JP6552652B2 - Cleaning device and image forming apparatus provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a transmitting member that transmits light, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine including the same.

  Conventionally, an apparatus including a transmitting member that transmits light includes a cleaning device for cleaning dirt on the transmitting member. For example, the light irradiation opening of the light irradiation unit may be configured to prevent foreign matter such as toner and dust scattering in the apparatus from irradiating the light to the photosensitive member in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A transmissive member such as a cover glass that transmits light was provided, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the transmissive member was provided.

  In Patent Document 1, the cleaning member that contacts the transmissive member is reciprocated by attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the apparatus main body so that the foreign matter adhered to the transmissive member does not cause a decrease in image density or an image loss. An arrangement is disclosed for removing foreign objects. Moreover, in patent document 1, it has the structure which switches the position of a cleaning member so that the foreign material adhering to the cleaning member may adhere to a transmission member again when a transmission member is cleaned, and a transmission member is not soiled. Specifically, in the forward path (when the cartridge is inserted), the cleaning member is brought into contact with the transparent member to clean the transparent member, and in the return path (when the cartridge is pulled out), the cleaning member is separated from the transparent member to clean the transparent member. The cleaning member is returned to the cleaning start position without any problems.

JP 2008-242432 A

  By switching the position of the cleaning member, the present invention suppresses that the foreign material attached to the cleaning member again adheres to the transmission member when the transmission member is cleaned, and contaminates the transmission member. The object is to further develop a mechanism for switching positions.

The present invention is an apparatus main body capable of attaching and detaching a cartridge which is a replacement part, a transparent member transmitting light, and a cleaning unit which abuts on the transparent member to clean the transparent member. In the image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, the cleaning unit is configured to swing. A pivoting member supported movably, and first and second cleaning portions provided on the pivoting member and capable of being in contact with the transmitting member, and provided on the pivoting member; (2) a surface of a component other than the cleaning unit, the first and second abutments abutting on the transmission member, and the swinging member causes the first abutments to abut on the transmission member; The first cleaning unit in the transparent member A first position at which the second abutting surface and the second cleaning portion are separated from the transmitting member, and the second abutting surface abuts on the transmitting member, thereby causing the first cleaning from the transmitting member. And the first abutment face are separated and the second cleaning portion is movable to a second position where the second cleaning portion abuts the transmitting member, the cleaning unit being movable when the swinging member is in the first position The cleaning unit is configured to move in the second direction when moving in the first direction and the swing member is in the second position , and the cartridge is pushed and moved by the mounting and demounting operation of the cartridge. The cleaning unit is further pressed by the cartridge in a state in which the movement is restricted by the stopper provided on the apparatus main body, whereby the swinging member is moved from the first position or the second position to the second position. Or wherein the movement to the first position.

  According to the present invention, by switching the position of the cleaning member, it is possible to prevent foreign matters attached to the cleaning member from adhering to the transmission member again when the transmission member is cleaned, and to prevent the transmission member from becoming dirty. A mechanism for switching the position of the member can be further developed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. Sectional drawing of the cartridge vicinity inserted in the apparatus main body. FIG. (A) The perspective view of a cleaning unit, (b) The perspective view of a cleaning unit. (A) Side view and bottom view of swing member, (a) Side view and bottom view of switching unit. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) Enlarged view of switching unit, (b) Enlarged view of switching unit, (c) Enlarged view of switching unit. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning unit from + X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning unit from + X direction. (A) Enlarged view of switching unit, (b) Enlarged view of switching unit, (c) Enlarged view of switching unit, (d) Enlarged view of switching unit. Sectional drawing of the cartridge vicinity with which the apparatus main body was mounted | worn. Sectional drawing which looked at the cover glass and the cleaning unit in + Z direction. The figure which looked at the cover glass and the cleaning unit from + X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cover glass and the cleaning unit from + X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cover glass and the cleaning unit from + X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cover glass and the cleaning unit from + X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cover glass and the cleaning unit from + X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The side view which opened the front door of the apparatus main body, and inserted the cartridge in the insertion guide, (b) The side view which closed the front door of the apparatus main body and set the cartridge to the image formation position. Sectional drawing of the cartridge vicinity with which the apparatus main body was mounted | worn. (A) Perspective view of cleaning unit, (a) Side view and bottom view of swing member. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning mechanism from -X direction. (A) The figure which looked at the cleaning unit from + X direction, (b) The figure which looked at the cleaning unit from + X direction.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, when the direction and the like are described with respect to the apparatus, the description will be made on the basis of three directions of X, Y, and Z that are orthogonal to each other as a common direction. In the description of the present embodiment, the direction of the arrow in each direction is described as the + (plus) direction and the opposite direction as the-(minus) direction.

[Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
The present embodiment is an image forming apparatus 100 as a color laser beam printer, and the general configuration thereof will be outlined first. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 mainly includes an optical unit 3, a feeding device 13, a fixing unit 14, and a secondary transfer unit 15. In the image forming apparatus 100, four cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are detachably mounted. Each cartridge 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) includes a photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) as a photosensitive member, a developing unit 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), and a cleaner unit 5 ( 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are one unitized replacement part. The respective cartridges 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) are charging roller 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) which are process means acting on the corresponding photosensitive drum 1, and developing rollers 24 (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) and the cleaning blade 8 (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) are so-called process cartridges that are integrally supported.

  These four cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d differ in that they contain toners of different colors, that is, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) toners. , The other structure is the same. Therefore, when describing the common configuration and the like of each cartridge 7, the symbols a, b, c, d and the like are omitted, and simply described as "developing unit 4" and described as a representative.

  In the cartridge 7, the photosensitive drum 1 rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise direction) in FIG. 1, and the photosensitive drum 1 rotates with the cartridge 7 mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body 100). The axis is parallel to the Z direction. In the cartridge 7, around the photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2, a developing roller 24, and a cleaning blade 8 are disposed in order according to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The cartridge 7 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100 by being inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body 100 in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

  The developing units 4 (4a to 4d), which are developing means, have developing rollers 24 (24a to 24d) and developer applying rollers 25 (25a to 25d), and accommodate the toner in the frame thereof. .

  The cleaner unit 5 (5a to 5d) has a charging roller 2 (2a to 2d) and a cleaning blade 8 (8a to 8d), and was scraped off from the photosensitive drum 1 (on the photosensitive member) by the cleaning blade 8. It can contain toner. The charging roller 2 is a conductive roller 2 formed in a roller shape. The photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier is configured by applying an organic photoconductive layer (OPC) to the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylinder.

  The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported at its both ends by the frame of the cleaner unit 5, and transmits the driving force from a driving motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100 at one end. By this, it is rotationally driven in the arrow direction (clockwise direction) in FIG.

  The configuration of the cartridge 7 is not limited to the above configuration. That is, the cartridge 7 may be provided with at least one of the photosensitive drum 1 and the process means (the charging roller 2, the developing roller 24, the cleaning blade 8) acting on the photosensitive drum 1. Further, the cartridge 7 may include only the developing unit 4 and / or the cleaner unit 5 without including the photosensitive drum 1.

  The optical unit 3 as light irradiation means is provided below the cartridge 7 and is a scanner provided with a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror and other mirrors, and an imaging member such as a lens in the housing 33 thereof. is there. The optical unit 3 deflects laser light emitted from a laser light source with a polygon mirror, irradiates the laser light onto the photosensitive drum 1 through a mirror or a lens, and performs scanning based on image information.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 12 is disposed above each cartridge 7. The intermediate transfer belt 12e is stretched around a driving roller 12f and a tension roller 12g, and the tension roller 12g applies tension in the direction of arrow H. The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e rotates in the direction of arrow I in FIG. In the intermediate transfer belt unit 12, primary transfer rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d disposed opposite to the respective photosensitive drums 1 are disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 12e. Each of the photosensitive drums 1 and the primary transfer rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d and the intermediate transfer belt 12e are sandwiched to form primary transfer portions. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 12e is sandwiched between the driving roller 12f and the secondary transfer roller 16 to form the secondary transfer portion 15, respectively.

  The feeding device 13 has a feeding roller 9 for feeding the sheet S from the inside of a feeding cassette 11 for storing the sheet S, and a transport roller pair 10 for transporting the fed sheet S. The feeding cassette 11 is configured to be able to be pulled out toward the front of the main body (in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1) in FIG. 1, and the user pulls out the feeding cassette 11 and removes the sheet S from the apparatus main body. Sheet feeding is completed by setting and inserting into the apparatus main body.

