JPH0659602A - Cleaning unit for electrophotographic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the damage of a blade during keeping by preparing a blade cover which is fittedly attached by abutting a lubricant holding section on an abutting domain for the image carrying body of a cleaning blade in the case of not attaching, and removed at the time of attaching. CONSTITUTION:A blade cover 20 is fittedly attached near the tip of a cleaning blade 12b protruding outside from a disuse toner tank 12c. A lubricant holding section 21 having a recess fitted on near the tip of the blade 12b is arranged in the blade cover 20. Thus the lubricant adheres near the tip of the blade 12b from which the blade cover 20 is removed. The blade cover 20 can be removed from the blade 12b by moving it in a C-direction, and is fixed at an attaching position by fitting the recess on. A cleaning toner magazine CTM 10 is shipped with the blade cover 20 fittedly attached to the blade 12b at the time of assembling, and the blade cover 20 is removed from the blade 12b just before the magazine CTM10 is attached to an electrophotographic device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is detachably attached to an electrophotographic apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a printer apparatus or a copying apparatus to clean an image bearing member such as a photosensitive belt, for example, a CTM (cleaning toner). A cleaning unit for an electrophotographic device configured as a part of a magazine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electrophotographic apparatus.

Reference numeral 1 is a photosensitive belt which is an image carrier, 2 is a roller for stretching the photosensitive belt 1, 3 is a developing unit in which a developing roller 3a is in contact with the photosensitive belt 1, and 4 is a pressure roller. A fixing unit provided with 4a and a heating roller 4b,
10 is a toner supply unit 11 and a cleaning unit 12
Is a CTM integrally formed.

The roller 2 rotates in the A direction to move the photosensitive belt 1 in the B direction, the charging charger 5 charges the photosensitive belt 1 to a uniform electric charge, and the optical writing unit 6 becomes uniform. The electrostatic latent image is formed by scanning the photosensitive belt 1 charged with various electric charges with the laser beam L. The developing unit 3 develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by adhering developing toner to the exposed area of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive belt 1 by the developing roller 3a. A sensor (not shown) that detects the remaining amount of toner is arranged in the developing unit 3, and the control unit (not shown) determines the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 3 based on the detection signal from the sensor. If the residual amount becomes less than the predetermined amount, the toner is supplied to the developing unit 3 by the toner supply unit 11 through the toner duct 7. Further, the recording sheet P, which is conveyed in synchronism with the toner image on the photosensitive belt 1, is electrostatically transferred with a toner image by the transfer charger 8 and is further conveyed to the fixing unit 4. The recording paper P in the fixing unit 4
The toner image is fixed by being nipped by the pressure roller 4a and the heating roller 4b and heated and pressed.

On the other hand, on the photosensitive belt 1 after the transfer is completed,
A cleaning blade 12b supported via a blade support plate 12a abuts on the waste toner tank 12c, and the cleaning blade 12b moves the photoconductor belt 1 to peel off and remove the residual toner and collect it in the waste toner tank 12c. . After the cleaning, the photoconductor belt 1 is neutralized by the charge removal lamp 9, and then charged again to a uniform charge by the charging charger 5 to form a new image.

The CTM 10 is constructed so that the CTM 10 is removed from the inside of the apparatus by pulling it out in a predetermined direction, and is inserted from the outside opposite to the time of removal so that it is mounted at the mounting position shown in the figure. User is a toner supply unit
When the toner 11 is exhausted or when the waste toner tank 12c of the cleaning unit 12 is full of the waste toner, the CTM 10 is replaced with an unused one.

[0007]

In the electrophotographic apparatus having the above construction, the CTM 10 is constructed so that it can be easily replaced by the user. However, in general, the cleaning blade 12b is formed of a material having elasticity and flexibility, and the tip side is disposed of the waste toner tank 12c.
It is fixed in the cleaning unit 12 in a state of protruding from the outside. Therefore, when the CTM 10 is stored or replaced, the cleaning blade 12b may be deformed by applying an unreasonable force, or may be damaged by being brought into contact with a sharp object. Also a cleaning blade
In the case of 12b, when the toner having a lubricating action does not adhere to the contact surface with respect to the photoconductor belt 1, the cleaning blade 12b may be turned over in the moving direction when the photoconductor belt 1 starts moving. is there. In order to prevent such a curling phenomenon, a predetermined lubricant is attached to the cleaning blade 12b before shipment from the factory. However, when the cleaning blade 12b is projected to the outside, the cleaning blade 12b may be brought into contact with another member, or the cleaning blade 12b may be touched by the user.
If you touch it, the lubricant may peel off.

