JPH06148974A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image forming device whose blade can be exchanged according to the using state thereof and without timewise loss without causing the soiling of a transfer paper or exerting adverse influence on the device because of the exchange of the blade. CONSTITUTION:The image forming device is provided with an image carrier holding a toner image transferred on the transfer paper, the plural blades 18 which can abut on the image carrier and a blade exchange mechanism exchanging the blade 18 abutting the image carrier to the other blade 18 in the device main body part. Besides, an exchange time input means which can input the exchange time of the blade 18, a rewritable storage means storing the exchange time inputted from the exchange time input means and a control means which realizes the exchange of the blade at the exchange time stored in the storage means are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a photoreceptor, which is an image carrier, with a blade.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in an electronic copying machine as an image forming apparatus, a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum is transferred onto a transfer sheet, but the toner image not completely transferred onto the transfer sheet is not transferred. Remains. Therefore, in order to continuously perform copying work, it is necessary to completely remove and clean this residual toner with a cleaning device. In a conventional cleaning device, a configuration in which a blade as a cleaning member is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum and the residual toner is scraped off at the edge of the photosensitive drum to be cleaned is used.

Although an elastic body such as polyurethane is used for this blade, it needs to be replaced periodically in order to prevent cleaning failure due to edge wear.
This replacement is usually performed by a maintenance worker. However, if the replacement work is performed for each blade, the replacement cycle becomes too short.
No. 32335, JP-A-58-68776, JP-A-61-103180, and JP-A-55-1224.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 60-68571, those provided with a plurality of blades have been proposed. These cleaning devices employ a configuration in which a blade support shaft for fixing a plurality of blades is rotated for a predetermined work or at a predetermined time and replaced with another blade.

[0004]

However, due to the difference in the amount of residual toner depending on the usage condition of the electronic copying machine,
The durability of the blade is different. Also, for example, in the case of having a plurality of blades, the durability of the blade is reduced by the amount that the blade to be set later is used in a lower environment than the blade to be set earlier, and the durability is different depending on the blade. There is.

However, if the blade replacement time is constant regardless of the state of use of the electronic copying machine, cleaning failure may occur, or problems such as replacement even if the blade is still usable may occur.

Further, there is a problem in what state of the image forming apparatus the blade should be replaced after the blade replacement time is reached. It is necessary to take care so that the transfer paper is not contaminated by the replacement of the blade and the device is not adversely affected, and that the replacement of the blade does not cause a time loss in the operation of the device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above point, and allows the blade to be replaced according to the usage state, and the replacement of the blade does not stain the transfer paper or adversely affect the apparatus, and further improves the time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a blade can be replaced without loss.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 has an image carrier for holding a toner image to be transferred onto a transfer paper, and a plurality of image carriers which can contact the image carrier. An image forming apparatus having a blade and a blade exchanging mechanism for exchanging the one blade in contact with the image carrier with another blade, in an image forming apparatus, an exchanging time input means capable of inputting an exchanging time of the blade, It is characterized in that it has rewritable storage means for storing the replacement time input from the replacement time input means, and control means for enabling the blade replacement at the replacement time stored in the storage means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, a transfer paper discharge detecting means for detecting discharge of the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred out of the main body of the apparatus, and the blade. Replacement time input means capable of inputting the replacement time, rewritable storage means for storing the replacement time input from the replacement time input means, and storage in the storage means after detection by the transfer paper discharge detection means. And a control unit that enables the blade to be replaced at the replacement time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, power-on detection means for detecting power-on of the main body of the apparatus, and replacement time input capable of inputting a replacement time of the blade Means, rewritable storage means for storing the replacement time input from the replacement time input means, and enabling replacement of the blade at the replacement time stored in the storage means after detection by the power-on detection means. It is characterized by having a control means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, a fixing device that heats and fixes the transfer paper on which the toner image held on the image carrier is transferred is fixed, And a means for determining whether or not the fixing temperature of the fixing device is a temperature at which the blade can be replaced when the power of the main body of the apparatus is turned on.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the blade replacement timing is input by the replacement timing input means, and the replacement timing from the replacement timing input means is stored in the rewritable storage means. The blade can be replaced at the replacement time set by the control means.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the transfer paper discharge detecting means detects the discharge of the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred to the outside of the main body of the apparatus, and after the detection by the transfer paper discharge detecting means,
The blade can be replaced at the replacement time set by the control means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the replacement time input means detects the power-on of the apparatus main body, and after the power-on detection means detects the power-on, the blade can be replaced at the replacement time set by the control means. To

