JPH10133532A - Device for removing image forming material from image holder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the removal of toner for surely and stably removing the toner on a peeling belt by opposing a spiral roller to a backup roller, in as state where they are in an elastic press-contact state with each other and elastically biasing and depressing the spiral roller on the peeling belt. SOLUTION: This toner removing device is for peeling the toner from a transfer paper 1, in such a manner that the peeling belt 306 is brought into contact with the toner on the transfer paper 1 and then, separated from the transfer paper 1 and removing the toner stuck to the peeling belt 306, to clean it, in such a manner that the spiral roller 321 is brought into contact with the peeling belt 306 separated from the transfer paper 1. The toner removing device is provided with the backup roller 340 coming into elastic pressing with the spiral roller 321, to the opposed to it, in the state where the peeling belt 306 is held between the backup roller 340 and the roller 321. Further, a sealing member (blade member) for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the peeling belt after passing through the contact part with the spiral roller can be provided as well.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for removing an image forming material constituting an image from an image holding member on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a printing machine, and the like. The present invention relates to an image forming substance removing apparatus, and more particularly, to a technique for cleaning a peeling member used in the image forming substance removing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a peeling means for peeling an image forming substance from an image carrier by bringing a peeling member into contact with the image forming substance on the image carrier and then separating the peeling member from the image carrier. 2. Description of the Related Art In an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image holding member, there is known an apparatus for removing an image forming substance adhered on a peeling member by a cleaning member in order to maintain the peeling performance of the peeling member.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-36328 discloses an apparatus in which a scraper blade serving as a cleaning member is pressed against a roller-shaped peeling member to remove an image forming substance attached to the peeling member and perform cleaning. Have been. In addition, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-19975
In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4 (1994), a brush roller as a cleaning member having a brush material implanted on its surface is rotated at a high speed,
There is disclosed an apparatus in which the brush roller is pressed against the surface of a peeling member to remove an image forming substance adhered to the peeling member and perform cleaning.

However, when the above-mentioned scraper blade is used, there is a possibility that the image forming substance strongly adhered to the peeling member cannot be removed satisfactorily. Further, when the brush roller is used, there is a possibility that the surface of the peeling member is shaved and the life of the peeling member is shortened.

Accordingly, the present applicant has filed Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-3744.
In No. 3, in order to solve the problem when the scraper blade or the brush roller is used, in order to solve the problem, a roller-shaped cleaning member having a spiral edge in contact with the surface of the peeling member on the outer peripheral portion, and the cleaning member is rotationally driven. And a cleaning device provided with a driving unit that performs the cleaning.

[0006]

However, when a roller-like cleaning member having the above-mentioned spiral edge on the outer periphery is used, the pressing force of the cleaning member against the surface of the peeling member is insufficient or the pressing force fluctuates. As a result, the cleaning by the cleaning member is not performed well, and the image forming substance may remain on the surface of the peeling member after the cleaning process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its object to elastically urge a peeling member against a roller-like cleaning member having a spiral edge on an outer peripheral portion. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image holding member, which can surely and stably remove the image forming substance attached to a peeling member.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to an image forming apparatus, comprising: After a release member capable of exerting an adhesive force greater than the adhesive force is brought into contact with the image forming substance on the image holding member, the separation member and the image holding member are separated from each other, whereby the image holding member is separated from the image holding member. The image forming substance adhered to the peeling member is removed by bringing a cleaning member having a spiral edge on an outer peripheral portion into contact with a peeling means for peeling the image forming substance and a peeling member separated from the image holding member. And a cleaning means for cleaning the image forming substance from the image carrier, wherein the peeling member is sandwiched between the cleaning member and the cleaning member. In which it characterized in that a wood.

In the apparatus for removing an image-forming substance from an image carrier according to the first aspect, the cleaning member is separated from the image carrier by an opposing member elastically pressed against the cleaning member and the cleaning member. The release member to which the image forming substance is attached is sandwiched. Such clamping causes the peeling member to be elastically urged against the cleaning member, and generates a pressing force of the cleaning member against the peeling member, which is necessary for removing the image forming substance on the peeling member.

In addition, the above-mentioned opposing member elastically urges the peeling member against the cleaning member so that the cleaning member can be peeled off even if the relative position between the cleaning member and the opposing member slightly changes. The pressing force on the member is maintained substantially constant.

When the image forming substance on the image carrier is heated by the above-mentioned peeling means, and the image forming substance in a softened state adheres to the peeling member, the image forming substance on the peeling member before being cleaned by the cleaning member is removed. It is preferred to cool the image forming substance. By cooling in this manner, the image forming substance on the peeling member can be easily scraped off at the edge of the cleaning member.