  The fixing device 14 is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer unit 15 with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The fixing device 14 includes a rotating fixing film 14a, a fixing roller 14b, and a heater 14c provided inside the fixing film 14a. By these, a fixing nip portion N that sandwiches and conveys the conveyed sheet S is provided. It is formed.

  Image formation on the sheet (recording material) S is performed by executing the steps described below while the photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven.

  The charging roller 2 is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by applying a charging bias voltage by a power source (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100 (charging step) .

  The optical unit 3 disposed below the cartridge 7 irradiates laser light on the photosensitive drum whose surface is charged by the charging roller 2 based on the image signal, and electrostatic latent corresponding to the image signal is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. Form an image (exposure step). As described above, after the photosensitive drum 1 is charged to a predetermined negative potential by the charging roller 2 in the charging step, electrostatic latent images are formed by the optical unit 3 in the exposure step.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is attached with negative polarity toner by the developing roller 24. As a result, Y, M, C, and Bk toner images are formed on the respective photosensitive drums 7.

  Next, while each photosensitive drum 1 is rotating in the arrow direction and the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e is rotating in the arrow I direction, a positive bias is applied to the primary transfer rollers 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d. . As a result, the toner image on each photosensitive drum 1 is primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e (primary transfer step). At this time, the toner images are sequentially transferred in the order of the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d so that the toner images on the respective photosensitive drums 1 overlap on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e to form four color toner images. The The four color toner images thus obtained are conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 15 by the rotation of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e.

  The sheets S stored in the feeding cassette 11 are brought into pressure contact with the feeding roller 9, separated and conveyed one by one by the separation pad 23 (this is referred to as a friction piece separation system). Then, the sheet S conveyed from the feeding device 13 is conveyed by the registration roller pair 17 to the secondary transfer portion 15 in timing with the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 12 e. In the secondary transfer portion 15, by applying a bias of positive polarity to the secondary transfer roller 16, the toner image of four colors on the intermediate transfer belt 12e is secondarily transferred onto the conveyed sheet S (secondary transfer (secondary transfer) Process).

  Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to a fixing nip N in the fixing device 14. The sheet S is heated by the heat of the heater 14c while being nipped and pressed between the fixing film 14a and the fixing roller 14b at the fixing nip portion N, and the unfixed toner image on the sheet S is fixed on the sheet S Ru. The sheet S having passed through the fixing unit 14 is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 121 by the sheet discharge roller pair 120.

  On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer is scraped off by the cleaning blade 8 and collected in the cleaner unit 5. Further, the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 e after the secondary transfer is scraped off by the belt cleaning device 122 and collected into a waste toner collection container (not shown) in the apparatus main body 100.

[Cleaning mechanism of cover glass 31]
Next, the cleaning mechanism of the cover glass 31 provided in the optical unit 3 will be described. In the following description, a cleaning mechanism corresponding to one cartridge 7 will be described, but the same cleaning mechanism is also provided for the other cartridges 7. That is, in the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of cartridges (photosensitive members) are present, and a plurality of cleaning mechanisms corresponding thereto are also present.

  Here, in Patent Document 1, the cleaning member cleans the transmission member only in the forward path (when the cartridge is inserted) and cleans the return path (when the cartridge is pulled out) so that the foreign matter attached to the cleaning member does not adhere to the transmission member again. It is not a configuration. However, with such a configuration, the frequency of cleaning with respect to the number of movements of the cleaning member is low, and there is a possibility that the transmission member cannot be sufficiently cleaned.

  In particular, in recent years, the amount of cooling air blown in the apparatus tends to increase in order to suppress the temperature rise in the apparatus accompanying the increase in image forming speed, and foreign matters such as toner and dust are likely to be scattered in the apparatus. And the transmitting member is more easily soiled. In addition, depending on the arrangement of the light irradiation means in the device, the shape of the cartridge, and the direction of the air flow in the device, the transmitting member may be easily soiled even if the air flow rate is not large.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the frequency of cleaning of the cleaning member. As one of the methods, it can be considered that the cleaning member is brought into contact with the transmission member in the forward path and the return path. However, when the cleaning member is simply brought into contact with the forward and backward paths, as described above, the foreign matter attached to the cleaning member in the forward path may adhere to the transmissive member on the return path, which may contaminate the transmissive member. .

  Further, as another method for increasing the cleaning frequency, it is conceivable to increase the number of movements of the cleaning member. However, in the case of the configuration in which the movement of the cleaning member is performed in relation to the movement of other parts (for example, a cartridge) other than the cleaning member, the movement frequency of the cleaning member depends on the movement frequency of the other parts, It is difficult to increase only the movement frequency of the cleaning member alone. Further, even when there is a dedicated operation for moving the cleaning member, there is a problem caused by increasing the frequency of the operation. For example, in order to move the cleaning member, the period during which image formation can not be performed increases, or when the user or service person performs operations, the load on the user or service person increases.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cleaning member with respect to the number of times of movement of the cleaning member is suppressed while foreign substances adhering to the cleaning member when cleaning the transmission member are attached again on the transmission member and contaminating the transmission member. Increase the frequency of cleaning

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of one cartridge 7 attached to the apparatus main body 100 as viewed in the + Z direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge 7 inserted into the apparatus main body 100. In FIG. 3, the description of the developing unit 4 is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

  The optical unit 3 is disposed vertically below the cartridge 7. The laser light L emitted from the opening 33c of the housing 33 of the optical unit 3 passes through the opening 30 and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 1. In the optical unit 3, the opening 33 c of the housing 33 is provided with a cover glass 31 as a transmission member that blocks the opening 33 c while allowing the laser light L to pass therethrough. The cover glass 31 prevents foreign matter such as toner and paper dust from entering the housing 33 of the optical unit 3, and does not stain a mirror, a lens, etc. (not shown) inside the housing 33 of the optical unit 3. It is like that.

  The main body 100 of the image forming apparatus includes a sheet metal stay member 32 that forms a main body skeleton that partitions the cartridge 7 and the optical unit 3. An opening 30 for irradiating the photosensitive drum 1 with the laser beam L transmitted through the cover glass 31 of the optical unit 3 is provided in the stay member 32 at a position facing the cover glass 31.

  The stay member 32 supports the insertion guide 21 serving as a guide when the cartridge 7 is inserted and removed at a position adjacent to the opening 31. When the user inserts the cartridge 7 into the apparatus main body 100, the cartridge 7 is moved in the + Z direction (main scanning direction) by guiding the insertion rib 22 integrally formed on the cleaner unit 5 of the cartridge 7 with the insertion guide 21. Make it inserted.

  The insertion guide 21 is moved up and down in conjunction with an opening / closing cover that is opened and closed for attaching and detaching the cartridge. This configuration will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 19 shows an operation explanation when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. FIG. 19 (a) shows the operation for slidingly mounting the cartridge 7 from the apparatus main body 100, and FIG. 19 (b) shows the state where the cartridge 7 is set at the image forming position by the operation of closing the door 70.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (b), when the door 70 is opened around the pivot shaft 71, the pivots are provided individually for each of the first to fourth st in the front back side of the insertion guide 21 in conjunction with the rotation of the pivot shaft 71. The arm 72 rotates in the Q direction in the figure. The insertion guide 21 pivotally supported by the pivoting arm 72 pivots about the pivoting shaft 71 and the back side frame 73 to a position of FIG. As a result, each cartridge 7 in the apparatus main body 100 is brought into a non-positioning state (second state) which can be detached from the apparatus main body 100A from the positioning state (first state) in which image formation is possible. The conversion from the first state to the second state is performed by moving the cartridge 7 downwardly. Therefore, the cartridge 7 to be replaced is pulled toward the front side of the arrow J, and the insertion rib 22 at the lower part of the cleaning unit 5 is slid while communicating with the guide groove 82 of the door 70 from the guide groove of the insertion guide 21 Take out to the outside of 100.

  Next, a new cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 through the opening with the drive side first. At this time, the lower insertion rib 22 of the cleaning unit 5 is engaged with the guide groove 82 of the door 70. Then, while being guided by the insertion guide 21 in the direction of the back side of the arrow K, the cartridge is pushed in until the back side of the cartridge hits the back side frame 73. The door 70 is closed after all the cartridges 7 to be replaced are replaced with new ones. By the closing operation of the door 70, the pivoting arm 72 is pivoted, and each cartridge 7 can be positioned from the non-positioning state (second state) attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main assembly 100A (first state) To be. The conversion from the second state to the first state is performed by moving the cartridge 7 upwardly.

