JPH0950214A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of ozone decomposition by joining/mixing air including ozone from a first exhaust path and air heated by an exposure optical system from a second exhaust path, together in an exhaust duct and discharging the air to the rear outside an image forming device. SOLUTION: Air sucked from an intake hole 51a passes through a scorotron electrifier 11 and the ozone generated by a corona discharge is discharged from the scorotron electrifier 11 to an exhaust duct 81 (the first exhaust path). Air sucked from intake holes 51b and 10c cools the exposing element 12a of the exposure optical system 12 and is discharged through the exhaust duct 83 (the second exhaust path). The air including the ozone from the first exhaust path and the air heated by the exposure optical system 12 from the second exhaust path are joined/mixed together in the exhaust duct 83. Then, the ozone from the first exhaust path is further decomposed through an ozone filter f2 heated by hot air from the second exhaust path and sucked by a discharge fan F1, to be discharged to the rear outside the image forming device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine, a printer, an F
In an image forming apparatus such as AX, charging means is provided on the peripheral surface of the image forming body,
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image by arranging an image exposing unit and a developing unit, and particularly, a plurality of charging units, an image exposing unit and a developing unit arranged on the peripheral surface of the image forming member. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by superposing toner images during one rotation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as one method for forming a multicolor image, a color image is formed by sequentially performing charging, image exposure and development for each color within one rotation of one photoconductor. Forming devices are known.

However, although the above-mentioned color image forming apparatus enables high-speed image formation as a method of forming a multicolor image, a charging device, an image exposing means and a developing device are provided within one rotation of the photoconductor. It is necessary to dispose a plurality of sets, and the image exposure optical system may be contaminated with toner leaking from the developing device in the vicinity, which may impair the image quality. To avoid this, the distance between the image exposing means and the developing device should be increased. Since it is necessary, there is a contradiction that the diameter of the photoreceptor is inevitably increased and the apparatus is enlarged. For the purpose of avoiding this drawback, the substrate of the image forming body is formed of a transparent material, and a plurality of image exposing means are housed therein, and the image is exposed through the substrate to the photosensitive layer formed on the outer periphery thereof. An apparatus of the form is proposed, for example, by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-307307.

[0004]

However, the apparatus according to the above-mentioned proposal has a complicated structure due to the arrangement of a large number of image exposure means inside the image forming body, and a plurality of charging devices and developing devices outside the image forming body. The disposition and attachment / detachment of the body and the image exposure means are complicated, and the handleability is poor. In particular, since a plurality of chargers are used, a large amount of ozone is generated by corona discharge from the plurality of chargers, which deteriorates the image forming body and causes image unevenness, resulting in a problem that good latent image formation cannot be obtained. .

On the other hand, as the image exposing means, an exposure optical system having a self-occ lens (trade name) as an image forming optical system and an LED as a light source is generally used. The exposure optical system is close to the image forming body. However, since the amount of heat generated by the exposure optical system accumulates inside the image forming body and deteriorates the performance of the photoconductor layer and toner, which causes image deterioration, it is difficult to form a good latent image. This occurs or the thermal expansion of the holding member of the exposure optical system causes a change in the resist function, which causes a problem that a good color image cannot be obtained particularly in the case of forming a color image by superimposing toner images. Further, it is difficult to provide the ozone discharge means and the exposure optical system cooling means in the narrow space as described above.

As a result of solving and improving this point, the present invention provides
Providing an ozone discharge method that enables efficient ozone decomposition and an air flow forming means for ozone discharge that can be applied well even in a narrow space and cooling of the exposure optical system without degrading the image forming body. Also, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good image without preventing thermal expansion of a holding member of an exposure optical system and changing a resist function, particularly a color image forming apparatus by superposing toner images. Is.

[0007]

The above object is to arrange a charging means, an image exposing means and a developing means around an image forming body,
On the image forming body, the charging by the charging means, the image exposure by the image exposing means, and the developing by the developing means are repeated in this order to form a toner image on the image forming body in a superimposed manner. In a color image forming apparatus that performs batch transfer, a first exhaust passage for exhausting ozone generated from the charging means and a second exhaust passage for cooling the image exposure means are provided, and the first exhaust passage is provided. The present invention is achieved by a color image forming apparatus characterized in that the exhaust air from the air passage and the exhaust air from the second exhaust passage are merged and discharged to the outside of the machine through an ozone filter (first invention). .

Further, the above object is to arrange a charging means, an image exposing means and a developing means around the image forming body, and charge the image forming body with the charging means and the image exposing means with the image exposing means. In the color image forming apparatus, in which a toner image is formed on the image forming body in a superposed manner by repeating this order and the developing by the developing unit in this order, and then ozone is generated from the charging unit in a color image forming apparatus that collectively transfers the toner images to the transfer material. An exhaust passage and a heat pipe for cooling the image exposure unit are provided,
This is achieved by a color image forming apparatus characterized in that exhaust air from the exhaust passage is passed through the heat pipe and then exhausted through an ozone filter to the outside of the machine (second invention).