The width Ws of the cleaning area where the edge of the cleaning member is formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the peeling member (hereinafter referred to as "perpendicular direction") is the width of the image carrier in the perpendicular direction. It is preferably set to be longer than Wp and shorter than the width Wh of the peeling member in the orthogonal direction. Further, the width Wb of the facing region of the facing member in the orthogonal direction is preferably equal to or greater than the width Wh of the peeling member in the orthogonal direction. By setting the widths in this manner, it is possible to remove and clean the image forming substance adhering to the entire width of the peeling member by passing the peeling member once through the cleaning position by the cleaning member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an auxiliary cleaning means for removing an image forming substance remaining on the surface of the peeling member passing through the contact portion with the cleaning member.
In the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image holding member, a blade member is used as the auxiliary cleaning means.

In the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image holding member according to the second aspect, a blade member used as an auxiliary cleaning means, which is preferable in terms of space saving and cost reduction, is provided.
The image forming substance remaining on the surface of the peeling member is removed by contacting the surface of the peeling member that has passed through the contact portion with the cleaning member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to the first or second aspect, an opening which covers the cleaning member and a part of the cleaning member can be exposed to the peeling member side. And a seal member for sealing a gap between the portion facing the opening of the casing and the peeling member.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the cleaning member is covered with a casing having an opening through which a part of the cleaning member can be exposed on the side of the peeling member. By sealing the gap between the facing portion and the peeling member with the seal member, the image forming substance removed from the peeling member by the cleaning member is prevented from leaking into the apparatus main body from the opening of the casing.

A part of the seal member may be configured to also serve as a blade member as the auxiliary cleaning means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from the image carrier according to the third aspect, the image forming substance removed from the peeling member present at the bottom in the casing is attached to one end of the casing. It is characterized in that a conveying means for conveying and a collection container for collecting the conveyed image forming substance at one end of the casing are provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for removing an image-forming substance from an image carrier, the image-forming substance removed from the peeling member existing at the bottom of the casing is transported to one end of the casing by a transporting means and collected. Collect in containers. The image forming substance collected in the collection container can be taken out when it has accumulated to some extent, subjected to secondary processing as needed, and reused.

In order to improve the workability of the collecting operation, the collecting container may be configured to be detachable from the casing, or may be formed of a disposable container.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein a cleaning unit in which the cleaning means is unitized to include the cleaning member, the casing, and the seal member. , And is detachably attached to the apparatus main body.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, a cleaning unit unitized to include the cleaning member, the casing, and the seal member is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. Accordingly, the cleaning unit including the cleaning member and the like can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body without separately attaching and detaching the cleaning member and the like to and from the apparatus main body.

Here, it is preferable that both the cleaning unit and the apparatus main body are provided with a positioning mechanism for positioning the cleaning unit with respect to the apparatus main body.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image holding apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein at least one member used in the cleaning unit requires a driving force, and the driving force is obtained from a driving source provided on the apparatus main body side. In the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from a body, a drive output unit for outputting the driving force of the drive source is provided on the apparatus main body side, and is engaged with the drive output unit when the cleaning unit is mounted on the apparatus main body. A drive receiving portion for receiving a driving force is provided on the cleaning unit side.

In the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 6, when the cleaning unit is mounted on the apparatus main body, a drive output section on the apparatus main body side for outputting the driving force of the driving source, The unit is engaged with the drive receiving unit. In this manner, a state in which the driving force can be transmitted from the apparatus main body side to the cleaning unit side can be achieved only by attaching the cleaning unit to the apparatus main body.

[0027] The invention of claim 7 is based on claims 1, 2, 3,
In the apparatus for removing an image-forming substance from an image carrier according to 4, 5, or 6, the opposing member is configured to be able to take a contact position in contact with the peeling member and a separating position separated from the peeling member, A contact / separation mechanism for moving the opposing member between a contact position and the separation position is provided.

In the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 7, when the cleaning member or the cleaning unit is detached, the contacting / separating mechanism separates the opposing member from a contact position where the opposing member is in contact with the peeling member. Position to release the pressing force of the cleaning member against the peeling member. By releasing the pressing force, the cleaning member or the cleaning unit can be easily removed. On the other hand, when attaching the cleaning member or the cleaning unit to the apparatus main body, after the attachment, the contact member is moved from the separated position to the contact position by the contact / separation mechanism, and the cleaning member is brought into contact with the peeling member with a predetermined pressing force. .

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that a pair of the peeling member and the cleaning means are provided so that the image forming substance adhered to both surfaces of the image holding member can be peeled off. In the apparatus for removing an image-forming substance from an image holding member, the cleaning device of the same configuration is used as the one set of cleaning device.

In the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image holding member according to the present invention, the cleaning means having the same configuration is used in combination as the one set of cleaning means, so that a member common to the one set of cleaning means is used. Can be used.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, the overall configuration of an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier (hereinafter, referred to as toner) which removes a dry type electrophotographic toner (hereinafter, referred to as toner) T as an image forming substance constituting an image from both sides of a transfer sheet as an image carrier. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a toner removing device. This toner removal device
A sheet feeder (not shown) that separates and feeds the transfer papers 1 having images formed on both sides accommodated in a stacked state one by one, and a state of toner attached to both sides of the transfer papers 1 sent from the paper feeder (Not shown) serving as a liquid applying means for applying a destabilizing liquid (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid”) that makes the toner into an unstable state, and peeling to remove and remove the toner T from the transfer paper 1 to which the liquid is supplied. There are provided a peeling device 300 as a means, a drying device 400 for drying and finishing the transfer paper 1 from which the toner T has been peeled, and the like.