  When the cartridge 7 is completely inserted into the apparatus main body 100, a part of the cartridge 7 hits the apparatus main body in the Z direction, and the position in the Z direction is determined. Further, in the cartridge 7, the circumferential surface of the bearing portion 5a (FIG. 3) arranged coaxially with the rotation shaft of the photosensitive drum 1 strikes a V-shaped groove (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100 to determine the positions in the X and Y directions. . Further, the cartridge 7 has the boss 5b fitted in a long hole (not shown) on the back side of the apparatus main body 100, and is prevented from rotating about the Z axis.

  A cartridge pressure mechanism (not shown) is provided on the rail surface of the insertion guide 21. The cartridge pressurizing mechanism includes a cartridge pressurizing spring (not shown) and a pressurizing follower (not shown) installed on the rail surface. When the door 70 is closed so as to change from the second state to the first state, the cartridge 7 is raised, and the cartridge 7 is positioned in the XY direction first on the near side frame and the far side frame. Thereafter, only the insertion guide 21 is further raised, and the force of pressing the cartridge 7 on the positioning portions of the near side frame 74 and the far side frame 73 is applied by the biasing force of the cartridge pressure spring.

  The cleaning unit 20 is supported by the insertion guide 21 so as to be movable in the ± Z direction, and is moved in the + Z direction (first direction) or the −Z direction (second direction) by inserting and removing the cartridge 7 to cover the cover glass 31. Clean up. That is, the insertion guide 21 is also a guide member that guides the movement of the cleaning unit 20. The cleaning members 26 and 27 of the cleaning unit 20 are pressed downward (−Y direction) by the spring 35 and come into contact with the surface of the cover glass 31 to perform cleaning. The cartridge 7 includes, in the insertion rib 22, an engagement portion 22a as a first contact portion and an auxiliary engagement portion 22b as a second contact portion, which can be pressed by being engaged with the cleaning unit 20 (see FIG. See Figure 3). The auxiliary engagement portion 22b is provided upstream of the engagement portion 22a in the + Z direction.

  FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a positioning state (first state) where image formation is possible. As shown in FIG. 20, when the insertion guide 21 is raised, the cleaning unit 20 is also separated from the surface of the cover glass 31 and moved to a position raised from the lower surface of the stay member 32. This prevents the cartridge 7 from directly transmitting vibrations received from a drive unit (not shown) to the optical unit 3 during image formation. Further, in the present embodiment, the optical unit 3 is configured to be mounted in the + X direction in the drawing, and the optical unit 3 is replaced at a position where the insertion guide is elevated at the time of service replacement of the optical unit 3 or the like. The cleaning unit 20 is configured not to be damaged. Further, in a general apparatus installation state, the insertion guide 21 is in the first state, and a cleaning member 26 and a wiping member 27 described later are not always in contact with each other. For this reason, it is difficult for the cleaning member and the wiping member to be left undeformed and the maintenance of the cleaning capability over time can be maintained. Further, since the apparatus is configured not to transmit the vibrations and shocks of the apparatus to the cover glass 31 in the distribution process of the apparatus, the maintenance performance of the cover glass and the cleaning member is high.

[Cleaning unit 20]
Next, the configuration of the cleaning unit 20 will be described in detail. FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the cleaning unit 20 that constitutes the cleaning mechanism.

  The cleaning unit 20 includes a slide member (moving member) 37 supported so as to be movable in the ± Z direction by the insertion guide 21, a swinging member 39 supported so as to be rotatable about the X axis by the slide member 37, and a slide A switching unit 40 that is supported by the member 37 and swings the swinging member 39 and a spring 35 are provided. The swing member 39 includes cleaning members 26 and 27 that are in contact with the cover glass 31 for cleaning. The spring 35 is provided between the slide member 37 and the swing member 39 and presses the swing member 39 downward (−Y direction).

  Next, the swinging member 39 will be described in detail. FIG. 5A is a side view (upper) and a lower view (lower) of the swing member 39. The swinging member 39 includes a base member 29, a flexible cleaning sheet 26 fixed to the bottom surface of the base member 28, and a wiping member 27 overlapped and attached to the cleaning sheet 26.

  The cleaning sheet 26 is formed by bending a film-like sheet material, and both ends in the Z direction are a first cleaning portion, a tip portion 26a as a second cleaning portion, and a tip portion 26b. Depending on the position of the swing member 39 around the X axis, one of the distal end portion 26a and the distal end portion 26b abuts against the cover glass 31, and the distal end portion 26a and the distal end portion 26b do not abut against the cover glass 31 at the same time. . Each of the front end portions 26a and 26b is a vector indicating a direction from the center (base) toward the front end portion along the sheet surface, and the movement of the cover glass 31 as viewed from the front end portion when contacting the cover glass 31 for cleaning. The direction vector and the cover glass 31 are in contact with each other at an angle such that the vector indicating the direction has mutually opposite vector components. That is, when the tip portions 26a and 26b contact the cover glass 31 and clean them, they contact the cover glass 31 in a so-called counter direction with respect to the traveling direction and scrape foreign substances on the cover glass 31 (transmission member). Take (sweep) and move. On the other hand, the wiping member 27 is a polyester non-woven fabric (fibrous material), and collects foreign matter on the cover glass 31 by the movement of the cleaning unit 20.

  Abutting surfaces 28 a and 28 d are provided at both ends in the X direction of the wiping member 27 on the bottom surface of the base member 28. Depending on the position of the swinging member 39 around the X axis, one of the abutting surfaces 28a and 28d abuts against the cover glass 31, and restricts the position of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 in the Y direction. By abutting the abutting surfaces 28 a and 28 d against the cover glass 31, the leading end portions 26 a and 26 b of the cleaning sheet 26 are reliably brought into contact with the surface of the cover glass 31 in a bent state. Thereby, the wiping member 27 can be press-contacted to the cover glass 31 surface in the state crushed in the thickness direction (Y direction).

  A base arm 28b slidably fitted in a longitudinal groove 37b (see FIG. 4B) long in the Y direction of the slide member 37 is provided at the tip of the base member 28. Abut. In addition, a pressed portion 28 c that is pressed by a switching unit 40 described later is provided on the upper portion of the base member 28. When the pressed portion 28c is pressed, the base member 28 swings with respect to the slide member 37 while the base arm 28b is fitted in the vertical groove portion 37b.

  Next, the switching unit 40 will be described in detail. FIG. 5B is a side view (upper) and a lower view (lower) of the switching unit 40. The cam lever 29 is such that the pivot shaft 37a (see FIG. 4B) of the slide member 37 is inserted in the bearing portion 29e, and is rotatably held with respect to the slide member 37. The slide cam 36 is also held by the slide member 37 so as to be slidable in the ± Z direction with respect to the slide member 37, pressed by the spring 38 in the + Z direction and abutted against the cam lever 29. The cam lever 29 has a first lever portion 29a, a second lever portion 29b, and a cam follower portion 29c. The cam follower portion 29 c is provided with a cam boss 29 d protruding in the −X direction, and is provided so as to be able to abut on the pressed portion 28 c of the swinging member 39 described above. Switch the position within. This switching unit 40 is switching means for switching the position in the cleaning unit 20 by swinging the swinging member 39, and also a fixing means for fixing (maintaining) the swinging member 39 so as not to move from that position. is there.

[Cleaning operation of cover glass 31]
Next, the cleaning operation of the cover glass 31 will be described. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are views of the cleaning mechanism in the apparatus main body as viewed from the -X direction. 9 (a) to 9 (c) are enlarged views of the switching unit 40. FIG. FIGS. 10A and 10B are views of the cleaning unit 20 as viewed from the + X direction. The cleaning unit 20 moves in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the cartridge 7 as an insertion and extraction member to be inserted into the apparatus main body 100. In the following description, for convenience, the movement path of the cleaning unit 20 while the cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 is referred to as an outward path, and the movement path when the cartridge 7 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 is referred to as a return path.