A further object is to arrange a plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means around the image forming body,
On the image forming body, the charging by the charging means, the image exposure by the image exposing means, and the developing by the developing means are repeated in this order to form a toner image on the image forming body in a superimposed manner. In a color image forming apparatus that performs batch transfer, a driving unit that rotationally drives the image forming body is provided, and is rotated by the rotation of the image forming body, and is in the vicinity of the charging means arranged around the image forming body. The present invention is achieved by a color image forming apparatus, characterized in that an air flow forming means for forming an air flow is provided in (3rd invention).

Further, the above object is to arrange a plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means around the image forming body,
On the image forming body, the charging by the charging means, the image exposure by the image exposing means, and the developing by the developing means are repeated in this order to form a toner image on the image forming body in a superimposed manner. In a color image forming apparatus that performs batch transfer, a driving unit that rotationally drives the image forming body is provided, and the image exposing unit that is rotated around the image forming body is rotated by the rotation of the image forming body. This is achieved by a color image forming apparatus characterized in that an air flow forming means for forming an air flow is provided in the vicinity thereof (fourth invention).

Further, the above object is to arrange a plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means around the image forming body,
On the image forming body, the charging by the charging means, the image exposure by the image exposing means, and the developing by the developing means are repeated in this order to form a toner image on the image forming body in a superimposed manner. In a color image forming apparatus that performs batch transfer, the image forming body and the charging unit are integrated process units that can be attached to and detached from the color image forming apparatus main body, and at least the charging unit, the developing unit, and the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit. And an ozone decomposing substance is provided on the inner surface of the process unit housing (5th invention).

[0012]

【Example】

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows an image forming process and each mechanism of a color image forming apparatus which is an embodiment related to the first invention of the present invention.
2 and FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an A-O- of the color image forming apparatus of FIG.
It is an outline sectional view in A.

In the color image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum, which is an image forming body, has a base body made of a transparent material, and a conductive body and a photosensitive layer are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transparent base body. This is a structure in which a drum is used, and an image exposure unit is arranged inside the photosensitive drum, and an image forming process unit such as a charger, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a charge eliminator, and a cleaning unit is arranged outside.

The photosensitive drum 10, which is an image forming body, is provided with, for example, a cylindrical base body formed of a transparent member such as optical glass or transparent acrylic resin on the inside, and a transparent conductive layer, a, on the outer periphery of the base body. -A photosensitive layer such as a Si layer or an organic photosensitive layer (OPC) is formed on a drum, and it is sandwiched by a front flange 10a and a rear flange 10b provided with a gear 10g for driving the photosensitive drum at an end thereof. To be done. A front flange 10a at one end of the photosensitive drum 10 is pivotally supported by a guide pin 55 provided on a cartridge 50 described later, and a rear flange 1 at the other end thereof.
0b circumscribes a plurality of guide rollers 40r provided on the rear panel 4 of the apparatus main body, and is driven and rotated clockwise in a state where the transparent conductive layer is grounded.

In this embodiment, in the photoconductor layer of the photoconductor drum, which is the image forming point of the exposure beam for image exposure, an appropriate contrast is obtained with respect to the light attenuation characteristics (photocarrier generation) of the photoconductor layer. It suffices that the exposure light amount has a wavelength that can be applied. Therefore, the light transmittance of the transparent substrate of the photosensitive drum in the present embodiment does not need to be 100%, and may have a characteristic that some light is absorbed when the exposure beam is transmitted. As the material of the light-transmitting substrate, acrylic, fluorine, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, which is used for soda glass, Pyrex glass, borosilicate glass and general optical members,
Various translucent resins such as can be used. In addition, as a transparent conductive layer, indium tin oxide (IT
O), tin oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, copper iodide,
A light-transmissive metal thin film made of Au, Ag, Ni, Al, or the like is used. As a film forming method, a vacuum deposition method, an active reaction deposition method, various sputtering methods, various CVD methods,
A dip coating method, a spray coating method, or the like is used. Also,
As the photoconductor layer, amorphous silicon (a-S
i) An alloy photosensitive layer, an amorphous selenium alloy photosensitive layer, or various organic photosensitive layers (OPC) can be used.

The scorotron charger 11, which is a charging means, is used in the image forming process of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), and the above-mentioned organic photosensitive of the photosensitive drum 10 is used. The body layer is charged by a control grid held at a predetermined potential and a corona discharge by a discharge wire to give a uniform potential to the photoconductor drum 10.