If the cleaning blade 12b is deformed or damaged, the cleaning of residual toner on the photosensitive belt 1 cannot be carried out normally, so that the image quality is deteriorated and the cleaning blade 12b is turned up. In this case, the CTM 10 or the device body may be destroyed.

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to prevent the cleaning blade from being damaged during storage of the cleaning unit, and to surely prevent the cleaning blade from turning over immediately after mounting the cleaning unit. To provide an electrophotographic device.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an electrophotographic apparatus provided with a cleaning blade, which is detachably attached to the apparatus main body to bring the cleaning blade into contact with an image carrier. In the cleaning unit, when the cleaning unit is not attached to the apparatus main body, the lubricant holding portion to which the lubricant adheres is brought into contact with at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier, and is removably fitted to the cleaning blade. And a blade cover that is detached from the cleaning blade when the cleaning unit is attached to the apparatus body.

Further, in a cleaning unit of an electrophotographic apparatus, which comprises a cleaning blade and a waste toner tank for supporting the cleaning blade, the cleaning unit is detachably attached to the apparatus main body to bring the cleaning blade into contact with an image carrier, When the cleaning unit is not attached to the main body, the lubricant holding portion to which the lubricant adheres is brought into contact with at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier to be detachably attached to the waste toner tank, and to the apparatus main body. It is characterized in that it has a tank cover which is detached from the waste toner tank when the cleaning unit is attached. Further, an adhesive sheet having adhesiveness is fixed to at least a part of the surface of the tank cover facing the waste toner tank, and the tank cover is releasably attached to the waste toner tank by this adhesive sheet. It is characterized by being attached.

Further, the lubricant holding portion is formed by a porous material having flexibility.

Further, as the lubricant, any one substance of zinc stearate powder, vinylidene fluoride resin powder, and iodofluoroethylene resin powder, or a mixture of at least two or more of the above substances is used. .

[0014]

According to the above-mentioned means, the lubricant holding portion to which the lubricant is attached is brought into contact with at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier, and the blade cover is removably fitted into the cleaning blade. The lubricant transfers from the lubricant holding portion and adheres to at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with the blade cover removed.

The tank cover is removably attached to the waste toner tank by contacting the lubricant holding portion to which the lubricant adheres with at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier. When removed from the toner tank, the lubricant is transferred from the lubricant holding portion and adheres to at least the contact area of the cleaning blade.

Furthermore, the tank cover is releasably attached to the waste toner tank by the adhesive sheet of the tank cover.

Further, by the lubricant holding portion made of a porous material having flexibility, the lubricant holding member uniformly makes elastic contact with the cleaning blade in a state where the lubricant is held in the holes of the surface.

Further, by using a lubricant of any one of zinc stearate powder, vinylidene fluoride resin powder, and iodofluoroethylene resin powder, or a mixture of two or more of the above substances, an electrophotographic apparatus or an image forming process can be performed. Does not have a bad effect on the friction and exerts a sufficient friction reducing action.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that members corresponding to the members described in FIG. 8 in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a cleaning unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing an essential part of the first embodiment.

A blade cover 20 is fitted near the tip of the cleaning blade 12b protruding from the waste toner tank 12c to the outside. Inside the blade cover 20, there is arranged a lubricant holding member 21 which is made of a sponge which is a porous material having flexibility and which has a concave portion 21a which is fitted around the tip of the cleaning blade 12b. The cleaning blade 12b is provided on the inner surface of the recess 21a.
A lubricant is applied before fitting to the. As a result, in the vicinity of the tip of the cleaning blade 12b from which the blade cover 20 has been removed, the lubricant is retained by the lubricant holding member 2
Transfer from 1 and attach.

The blade cover 20 is removed from the cleaning blade 12b by moving it in the C direction,
Further, by fitting the recess 21a onto the cleaning blade 12b, the recess 21a is fixed at the mounting position shown. CTM10
Is shipped with the blade cover 20 fitted to the cleaning blade 12b during assembly at the factory.
Immediately before mounting the TM10 on the electrophotographic apparatus, the blade cover 20 is removed from the cleaning blade 12b.

As shown in the explanatory view of FIG. 3, the blade cover 20 is also provided with a grip portion 22 for the user to grip when the cleaning blade 12b is inserted or removed. The blade cover 20 causes the grip portion 22 to protrude from the side of the CTM 10 while being fitted to the cleaning blade 12b. As a result, when the blade cover 20 is fitted, the CTM 10 becomes wider than the opening width of the attachment / detachment port 51 of the electrophotographic apparatus and cannot be inserted into the apparatus. Therefore, when the blade cover 20 is fitted by the user. It can be prevented from being attached to the electrophotographic apparatus.