[When cartridge 7 is inserted]
First, the cleaning operation by the cleaning unit 20 in the forward path when the cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 and mounted from the state where the cartridge 7 is not mounted in the apparatus main body 100 will be described. FIG. 6A shows a state where the cleaning unit 20 stands by at the home position before the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. On the surface of the cover glass 31, foreign matter G such as toner, paper powder, dust, dirt adheres. In this state, the first cleaning portion 26 a of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 are in contact with the cover glass 31, and the second cleaning portion 26 b of the cleaning sheet 26 is separated from the cover glass 31. When the cartridge 7 is inserted in the Z direction so as to be mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the engaging portion 22 a comes into contact with and engages with the first lever portion 29 a of the cam lever 29.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the cartridge 7 is further pushed after the engaging portion 22a hits the first lever portion 29a, the cam lever 29 is restricted from rotating by the pressing force of the spring 38. The cleaning unit 20 is pressed by the engaging portion 22a of the cartridge 7 and moves in the + Z direction (first direction).

  Here, the movement of the cleaning unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9A, when waiting for the engagement portion 22a, the cam lever 29 is pressed from the cam spring 38 in the + Z direction via the slide cam 36. Therefore, a rotational moment + Mb (the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 is taken as +) acts on the cam follower portion 29c of the cam lever 29 around the rotational shaft 37a. At the same time, the cam follower portion 29 c comes into contact with the first abutting portion 37 c of the slide member 37 and the rotational phase of the cam lever 29 is fixed. When the engagement rib 22a presses the first lever portion 29a of the cam lever 29 in the + Z direction, the cam lever 29 receives a rotational moment -Mc around the rotational shaft 37a. The magnitude of the rotational moment -Mc is determined by the relationship between the pressing force Fc in the + Z direction by the engaging portion 22a and the resistance Fr against the movement in the -Z direction by the slide member 37 (rotational shaft 37a). The resistance Fr is a slight sliding friction between the cleaning member 39 and the cover glass 31 until the cleaning unit 20 abuts against the stopper 21a (see FIG. 6A) provided downstream of the insertion guide 21 in the + Z direction. It is a resistance force and a small sliding load low resistance between the slide member 37 and the insertion guide 21, and the rotational moment -Mc is relatively small. Therefore, | Mb |> | Mc | is established, and the cam lever 29 does not rotate clockwise against the spring 38, and receives the force from the engaging portion 22a while maintaining the phase state of FIG. The cleaning unit 20 moves in the + Z direction.

  While the cleaning unit 20 is moving in the + Z direction, the first cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 scrapes the foreign matter G on the cover glass 31 and moves it to the + Z direction downstream side. The foreign matter G that has not been scraped off by the first cleaning unit 26 a is collected by the wiping member 27. The first cleaning portion 26 a is provided on the upper portion of the housing 33 of the optical unit 3 with the foreign matter G which has been scraped and moved by the impact and dead weight when passing through the step on the downstream end of the cover glass 31 in the + Z direction. It moves to the storage part 33a of groove shape, and accommodates. Thereafter, the cleaning unit 20 abuts against a stopper 21 a provided downstream in the + Z direction of the insertion guide 21 and stops. In this state, the position of the cartridge 7 relative to the apparatus main body 100 is not determined.

  Further, when the cartridge 7 is moved in the + Z direction and inserted to a position where it is positioned relative to the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus, the engaging portion 22a rotates the cam lever 29 clockwise as shown in FIG. Let That is, since the slide member 37 abuts against the stopper 21a, the reaction force applied by the stopper 21a to the slide member 37 is applied to the resistance Fr of the movement in the -Z direction by the slide member 37 (rotational shaft 37a). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9B, the engaging portion 22a pushes the cam lever 29 so that the relationship of the rotational moment around the rotation shaft 37a becomes | Mb | <| Mc | It becomes possible to make pressure Fc act. Therefore, when the user further pushes the cartridge 7 in the + Z direction, the slide cam 36 is pushed in the −Z direction against the pressing force of the cam spring 38, and the cam lever 29 can be rotated clockwise.

  When the cam follower portion 29c of the cam lever 29 rotates clockwise until it gets over the top of the cam surface of the slide cam 36, the cam lever 29 rotates clockwise due to the pressing force of the cam spring 38 transmitted through the slide cam 36. Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the cam lever 29, the first lever portion 29a abuts on the second abutment portion 37d of the slide member 37 and is held.

  At this time, the cleaning unit 20 is located outside the exposure range EA during image formation. Further, by the clockwise rotation of the cam lever 29, the first cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 moves upward to a position where it does not contact the cover glass 31, and the second cleaning portion 26b contacts the cover glass 31. Touch.

  The rocking of the rocking member 39 when the cam lever 29 is rotated will be described in detail. Before the cam lever 29 rotates (the cam follower portion 29c butts against the first abutment portion 37c), the swinging member 39 is in the first position as shown in FIG. The cleaning portion 26 a bends and abuts on the cover glass 31. The wiping member 27 is also in pressure contact with the cover glass 31. On the other hand, the second cleaning portion 26 b of the cleaning sheet 26 is retracted to a position separated upward from the cover glass 31. At this time, the abutting surface 28 a of the base member 28 is in contact with the cover glass 31.

  Then, as the cam lever 29 rotates, the cam boss 29d of the cam lever 29 presses the pressed portion 28c of the base member 28 upward as shown in FIG. 10B, and the base member 28 tilts with respect to the cover glass 31. It will be That is, the position of the swing member 39 with respect to the slide member 37 is changed from the first position to the second position. At this time, the abutting surface 28 d of the base member 28 abuts on the cover glass 31, and the second cleaning portion 26 b of the cleaning sheet 26 abuts on the cover glass 31 in a bent state. On the other hand, the first cleaning part 26 a is retracted to a position spaced above the cover glass 31. Further, the wiping member 27 is almost entirely retracted from the cover glass 31, and only the upstream end in the + Z direction is in contact with the cover glass 31.

  In the state where the cartridge 7 is completely inserted in the + Z direction, the auxiliary engagement portion 22b of the cartridge 7 moves to a position close to the protruding rib 37e of the slide member 37. Details of the role of the auxiliary engagement portion 22b will be described later.

[When pulling out cartridge 7]
Next, the cleaning operation by the cleaning unit 20 in the return path when the cartridge 7 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 and removed from the apparatus main body 100 with the cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the cartridge 7 is pulled out, the engaging portion 22a abuts on the second lever portion 29b of the cam lever 29 and presses it in the -Z direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9C, since the cam follower portion 29c is pressed in the + Z direction from the cam spring 38 via the slide cam 36, a rotational moment -Mb about the pivot shaft 37a is applied. . On the other hand, the second lever portion 29b is pressed by Fc in the −Z direction from the engaging portion 22a. However, the resistance Fr against the movement in the + Z direction by the slide member 37 (rotational shaft 37a) is such that the cleaning unit 20 abuts against the stopper 21b (see FIG. 7B) provided on the + Z direction upstream of the insertion guide 21. Is small. Note that the frictional force of sliding friction between the cleaning member 39 and the cover glass 31 and the resultant force of sliding load and low drag between the slide member 37 and the insertion guide 21 will be referred to as a resistance Fr. It is. That is, the rotational moment + Mc is relatively small. For this reason, since the relationship of | Mb |> | Mc | is received, the cleaning unit 20 receives the force in the −Z direction from the engaging portion 22a without rotating the cam lever 29, and the cleaning unit 20 is in the −Z direction (second direction). Move to.

  While the cleaning unit 20 is moving in the -Z direction, the second cleaning unit 26b scrapes the foreign matter G deposited on the cover glass 31 and moves it in the -Z direction. On the other hand, almost the entire area of the wiping member 27 is retracted from the cover glass 31. In this case, even if there is a foreign matter G which can not be moved by the second cleaning portion 26b scraping in the return path, there is a possibility that the foreign matter G can be scraped and moved by the first cleaning portion 26a when the cartridge 7 is inserted again. It is because there is. That is, the most important thing is that there is no foreign matter G on the cover glass 31 at the time of image formation. For this reason, when the cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 again for image formation, only the foreign matter G that could not be removed by the cleaning by the first cleaning unit 26a can be finally collected by the wiping member 27. Because it is Thus, the amount of foreign matter G collected by the wiping member 27 is suppressed while the cover glass 31 is reliably cleaned by the final operation (insertion of the cartridge 7) before image formation, and the upper limit of the amount collected by the wiping member 27 The life can be extended by extending the time until it reaches Further, since the wiping member 27 and the cover glass 31 do not slide with each other more than necessary, it is possible to suppress the damage of the wiping member 27 and to prolong the life.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, a reservoir 33b is provided on the upstream side of the cover glass 31 at the top of the housing 33 of the optical unit 3 in the + Z direction, and is scraped off by the second cleaning unit 26b and is -Z direction. The foreign matter G that has moved to the position can be dropped and stored. Thereafter, the cleaning unit 20 abuts against a stopper 21b provided upstream in the + Z direction of the insertion guide 21 and stops.