The peeling device 300 includes a plurality of belt support rollers (hereinafter, referred to as support rollers) 301a and 301.
b, 301c, 301d, upper heating pressure roller (hereinafter referred to as upper roller) 31 with a built-in heating element such as a halogen lamp.
2a, 312b, 312c, the upper rollers 312a, 31
2b, 312c, lower heating / pressurizing rollers (hereinafter, referred to as lower rollers) 312d, 312e, 312f, pre-heat rollers 313a, 313b, and an entrance roller 304 with a built-in heating element such as a halogen lamp arranged in a zigzag manner. Further, there are provided upper and lower toner peeling belts (hereinafter, referred to as peeling belts) 306a and 306b as a pair of peeling members wound around the separating members 305a and 305b.

Further, the toner removing device of this embodiment is a roller-like cleaning device having a spiral edge on the outer peripheral portion as a cleaning means for removing and cleaning the toner T transferred to the surfaces of the peeling belts 306a and 306b. Components (hereinafter referred to as "spiral rollers")
The cleaning units 320a and 320b include casings 322a and 322b provided to cover the spiral rollers 321a and 321b. In addition, the toner removing device is provided with each peeling belt 30.
6a, 306b to spiral rollers 321a, 321b
Backup rollers 340a and 340b as opposing members elastically pressed against the spiral roller with the peeling belts 306a and 306b sandwiched between the spiral roller and the spiral roller so as to elastically urge the spiral roller.
And cooling devices 370a and 370b for cooling and easily removing the softened toner adhering to the surfaces of the peeling belts 306a and 306b before being cleaned by the cleaning units 320a and 320b.
As the cooling devices 370a and 370b, for example, a blower fan can be used.

The spiral rollers 321a, 321b
Is used, a force in a direction (cutting direction) perpendicular to the edges of the spiral rollers 321a and 321b and a force in a direction (shear direction) parallel to the edges act on the toner T on the peeling belt 204. Therefore, the toner T
Can be efficiently removed. Further, the spiral rollers 321a and 321b are rotated at a lower rotation speed than a conventional brush roller which is pressed against the roller and rotated at high speed.
, The toner T can be scraped off and removed, and the pressure on the peeling belt can be reduced to about 1/100 that of a conventional brush roller (for example, 30 to 40 kgf / 300 mm).
Even with 2, good cleaning can be performed. Therefore, the durability of the peeling belt 204 can be improved by suppressing the damage on the surface of the peeling belt 204 to a degree of abrasion. In addition, the life of the spiral rollers 321a and 321b is longer than in the case of using a high-speed rotating brush roller in which peeling of the SUS cloth or the like is likely to occur, so that an increase in running cost can be suppressed. When the spiral rollers 321a and 321b are used, the conventional 6
A small cleaning member (24 mmφ) having a relatively small diameter compared to a brush roller having an outer diameter of about 0 mmφ
Degree).

The spiral rollers 321a, 321b
As the material of the outer peripheral portion forming the edge of the edge, any material having a hardness equal to or higher than the toner that is the substance to be removed to be removed can be used, for example, a metal material,
A hard material such as a ceramic material made of a metal oxide can be used. From the viewpoint of material strength and workability, tool steel specified in JIS is suitable.

The spiral rollers 321a, 321b
Shape parameters (see FIGS. 5 and 6 of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-31459) such as the number of blades of the snipal-shaped edge, the spiral angle (twist angle) θa, the rake angle θb, the land width W and the clearance angle, and the rotation drive The conditions are set in a predetermined range according to the characteristics of the toner T attached to the surface of the peeling belt 204 and the like. Here, the spiral angle θa is defined by JIS-B0
The twist angle is defined in 107 and refers to an angle formed between the rotation axis of the spiral rollers 321a and 321b and the edge when the spiral rollers 321a and 321b are viewed from the side. In addition, the squeeze angle θb is also JIS
-B0107, in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the spiral rollers 321a, 321b, with respect to a reference straight line extending from the rotation axis toward the edge tip, from the edge tip to the rotation axis side. The angle formed by a straight line along the extended surface. The roller rotation direction is a minus angle around the reference straight line, and the opposite direction is a plus angle. The land width W is also JIS-B010.
7 is the width in the roller rotation direction of the outer peripheral surface of the roller adjacent to the edge.

The spiral rollers 321a and 321b
Setting the squeeze angle θb too large in the plus direction,
If the land width W is set too small, the peeling belt 204 may be damaged. Therefore, it is preferable to set the rake angle θb and the land width W within a range that does not damage the peeling belt 204. The spiral roller 32
The distance P between the edges 210a of the shafts 1a and 321b in the rotation axis direction.
The distances are not necessarily equal to each other as long as the toner T remaining on the peeling belt 204 can be satisfactorily removed. Further, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the roller (the surface of the land portion) adjacent to the edge of the spiral roller 321a, 321b has no clearance angle in the rotation direction. In the case where the clearance angle is not provided, even when the edge is worn and the cleaning effect is deteriorated, the outer surface of the spiral roller is reworked by reworking the surface of the squeeze portion extending in the direction of the rotation axis from the edge. Can be reused in the state where the land width is lost, and this is advantageous in terms of cost reduction.