The user attaches the CTM 10 to the electrophotographic apparatus, and the cleaning blade 12b comes into contact with the photosensitive belt 1 near the tip thereof. At this time, as described above, since the lubricant is attached to the vicinity of the tip of the cleaning blade 12b, the frictional force generated between the cleaning blade 12b and the photosensitive belt 1 is reduced and the cleaning blade 12b is turned over. It is possible to prevent the phenomenon from occurring. Further, since the blade cover 20 is fitted to the cleaning blade 12b during storage or transportation of the CTM 10, it is possible to prevent the cleaning blade 12b from being damaged during storage or transportation.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a cleaning unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tank cover in the second embodiment.

A tank cover 30 is fitted on the waste toner tank 12c so as to cover the cleaning blade 12b. A lubricant holding member 31 formed of a flexible sponge is fixed to the inner surface of the tank cover 30, and the lubricant holding member 31 is formed by fitting the tank cover 30 onto the waste toner tank 12c. It makes elastic contact with the vicinity of the tip of the cleaning blade 12b. Before the tank cover 30 is externally fitted to the waste toner tank 12c on the elastic contact surface of the lubricant holding member 31,
A lubricant is attached. As a result, when the tank cover 30 is removed from the waste toner tank 12c, the lubricant is transferred from the lubricant holding member 31 and adheres to the vicinity of the tip of the cleaning blade 12b.

The tank cover 30 is removed from the waste toner tank 12c by moving it in the direction D, and is fixed to the waste toner tank 12c at the mounting position shown in the drawing by being fitted onto the waste toner tank 12c. The CTM 10 is shipped with the tank cover 30 fitted onto the waste toner tank 12c during assembly at the factory, and the user removes the tank cover 30 from the waste toner tank 12c immediately before mounting the CTM 10 on the electrophotographic apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tank cover 30 has a grip portion 32 for a user to grip when the tank cover 30 is fitted and removed. The tank cover 30 allows the grip portion 32 to protrude from the side of the CTM 10 while being fitted onto the waste toner tank 12c. As a result, the CTM 10 becomes wider than the opening width of the attachment / detachment port of the electrophotographic apparatus when the tank cover 30 is externally fitted and cannot be inserted into the apparatus. It can be prevented from being attached to the photographic device.

The cleaning blade 12b is set by the user to C.
The TM10 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus and brought into contact with the photosensitive belt 1 near the tip thereof. At this time, as described above, the cleaning blade 12b has the lubricant adhered to the vicinity of the tip thereof. The frictional force generated between the photoconductor belt 1 and the photoconductor belt 1 is reduced, so that the cleaning blade 12b can be prevented from being turned over. Further, a tank cover is provided on the waste toner tank 12c so as to cover the cleaning blade 12b when the CTM 10 is stored or transported.
The external fitting of 30 can prevent the cleaning blade 12b from being damaged during storage or transportation.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a cleaning unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a CTM equipped with the cleaning unit of the third embodiment, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The members corresponding to the above members are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

A tank cover 40 is attached to the waste toner tank 12c so as to cover the cleaning blade 12b. On the surface of the tank cover 40 facing the waste toner tank 12c, an adhesive sheet 43 is attached near the end, and the adhesive sheet 43 has an initial adhesive force of about tack No. 14 on the adhesive surface. Used. As a result, the tank cover 40 becomes detachable from the waste toner tank 12c, the lubricant holding member 31 to which the lubricant is attached is elastically contacted with the cleaning blade 12b at the time of attachment, and the waste toner tank 12c is also provided after the removal. It can be repeatedly applied without leaving a sticking mark on.

The CTM 10 is shipped by attaching the tank cover 40 to the waste toner tank 12c at the time of assembly in the factory, and the user removes the tank cover 40 from the waste toner tank 12c immediately before mounting the CTM 10 on the electrophotographic apparatus. Remove.

The cleaning blade 12b is set by the user to C
The TM10 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus and brought into contact with the photosensitive belt 1 near the tip. At this time, the cleaning blade
Since the lubricant is transferred from the lubricant holding member 31 to the vicinity of the tip of the cleaning blade 12b, the cleaning blade 12
The frictional force generated between b and the photoconductor belt 1 is reduced, so that the cleaning blade 12b can be prevented from being turned over. Further, when the CTM 10 is stored or transported, the tank cover 40 is attached to the waste toner tank 12c by the adhesive sheet 43 so as to cover the cleaning blade 12b, so that the cleaning blade 12b is damaged during storage or transportation. Can be prevented.