  When the cartridge is further completely withdrawn from the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus, the engaging portion 22a rotates the cam lever 29 in the counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 8B. That is, since the slide member 37 abuts against the stopper 21b, the drag force applied to the slide member 37 by the stopper 21b is added to the resistance force Fr of movement in the + Z direction by the slide member 37 (rotating shaft 37a). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9C, the engaging portion 22a pushes the cam lever 29 to the cam lever 29 so that the relationship of the rotational moment around the rotation shaft 37a becomes | Mb | <| Mc | It becomes possible to make pressure Fc act. Therefore, when the user further pushes the cartridge 7 in the + Z direction, the slide cam 36 is pushed in the −Z direction against the pressing force of the cam spring 38, and the cam lever 29 can be rotated clockwise.

  When the cam follower portion 29c of the cam lever 29 rotates counterclockwise until it gets over the top of the cam surface of the slide cam 36, the pressing force of the cam spring 38 transmitted via the slide cam 36 rotates the cam lever 29 counterclockwise. Then, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the cam lever 29, the cam follower portion 29c abuts on the first abutment portion 37c of the slide member 37 and is held. Thereby, the upward pressing of the pressed portion 28c of the base member 28 by the cam boss 29d is released. As a result, the cleaning member 39 returns to the first position, the first cleaning portion of the cleaning sheet 26 abuts the cover glass 31, and the second cleaning portion 26 b moves upward and away from the cover glass 31. Evacuate.

[When the cartridge 7 is pulled out and inserted in the middle]
Next, the case where the user inserts the cartridge while it is being pulled out will be described. Specifically, from the state where the mounting of the cartridge 7 to the apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG. 7A is completed, the cartridge 7 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 as shown in FIG. In this case, the cartridge 7 is inserted again to the mounting completion position shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, the engaging portion 22a is located downstream of the second lever portion 29b in the + Z direction while the cartridge 7 is being pulled out from the apparatus main body 100. For this reason, even if the cartridge 7 is moved in the + Z direction at this time, the engaging portion 22a cannot press the cleaning unit 20 (cam lever 29) in the + Z direction. Therefore, the cleaning unit 20 stops in the exposure area EA (see FIG. 7A), and the irradiation of the laser light L from the optical unit 3 to the photosensitive drum 1 can be interrupted to perform normal image formation. It will disappear.

  Therefore, the cartridge 7 is provided with an auxiliary engagement portion 22b different from the engagement portion 22a on the upstream side in the + Z direction with respect to the engagement portion 22a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, even if the cartridge 7 is moved in the + Z direction while the cartridge 7 is being pulled out of the apparatus main body 100, the auxiliary engagement portion 22b is the projection rib end of the slide member 37. 37e is pressed in the + Z direction to be moved out of the exposure area EA.

  The auxiliary engagement portion 22b also prevents the cleaning unit 20 from moving to the exposure area EA due to vibration or impact, particularly when shipping with the cartridge 7 mounted in the apparatus main body 100.

[Other forms]
In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning unit 20 is moved by inserting and withdrawing the cartridge 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the cleaning unit 20 moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening / closing member (not shown) and the attachment / detachment of the sheet feeding cassette 11 or the like, or the user or serviceman moves the cleaning unit with a dedicated tool. Good. In addition, an actuator such as a dedicated motor for moving the cleaning unit 20 may be provided in the apparatus main body 100 and moved by the actuator.

  In addition, the first and second cleaning parts 26a and 26b are selectively brought into contact with the cover glass 31 by rocking the rocking member 39 provided with the first and second cleaning parts 26a and 26b. It is not limited to. For example, the first cleaning member 26a is provided in the first holding member and the second cleaning member 26b is provided in the second holding member, and either the first holding member or the second holding member is selectively used in the first pass or the return pass. The second cleaning portions 26 a and 26 b may be in contact with the cover glass 31.

  Moreover, although the 1st cleaning part 26a and the 2nd cleaning part 26b were comprised with the one cleaning sheet 26, it is not limited to this. That is, the first cleaning unit 26a and the second cleaning unit 26b may be any cleaning units that scrape and move at least the foreign matter G on the cover glass 31, and may be configured as separate cleaning members, or as a rubber blade Or other materials or shapes such as brushes.

  Further, the first cleaning unit 26a and the second cleaning unit 26b may be cleaning units having a cleaning concept different from the cleaning concept of "scratching and moving the foreign matter G on the cover glass 31". That is, it may be a cleaning concept of "collecting foreign matter on the cover glass 31". In this case, it is particularly effective when the collection capability of the cleaning unit has directivity. That the collection ability has directivity indicates, for example, a case in which the collection ability is higher when moving in the first direction than when moving in the second direction because of the fiber direction of the cleaning unit. In such a case, as the first cleaning portion 26a, a cleaning portion having a higher collecting ability in the first direction movement than in the second direction is adopted as the first cleaning portion 26a, and in the second direction movement as the second cleaning portion 26b. What is necessary is just to employ | adopt the cleaning part whose collection ability is higher than the time of the 1st direction movement. In this case, while the cleaning unit 20 moves in the first direction and while moving in the second direction, cleaning is performed to increase the cleaning frequency, and the cleaning efficiency when moving and cleaning in each direction is increased. be able to.

  Further, the wiping member 27 may be configured such that the wiping member 27 contacts the cover glass 31 in the forward path and the backward path as long as the wiping member 27 is made of a sufficiently durable material. On the other hand, when the foreign matter G can be sufficiently removed only by the first cleaning unit 26a and the second cleaning unit 26b, the wiping member 27 may not be provided.

  Moreover, although the switching unit 40 was comprised using the cam lever 29, the slide cam 36, and the cam spring 38, it is not restricted to this. You may employ | adopt the switching unit shown to Fig.11 (a), (b). The switching unit shown in FIG. 11A has a configuration using a lever cam 29 and a tension spring 41. One end of the tension spring 41 is spring-engaged with the spring hooking portion 37h of the slide member 37, and the other end is a cam boss 29d of the lever cam 29. It is spring-loaded. Similarly, the switching unit shown in FIG. 11 (b) is also configured as a lever cam 29 and a torsion spring 42. One end of the torsion spring is rotatably hooked on the spring hooking portion of the slide member 37, and the other end is a lever cam The cam boss 29d is configured to be spring-loaded.

  11A and 11B, the line connecting the rotation center of the cam lever 29 and the spring hooking portion 37g of the slide member 37 is rotated by rotating the position of the cam boss 29d which is the other spring hooking portion. Arrange to move across. Thereby, the direction of the rotational moment around the rotation shaft 37 a due to the pressing force of the tension spring 41 and the torsion spring 42 can be switched.

[Explanation of effects]
As described above, in the present embodiment, while the cleaning unit 20 is moved in the first direction, the first cleaning portion 26 a is brought into contact with the cover glass 31 to perform cleaning. Separate. Then, while the cleaning unit 20 is moved in the second direction, the first cleaning part 26a is separated from the cover glass 31, and the second cleaning part 26b is brought into contact with the cover glass 31 for cleaning. This makes it possible to clean the foreign matter G on the surface of the cover glass 31 while the cleaning unit 20 moves in the first direction and in the second direction, and can increase the frequency of cleaning. . In addition, since the first cleaning unit 26a does not contact the cover glass 31 while moving in the second direction, foreign matter adhering to the first cleaning unit 26a may be adhered again on the cover glass 31 and left. Can be prevented. Similarly, since the second cleaning unit 26b does not abut the cover glass 31 while moving in the first direction, the foreign matter adhering to the second cleaning unit 26b adheres to the cover glass 31 again and remains. Can be prevented. That is, according to the present embodiment, when the transmission member (cover glass) is cleaned, the foreign matter attached to the cleaning member (first and second cleaning portions) adheres to the transmission member again and contaminates the transmission member. Cleaning frequency can be increased with respect to the number of movements of the cleaning member.