The spiral rollers 321a, 321a,
It is preferable that the width Ws in the axial direction of the cleaning area where the edge 21b is formed is set to be longer than the width Wp of the transfer paper 1 and shorter than the width Wh of the peeling belts 306a and 306b. Further, backup rollers 340a, 340
b, the width Wb of the facing region is determined by the peeling belts 306a and 306.
Preferably, the width b is equal to or greater than the width Wh. By setting each width in this way, the peeling belts 306a and 306b
Only once passes through the cleaning position by the spiral rollers 321a and 321b.
The toner T adhering to the entire width of 06b can be removed for cleaning.

The spiral rollers 321a, 321a,
The rotation direction of 21b may be either the forward direction or the reverse direction with respect to the moving direction of the peeling belt. That is, the peeling belt 3
The direction of movement of the outer peripheral surface of the spiral roller at the contact portion with 06a, 306b may be the same as or opposite to the direction of movement of the peeling belt. However, it is necessary to dispose the spiral roller so that the edge of the spiral roller is located on the downstream side in the moving direction of the outer peripheral surface of the spiral roller, and the rotation speed of the spiral roller depends on the cleaning position of the spiral roller. It is preferable to set so that a portion where the edge does not come into contact with the surface of the peeling belt that has passed through does not occur.

The cleaning unit 320
a, 320b and backup rollers 340a, 340
b will be described later in detail. (Hereinafter, margin)

The peeling belts 306a and 306b are a pair of endless belts, both of which have a function as a peeling member. Driven. The upper rollers 312a, 312b, 312c
Are located above the lower roller 312d, 312e, 312 above the transfer paper transport path by the peeling belts 306a and 306b.
12f is disposed below the transfer paper transport path,
The peeling belts 306a and 306b are stretched in a meandering manner.

The upper rollers 312a, 312b,
312c and the lower rollers 312d, 312e, 312f
Between them, pressure is applied by urging means such as springs 308a, 308b, 308c, etc. to form a nip portion.

The preheat rollers 313a, 313b
Applies the toner T on the transfer paper 1 sandwiched between the pair of release belts 306a and 306b to the release belts 306a and 306b.
This is for heating the toner T to a softened state in advance when the toner T is adhered under pressure. The transfer paper 1 on which the image made of the toner T is formed is transferred to the pressure rollers 312a and 312.
2b, 312c and the heating rollers 313a, 313
b, 313c and 313d, the peeling belts 306a and
Heating and pressurization are carried out through 06b.

The peeling belts 306a and 306b adhere to the toner on the transfer paper 1 to peel off the toner from the transfer paper 1.
This is a member for transferring. This peeling belt 306a,
The material of at least the portion of the sheet 306b that comes into contact with the transfer paper 1 needs to have a certain degree of adhesiveness to the toner and to have heat resistance to the heating temperature. Examples of the material include synthetic rubber such as isoprene rubber, neoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, silicone rubber, butadiene rubber, and fluororubber, natural rubber, epoxy resin, alkyd resin, urea formaldehyde resin, butyl urea formaldehyde resin, butylated melamine formaldehyde. resin,
Phenolic thermosetting resins such as amino resin, tempen phenol resin, phenol ether resin and phenol resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate A copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, vinyl copolymer polyvinyl butyral, polypropylene, vinyl polymer such as polyethylene, polybutyl acrylate, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate, Polyimide, 6 ・ 6-
Thermoplastic or thermosetting materials such as nylon, polyamide such as 6-nylon, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyether ether ketone, polyethylene terephthalate, aromatic polyester, etc., polystyrene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyparabaric acid, polyether nitrile, aramid, etc. Synthetic resins, metals such as nickel, iron and aluminum and their oxides, N
i copper, stainless steel, Fe-Ni alloy, Co-Al alloy,
Metal alloys such as inconel and duralumin are exemplified.

The above-mentioned organic polymer compound may be used alone or may contain additives such as titanium oxide particles, silica particles and carbon particles, and examples thereof include ceramic materials. Each of the above materials can be used alone, but in order to improve durability and peeling properties,
It can also be used as a composite by laminating, alloying, or adding other additives such as glass fiber, whisker, carbon, silica, titanium oxide and the like. In particular, preferable examples of materials from the viewpoint of toner removal characteristics and durability include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylenesulfide, polyparabaranic acid, polyethernitrile, aramid, polyimide, polyetherimide,
Examples include stainless steel, nickel, and alumite.