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the power of the main body of the apparatus is turned on, it is determined whether the fixing temperature of the fixing device is the temperature at which the blade can be replaced. To do.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus incorporating a cleaning device, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transfer processing section of the image forming apparatus incorporating a cleaning unit, FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the cleaning unit, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an IV-IV section of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a right side view of the cleaning unit, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a VI-VI section of FIG.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes an apparatus body 10
2 and a paper feeding unit 103 connected thereto, each of which has a paper feeding stage. A plurality of paper feed stages 104 are provided in the paper feed unit 103 and the apparatus main body 102, and the transfer paper 105 is accommodated in each of them. Each paper feed stage 1
On the upper surface of the transfer paper 105 of No. 04, the paper feed roller 1
06 is arranged and the transfer paper 105 is intermittently sent out. A double-feeding prevention unit 107 is provided alongside each paper feed roller 106, and the transfer papers 105 are sent out one by one to the next step.
The transfer paper 105 delivered from each paper feed stage 104 is guided to a guide plate 108 and carried into a second paper feed unit 109 incorporated in the main body 102. This second paper feed section 10
Reference numeral 9 is arranged immediately before the transfer processing unit 1, and has a loop roller 110 and a registration roller 111.

On the other hand, in the photoconductor 2 which constitutes the transfer processing section 1, uniform charging is applied by the charging electrode 3 and the light source 1
The reflected light obtained by irradiating the original 114 on the original placing glass 113 by the light 12 passes through the mirror 115 and the lens mechanism 116 and irradiates the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 2 as an image bearing member, and electrostatic latent Form an image. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 5 to form a toner image. The registration roller 111 is driven in synchronization with the rotation of the photoconductor 2 to send the transfer paper 105 to the transfer electrode 7 and the separation electrode 8 to transfer the toner image. After that, the transfer paper 105 is transferred from the photoconductor 2 by the separation claw 9.
Are separated, placed on the transport unit 117, and transported to the fixing unit 118 in the next step. In addition, around the photoconductor 2,
A cleaning unit 11 is arranged on the downstream side of the separation claw 9, cleans the surface of the photoconductor 2 after transfer, and charges the charging electrode 3 again for the next image formation.

The transfer paper 105 heated and pressurized in the fixing unit 118 constituting the fixing device fixes the toner image,
In the case of one-sided copy, the paper is nipped by the conveyance rollers 119 and sent to a paper discharge tray (not shown). When performing double-sided copying, the transfer paper 105 that has been copied by the transport roller 119 is transferred.
Are sent to the evacuation conveyance path 121 connected to the stacker 120 for temporarily evacuation. The transfer paper 105 temporarily retracted into the stacker 120 is re-fed out and carried into the second paper feed unit 109 via the horizontal transport path 122.

Next, details of the transfer processing unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The transfer processing unit 1 of this copying machine includes a charging electrode 3 and a charge erasing unit (C) around a photoconductor 2 which constitutes an image carrier.
EL) 4, developing unit 5, pre-transfer exposure unit (PTL)
6, transfer electrode 7, separation electrode 8, separation claw 9, pre-cleaning static eliminator (PCC) 10, cleaning unit 1
1, and the pre-charge exposure unit (PCL) 12 is arranged in order.