  In addition, by providing a first cleaning unit dedicated to movement in the first direction and a second cleaning unit dedicated to movement in the second direction, the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit are cleaned when moving in each direction. Can be in the optimal shape to do. For this reason, the cleaning efficiency can be enhanced while the cleaning frequency with respect to the number of movements of the cleaning member is increased.

  Moreover, about the wiping member 27, while moving the cleaning unit 20 to a 2nd direction, the whole area was separated from the surface of the cover glass 31. FIG. Thereby, since the wiping member 27 is not brought into contact with the cover glass 31 except when it is necessary for cleaning, the collected amount and damage of the wiping member 27 can be suppressed and the life can be extended. Further, since the wiping member 27 is mainly cleaned when the cartridge 7 is inserted, the wiping member 27 is more reliably subjected to the final operation before the image formation in which the cartridge 7 is inserted as compared with cleaning mainly when the cartridge 7 is pulled out. The cover glass 31 can be cleaned.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the mechanism for switching the position of the cleaning member while suppressing that the foreign matter attached to the cleaning member again adheres on the transmission member when the transmission member is cleaned and contaminates the transmission member. Can be further developed.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the cleaning unit is not moved with respect to the cover glass, but the cover glass itself is moved with respect to the cleaning unit. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of one cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100 as viewed in the + Z direction. In the second embodiment, the cover glass 31 is drawn out in the −Z direction with respect to the apparatus main body 100 and can be inserted and removed in the + Z direction. This is because when deposits are deposited on the cover glass 31 and a defective image is obtained, the user or service person takes out the cover glass 31 itself and performs maintenance for cleaning or replacement.

  The cover glass 31 includes a holder case 41 that is integrally attached so as to cover the cover glass 31 and forms a slide guide portion for insertion and removal operations. The holder case 41 is arranged so that two slide engagement ribs 41a and 41b protrude from the upper surface of the holder case, and the exposure area EA is provided with a not-shown notch window for transmitting light emitted from the optical unit 3. .

[Cleaning unit 50]
13 is a cross-sectional view of the cover glass 31 and the cleaning unit 50 viewed in the + Z direction, and FIG. 14 is a side view of the cover glass 31 and the cleaning unit 50 viewed in the + X direction. The cleaning unit 50 is fixed to the insertion guide 21 integrally attached to the stay 32 at a position upstream of the exposure area EA of the optical means in the + Z direction.

  The swinging member 55 has two sponge-like cleaning units 52 (a first cleaning unit 52 a and a second cleaning unit 52 b), and is rocked by the switching mechanism 60. Further, the swing member 55 is slidably held in the P and Q directions in the drawing, and presses the first cleaning part 52a or the second cleaning part 52b toward the cover glass 31 by the spring 35. Here, the cleaning unit 50 is restrained in the Z direction, and positioning is achieved by squeezing the cleaning portion 52 against the surface of the cover glass 31 by the pressing force of the spring 35 in the Y direction. The switching mechanism 60 has two switching lever parts 51a and 51b, holds the swinging member 55 slidably, and is centered on the pivot shaft 61 provided on the above-mentioned insertion guide 21. It is rotatably mounted in the middle R and U directions. The switching lever portions 51a and 51b are disposed at different positions in the Z direction, and are disposed at positions mutually engaged with the engaging portions 41a and 41b provided on the holder case 41. The insertion guide 21 has a spring-loaded boss 21c and holds one end of the arm portion of the torsion spring 53 so as to be rotatable. The arm at the other end of the torsion spring 53 is rotatably attached to a part of the switching mechanism 60 described above. As a result, the switching mechanism 60 is given a constant rotational moment to a position where the switching mechanism 60 abuts against the stoppers 21 d and 21 e provided on the insertion guide 21 around the rotational shaft 61.

[When pulling out the cover glass 31]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B, when the cover glass 31 is inserted and removed in the Z direction, the cleaning operation of the cleaning unit 60 performed accordingly will be described. To do. FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B are views of the cover glass 31 and the cleaning unit 50 as viewed from the + X direction, respectively. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the cover glass 31 slidably installed on the optical means 3 is pulled out in the −Z direction of the image forming main body 100. When the user or the service person grips the handle portion 41c of the holder case 41 and pulls out in the -Z direction, the first cleaning portion 52a in contact with the upper surface of the cover glass 31 scrapes the extraneous matter. At this time, the first cleaning portion 52 a is pressed by the spring 35 toward the surface of the cover glass 31. However, the sliding resistance between the cover glass 31 and the first cleaning portion 52a is relatively small, and does not exceed the rotational holding force of the switching mechanism 60 (rotational moment about the pivot shaft 61 by the spring 53). For this reason, cleaning is performed while the posture of the switching mechanism 60 is maintained. At this time, the second cleaning portion 52 b is retracted to a position not in contact with the cover glass 31. The slide engagement portion 41b of the holder case 41 has a height positional relationship that does not interfere with the lever portion 51b with the switching mechanism 60 posture.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (b), when the holder case 41 is further pulled out, the lever portion 51a of the switching mechanism 60 and the engaging portion 41a of the holder case 41 are engaged, and the tilt attitude of the switching mechanism is rocked to the opposite side. Dynamically change. At this time, since the switching mechanism 60 receives from the slide engagement rib 41 a force exceeding the constant swing biasing force applied from the torsion spring 53, the rotational attitude of the switching mechanism 60 can be switched. As a result, the first cleaning part 52a of the swinging member 55 moves to a position retracted from the surface of the cover glass 31, and the second cleaning part 52b can contact the surface of the cover glass 31 when the cover glass 31 is mounted. Move to the position.

[When cover glass 31 is inserted]
Next, as shown in FIG. 16A, an operation when the cover glass 31 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 will be described. When the cover glass 31 is inserted and attached together with the holder case 41 in the + Z direction, the second cleaning portion 52b of the swing member 55 cleans the cover glass 31 by contact. At this time, the first cleaning unit 52 a is not brought into contact with the cover glass 31 so that the foreign matter G scraped off by the first cleaning unit 52 a does not adhere to the cover glass 31.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the cover glass 31 is inserted to the position for image formation, the engaging portion 41b of the holder case 41 engages with the lever portion 51b of the switching mechanism 60, and the switching mechanism. Switch the inclination posture of 60. As a result, the second cleaning unit 52b moves to the retracted position, and the first cleaning unit 52a moves to a position in contact with the cover glass 31 when the cover glass 31 is subsequently pulled out in the -Z direction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, the surface of the cover glass 31 is cleaned simultaneously with the operation of inserting and removing the cover glass 31 from the apparatus main body 100, and the cleaning is performed with a cleaning member corresponding to each moving direction in both operations of attaching and pulling out the cover glass 31. It can be performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter that has once adhered to the cleaning member from reattaching to the cover glass 31 while increasing the frequency of cleaning. That is, according to the present embodiment, when the transmission member (cover glass) is cleaned, the foreign matter attached to the cleaning member (first and second cleaning portions) adheres to the transmission member again and contaminates the transmission member. The frequency of cleaning with respect to the number of movements of the transmissive member can be increased while suppressing the above.

  In the two embodiments described above, the cleaning unit that cleans the cover glass 31 of the optical unit 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can be applied to various cleaning units for cleaning the light transmitting member in the image forming apparatus. For example, the present invention can be applied as a cleaning unit for a transparent window portion of a detection unit of a toner patch detection device that detects patch toner transferred onto the belt surface of a transfer belt. The present invention is also applicable to a cleaning unit that cleans the reading glass of the flow reading type image reading apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the cleaning member can be adjusted while preventing foreign matters attached to the cleaning member from adhering to the transmission member again when the transmission member is cleaned, and contaminating the transmission member. The switching mechanism can be further developed.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the cleaning unit has only one cleaning unit. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

  17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B are views of the cleaning mechanism in the apparatus main body as viewed from the -X direction. In the cleaning unit 320 of the present embodiment, the slide member 337 supports the swinging member 339 so as to be able to swing about the axis R, and the swinging member 339 is provided with a cleaning blade 326 as one cleaning unit. The angle at which the cleaning blade 326 contacts the cover glass 31 can be changed. As in the first embodiment, the cleaning unit 320 is pressed by a cartridge (not shown) and cleans the cover glass 31 while moving in the + Z direction and the −Z direction. Further, the cleaning unit 320 includes a switching unit (not shown) similar to that of the first embodiment, and swings the swinging member 339 to change the position with respect to the slide member 337 in conjunction with the cartridge insertion and removal operations.