In the peeling device 300 having the above structure, the transfer paper 1 is conveyed between the upper and lower peeling belts 306a and 306b after the liquid is applied by a liquid applying device (not shown). Then, in a portion where the pair of peeling belts 306a and 306b are in close contact, the transfer paper 1 separates the peeling belts 306a and 306b.
06b, the preheat roller 313
The toner T adhering to the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper 1 is sequentially heated by a and 313b, reaches a predetermined temperature, and softens. Then, the upper and lower rollers 312a, 312b, 312
C, 312d, 312e, and 312f enter the meandering transport section and sequentially pass through a plurality of nip sections. In the nip portion, the softened toner T adhering to the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper 1 is pressed with a predetermined pressure, and adheres to the surfaces of the peeling belts 306a and 306b that are in contact with the toner T. During the passage through the nip portion, the transfer paper 1 is moved vertically by upper and lower rollers 312a, 312b, 312
c, 312d, 312e, and 312f, which are sequentially curved in the reverse direction according to the shapes thereof. Therefore, between the nip portions, between the release surface of the upper release belt and the release surface of the lower release belt, and between the release belt and the transfer paper. A predetermined speed difference, that is, a predetermined relative displacement occurs between them. Due to the occurrence of this relative displacement, a shift stress acts between the transfer paper 1 and the peeling belt that have been in contact with each other via the toner T, and the transfer paper 12 and the peeling belt are separated from each other. The toner T is peeled off from the transfer paper 12 and is transferred to the peeling belt side. Then, when the moving direction of the peeling belts 306a and 306b changes at a predetermined curvature at the separating members 305a and 305b, the transfer paper 1 is separated from the peeling belts 306a and 306b. Removed. The transfer paper from which the toner has been removed is supplied to the next drying device 4.
It is transported toward 00. On the other hand, the separation belts 306a and 306b to which the toner T has been transferred are cooled by the cooling devices 350a and 306b.
Passes the cooling position of 350b. Peeling belt 306a,
The toner on the cooling device 350a, 350
b, the cooling units 320a, 3
At 20b, it is removed and cleaned again to be usable. It is desirable that the toner on the peeling belts 306a and 306b be cooled to a temperature lower than the softening point (Tg). In this case, the toner becomes relatively brittle from the softened state, and the cleaning units 320a and 320
b makes it easier to remove.

The drying device 400 includes a heating lamp 401
It comprises a built-in drying drum 402 made of, for example, aluminum and a finishing belt 403 having good air permeability and high surface smoothness. The finishing belt 403 is a drying drum 4
Support rollers 404a to 404a-4
04d. The transfer paper 1 discharged from the peeling device 300 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the drying drum 402 and the finishing belt 403, and is dried by evaporating the water inside the transfer paper. Thereby, the transfer paper 1
The excess water inside is evaporated, and the surface of the transfer paper becomes smooth due to the heating and pressing from both sides. Instead of or in addition to this type of drying device, a pair of heating rollers, a hot air fan or an infrared lamp may be used.

Transfer paper 1 passed through drying device 400
Is discharged to a discharge device (not shown) via the paper transport guide 405.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a cleaning unit 32 for cleaning the peeling belt 306a will be described.
0a and the backup roller 340a will be described. Since the other cleaning unit 320b and the backup roller 340b have the same configuration as the cleaning unit 320a and the backup roller 340a, a description of their configurations and functions will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the cleaning unit 320a includes a spiral roller 321a, a casing 322a which covers the roller 321a and has an opening through which a part of the roller 321a can be exposed to the peeling belt 306a. The seal member 323a, 324a, 325a and the like for sealing the gap between the portion facing the opening of the casing 322a and the peeling belt 306a are unitized and configured.

As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the backup roller 340a has a cylindrical member 343a mounted on a fixed shaft 341a via a bearing (bearing) 342a, and an elastic surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 343a. It has a structure in which a rubber film 344a as a body is formed.
This backup roller 340a is connected to the spiral roller 3
21a, the peeling belt 306a is pressed and opposed while sandwiching the peeling belt 306a.
21a is elastically urged. Cylindrical member 343 on which rubber film of backup roller 340a is formed
a can be driven by the peeling belt 306 in a state where the spiral roller 321a is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 3A, casing side plates 326a and 327a are integrally attached to the entire surface side and the rear end portion of the casing 322a.
The casing side plates 326a, 327a are fixed at predetermined intervals by three stays 328a, 329a, 330a. Extension portions 328a'3 at both ends of the stay
28a "329a 'etc.
a is used as a positioning member for the apparatus main body.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the distal end of the extension 328a ″ on the back side of the stay 328a is inserted into a positioning hole 602a formed at a predetermined position on the back side plate 602 of the apparatus main body. Also, stays 328a, 329a, 330a
The stepped distal ends of the extending portions 328a '329a', 330a 'on the entire surface side are respectively inserted into positioning holes 331a' of the positioning plate 331a, and are fixed by fixing screws 332a (see FIG. 3B). ). One of the three positioning holes 331a 'is formed as a round hole, and the other two positioning holes 331a' are formed as long holes, so that the positioning plate 331a can be easily attached.