In the transfer processing section 1, a uniform + charge is applied to the surface of the photoconductor 2 by the action of the charging electrode 3, and then the reflected light obtained by illuminating the original with a light source (not shown) is applied to the mirror 11.
The peripheral surface of the photoconductor 2 is irradiated with the light via the light source 5 or the like to remove the charge corresponding to the light and shade of the document to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed by the + charge is developed by the toner having the −charge in the developing unit 5, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 2. In order to prevent the toner from adhering to the non-image portion in this developing process, the charge erasing portion 4 arranged upstream of the developing unit 5 irradiates light according to the paper size to change the surface potential of the non-image portion of the photoconductor 2. It has been deleted in advance.

The pre-transfer exposure unit 6 irradiates the formed toner image with light to reduce the potential of the latent image and reduce the force with which the latent image attracts toner. When + charges are applied to the back surface of the transfer paper 105 fed along the guide plate 108 in synchronization with the rotation of the photoconductor 2 by the transfer electrode 7, the toner on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 2 is transferred to the transfer paper 105. When the transfer paper 105 on which the toner image has been transferred is discharged by the discharge of the separation electrode 8, the attraction force with the photoconductor 2 decreases, and eventually it is naturally separated by its own weight and guided to the separation claw 9 to complete the separation. Then
It is sent to the fixing unit 118.

On the other hand, since the untransferred toner remains on the photoconductor 2 passing through the separation claw 9, the pre-cleaning charge eliminating section 10 discharges the residual toner in the same manner as the separation electrode 8, and the toner is removed. And, the electric charge of the photoconductor 2 is erased. The residual toner from which the electric charges have been erased is scraped off by the cleaning unit 11, and the cleaned photoconductor 2 receives uniform light at the pre-charging exposure unit 12 to erase and uniformize the residual potential.
Prepare for the next charge.

Next, the structure of the cleaning unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The cleaning unit 11 has a cleaning unit 15, a sponge roller 16, and a toner conveying unit 17 inside and outside the housing 14, and a blade 18 included in the cleaning unit 15 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 2 to remove residual toner. It is scraped off, placed on the sponge roller 16, and dropped onto the feed screw 17a of the toner conveying means 17. The feed screw 17a sends the toner to the developing unit 5 again via a path (not shown) or collects it in a collection box (not shown) and discards it.

The cleaning means 15 includes a blade support shaft 19 for fixing a plurality of blades 18, and a support shaft rotating means 20 for rotating the blade support shaft 19 in a predetermined direction.
The blade support shaft 19 has a support shaft moving unit 21 that contacts or separates from the photosensitive member 2.

The blade 18 is sandwiched and fixed by a blade holder 18a composed of two L-shaped cross-section metal fittings, and is rotatably attached to a blade support shaft 19 using a support pin 18b. In this embodiment, the two blades 18 are attached to the blade support shaft 19 at symmetrical positions, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The blade support shaft 19 is a support shaft moving means 21.
Of the two holder side plates 22 of the shaft holder 22 forming a part of
It is rotatably supported by a and 22a. Shaft holder 22
Has a holder top plate 22b and a holder back plate 22c which are continuous with the holder side plate 22a, and two pressure release shafts 23, 23 project from both sides of the holder top plate 22b. The pressure release shafts 23, 23 are provided on both side plates 14a of the housing 14,
It is rotatably supported by 14a. Also the holder back plate 2
The weight plate 24 is locked to the shaft 2c.
A rotation moment about the pressure release shaft 23 is applied to the blade 2 and the blade support shaft 19, and the tip of the blade 18 is adjusted so as to contact the surface of the photoconductor 2 with a certain pressure.