An exposure optical system 12 which is an image exposure means for each color.
Is a linear FL (phosphor emission), EL (electroluminescence), PL (plasma discharge), LE in which light emitting elements arranged in the axial direction of the photoconductor drum 10 are arranged in an array.
D (light emitting diode), linear LISA (photomagnetic effect optical shutter array) in which elements having an optical shutter function are arranged, PLZT (transmissive piezoelectric element shutter array), L
A holding member 20 configured as a unit including an exposure element 12a such as a CS (liquid crystal shutter) and a SELFOC lens 12b serving as an equal-magnification image-forming element, which holds an exposure optical system provided inside the photosensitive drum 10. The image signals of the respective colors read by a separate image reading device are sequentially taken out from the memory and input as electric signals to the exposure optical system 12 for the respective colors.
The emission wavelength of the light emitting device used in this example is 600 to
It is in the range of 900 nm.

Development which is a developing means for each color using a non-contact developing method in which one-component or two-component developers of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) are respectively contained. Each of the containers 13 is a photosensitive drum 10.
The developing sleeve 131 rotates in the same direction with a predetermined gap from the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 131.

The developing device 13 for each color described above applies an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 formed by the charging by the scorotron charger 11 and the image exposure by the exposure optical system 12 by applying a developing bias voltage. Reverse development in a non-contact state.

The original image is temporarily read as an image signal for each color of Y, M, C and K from an image read by an image pickup device or an image edited by a computer in an image reading apparatus separate from this apparatus. Store and store in memory.

When image recording is started, a photoconductor drive motor (not shown) is rotated to rotate the photoconductor drum 10 in the clockwise direction, and at the same time, a Y scorotron charger is arranged on the lower left side of the photoconductor drum 10. The charging action of 11 starts the application of the potential to the photoconductor drum 10.

After a potential is applied to the photoconductor drum 10, exposure by an electric signal corresponding to the first color signal, that is, a Y image signal is started in the Y exposure optical system 12, and the surface of the photoconductor drum 10 is rotated by scanning the drum. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the Y image of the original image is formed on the photosensitive layer.

The latent image is reversal-developed by the Y developing device 13 in a state where the developer on the developing sleeve is not in contact with the developer, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

Then, the photosensitive drum 10 is charged on the yellow (Y) toner image and further by a charging action of a magenta (M) scorotron charger 11 arranged on the left side of the photosensitive drum 10 and above Y. Exposure is performed by the second color signal of the M exposure optical system 12, that is, an electric signal corresponding to the M image signal, and the yellow (Y) is generated by non-contact reversal development by the M developing device 13. A toner image of magenta (M) is sequentially superposed on the toner image of 1.

A cyan (C) scorotron charger 1 disposed on the photosensitive drum 10 by the same process.
Further, a cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal is formed by the exposure optical system 12 for C and the developing device 13 for C, and a black (C) toner image arranged at the lower part of C on the right side of the photosensitive drum 10. K) Scorotron charger 11, exposure optical system 12
A black (K) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially superimposed and formed by the developing device 13, and a color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 within one rotation. .

These Y, M, C and K exposure optical systems 12
The exposure of the organic photosensitive layer of the photoconductor drum 10 is performed through the transparent substrate described above from the inside of the drum.
Therefore, the exposure of the images corresponding to the second, third, and fourth color signals is performed without any influence from the previously formed toner image, and the same exposure as the image corresponding to the first color signal is performed. It is possible to form an electrostatic latent image.

During the developing action of the developing device 13 for each color, a developing bias in which a direct current or an alternating current is applied to the developing sleeve 131 is applied, and jumping development is performed by a one-component or two-component developer contained in the developing device. Thus, a non-contact reversal development is performed by applying a DC bias having the same polarity as the toner to the photoconductor drum 10 having the conductive layer grounded so that the toner adheres to the exposed portion.

A transfer sheet P, which is a transfer material, is sent out from a sheet feeding cassette 15 which is a transfer material storing means, and is conveyed to a timing roller 16. The color toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 10 is transferred to the photoconductor drum 10 by driving the timing roller 16 in the transfer device 14a.
It is transferred to the transfer paper P that is fed in synchronization with the toner image above.

