fibers having a relatively low Young's modulus at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 and implanting acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus at the center. An experiment was performed in which a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 using the brush 160 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 3 as well.

  As is apparent from FIG. 13, when the cleaning member 160 according to Comparative Example 3 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, A cleaning failure occurred. On the other hand, it was found that deposits such as external additives do not accumulate in the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 and can be cleaned well.

Comparative Example 4
As Comparative Example 4, cleaning was performed by implanting acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, and implanting nylon fibers having a relatively low Young's modulus at the center. An experiment was performed in which a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 using the brush 160 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 4 as well.

  As can be seen from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 4 is used, aggregates of adhering substances such as external additives accumulate in the concave portions 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. Inadequate cleaning occurred. In addition, it was found that in the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124 b of the charging roll 12, resulting in poor cleaning.

Comparative Example 5
As Comparative Example 5, acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus are planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, and acrylic fibers having a relatively high Young's modulus and relatively Using a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a low Young's modulus were planted, a charging voltage of -1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 5 as well.

  As can be seen from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 5 is used, aggregates of adhering substances such as external additives accumulate in the recesses 124a at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12. Inadequate cleaning occurred. In addition, the central concave portion 124a along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 has no deposit 126 unlike the concave portion 124a at the end. There is no problem when scraping with a cleaning brush 160 having a relatively low Young's modulus nylon and a thin 0.8d in a state where the deposit 126 is present in the recess 124a, but in a state where the deposit 126 is not present in the recess 124a, there is no problem for a long time. When used, the external additive adhering to the fiber is rubbed against the recess 124a by nylon having a relatively low Young's modulus and a thin 0.8d fiber, and filming is likely to occur, and is located in the center. It has been found that the cleaning performance of the recess 124a is deteriorated.

Comparative Example 6
As Comparative Example 6, a nylon fiber having a relatively low Young's modulus is planted at both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160, and an acrylic fiber having a relatively high Young's modulus is relatively placed in the central portion. Using a cleaning brush 160 in which nylon fibers having a low Young's modulus were planted, a charging voltage of -1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 to confirm the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 6 as well.

  As is clear from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 6 is used, deposits such as external additives accumulate on the convex portions 124b at both ends along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, A cleaning failure occurred. In addition, the central concave portion 124a along the axial direction of the charging roll 12 has no deposit 126 unlike the concave portion 124a at the end. There is no problem when scraping with a cleaning brush 160 having a relatively low Young's modulus nylon and a thin 0.8d in a state where the deposit 126 is present in the recess 124a, but in a state where the deposit 126 is not present in the recess 124a, there is no problem for a long time. When used, the external additive adhering to the fiber is rubbed against the recess 124a by nylon having a relatively low Young's modulus and a thin 0.8d fiber, and filming is likely to occur, and is located in the center. It has been found that the cleaning performance of the recess 124a is deteriorated.

Comparative Example 7
As Comparative Example 7, both ends along the axial direction of the cleaning brush 160 were planted with acrylic fibers having a high Young's modulus and nylon fibers having a relatively low Young's modulus, and the Young's modulus was relatively high at the center. Using a cleaning brush 160 in which low nylon fibers were planted, a charging voltage of −1050 V was applied to the charging roll 12 to perform an experiment for confirming the cleaning state of the surface of the charging roll 12.

  FIG. 13 is a chart showing the results of Comparative Example 7 as well.

  As can be seen from FIG. 13, when the cleaning brush 160 according to Comparative Example 7 is used, deposits such as external additives are not deposited on both end portions along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, which is good. I was able to clean it. On the other hand, it was found that deposits such as external additives were deposited on the convex portions 124b of the charging roll 12 at the central portion along the axial direction of the charging roll 12, resulting in poor cleaning.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 2 ... Image forming part 11 ... Photosensitive drum 12 ... Charging roll 16 ... Cleaning apparatus 160 ... Cleaning brush 161 ... Shaft-shaped member 162 ... Fiber 16b, 16c ... Both ends 16a of cleaning brush ... Center of cleaning brush Part

Claims (5)

E Bei a first region obtained by flocking a plurality of types of fibers along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member, the brush member having a second region flocked single type of fiber,
The brush member is made of two types of fibers having different thicknesses at least one end along the longitudinal direction, and the center portion is made of a relatively thick fiber among the two types of fibers having different thicknesses. A cleaning device characterized by. A brush member having a first region in which a plurality of types of fibers are implanted along the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned, and a second region in which a single type of fibers is implanted;
The brush member is composed of two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at least one end along the longitudinal direction, and a fiber having a relatively large Young's modulus among the two types of fibers having different Young's moduli at the center. A cleaning device comprising: The plurality of types of fibers are each planted in an annular shape inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned, and when the brush member rotates once, the annular portion in which the one type of fiber is implanted and the other The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the annular portion in which the types of fibers are planted contacts at least once with an end portion along the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned. The plurality of types of fibers are each planted in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the member to be cleaned, and the strip-shaped portion in which the one type of fiber is planted, and the strip-shaped portion in which the other type of fiber is planted Are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction, the cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2 . An image carrier,
Roll-shaped charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier;
A cleaning unit disposed to contact the charging unit and cleaning a peripheral surface of the charging unit;
An image forming apparatus using the cleaning device according to claim 1 as the cleaning unit.

Images