One end of the pressure release shaft 23 has a side plate 14a.
And is connected to a cam mechanism 25 forming a part of the support shaft moving means 21. The cam mechanism 25 includes an arm 26 fixed to the end of the pressure release shaft 23 and constituting a follower,
A cam 27 that moves the arm 26 up and down to rotate the crimp release shaft 23, a driven gear 28 that transmits a rotational force to the cam 27 via the shaft 27a, and a drive that connects to the driven gear 28 via an idle gear 29. It has a gear 30 and a drive motor 31 that transmits a rotational force in a predetermined direction to the drive gear 30. The drive motor 31 is driven by a drive circuit 32 incorporated in the image forming apparatus, and a series of these support shaft moving means 21 is driven.
Are driving.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the cam surface of the cam 27, the point A that slightly pushes up the arm 26, the point C that pushes up the arm 26 to the maximum point, and the point B on the curved surface that smoothly connects points A and C are shown. And a point D between the ACs facing the point B has a radius not in contact with the arm 26. When the blade 18 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 2, that is, in the blade contact position, the cam surface facing the arm 26 is D
It is a point and therefore the arm 26 and the cam 27 do not contact.
When the blade 18 is separated from the photosensitive member 2, that is, when the blade is in the separated position, any one of points A, B, and C on the cam surface is in contact with the arm 26. Of these points, point A corresponds to the cleaning release position and point C corresponds to the blade replacement position.
These positions are detected by the sensor S provided coaxially with the shaft 27a.

The cam 27 rotates to a predetermined angle by the rotation of the drive motor 31, but the arm 26 is overrun.
When the arm 26 is rotated to push it up from the non-contact state (blade contact position) to the highest point (point C),
The load may become excessive and the drive motor 31 may be damaged. On the contrary, when the blade 18 directly moves to the blade abutting position from the point C, that is, the blade replacement position, the blade 18 moves to the photoconductor 2
The blade 18 and the photoconductor 2 may be damaged. In order to prevent these overruns, a protruding lock portion 27b is formed on the side surface of the cam 27, and a rib 14b having a height abutting the lock portion 27b is provided on the outer surface of the side plate 14a of the housing 14 so as to project. . When the cam 27 rotates in any direction, the rib 14b, which is the movement restricting member, and the lock portion 27b come into contact with each other, thereby preventing overrun of the cam 27.

Next, the structure of the support shaft rotating means 20 for rotating the blade support shaft 19 in a predetermined direction to replace the blade will be described. A blade replacement spring 33 is wound around one end of the blade support shaft 19 protruding from the holder side plate 22a of the shaft holder 22 toward the inner surface of the side plate 14a of the housing 14, and the rotation of the blade support shaft 19 is controlled at its tip. The ratchet 34 is fixedly installed.

Details of the structure of the ratchet 34 will be described with reference to FIG. The ratchet 34 is formed with as many notches as there are blades 18. In this embodiment, two notches 34a, 34 corresponding to two blades 18 are provided.
b is provided. Although the outer shape of the ratchet 34 is substantially on the same circle, a jaw 34c is formed on one notch 34a and projects from the circumference. Shaft holder 2
The second holder side plate 22a is provided with a ratchet pawl 35 including a cylindrical pin member 35a having a size that fits into the notches 34a and 34b. The ratchet pawl 35 is rotatably supported by the holder side plate 22a, a shaft 35b, a ratchet spring 35c wound around the shaft 35b to urge a torque in a fixed direction, and an end portion of the shaft 35b. An L-shaped plate member 35d having a fixed center portion and the cylindrical pin member 35a protruding from one end thereof is provided. Due to the elasticity of the ratchet spring 35c, the cylindrical pin member 35a moves to the cutout portion 3 of the ratchet 34.
It is pushed into 4a, and the elasticity of the blade replacement spring 33 prevents the blade support shaft 19 from rotating carelessly.

At the other end of the L-shaped plate member 35d, a pin member 35e is provided on the side plate 14a side of the housing 14, and a stopper 35f is provided on the side plate 14a above the pin member 35e. The stopper 35f presses the pin member 35e of the ratchet pawl 35 that rotates together with the shaft holder 22 to stop the ratchet pawl 35, and further rotates the ratchet pawl 35 that is about to rotate.
It rotates about 5b as a center and plays a role of removing the cylindrical pin member 35a from the notch 34a.