The transfer paper P, on which the toner image has been transferred, is separated from the peripheral surface of the drum by removing the charge in the static eliminator 14b, and is then transferred to the fixing device 17 by the transfer belt 14e which is a transfer unit. Fixing device 17 as fixing means
After being heated and pressure-bonded to fuse and fix the toner on the transfer paper P, the toner is ejected from the fixing device 17 and is conveyed by the paper ejection conveyance roller pair 18 a and is ejected via the paper ejection rollers 18 onto the tray on the upper part of the apparatus. It is discharged with the surface facing down.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 10 from which the transfer paper is separated
In the cleaning device 19 which is a cleaning unit, the photosensitive drum 1 is moved by the cleaning blade 19a.
The 0th surface is rubbed to remove and clean residual toner, and the toner image of the original image is continuously formed or is temporarily stopped to form a new toner image of the original image. The waste toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 19a and the cleaning roller 19b is removed by the toner transport screw 19
By c, the toner is discharged to a waste toner container (not shown). After the cleaning is completed, the cleaning blade 19a and the cleaning roller 19b are kept apart from the photoconductor drum 10 in order to prevent damage to the photoconductor drum 10.

The holding member 20 to which each exposure optical system 12 is attached is fixed to the rear panel 4 of the apparatus main body by screws 41. Photoconductor drum 10, each scorotron charger 1
1, the developing device 13 and the cleaning device 19 are housed in the cartridge 50 and integrated into the exposure optical system 12.
The exposure optical system 12 without contact with or giving an impact
It is configured to be attachable / detachable to / from the apparatus main body, leaving the holding member 20 holding the.

The cartridge 50 is mounted in the color image forming apparatus by inserting guide rails R1 and R2 provided on both sides of the cartridge 50 into two guide members T1 and T2 provided in the color image forming apparatus. Then, the gear 10g for driving the photoconductor drum, which is provided on the rear flange 10b of the photoconductor drum 10, is driven through the gear G1 coupled to the drive motor provided in the apparatus body (not shown),
The photoconductor drum 10 is rotated. When the cartridge 50 is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, the transfer device 14a and the static eliminator 14
b, the transfer belt 14e and the like are performed in a state of being separated from the photoconductor drum 10.

For example, at a position facing the Y scorotron charger 11, a front side plate 51 of the cartridge 50 is provided with a suction hole 51a having a round hole with a diameter of 10 mm for sending air around the scorotron charger 11. By the operation of the exhaust fan F1 attached to the right end portion of the exhaust duct 83, the wind sucked from the intake hole 51a passes through the scorotron charger 11, and the ozone generated by the corona discharge is exhausted from the scorotron charger 11. The air is exhausted to the duct 81 (first exhaust passage). Similarly, for the M scorotron charger 11 as well, ozone generated by corona discharge is exhausted to the exhaust duct 82. Similarly for other C and K, ozone generated by corona discharge is exhausted to an exhaust duct (not shown).

Exhaust ducts 81 and 82 from which ozone is exhausted
The wind of the wind is integrated, passed through an ozone filter f1 made of, for example, activated carbon, decomposed into ozone, and then taken into the exhaust duct 83. The winds of the exhaust ducts 81 and 82 may be individually sucked into the exhaust duct 83.

On the other hand, the holding member 20 has a hollow hole 20a inside.
Is a cylindrical member having an exposure optical system 12 in a state where the exposure element 12a projects into the hollow hole 20a.
It is attached to 0. A plurality of intake holes 10 are formed in the front flange 10a of the photosensitive drum 10 so as to face the hollow holes 20a.
c, and a plurality of intake holes 51b larger than the intake holes 10c are provided on the front plate 51 of the cartridge 50 facing the intake holes 10c, and the intake fan 51 and the intake holes 51b are operated by the operation of the exhaust fan F1. The wind sucked through the hole 10c cools the exposure element 12a of the exposure optical system 12 and is discharged to the exhaust duct 83 (second exhaust passage). Exposure optical system 1
In the case where 2 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 10, an exhaust passage (second exhaust passage) is provided in each exposure optical system 12 in the same manner as the exhaust air method of the scorotron charger 11. A structure may be adopted in which the winds from the exhaust passage are individually or integrated and then sucked into the exhaust duct 83.

Further, the wind from the first exhaust passage containing ozone and the wind from the second exhaust passage heated by the exposure optical system 12 are merged and integrated in the exhaust duct 83,
Ozone from the first exhaust passage is further decomposed through the ozone filter f2 made of, for example, activated carbon, which is heated by the hot air from the second exhaust passage, and is sucked into the exhaust fan F1 to be rearward outside the machine. Is discharged to.

Embodiment 2 An embodiment relating to the second aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a second invention of the present invention. This embodiment uses the same image forming process and mechanism as the above-described embodiment of the first invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and members having the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals. Attached.

A cylindrical member is used as the holding member 120 used in this embodiment, each exposure optical system 12 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical holding member 20, and heat generated by the exposure optical system 12 is internally generated. A heat pipe 21 for absorbing is attached. The cooling fins 22 are attached to the end portions of the heat pipe 21 in a state of protruding to the exhaust duct 83 (cooling means).