A positioning pin 601a formed on the front side plate 601 of the apparatus main body is inserted into a positioning hole 311a ″ formed at the lower end of the positioning plate 331a, and the upper end of the positioning plate 331a is connected to the apparatus main body. It is screwed to the front side plate 601. Thereby,
The cleaning unit 320a is mounted with the cleaning unit 320a positioned on the apparatus main body.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a guide plate 603 provided between the front side plate 601 and the back side plate 602 of the apparatus main body extends in the direction of attachment and detachment of the cleaning unit. The existing guide rail 604 is attached. The guide rail 604 has grooves 326a 'and 327 formed as notches at the lower ends of the casing side plates 326a and 327a.
a 'is engaged. The guide rail 604 guides the grooves 326a 'and 327a' of the casing side plate, so that the cleaning unit 320a can be smoothly attached and detached.

The sealing members 323a and 324a seal the openings of the casing 322a on the upstream side and the downstream side in the moving direction of the peeling belt, and are made of, for example, an elastic blade made of phosphor bronze having a thickness of about 0.3 mm. It can be composed of members. In addition to this phosphor bronze, SUS spring materials (for example, SUS-630-C
SP-H) can also be used. Further, as the seal members 323a and 324a, a member in which an inelastic member (for example, a blade-shaped member) is supported by an elastic support may be used. Further, as the seal members 323a and 324a, an inelastic member (for example, a blade-shaped ceramic material) is rotatably supported by an inelastic support, and the tip of the inelastic member is peeled off by a biasing means such as a spring. May be used.

The seal member 325a is provided on both ends of the casing 32 at a right angle to the peeling belt moving direction.
It seals the opening 2a and can be made of, for example, a sponge-like member. Also, the rotating shaft of the spiral roller 321a and the casing side plates 326a, 327
A bearing (bearing) is attached to the spiral roller 321a, and a seal member 339a for protecting the spiral roller 321a is provided between the bearing and the axial end face of the spiral roller 321a. The seal member 339a also has a function of preventing toner from leaking from inside the casing 322a along the rotation axis.

In the present embodiment, among the plurality of seal members, the seal member 324a on the downstream side in the peeling belt moving direction is an auxiliary cleaning member for removing toner remaining on the surface of the peeling belt 306a that has passed the cleaning position. It also serves as a means. Thus, the sealing member 3
By using 24a as an auxiliary cleaning means,
The size and cost of the cleaning unit 320a can be reduced as compared with the case where the auxiliary cleaning means is separately provided.

In this embodiment, among the plurality of seal members, the seal member 323a on the upstream side in the peeling belt moving direction is used only to seal the casing 322a so as to hermetically close the casing 322a. Not double. Therefore, the sealing member 32
As the material of 3a, it is more preferable to use a plastic material such as mylar or a sponge material instead of the phosphor bronze or the like employed to have the auxiliary cleaning function.

In the present embodiment, the casing 322
a, the toner T existing at the bottom of the casing 622a.
A transport screw 333a that is driven to rotate is provided as a transport unit that transports the toner to one end of the casing 322, and a collection container 335a that collects the toner is provided at a gutter-shaped toner discharge port 334a at one end of the casing 322a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the driving force of the driving shaft 604a of the motor 604 as the driving source is
A drive output gear 606 serving as a drive output unit that is output via the device 05 is provided on the apparatus main body side. On the other hand, on the cleaning unit 320a side, a drive input gear 336a for driving a spiral roller as a drive receiving portion is provided. The drive output gear 606 and the drive input gear 336
“a” is disposed so as to engage and mesh when the cleaning unit 320a is mounted on the apparatus main body. The rotational driving force transmitted to the driving input gear 336a for driving the spiral roller is transmitted to the driving screw 338a for the conveying screw via the intermediate gear 337a.

In the present embodiment, the backup roller 340a is configured to be able to take a contact position in contact with the peeling belt 306a and a separated position separated from the peeling belt 306a. And a mechanism for moving the backup roller 340a between the two. FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the contact / separation mechanism.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the backup roller 340a has moved to the contact position. The shaft 341a of the backup roller 340a is connected to the bracket 345a.
It is fixed to. On the side surface of the bracket 345a, a set of long holes 346a for surely guiding the backup roller 340a in the separating / contacting direction is formed.
A guide pin 607 provided on the apparatus main body side is inserted into 6a. Also, the shaft 341 of the backup roller
a are sandwiched by a U-shaped holding portion formed at one end of a pressure release lever 608 rotatable about a fulcrum 608a, and the other end of the pressure release lever 608 is
It comes into contact with the outer periphery of the pressure release cam 609 attached to the pressure release shaft 609a. Further, an end surface of the bracket 345a remote from the spiral roller 321a and a fixed bracket 610 provided on the apparatus main body side.
A spring member 611 as an urging means for elastically urging the backup roller 340a to the spiral roller 321a via the peeling belt 306a is attached between the backup roller 340a and the backup roller 340a. The biasing force of the spring member 611 can be adjusted by changing the compression state of the spring member 611 with the pressure adjusting screw 612 attached to the fixed bracket 610.