The ratchet 34 having the cylindrical pin member 35a separated from the notch 34a is rotated in a predetermined direction together with the blade support shaft 19 by the elasticity of the blade exchange spring 33. In this rotation, the jaw 34c of the ratchet 34 is moved to the holder side plate 22a.
It comes into contact with the protruding projection 35g and stops. Protrusion 35
The g is arranged outside the ratchet 34 at a position where it abuts only the jaw 34c. Due to the existence of the ratchet 34 and the ratchet pawl 35, it becomes possible to rotate the blade support shaft 19 only when the support shaft moving means 21 is in the blade separation position, more specifically, when the blade replacement position is reached.

The blade replacement spring 33 constituting the support shaft rotating means 20 needs elasticity to rotate the blade support shaft 19 for fixing the two blades 18, but the elastic force is charged by an external force. To be done. For example, as in this embodiment, the wire 36 is attached to one end of the blade support shaft 19.
Etc. are wound and the wire 36 is pulled out to perform charging.

Next, the operation of the cleaning unit 11 will be described. First, the operation of the support shaft moving means 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.
It will be explained based on. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the cam mechanism 25, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the shaft holder 22 and the blade support shaft 19 which rotate in conjunction with the cam mechanism 25. 7 (a) and 8 (a) are shown in FIGS. 7 (b) and 8 when the support shaft moving means 21 is in the blade contact position.
7 (b) shows the cleaning release position, and FIGS. 7 (c) and 8 (c) show the blade replacement position.

When the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the drive circuit 32 operates to drive the drive motor 31 to bring the arm 26 and the cam 27 into a non-contact state, and the blade 18 is pressure-bonded to the photoconductor 2. When the transfer process is completed and a predetermined time has passed, the control means 32 rotates the cam 27 to move the point A to the arm 2.
Contact 6 Pressure release shaft 23 fixed to arm 26
The shaft holder 22 connected to this rotates according to the rotation angle of the arm 26, and separates the blade 18 from the photoconductor 2 as shown in FIG. 8B. In this embodiment, the rotation angle at the cleaning release position is about 7 degrees. Toner attached to the blade 18 at the cleaning release position,
Shake off paper dust.

The cleaning means 15 normally reciprocates between the cleaning release position and the blade contact position, but when the blade 18 replacement time is reached, the control means 32 causes the cam 2 to move.
7 is further rotated to change the contact point with the arm 26 from point A to point B
After passing through the point, it moves to point C and moves to the blade replacement position. The rotation angle in this case is about 20 degrees. After the blade replacement, the cam 27 rotates in the reverse direction, that is, C → B → A, and returns to the cleaning release position again. At the time of the next cleaning, the replaced blade 18 is pressed against the photoconductor 2.

Next, the support shaft moving means 2 showing the above-mentioned operation.
The operation of the support shaft rotating means 20 which is interlocked with 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the support shaft rotating means 20. 9A shows the support shaft rotating means 20 in the blade contact position, FIG. 9B shows the cleaning release position, and FIG. 9C shows the blade exchange position. When the support shaft moving means 21 rotates the pressure release shaft 23 to a predetermined angle, the side plate 14 of the housing 14 is rotated.
The stopper 35f protruding from a comes into pressure contact with the pin member 35e of the ratchet pawl 35 that rotates together with the pressure release shaft 23 and the shaft holder 22 (FIG. 9B). Thereafter, when the pressure release shaft 23 is further rotated, the ratchet pawl 35
Rotates about the shaft 35b, and finally the cylindrical pin member 35a separates from the notch 34a. At this time, the ratchet 34 rotates in a predetermined direction together with the blade support shaft 19 due to the elasticity of the blade exchange spring 33. Although the blade 18 is replaced by this rotation, the rotating ratchet 34 is stopped by the jaw portion 34c contacting the protrusion 35g protruding from the holder side plate 22a (FIG. 9C). After that, when the support shaft moving means 21 rotates the pressure release shaft 23 in the opposite direction and returns to the cleaning release position, the elasticity of the ratchet spring 35c causes the shaft 35b to rotate in a fixed direction so that the cylindrical pin member 35a is notched in the ratchet 34. The blade 18 is fitted to the portion 34b, and the positioning of the blade 18 is completed.