[When cartridge is inserted]
As shown in FIG. 17A, at the time of cartridge insertion, the cleaning unit 320 moves in the + Z direction (first direction). At this time, the swing member 339 is in the first position with respect to the slide member 337, and the cleaning blade 326 contacts the cover glass 31 in the counter direction. That is, the cleaning blade 326 has a vector (including a + Z direction component) indicating a direction from the root to the tip along the blade surface, and the cover glass 31 viewed from the tip when cleaning against the cover glass 31. Are in contact with the cover glass 31 with an inclination such that the vector indicating the moving direction (−Z direction) of the two has a vector component opposite to each other. The foreign matter on the cover glass 31 is scraped off and moved in the + Z direction while moving to the downstream in the + Z direction. When the cleaning blade 326 passes through the step on the downstream end of the cover glass 31 in the + Z direction, the foreign material G scraped and moved is provided at the top of the housing 33 of the optical unit 3 by its impact and its own weight. It moves to the groove-shaped storage part 33a, and accommodates. Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, a protrusion 33d is provided in the reservoir 33a. Therefore, when the cleaning blade 326 passes through the position of the projecting portion 33 d, the cleaning blade 326 can abut on the projecting portion 33 d and the foreign matter G on the cleaning blade 326 can be dropped into the storage portion 33 a by its impact.

  When the cleaning blade 326 exceeds the protruding portion 33d, the cleaning unit 320 abuts against a stopper (not shown) and stops. Then, as shown in FIG. 18A, similarly to the first embodiment, the swinging member 339 is rotated clockwise in the figure around the axis R by inserting the cartridge further in the + Z direction, and the slide member The rocking member 339 moves to the second position with respect to 337.

[When pulling out the cartridge]
When the cartridge is pulled out, the cleaning unit 320 moves in the −Z direction (second direction) with the state shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18B, the swing member 339 is in the second position with respect to the slide member 337, and the cleaning blade 326 contacts the cover glass 31 in the counter direction. The foreign matter on the cover glass 31 is scraped off and moved in the −Z direction while moving to the downstream in the + Z direction. Thereafter, when the cleaning blade 326 passes the step on the downstream end of the cover glass 31 in the -Z direction, as in the cartridge insertion, the foreign material G scraped and moved by its impact and its own weight is stored in the storage portion 33a Move to contain. Furthermore, when the cleaning blade 326 passes the position of the protrusion 33d, it abuts on the protrusion 33d and the foreign material G on the cleaning blade 326 is dropped into the reservoir 33a by the impact.

  When the cleaning blade 326 passes over the protrusion 33d, the cleaning unit 320 abuts against a stopper (not shown) and stops, and the cartridge is completely pulled out in the -Z direction, as in the first embodiment. Is rotated counterclockwise in the figure around the axis R. As a result, the swing member 339 moves to the first position with respect to the slide member 337.

  The method of moving the swinging member 339 with respect to the slide member 337 is not limited to swinging around the X axis, and any method may be used as long as it changes the direction, posture, etc. of the cleaning blade 326 with respect to the cover glass 31.

  Even if comprised in this way, the effect similar to 1st Embodiment can be acquired. That is, while the cleaning unit 320 moves in the first direction and in the second direction, the foreign matter G on the surface of the cover glass 31 can be cleaned, and the frequency of cleaning can be increased. Further, the foreign matter G on the cleaning blade 326 can be removed by the protruding portion 33d. For this reason, it can prevent that the foreign material adhering to the cleaning blade 326 adheres and remains on the cover glass 31 again when the cleaning unit 320 moves in a different direction.

  In addition, a cleaning unit having a cleaning concept of "scratching and moving the foreign matter G on the cover glass 31", which is generally composed of a blade-like or sheet-like member, has a constant direction when the angle to the cover glass is constant. The foreign object can only be scraped and moved effectively only when it is moved to the position. In other words, there is directivity in the cleaning ability. However, even in the case of one cleaning unit as in the present embodiment, the swinging member 339 is swung to change the angle (posture) with respect to the slide member 337 and change the angle (posture) with respect to the cover glass 31. Thereby, when moving in the first direction and when moving in the second direction, the foreign matter can be effectively scraped off. For this reason, while the cleaning unit 20 moves in the first direction and while moving in the second direction, cleaning is performed to increase the frequency of cleaning, and the cleaning efficiency when moving and cleaning in each direction is increased. be able to. Further, if there is only one cleaning unit 326, the foreign matter on the cover glass 31 can be scraped off when moving in the first direction and the second direction, so that the cleaning unit 320 can be configured at a lower cost. In addition, if it is a cleaning part which has directivity in cleaning ability, it is good also as a cleaning part of the cleaning thought different from the cleaning thought of "moving the foreign material G on the cover glass 31 and moving" like this invention.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the cleaning member can be adjusted while preventing foreign matters attached to the cleaning member from adhering to the transmission member again when the transmission member is cleaned, and contaminating the transmission member. The switching mechanism can be further developed.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the end shape of the base member 28 and the shape of the cleaning sheet. Hereinafter, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description will be omitted.

  In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the rail supporting the cleaning member is biased upward (toward the cartridge) by the spring force of the spring to move the cleaning member away from the transmitting member by changing the position of the rail. Let For this reason, there is a possibility that the cleaning member can not be reliably separated from the transmitting member when the spring force for biasing the rail or the rigidity of the rail is deteriorated due to aging or the like. Therefore, an object of the present embodiment is to reliably suppress foreign matters that have adhered to the cleaning member when the transmissive member is cleaned, from adhering to the transmissive member again.

[Cleaning unit 20]
The cleaning unit will be described. FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the cleaning unit 20 constituting the cleaning mechanism. Parts constituting the cleaning unit are the same as in the first embodiment. FIG. 21 (b) is a side view (upper) and a lower view (lower) of the swinging member 39. Similarly to the first embodiment, the swinging member 39 also includes a base member 29, a flexible cleaning sheet 26 fixed to the bottom surface of the base member 28, and a wiping member 27 stacked and attached to the cleaning sheet 26. Become.

  The cleaning sheet 26 is formed by bending a film-like sheet material, and one end in the Z direction is configured as the cleaning portion 26 a. When the cleaning portion 26a abuts on the cover glass 31 to clean it, the cleaning portion 26a abuts on the cover glass 31 in a so-called counter direction with respect to the traveling direction, and scrapes (swipes) foreign objects on the cover glass 31. The wiping member 27 is a polyester non-woven fabric (fibrous material) similar to that of the first embodiment.

  Abutment surfaces 28a and 28d 'are provided at both ends in the X direction of the wiping member 27 on the bottom surface of the base member 28. Here, the abutting surface 28d 'is disposed on the -Z direction side of the position of the abutting surface 28d in the first embodiment. As will be described later, this is a fulcrum that determines the posture when the cleaning portion 26 a and the wiping member 27 are separated from the cover glass 31. Depending on the position of the swinging member 39 around the X axis, one of the abutting surfaces 28a and 28d 'abuts against the cover glass 31 and regulates the positions of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 in the Y direction. By abutting the abutting surface 28 a against the cover glass 31, the cleaning portion 26 a of the cleaning sheet 26 is reliably brought into contact with the surface of the cover glass 31 in a bent state, and the wiping member 27 is crushed in the thickness direction (Y direction) In this state, the cover glass 31 is in pressure contact with the surface.

  The switching unit 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Cleaning operation of cover glass 31]
Next, the cleaning operation of the cover glass 31 will be described. 22 (a), 22 (b), 23 (a), 23 (b), 24 (a), and 24 (b) are views of the cleaning mechanism in the apparatus main body as viewed from the -X direction. 25 (a) and 25 (b) are views of the cleaning unit 20 as viewed from the + X direction. The cleaning unit 20 moves in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the cartridge 7 as an insertion and extraction member to be inserted into the apparatus main body 100.

[When cartridge 7 is inserted]
The cleaning operation by the cleaning unit 20 in the forward path when the cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 and mounted from the state where the cartridge 7 is not mounted in the apparatus main body 100 will be described. FIG. 22A shows a state where the cleaning unit 20 is waiting at the home position before the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. On the surface of the cover glass 31, foreign matter G such as toner, paper powder, dust, dirt adheres. In this state, the cleaning portion 26 a of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 are in contact with the cover glass 31. When the cartridge 7 is inserted in the Z direction so as to be mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the engaging portion 22 a comes into contact with and engages with the first lever portion 29 a of the cam lever 29.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 22B, after the engaging portion 22a hits the first lever portion 29a, the cartridge 7 is further pushed. Then, the cam lever 29 is restricted from rotating by the pressing force of the spring 38, and the cleaning unit 20 is pressed by the engaging portion 22a of the cartridge 7 and moves in the + Z direction (first direction).