When the backup roller 340a is pressed against the spiral roller 321a with the peeling belt 306a sandwiched between the backup roller 340a and the spiral roller 321a in the contact / separation mechanism for the backup roller 340a, the pressure release cam 609 is used. The cam 609 is rotated so that the outer peripheral surface does not contact the end of the pressure release lever.
As a result, the pressure release lever 608 becomes freely rotatable, and the bracket 345a is urged by the spring member 611.
The backup roller 340a is a spiral roller 321
Pressurized toward a. On the other hand, the cleaning unit 3
When the pressure of the backup roller 340a is released when the attachment / detachment 20a is detached, the pressure release lever 609 is rotated from the position indicated by the solid line in the drawing to the position indicated by the two-dot broken line, and the end of the pressure release lever 608 is pressed. The bracket 345a is moved in the separating direction against the urging force of the spring member 611. Thus, the pressure of the backup roller 340a can be released, and the backup roller 340a can be separated from the peeling belt 306a.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the backup rollers 340a and 340b whose surface portions are made of an elastic body (for example, a rubber coating) are urged by the spring member 611, and the backup roller and the spiral rollers 321a and 321b are urged.
Between the spiral roller and the backup roller by holding the peeling belts 306a and 306b between the spiral roller and the backup roller by elastically urging the peeling belt against the spiral roller. Even if such a situation occurs, the pressing force of the spiral roller against the peeling belt can be maintained at the pressing force required for removing the toner T on the peeling belt, so that the toner T can be reliably and stably discharged from the peeling belt. Can be removed.

As a more specific example, the number of blades is 4, the spiral angle θa is 35 degrees, the rake angle θb is 5 °, the land width W is 1.5 mm, the diameter is 24 mm, and the rotation speed is 200 rpm.
Backup roller 340 which is a foaming material having a diameter of 28 mm, a surface portion (elastic body) having a thickness of 2 to 4 mm, and a hardness of 20 to 50 degrees using spiral rollers 321a and 321b.
a, 340b, the backup roller 34
0a, 340b, that is, the spiral roller 3
The pressing force of the stripping belts 306a and 306b of the strips 21a and 321b was about 15 to 20 kgf / 300 mm. Then, the blade members (seal members) 324a,
In combination with 24b, cleaning characteristics equivalent to or higher than those obtained when a conventional high-speed brush roller is used as a cleaning member were obtained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in each cleaning unit, the blade member (seal member) 32
4a, 324b, spiral rollers 321a, 321
peeling belts 306a and 306b that have passed through the contact portion with b
And the toner T remaining on the surface is removed, so that the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the case where the auxiliary cleaning means is configured using a brush roller or the like.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in each cleaning unit, the casings 322a and 322b cover the spiral rollers 321a and 321b, and the gaps between the casings and the peeling belts 306a and 306b are formed by the sealing members 323a, 323b and 324a. 324b,
With the simple configuration of sealing with 325a and 325b, the toner T removed from the peeling belt is prevented from leaking into the apparatus main body, and it is possible to prevent the toner from scattering into the apparatus main body. Further, since the spiral roller is covered with the casing, there is no danger that the user touches the edge of the spiral roller.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in each of the cleaning units, the casings 322a and 322 are provided.
The transfer screw 333 transfers the toner T existing at the bottom in
a and 333b, the toner is conveyed to one end of the casing and collected in the collecting containers 335a and 335b. Therefore, the toner collected in the collecting container is taken out of the apparatus, subjected to secondary processing as necessary, and reused. can do.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the cleaning units 320a and 320b including the spiral rollers and the like are attached to and detached from the apparatus main body without separately attaching and detaching the components such as the spiral rollers 321a and 321b to and from the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to improve the workability of assembling the apparatus, the workability when replacing the spiral roller and the like, and the workability when cleaning the spiral roller and the like.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the drive output gear 606 on the apparatus main body and the drive input gear (drive gear for the spiral roller) 336a on the apparatus main body only by attaching the cleaning units 320a and 320b to the apparatus main body. And 336b are engaged with each other, so that the driving force can be transmitted from the apparatus main body side to the cleaning unit side, so that the assembling workability of the apparatus can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, the backup rollers 340a and 340b are connected to the peeling belts 306a and 306a.
6b, the cleaning units 320a, 320b are released in a state where the pressing force of the spiral rollers 321a, 321b against the peeling belt is released.
Since b can be attached and detached, the workability of attaching and detaching the cleaning unit can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, one set of cleaning means for cleaning each of one set of peeling belts 306a and 306b includes cleaning units 320a and 320b and backup roller 340 having the same configuration.
By composing a combination of a, 340b, etc., a common member can be used by the above-mentioned one set of cleaning means, and the cost of parts, the cost of assembly, and the ease of maintenance can be improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the backup rollers 340a and 340b having a surface portion made of an elastic material are used as opposing members elastically pressed against the spiral rollers 321a and 31b. For example, a member having another configuration can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the pressing belt 3 wrapped around two rotatable support rollers 351a and 352a.
The stretched portion 53a may be configured to be elastically pressed against the peeling belt 306a in contact with the spiral roller 321a. For example, as shown in FIG.
A pressing blade 362a is attached to one end of an arm member 361a that is rotatable about a fulcrum A, and the other end of the arm member 361a is urged in the direction of the arrow, so that the pressing blade 362a rotates the spiral roller 321a.
May be configured to elastically press against the peeling belt 306a that is in contact with the sheet. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the arm member 371a is rotatable around the fulcrum A.
The elastic member 372a is attached to one end of the arm member 371a, and the other end of the arm member 371a is urged in the direction of the arrow, so that the elastic member 372a is elastically attached to the peeling belt 306a in contact with the spiral roller 321a. You may comprise so that it may press.