When the support shaft moving means 21 is returned from the blade replacement position to the cleaning release position, the drive circuit 32 is used.
A timer 32a provided therein counts a predetermined time required for the cleaning unit 11 to calm the toner that has risen due to blade replacement. This time chart is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the waiting time at the blade replacement position is 8 seconds. Due to this waiting time, the toner that has risen when the blade support shaft 19 rotates is calmed, and even if the support shaft moving means 21 is returned to the cleaning release position, there is no risk that the toner that has risen will be scattered outside the cleaning unit 11.

Next, the replacement time of the blade of this image forming apparatus will be described. 11 is a plan view of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus.
The durability of the blade 18 varies depending on the amount of residual toner depending on the usage state of the image forming apparatus. Also,
For example, in the case of having a plurality of blades 18 in this way, the durability of the blade 18 is reduced by the amount that the blade 18 to be set later deteriorates in use environment due to the toner etc. with paper dust mixed with the blade 18 to be set earlier. Since the durability of the blade 18 may decrease depending on the blade 18, the blade 18 can be replaced according to the usage state.

In the plan view of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 11, a ten-key pad 201 is arranged at the center of the operation unit 200 to input the number of copies and the like. On the right side of the numeric keypad 201, a copy number display section 202 and an interrupt display section 20
4. A copy operation button 205 is arranged, and a display unit 206 such as the size of the transfer paper and the copy magnification is arranged on the left side.
Furthermore, a mode selection button 207 is arranged.

The power is turned on by operating a power button (not shown), and the blade replacement timing input mode is selected by operating the mode selection button 207. Numeric keypad 201 in the center
In addition, the ten key 201 is used for inputting the blade replacement time in addition to the number of copies, and the ten-key 201 constitutes a replacement time input means capable of inputting the blade replacement time.

In the block diagram of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 12, the information from the operation unit 200 is input to the CPU 220, and the CPU 220 controls the copy sequence by the program stored in the ROM 221. Further, the CPU 220 controls the drive circuit 32, and the drive circuit 32 drives the drive motor 31 for crimping, releasing, and replacing the blade 18, and the drive motor 3
1 is a drive source of the cleaning unit 11.
The drive circuit 32 operates upon receipt of a pressure contact and release signal of the blade 18 or a replacement signal of the blade 18 from the CPU 220, and outputs a blade replacement signal to the CPU 220. Information for knowing the pressure bonding, release, and replacement position of the blade 18 is input from the sensor S to the drive circuit 32, and the drive motor 31 is driven based on the information from the sensor S.

By operating the ten keys 201 of the operation unit 200,
When the replacement time of the blade 18 is input, the CPU 220
Is stored in the non-volatile memory 224 via the, and the non-volatile memory 224 constitutes rewritable storage means for storing the replacement time input from the replacement time input means. Further, the CPU 220 has a transfer paper discharge detection unit 225 that detects discharge of the transfer paper having the toner image transferred to the outside of the apparatus main body unit 102, a power-on detection unit 226 that detects power-on of the apparatus main body unit 102, and the apparatus main body. Fixing temperature detecting means 2 of the fixing device for detecting the fixing temperature for enabling the section 102 to operate
Detection information is input from each of 27. Therefore, when the temperature of the fixing device has risen to a fixing temperature (for example, 200 ° C.), a copy enable signal is output.

In the control means composed of the CPU 220,
The blade 18 can be replaced at the replacement time stored in the storage means, and the input of the replacement time of the blade 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power is turned on by operating the power button,
In step a1, it is determined whether or not the blade replacement timing input mode is selected. If the blade replacement timing input mode is selected by operating the mode selection button 207, in step b1 the ten key 201 is used as the blade replacement timing to set the number of copies. Enter. Then, in step c1, it is determined whether or not the enter key is input. When the enter key is input, the blade replacement time is stored in the non-volatile memory 224 in step d1. The confirmation key is a key for confirming whether or not the number indicating the blade replacement timing input by the ten keys 201 can be written in the non-volatile memory 224. For example, the copy operation button 205 or the like is used.