In the cleaning unit 11 of the first to third embodiments, the lubricant holding members 21, 31 are made of sponge, and the lubricant holding members 21, 31 are
A lubricant is attached in advance and elastically contacts the cleaning blade 12b. Here, as the lubricant, any one substance of zinc stearate powder, vinylidene fluoride resin powder, and iodofluoroethylene resin powder, or a mixture of two or more of the above substances is used.

The lubricant holding members 21, 31 of the sponge fill the minute holes on the surfaces of the lubricant holding members 21, 31 with the lubricant, so that a large amount of the lubricant is provided near the surface layers of the lubricant holding members 21, 31. Since the lubricant holding members 21 and 31 can be held and have flexibility, the lubricant holding members 21 and 31 can evenly elastically contact the cleaning blade 12b. Therefore, a sufficient amount of the lubricant is evenly attached near the tip of the cleaning blade 12b where the lubricant holding members 21 and 31 are separated from each other. Further, the frictional force generated between the cleaning blade 12b and the photosensitive belt 1 is reduced by the lubricant which is zinc stearate powder, vinylidene fluoride resin powder, iodofluoroethylene resin powder or a mixture of these substances, and Since the electrophotographic apparatus and the image forming process are not adversely affected, it is possible to reliably prevent the cleaning blade 12b from being turned over without adversely affecting the apparatus and the image.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By the blade cover or the tank cover, when the cleaning unit is attached to the apparatus main body, the lubricant adheres to at least the contact region of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier, so that the lubricant is generated between the cleaning blade and the image carrier. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a curling phenomenon in the cleaning blade due to a decrease in frictional force. Further, the adhesive sheet of the tank cover allows the tank cover to be releasably attached to the waste toner tank, so that The tank cover can be easily attached and removed, and the lubricant holding part made of a flexible porous material makes the lubricant holding member even with respect to the cleaning blade while the lubricant is held in the holes on the surface. Sufficient lubricant is evenly applied to the cleaning blade by making elastic contact. Can be adhered to the electrophotographic apparatus and image forming by using a lubricant of zinc stearate powder, vinylidene fluoride resin powder or iodofluoroethylene resin powder, or a mixture of two or more of the above substances. By not exerting a bad influence on the process and exhibiting a sufficient friction reducing action, it is possible to surely prevent the curling phenomenon in the cleaning blade without giving a bad influence to the apparatus and the image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a cleaning unit that is a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a main part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of C including the cleaning unit of the first embodiment.
It is explanatory drawing at the time of mounting | wearing with the electrophotographic apparatus of TM.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a cleaning unit that is a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tank cover according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a cleaning unit that is a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a C including the cleaning unit according to the third embodiment.
It is a perspective view of TM.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an electrophotographic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Photosensitive belt, 10 ... CTM, 12 ... Cleaning unit, 12b ... Cleaning blade, 12c ... Waste toner tank, 20 ... Blade cover, 21, 31 ... Lubricant holding member, 22, 32 ... Gripping part, 30, 40 … Tank cover, 43… Adhesive sheet, 51… Removable port.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A cleaning unit of an electrophotographic apparatus, comprising a cleaning blade, which is removably mounted on an apparatus main body to bring the cleaning blade into contact with an image bearing member, wherein a lubricant is used when the cleaning unit is not mounted on the apparatus main body. A blade which is removably fitted to the cleaning blade by bringing the adhered lubricant holding portion into contact with at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier, and is removed from the cleaning blade when the cleaning unit is attached to the apparatus main body. A cleaning unit for an electrophotographic apparatus, comprising a cover. 2. A cleaning unit of an electrophotographic apparatus, comprising: a cleaning blade; and a waste toner tank for supporting the cleaning blade, the cleaning unit being detachably attached to the apparatus main body to bring the cleaning blade into contact with an image carrier. When the cleaning unit is not attached to the apparatus main body, the lubricant holding portion to which the lubricant adheres is brought into contact with at least the contact area of the cleaning blade with respect to the image carrier to be detachably attached to the waste toner tank, and the apparatus main body A cleaning unit for an electrophotographic apparatus, comprising a tank cover that is removed from a waste toner tank when the cleaning unit is attached to the cleaning unit. 3. An adhesive sheet having adhesiveness is fixed to at least a part of a surface of the tank cover facing the waste toner tank, and the adhesive sheet enables the tank cover to be peeled from the waste toner tank. The cleaning unit for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning unit is attached and attached. 4. The cleaning unit for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant holding portion is formed of a porous material having flexibility. 5. As the lubricant, any one substance of zinc stearate powder, vinylidene fluoride resin powder, and iodofluoroethylene resin powder, or a mixture of at least two or more of the above substances is used. The cleaning unit for an electrophotographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.