JPH0333886A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make an exclusive case or space unnecessary for containing an ozonolysis agent by containing the ozone resolver inside the photosensitive body. CONSTITUTION:In the image forming device utilizing a corona discharge generating means in an image forming process to the photosensitive body 15, the ozonolysis agent 28 is contained in the photosensitive body 15. Here, the ozonolysis agent 28 evaporates to the two outer edge directions of the photosensitive body 15 from air holes 33 and 34, and ozone generated in the periphery of the photosensitive body 15 is immediately resolved. Thus, exclusive space fro ozonolysis agent becomes unnecessary, and exchange of ozonolysis agent can be carried out at the same time as the exchange of the photosensitive body 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrostatic recording method, such as a printer using a laser, a copying machine, or a facsimile.

Conventional Techniques and Problems Generally, in this type of image forming apparatus, a corona discharge from a charger applies a -like charge to a photoreceptor, and then it is exposed to light to form a latent image, and then processes of development, transfer, and fixing are performed. Records are made on paper using

In this process, during the corona discharge from the charger, the air reacts and generates ozone due to its high potential. If this ozone is left as it is, it will cause harm such as deteriorating the photoreceptor, so it must be released outside the machine.

On the other hand, due to recent environmental standards, regulations regarding ozone concentration have become stricter, and image forming apparatuses have no choice but to be equipped with powerful ozone removal devices.

In conventional image forming apparatuses, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 56-1424
As disclosed in Publication No. 8, an ozone filter made of activated carbon or the like is installed near the upstream or downstream side of an exhaust fan that also serves to cool the inside of the machine to adsorb and remove ozone.

However, such a structure has a first-order problem.

■ Since the ozone filter is installed separately inside the aircraft, it is cumbersome to replace it.

■ The installation location of the ozone filter is limited to the vicinity of the exhaust fan.

■ Exhaust air is passed through an ozone filter, which increases the flow loss of the exhaust fan. As a result, a large exhaust fan must be used.

■ Due to the filter structure, there is a lot of wind noise and noise.

Therefore, as a solution to this problem, it has been proposed to store the ozone decomposer in a special case and attach the case to a replacement unit such as a cleaning unit. The storage case takes up a lot of space, and it is difficult to install the storage case, especially in small image forming apparatuses.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that does not have the above-mentioned problems (1) and (2), and also does not require a dedicated case and space for installing an ozone decomposer.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve this object, the present invention includes an ozonolytic agent housed within the photoreceptor.

Ozone generated around the silicon-Ichiri photoreceptor can be immediately decomposed by the ozone decomposer inside the photoreceptor. The ozonolytic agent can be replaced along with the photoreceptor.

Example Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser printer to which the present invention is applied.
This is a paper feed cassette loaded with 0. The paper 13 fed from the paper feed cassette 11 in the direction of the arrow by the paper feed device 12 is conveyed to the lower side of the drum-shaped photoreceptor 15 at the right timing by a pair of registration rollers 14 .

The photoreceptor 15 is rotated clockwise, and at this time, the surface is charged by corona discharge by the charger 16.
Photoconductor 1 is irradiated with laser light from laser optical system F.
An electrostatic latent image is formed on 5. This latent image is transferred to the developing device 18.
When the paper 13 passes through the photoreceptor 15, the toner forms a visible image, and this visible image is transferred to the lower surface of the paper 13 conveyed onto the photoreceptor 15 by corona discharge by the transfer charger 19. The paper 13 is conveyed to the fixing device W120 and the visible image is fixed thereon. Then, the paper 13 that has left the fixing device [20] is discharged to a paper discharge section 22 in the direction of arrow B by a paper discharge roller 21. On the other hand, residual toner is removed from the photoreceptor 15 after the visible image has been transferred by a cleaning device 24 having a cleaning blade 23 , and a charge removal action is performed by a charge removal brush 25 . The toner removed from the photoreceptor 15 is collected by a collection roller 26 into a toner collection tank 27 and stored there.

Inside the photoreceptor 15, as shown in FIG.
8 is stored. As this ozone decomposer 28,
It is also preferred to use volatile ozonolytic agents in the form of a gel, such as tilpeloid.

Its lifespan is equal to or slightly longer than the lifespan of the photoreceptor 15. Since the ozone decomposing agent 28 is stored in the center of the photoreceptor 15, both ends of the photoreceptor 15 are volatilization chambers 29 and 30.

Blind end portion 31 at one end of the photoreceptor 15. The cover plate 32 that closes the opening at the other end of the photoreceptor 15 is provided with a large number of ventilation holes 33 and 34 in the circumferential direction thereof, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A shaft portion 35 is integrally protruded from the outer surface of the blind end portion 31, a gear 36 is fixed to the outer surface of the cover plate 32, and the photoreceptor 15 is rotatably supported at both ends by bearings 37 and 38. .

Therefore, the ozone decomposing agent 28 volatilizes outward from both ends of the photoreceptor 15 through the vent holes 33 and 34, and immediately decomposes the ozone generated around the photoreceptor 15.

By replacing the photoreceptor 15, the ozone decomposer 28 can also be replaced at the same time. The life of the ozone decomposer 28 can be adjusted by its filling amount and the sizes of the ventilation holes 33 and 34.

By making this lifespan similar to or slightly longer than the lifespan of the photoreceptor 15, it is possible to reduce the number of replacements and to reduce running costs.

Note that if the ozonolytic agent 28 is made hollow and filled in a cylindrical shape on the photoreceptor 5, the volatilization area can be increased. Further, a fin-shaped member is provided in one of the vent holes 33 and 34 on both sides, and as the photoreceptor 15 rotates, air is sucked in through the vent provided with the fin-shaped member and exhausted from the other vent hole. By doing so, the volatilization of the ozone decomposing agent 28 can be promoted.

Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, since the ozone decomposer is stored inside the photoreceptor, there is no need for a dedicated space for the ozone decomposer, and the ozone decomposer does not obstruct airflow. . Furthermore, the ozone decomposer can be replaced at the same time as the photoreceptor is replaced, which saves time and effort.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of its photoreceptor. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the photoreceptor, and FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view thereof. 15......Photoreceptor 16...Charger 19...
...Transfer charger 28...Ozone decomposer Fig. 2 Fig. 9 15 3

Claims (1)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus that uses a corona discharge generating means in the process of forming an image on a photoreceptor, characterized in that an ozone decomposing agent is housed within the photoreceptor.