  While the cleaning unit 20 is moving in the + Z direction, the cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 scrapes the foreign matter G on the cover glass 31 and moves the foreign material G downstream in the + Z direction. The foreign material G which can not be scraped off by the cleaning unit 26 a is collected by the wiping member 27. The cleaning portion 26 a has a groove shape in which the foreign matter G scraped and moved is provided at the top of the housing 33 of the optical unit 3 due to the impact and dead weight when passing through the step on the downstream end of the cover glass 31 in the + Z direction It moves to the storing part 33a of and is accommodated. Thereafter, the cleaning unit 20 abuts against a stopper 21 a provided downstream in the + Z direction of the insertion guide 21 and stops. In this state, the position of the cartridge 7 relative to the apparatus main body 100 has not been determined.

  Further, when the cartridge 7 is moved in the + Z direction and inserted to a position where it is positioned relative to the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus, the engaging portion 22a rotates the cam lever 29 clockwise as shown in FIG. Let By the clockwise rotation of the cam lever 29, the posture of the swinging member 39 with respect to the slide member 37 is changed, and the cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 retract upward against the cover glass 31 and do not abut. It becomes a state.

  The swinging of the swinging member 39 during the rotation of the cam lever 29 will be described in detail. Before the cam lever 29 rotates, the swinging member 39 is in the first position as shown in FIG. 25A, and the cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 bends and abuts on the cover glass 31. The wiping member 27 is also in pressure contact with the cover glass 31. At this time, the abutting surface 28 a of the base member 28 is in contact with the cover glass 31.

  When the cam lever 29 rotates, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the cam boss 29d of the cam lever 29 pushes up the pressed portion 28c of the base member 28, and the cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 cover The glass 31 is separated. At this time, the abutting portion 28 d ′ is in contact with the cover glass and becomes a fulcrum, and the base member 28 of the swing member 39 is maintained in an inclined state with respect to the cover glass 31. Thus, the swinging member 39 is movable to the first position and the second position with respect to the slide member 37 by swinging. At this time, the abutting surface 28 d ′ of the base member 28 abuts on the cover glass 31, and the entire area of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 on the cover glass 31 is retracted from the cover glass 31. Thereby, the cleaning part 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 and the wiping member 27 can be reliably separated from the cover glass 31 and maintained. The movement of the swing member 39 between the first position and the second position and the fixing (maintenance) at each position are performed by the switching unit 40 described in the first embodiment.

[When pulling out cartridge 7]
Next, the cleaning operation by the cleaning unit 20 in the return path when the cartridge 7 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 and removed from the apparatus main body 100 with the cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 23B, when the cartridge 7 is pulled out, the engaging portion 22a abuts on the second lever portion 29b of the cam lever 29 and presses in the -Z direction, and the cleaning unit 20 moves in the -Z direction (second direction). Moving.

  While the cleaning unit 20 is moving in the −Z direction, the cleaning unit 26 a and the wiping member 27 move the cleaning unit 20 in the −Z direction without touching the foreign matter G accumulated on the cover glass 31.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, the cleaning unit 20 abuts against a stopper 21 b provided upstream in the + Z direction of the insertion guide 21 and stops.

  When the cartridge is further completely pulled out from the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus, the engaging portion 22a rotates the cam lever 29 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. Thereby, the upward pressing of the pressed portion 28c of the base member 28 by the cam boss 29d is released, the cleaning member 39 returns to the first position, and the cleaning portion 26a of the cleaning sheet 26 abuts on the cover glass 31. Then, at the time of inserting the cartridge, the home position at which the cover glass 31 is cleaned returns to the standby state.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the attitude of the cleaning mechanism of the cover glass can be switched interlockingly with the mounting / demounting operation of the cartridge in one direction, and the user or the operator such as a serviceman needs troublesome operations. I will not let you. In addition, since the insertion guide for guiding the insertion and removal of the cartridge slides and holds the cleaning unit slidingly moving in the same mounting direction, the number of components is small and the structure is simplified, and the accuracy guarantee of the engagement positional relationship with the cartridge is also guaranteed. It can be done easily. Furthermore, since the mechanism for switching the posture of the cleaning member is also made compact, it can contribute to making the entire apparatus compact.

The spring force of the spring 38 of the switching unit 40 for maintaining the separated state of the cleaning portion (the cleaning portion 26a and the wiping member 27) is, as shown in FIG. 9C, via the first lever portion 29a. It receives by the 2nd contact part 37d of the slide member 37. As shown in FIG. For this reason, the spring force of the spring 38 is received in the cleaning unit 20 and does not become a resistance during the insertion / removal of the cartridge, and the cartridge insertion / removal operation is easy. Thus, the swinging member 39 can be maintained at the first position and the second position by the switching unit 40 in the cleaning unit 20. For this reason, it is not necessary to urge the rail itself with a spring as in the prior art, and the configuration is strong against degradation of spring force and rigidity reduction of the rail, and the cleaning part can be separated from the transmitting member more reliably. it can.
Further, not only the cartridge unit but also a configuration in which the same cleaning function is provided to the attachment / detachment guide portion of other maintenance units can be applied, and the versatility is excellent.

  Therefore, by switching the position of the cleaning member, the foreign matter adhering to the cleaning member when cleaning the permeable member adheres again to the permeable member on the permeable member, and the contamination of the permeable member is suppressed while the position of the cleaning member is reduced. The switching mechanism can be further developed.

100 Image forming device (device main body)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 photo conductor 3 optical unit 7 cartridge 31 cover glass 20, 50, 320 cleaning unit 26a, 52a 1st cleaning part 26b, 52b 2nd cleaning part 326 cleaning part 37, 337 slide member 39, 55, 339 rocking member

Claims (9)

An apparatus main body capable of detaching a cartridge which is a replacement part;
A transmissive member that transmits light;
A cleaning unit that cleans the transmitting member by contacting the transmitting member, and is movable in first and second directions opposite to each other in conjunction with the mounting and demounting operation of the cartridge to the apparatus main body. A cleaning unit;
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet,
The cleaning unit is provided on a swinging member supported swingably, first and second cleaning portions provided on the swinging member and capable of abutting on the transmitting member, and the swinging member. And first and second abutting surfaces that are surfaces of parts other than the first and second cleaning portions and abut against the transmitting member,
The swinging member is such that the first cleaning portion abuts on the transmission member when the first abutment surface abuts on the transmission member, and the second abutment surface and the second cleaning portion are the transmission member The first cleaning portion and the first abutment face are separated from the transmission member by the first position separated from the second abutment face and the second abutment face abutted against the transmission member, and the second cleaning portion is separated from the transmission member. The cleaning unit is movable in the first direction when the swingable member is in the first position, and the swingable member is in the second position. When the cleaning unit moves in the second direction ,
The swinging member is pushed by the cartridge while the movement of the cleaning unit, which is pushed and moved by the cartridge by the mounting and demounting operation of the cartridge, is regulated by a stopper provided on the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus characterized by moving from the first position or the second position to the second position or the first position .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit includes fixing means for fixing the swinging member at the second position.   The first and second cleaning units are sheet-like or blade-like cleaning units, and the first cleaning unit is configured to move the cleaning unit relative to the transparent member in the first direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is in contact with the transmission member in a counter direction and does not contact the transmission member when moving in the second direction with respect to the transmission member.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge is a cartridge including the photosensitive member exposed according to image information and a process unit acting on the photosensitive member. .   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the process unit acting on the photosensitive member is a developing unit that causes the toner to adhere to the photosensitive member, or a cleaner that recovers the toner from the photosensitive member. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first direction and the second direction are parallel to a rotation axis direction of the photosensitive member.   7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member for guiding the insertion and removal of the cartridge into and from the apparatus main body, wherein the cleaning unit is movably supported by the guide member. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the transmitting member is disposed vertically below the photosensitive member.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein a plurality of the photosensitive members are present, and a plurality of the transmitting members and the cleaning unit are provided corresponding to the photosensitive members.

Images