For example, at a position facing the Y scorotron charger 11, a front side plate 51 of the cartridge 50 is provided with a suction hole 51a having a round hole with a diameter of 10 mm for sending air around the scorotron charger 11. By the operation of the exhaust fan F1 attached to the right end portion of the exhaust duct 83, the wind sucked from the intake hole 51a passes through the scorotron charger 11, and the ozone generated by the corona discharge is exhausted from the scorotron charger 11. The air is exhausted to the duct 81. Similarly, for the M scorotron charger 11 as well, ozone generated by corona discharge is exhausted to the exhaust duct 82. Similarly for other C and K, ozone generated by corona discharge is exhausted to an exhaust duct (not shown).

Exhaust ducts 81, 82 from which ozone is exhausted
The wind is further integrated, passes through the ozone filter f1, is decomposed into ozone, and is then sucked into the exhaust duct 83. The winds of the exhaust ducts 81 and 82 may be individually sucked into the exhaust duct 83.

The integrated wind from the exhaust ducts 81 and 82 containing ozone is exhausted by the exhaust fan F1 to the exhaust duct 83.
Is exhausted to the rear of the machine through the ozone filter f2. At this time, the ozone exhaust air is cooled by the cooling fins 22.
At this time, the ozone is further decomposed by the heat of the cooling fins 22 of the heat pipe 21 heated by the exposure optical system 12, and the cooling fins 22 are cooled by the ozone exhaust air.

Third Embodiment A first embodiment relating to the third and fourth inventions of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the third and fourth inventions of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the color image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a figure.

In this embodiment, the same image forming process and mechanism as those of the first embodiment of the first invention described in FIGS. 1 and 2 are used, and members having the same function and structure are used. The same reference numerals are given.

As shown in FIG. 4, inside the cartridge 150, for example, in the vicinity of the M scorotron charger 11,
A shaft 72 to which a propeller fan 71, which is an air flow forming means, is attached is pivotally supported by the front side plate 151 of the cartridge 150 and the rear gap portion 152.

The cartridge 150 has two guide members T1 and T2 provided in the color image forming apparatus and guide rails R1 and R2 provided on both sides of the cartridge 150.
And is mounted on the color image forming apparatus, the gear 10g for driving the photosensitive drum, which is provided on the rear flange 10b of the photosensitive drum 10, is connected to the drive motor provided on the apparatus main body (not shown). The photoconductor drum 10 is rotated by being driven through the coupled gear G1.

Propeller fan 71 as air flow forming means
The gear G2 fixed to one end of the shaft 72 to which is attached is connected to the gear 10g provided on the rear flange 10b, and the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10 causes the propeller fan 71, which is an air flow forming unit, to rotate. To be done.

At the other end of the shaft 72, the propeller fan 7
1, a front plate 151 of the cartridge 150 facing the cartridge 1 is provided with an intake hole 151a having a circular hole with a diameter of 10 mm, for example, for blowing air around the scorotron charger 11.
Due to the rotation of the propeller fan 71, the wind sucked through the intake holes 151a passes through the scorotron charger 11, and ozone generated by corona discharge is discharged from the scorotron charger 11
The air is exhausted to the exhaust duct 81 (first exhaust passage). Similarly, in the K scorotron charger 11 shown in FIG. 4, ozone generated by corona discharge is exhausted to the exhaust duct 82 by the rotation of the propeller fan 71 which is an air flow forming means. Similarly, for the other Ys and Cs, ozone generated by corona discharge can be exhausted to an exhaust duct (not shown) by rotation of the propeller fan 71 which is an air flow forming means.

Exhaust ducts 81, 82 from which ozone is exhausted
The wind is integrated, passes through the ozone filter f1, is decomposed into ozone, and is then sucked into the exhaust duct 83 by the operation of the exhaust fan F1. The winds of the exhaust ducts 81 and 82 may be individually sucked into the exhaust duct 83.

On the other hand, the holding member 20 has a hollow hole 20a inside.
Is a cylindrical member having an exposure optical system 12 in a state where the exposure element 12a projects into the hollow hole 20a.
It is attached to 0. A plurality of intake holes 10 are formed in the front flange 10a of the photosensitive drum 10 so as to face the hollow holes 20a.
c, and a plurality of intake holes 151b larger than the intake holes 10c are provided on the front side plate 151 of the cartridge 150 so as to face the intake holes 10c.
By this operation, the wind sucked through the intake holes 151b and the intake holes 10c cools the exposure element 12a of the exposure optical system 12 and is exhausted to the exhaust duct 83 (second exhaust passage). When the exposure optical system 12 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 10, the propeller fan 71, which is an air flow forming means, is provided to each exposure optical system 12 in the same manner as the exhaust air method of the scorotron charger 11. May be provided, and the wind from the propeller fan 71 may be individually or integrated and then sucked into the exhaust duct 83.