The durability of the blade 18 is different due to the difference in the amount of residual toner depending on the usage state of the image forming apparatus. When the blade 18 has a plurality of blades 18 as described above, the blade 18 to be set later is The durability of the blade 18 is reduced by the amount that the usage environment is deteriorated by the toner or the like that has risen from the blade 18 previously set, and the durability may vary depending on the blade 18. By allowing the replacement of the blades 18, it is possible to prevent defective cleaning and solve problems such as replacement of the usable blades 18.

Next, the timing of the blade replacement timing after the blade replacement timing thus set is reached will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 14 to 16. After the blade 18 replacement time is reached, a problem arises in which state the image forming apparatus should be replaced with the blade 18. It is necessary to consider that the replacement of the blade 18 does not stain the transfer paper and does not adversely affect the apparatus, and the replacement of the blade 18 causes no time loss.

First, in the control means constituted by the CPU 220, the transfer paper discharge detection means 225 detects that the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred is discharged outside the apparatus main body 102, and then the nonvolatile memory 224. The blade 18 can be replaced at the replacement time stored in the storage means of
When the blade 18 is replaced, the transfer paper does not remain in the apparatus main body 102 so that the transfer paper is not contaminated and the apparatus is not adversely affected.

The replacement of the blade 18 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 14. After the copying operation is performed in step a2 and the transfer paper is ejected in step b2, it is time to replace the blade in step c2. Make a decision. If the blade replacement time has come, a blade replacement flag is set in the non-volatile memory 224 in step d2, and it is determined in step e2 whether or not continuous copying is to be performed. If the replacement time of the blade 18 has not been reached in step c2, the process proceeds to step e2 to determine whether or not continuous copying is performed.

If continuous copying is performed in step e2, the process proceeds to step a2. If continuous copying is not performed, it is determined in step f2 whether or not the blade replacement flag is set in the nonvolatile memory 224, and the blade replacement flag is set. If set, the blade is replaced in step g2. This blade replacement is performed by the drive motor 31
Is moved to the exchange position, stopped for a certain time until the blade exchange is completed, and further moved to the release position by the drive motor 31. When this blade replacement is completed, the blade replacement flag is cleared in step h2 and the blade replacement is completed.

Next, in the control means constituted by the CPU 220, after the power-on detection means 226 detects the power-on of the apparatus main body 102, the blade 18 is replaced at the replacement time stored in the storage means of the non-volatile memory 224. Warm-up time T1 after power-on is detected
By using, the blade 18 can be replaced without causing a time loss because no special time is required to replace the blade 18.

The replacement of the blade 18 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 15. When the power of the apparatus main body 102 is turned on, the nonvolatile memory 2 is replaced at step a3.
It is determined whether the blade replacement flag is set in 24, and if the blade replacement flag is set, step b3
Replace the blade with. In this blade replacement, the blade 18 is moved to the replacement position by the drive motor 31 as described above, stopped for a certain time until the blade replacement is completed, and further moved to the release position by the drive motor 31. When this blade replacement is completed, the blade replacement flag is cleared in step c3 and the blade replacement is completed.

Further, in the control means constituted by the CPU 220, the fixing temperature K1 inputted from the temperature detecting means 227 of the fixing device for detecting the fixing temperature enabling the apparatus main body 102 to operate is compared with the set temperature K2. . That is, the current fixing temperature K1 of the fixing device is the set temperature K2 (for example, 15
When the temperature is below 0 ℃, fixing temperature K3 (200 ℃)
The time (for example, 10 seconds) required to go up, that is, this time is set as the warm-up time T1. This warming-up time T1 and blade 1
8 is compared with the time T2 required for replacement, and when the warming-up time T1 is long, the blade 18 can be replaced at the replacement time stored in the storage means of the non-volatile memory 224. Since the time for replacement is not provided, the blade 18 can be replaced without causing a time loss.