Further, the wind containing ozone discharged by the propeller fan 71, which is an air flow forming means, and the wind heated by the exposure optical system 12 merge and are integrated in the exhaust duct 83, and the exposure optical system 12 The ozone of the wind discharged by the propeller fan 71 is further decomposed by the hot air heated by the above, and the ozone is sucked into the exhaust fan F1 and discharged to the rear outside the machine through the ozone filter f2.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 6 is a second embodiment relating to the third and fourth inventions, and is a diagram showing a first embodiment of ozone discharge of a scorotron charger. In this embodiment, the same image forming process and mechanism as those described in the first embodiment of the third and fourth inventions are used, and the members having the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals. Attached.

In the scorotron charger 110, a shield member 111 is partitioned by a partition member 112 having holes 112a and 112b for exhausting ozone, and a grid 114 is provided in the center of the interior thereof in proximity to the discharge wire 113 and the photosensitive drum 10. And a ventilation path 110b provided with a propeller fan 171 for ozone discharge.

As described above, the propeller fan 171 which is an air flow forming means is attached to the scorotron charger 110 inside the cartridge 150.
The shaft 172 to which 71 is attached is the shield member 111.
Shaft 17 supported by a front side plate and a rear side plate (not shown) of FIG.
The gear G2 fixed to one end of No. 2 is coupled to the gear 10g provided on the rear flange 10b, and the rotation of the photoconductor drum 10 rotates the propeller fan 171 which is an air flow forming unit, and the cartridge 150. The air sucked through the front air intake hole 151a sucks ozone generated by the corona discharge through the ozone exhaust air holes 112a and 112b, and the propeller fan 171 that is an air flow forming unit rotates, so that the air intake hole 151a Air is exhausted from the front of the main body of the apparatus to the exhaust duct 82 at the rear through the one intake hole (not shown) and the other intake hole (not shown) of the scorotron charger 110 provided on the side.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 7 is a third embodiment relating to the third and fourth inventions, and is a diagram showing a second embodiment of ozone discharge of a scorotron charger. In this embodiment, the same image forming process and mechanism as those described in the first embodiment of the third and fourth inventions are used, and the members having the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals. Attached.

In the scorotron charger 210, the shield member 211 is partitioned by a T-shaped partition member 212 having holes 212a and 212b for exhausting ozone, and the discharge wire 113 and the photoconductor drum 10 are located in the center of the interior. A discharge section 210a provided with a grid 114 and propeller fans 271a, 271b for discharging ozone, and left and right ventilation paths 210b above the discharge section 210a.
And 210c.

The propeller fans 271a and 271b, which are air flow forming means, are attached to the scorotron charger 210 inside the cartridge 150.
Shafts 272a and 272 to which 71a and 271b are attached
b is pivotally supported by a front side plate (not shown) and a rear notch of the shield member 211, and a shaft 272 to which propeller fans 271a and 271b as air flow forming means are attached.
The gears G3 and G4 fixed to the respective one ends of the a and 272b are the rear flange 10b of the photoconductor drum 10.
Is connected to a gear 10g provided on the roller via an idler gear G11, and the propeller fans 271a and 271b, which are air flow forming means, are rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

Propeller fan 27 which is an air flow forming means
1a and 271b are respectively rotated, and the wind sucked from the rear portion of the propeller fan 271a of the scorotron charger 210 is U-turned at the front notch portion 212c of the T-shaped partition member 212, and the rear portion of the propeller fan 271b. And is exhausted to the exhaust duct 82 at the rear of the apparatus body. At this time, ozone in the discharge part 210a generated by corona discharge in the scorotron charger 210 passes through the holes 212a and 212b of the partition member 212 and is discharged by the wind of the propeller fans 271a and 271b.

Embodiment 6 FIG. 8 is a fourth embodiment relating to the third and fourth inventions, and is a view showing a third embodiment of ozone discharge of a scorotron charger. In this embodiment, the same image forming process and mechanism as those described in the first embodiment of the third and fourth inventions are used, and the members having the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals. Attached.

In this embodiment, sirocco fans 371a and 371b are provided as air flow forming means instead of the propeller fans 271a and 271b shown in FIG.
Further, the T-shaped partition member 312 has a ventilation hole 312.
A hole 312c is provided in addition to a and 312b, and
The ozone generated by the corona discharge at a
Through the ventilation passage 310b, from the ventilation passage 310b to the hole 31
The air is exhausted by the rotation of the sirocco fans 371a, 371b to the ventilation passage 310c through 2c, and from the ventilation passage 310c to the discharge portion 310a through the hole 312b. On the inner wall surface of the shield member 311 of the scorotron charger 310,
For example, an ozone decomposing substance FZ in which activated carbon is hardened with an adhesive is provided to decompose ozone contained in the rotating wind.

Embodiment 7 FIG. 9 is a fifth embodiment relating to the third and fourth inventions, and is a first embodiment of the method of exhausting air when the exposure optical system is provided outside the photosensitive drum. FIG. In this embodiment,
The same image forming process and mechanism as those described in the first embodiment of the third and fourth inventions are used, and the members having the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals.

Inside the cartridge 150, between the scorotron charger 11 and the exposure optical system 12 arranged in the vicinity of the scorotron charger 11, in the same manner as described in the first embodiment of the third invention. A propeller fan 71 which is an air flow forming means is attached, and a shaft 72 to which the propeller fan 71 is attached is pivotally supported by the front side plate 151 of the cartridge 150 and the rear gap portion 152.

Propeller fan 71 as air flow forming means
The gear G2 fixed to one end of the shaft 72 to which the is attached is connected to the rear flange 10 via the idler gear G11.
The photoconductor drum 1 is connected to the gear 10g provided on the b.
The propeller fan 7 which is an air flow forming means by the rotation of 0
1 is rotated.

At the other end of the shaft 72, the propeller fan 7
1 is provided with a front side plate 151 of the cartridge 150 that faces the cartridge 1, and is provided with an intake hole 151a having a round hole with a diameter of, for example, 10 mm for feeding the wind, and by the rotation of the propeller fan 71, the wind sucked from the front intake hole 151a. Passes through the scorotron charger 11 and the exposure optical system 12, sucks ozone generated by corona discharge from the scorotron charger 11, cools the exposure element 12a of the exposure optical system 12, and discharges it to the exhaust duct 81 at the rear. To be winded. It is preferable that a cover 61 is provided in the exhaust passage between the scorotron charger 11 and the exposure optical system 12.

Embodiment 8 FIG. 10 is a sixth embodiment relating to the third and fourth inventions, and is a second embodiment of the method of exhausting air when the exposure optical system is provided outside the photosensitive drum. FIG. In this embodiment, the same image forming process and mechanism as those described in the first embodiment of the third and fourth inventions are used, and the members having the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals. Attached.

This embodiment shows a method of exhausting air when the exposure optical system 12 is provided outside the photosensitive drum 10 as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and is enclosed in a cover 62 having a partition 62a. , Propeller fans 471a and 471b which are air flow forming means rotated by the drive of the photoconductor drum 10 near the scorotron charger 11 and the exposure optical system 12 which are respectively partitioned by the partition section 62a.
Are provided respectively, the wind sucked from the rear part of the propeller fan 471a is sent forward, the ozone generated by the corona discharge is sucked from the scorotron charger 11, and the notch 62b at the front part of the cover 62 The exposure optical system 12 is cooled and ozone is decomposed by the heat from the exposure optical system 12 while being turned and exhausted to the rear by the propeller fan 471b.

Embodiment 9 One embodiment relating to the fifth aspect of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
It is shown in FIG. 11 is a sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the fifth invention of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view taken along line AO-A of the color image forming apparatus of FIG. .

In this embodiment, the same image forming process and mechanism as those of the first embodiment of the first invention described in FIGS. 1 and 2 are used, and members having the same function and structure are used. The same reference numerals are given.

In this embodiment, in order to further improve the ozone decomposing efficiency, ozone decomposing substances are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge 150 or a part of the outer peripheral surfaces of the scorotron charger 11, developing device 13, and cleaning device 19 of each color. FZ, for example, activated carbon hardened with an adhesive is provided. The ozone decomposing substance FZ is provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the two developing devices 13 arranged upstream and downstream of the scorotron charger 11 with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 10. It is also applicable to all the embodiments described in the third and fourth inventions.

[0069]

According to the first to third aspects, the wind from the first exhaust passage containing ozone and the wind from the second exhaust passage heated by the exposure optical system are in the exhaust duct. Confluence,
The ozone from the first exhaust passage is further decomposed through the ozone filter which is integrated and heated by the hot air from the second exhaust passage, and is sucked into the exhaust fan and discharged to the rear of the machine to form an image forming body. It is possible to obtain a good latent image without deteriorating. In particular, it has become possible to provide a color image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good color image by superimposing toner images.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, thermal expansion of the holding member of the exposure optical system due to heat generation from the exposure optical system is prevented to prevent change in the resist function, and ozone generated by corona discharge from a plurality of chargers is also prevented. Is efficiently exhausted to decompose into ozone, and good latent image formation can be obtained without degrading the image forming body. In particular, it has become possible to provide a color image forming apparatus that can obtain a good color image by superposing toner images.