As described above, the temperature detecting means is used as an alternative to the means for detecting and comparing the time, and the set temperature K2 and the fixable temperature K3 are preset when the image forming apparatus is shipped from the factory. It has been fixed in the market.

The replacement of the blade 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16. The power supply of the apparatus main body 102 is turned on, and the nonvolatile memory 224 is operated at step a4.
If the blade replacement flag is set, if the blade replacement flag is set, the time T2 required to replace the blade is compared with the warming up time T1 in step b4, and when the warming up time T1 is long. Then, the blade is replaced in step c4. In this blade replacement, the blade 18 is moved to the replacement position by the drive motor 31 as described above, stopped for a certain time until the blade replacement is completed, and further moved to the release position by the drive motor 31. When this blade replacement is completed, the blade replacement flag is cleared in step d4 and the blade replacement is completed.

[0058]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the replacement timing of the blade is input by the replacement timing input means, and the replacement timing from the replacement timing input means is stored in the rewritable storage means. Since the blade replacement time can be set arbitrarily and the replacement time can be replaced by the control means, it is possible to replace the blade appropriately according to the usage state, and cleaning failure may occur, It is possible to prevent waste such as exchanging usable blades.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the transfer paper discharge detecting means detects discharge of the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred to the outside of the main body of the apparatus, and after the detection by the transfer paper discharge detecting means, The blade can be replaced at the replacement time set by the control means, and thus the blade can be replaced without stopping the copy operation.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the replacement time input means detects the power-on of the apparatus main body, and after the detection by the power-on detection means, and the fourth aspect of the invention, the power source of the apparatus main body. At the time of charging, it is judged whether the fixing temperature of the fixing device is the temperature at which the blade can be replaced, and when the warming-up time from the current temperature to the fixing temperature is long, the blade can be replaced at the set replacement time. Therefore, by using the warming-up time, no special time for replacing the blade is provided, so that the blade can be replaced without causing a time loss.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a cleaning device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transfer processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of a cleaning unit.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a section taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the cleaning unit.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a VI-VI cross section of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the cam mechanism.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of a blade support shaft or the like that rotates in conjunction with a cam mechanism.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the support shaft rotating means.

FIG. 10 is a time chart of the support shaft moving means.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for inputting a blade replacement time.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of timing of blade replacement timing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the timing of blade replacement timing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the timing of blade replacement timing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Photoreceptor 11 Cleaning Unit 15 Cleaning Means 18 Blade 19 Blade Support Shaft 20 Support Shaft Rotating Means 21 Support Shaft Moving Means 31 Drive Motor 32 Drive Circuit S Sensor

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier for holding a toner image to be transferred onto a transfer paper, a plurality of blades capable of abutting on the image carrier, and the one blade abutting on the image carrier for other blades. In an image forming apparatus including a blade replacement mechanism in a main body of the apparatus, a replacement timing input unit capable of inputting a replacement timing of the blade, and a rewritable storage unit storing the replacement timing input from the replacement timing input unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that enables blade replacement at the replacement time stored in the storage unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transfer paper discharge detection means for detecting discharge of the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred to the outside of the apparatus main body, and replacement time of the blade are input. A possible replacement timing input means, a rewritable storage means for storing the replacement timing input from the replacement timing input means, and a blade at the replacement timing stored in the storage means after being detected by the transfer paper discharge detection means. An image forming apparatus having a control unit that enables replacement of the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power-on detection means for detecting power-on of the apparatus main body portion, replacement time input means for inputting replacement time of the blade, and replacement time thereof. It has rewritable storage means for storing the replacement time input from the input means, and control means for enabling blade replacement at the replacement time stored in the storage means after detection by the power-on detection means. An image forming apparatus characterized by. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a fixing device that heats and presses a transfer sheet onto which a toner image held on the image carrier is transferred to fix the image, and a power source of the apparatus main body are turned on. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a unit for determining whether the fixing temperature of the fixing device is a temperature at which the blade can be replaced.