According to the fifth or seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air flow forming means for ozone discharge which can be suitably applied even in a narrow space, and an image forming in which a good image can be obtained without deteriorating the image forming body. It has become possible to provide an apparatus, particularly a color image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good color image by superimposing toner images.

According to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air flow forming means for cooling the exposure optical system which can be applied well even in a narrow space, prevents thermal expansion of the holding member of the exposure optical system, and functions as a resist. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good image without changing the image quality, particularly a color image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good color image by superposing toner images.

According to the eighth or ninth aspect, it is possible to further improve the ozone decomposition efficiency and obtain an excellent image without deteriorating the image forming body, particularly good by superimposing toner images. It has become possible to provide a color image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a wide color image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the color image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a second invention of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the third and fourth aspects of the invention.

5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AO-A of the color image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of ozone discharge of a scorotron charger.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of ozone discharge of a scorotron charger.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third example of ozone discharge of a scorotron charger.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of a method of exhausting air when an exposure optical system is provided outside a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the method of exhausting air when the exposure optical system is provided outside the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the fifth invention of the present invention.

12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AO-A of the color image forming apparatus of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 Rear Panel 10 Photosensitive Drum 10g, G1, G2, G3, G4 Gears 11, 110, 210, 310 Scorotron Charger 12 Exposure Optical System 12a Exposure Element 20, 120 Holding Member 21 Heat Pipe 22 Cooling Fins 50, 150 Cartridge 71 , 171, 271a, 271b, 471a, 471
b Propeller fan 81, 82, 83 Exhaust air duct 371a, 371b Sirocco fan f1, f2 Ozone filter F1 Exhaust air fan FZ Ozone decomposing substance

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A charging unit, an image exposing unit, and a developing unit are arranged around an image forming member, and the image forming member is charged by the charging unit, image exposing by the image exposing unit, and the developing unit. In the color image forming apparatus which forms a toner image on the image forming body by superposing the toner image on the image forming body and then collectively transfers the toner image on the image forming body, the first discharging means for discharging ozone generated from the charging means. An air passage and a second exhaust passage for cooling the image exposure unit are provided, and the exhaust air from the first exhaust passage and the exhaust air from the second exhaust passage are combined to form ozone. A color image forming apparatus characterized in that it is discharged to the outside of the machine through a filter. 2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein exhaust air from a plurality of sets of the charging means is combined and then discharged. 3. The exhaust air from a plurality of sets of the image exposure means is merged and then exhausted.
3. The color image forming apparatus according to 1. 4. A charging means, an image exposing means and a developing means are arranged around the image forming body, and the image forming body is charged by the charging means, image exposing by the image exposing means and the developing means. In the color image forming apparatus for performing the batch transfer onto the transfer material after the toner image is formed on the image forming body by repeating the developing process in this order, and an exhaust passage for exhausting ozone generated from the charging means. A color image forming apparatus, characterized in that a heat pipe for cooling the image exposure means is provided, and exhaust air from the exhaust passage is passed through the heat pipe and then discharged through an ozone filter. 5. A plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means are arranged around the image forming body, and the image forming body is charged by the charging means and image exposing by the image exposing means. In a color image forming apparatus that repeats the development by the developing unit in this order to form toner images on the image forming body in a superimposed manner and then collectively transfers the toner images onto a transfer material, a driving unit that rotationally drives the image forming body. An image forming means is provided, which is rotated by the rotation of the image forming body, and is provided with air flow forming means for forming an air flow near the charging means arranged around the image forming body. apparatus. 6. A plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means are arranged around the image forming body, and the image forming body is charged by the charging means and image exposing by the image exposing means. In a color image forming apparatus that repeats the development by the developing unit in this order to form toner images on the image forming body in a superimposed manner, and then collectively transfers the toner images onto a transfer material, a driving unit that rotationally drives the image forming body. A color image characterized in that an air flow forming means for forming an air flow is provided in the vicinity of the image exposure means arranged around the image forming body and rotated by the rotation of the image forming body. Forming equipment. 7. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming body and the air flow forming unit are integrated process units that can be attached to and detached from a main body of the color image forming apparatus. . 8. A plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means are arranged around the image forming body, and the image forming body is charged by the charging means and image exposing by the image exposing means. In a color image forming apparatus that repeats the development by the developing means in this order to form toner images on the image forming body in a superimposed manner, and then collectively transfers the toner images onto a transfer material, the image forming body and the charging means are colored. An integrated process unit detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein an ozone decomposing substance is provided at least on the charging unit, the developing unit, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning unit, and the inner surface of the process unit housing. Color image forming apparatus. 9. The ozone decomposing substance is provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of two developing means arranged upstream and downstream of the charging means with respect to the rotation direction of the image forming body. Color image forming apparatus.