Further, in the toner removing device of the above embodiment, one set of cleaning units 320a and 320b is arranged so as to be symmetrical in the left and right direction. However, one set of cleaning units 320a and 320b are oriented in the same direction. A toner removing device may be configured. (Hereinafter, margin)

[0074]

According to the present invention, the peeling member is sandwiched between the cleaning member and the opposing member elastically pressed against the cleaning member, and the peeling member is elastically moved with respect to the cleaning member. Even when the relative positional relationship between the cleaning member and the opposing member changes due to the biasing, the pressing force of the cleaning member against the peeling member can be reduced by removing the image forming material on the peeling member. The required pressing force can be maintained. Therefore, there is an effect that the image forming substance can be reliably and stably removed from the peeling member.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, a blade member as an auxiliary cleaning means which is preferable in terms of space saving and cost reduction is applied to the surface of the peeling member which has passed through the contact portion with the cleaning member. As a result, the image forming substance remaining on the surface is removed, so that there is an effect that the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the case where the auxiliary cleaning means is configured using a brush roller or the like.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image forming material removed from the peeling member can be easily removed by the simple structure of covering the cleaning member with the casing and sealing the gap between the casing and the peeling member with the seal member. Since it is prevented from leaking into the apparatus main body, there is an effect that scattering of the image forming substance into the apparatus main body can be prevented.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 4, the image forming substance removed from the peeling member present at the bottom in the casing is transported to one end of the casing by transport means and collected in a recovery container. Therefore, there is an effect that the image forming substance collected in the collection container can be taken out of the apparatus, subjected to secondary processing as needed, and reused.

In particular, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the unit including the cleaning member, the casing, and the seal member without separately attaching or detaching the cleaning member constituting the cleaning means to or from the apparatus main body. Since the cleaned cleaning unit can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, it is possible to improve the assembling workability of the apparatus, the workability when replacing the cleaning member and the like, and the workability when cleaning the cleaning member and the like. There is.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the driving force can be transmitted from the apparatus main body side to the cleaning unit side only by attaching the cleaning unit to the apparatus main body. There is an effect that the assembling workability can be improved.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 7, the opposing member is moved to the separated position separated from the peeling member, and the cleaning member or the cleaning unit is detached while the pressing force of the cleaning member against the peeling member is released. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability of attaching and detaching the cleaning member and the like can be improved.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 8, since the one set of cleaning means is constituted by combining cleaning means of the same configuration, a common member can be used by the one set of cleaning means. This has the effect of reducing the cost of parts, reducing the cost of assembly, and improving maintainability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a toner removing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning unit and a backup roller of the toner removing device. (B) is a side sectional view of the backup roller.

FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of the cleaning unit. (B) is an enlarged view of a mounting portion of the stay of the cleaning unit to a casing side plate.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a drive system of the cleaning unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a contact / separation mechanism of the backup roller.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are front views illustrating a schematic configuration of an opposing member according to a modified example.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a toner removing device according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Transfer paper 300 Peeling device 306a, 306b Peeling belt 320a, 320b Cleaning unit 321a, 321b Spiral roller 322a, 322b Casing 323a Seal member 324a Seal member (blade member) 325a Seal member 333a Transport screw 334a Toner discharge port 335a Container Input gear 340a Backup roller 341a Shaft 342a Pipe roller 343a Cylindrical member 344a Rubber coating 345a Bracket 346a Long hole 380a Cooling device 606 Drive output gear 607 Guide pin 608 Pressure release lever 609 Pressure release cam 610 Fixed bracket 611 Spring member 612 Pressure T toner

Claims (8)

[Claims] A separating member which can exert a larger adhesive force on the image forming substance adhered to the image carrier than the adhesive force between the image forming substance and the image carrier. A separating unit that separates the image forming substance from the image holding member by separating the peeling member and the image holding member after being brought into contact with the upper image forming material; and a separating unit that separates the image forming material from the image holding member. For members,
An image forming substance removing device for removing an image forming substance attached to the peeling member by bringing a cleaning member having a spiral edge on an outer peripheral portion into contact therewith; An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, wherein an opposing member elastically pressed against the cleaning member is provided in a state where the peeling member is sandwiched between the cleaning member and the cleaning member. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising auxiliary cleaning means for removing an image forming substance remaining on the surface of the peeling member passing through the contact portion with the cleaning member. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, wherein a blade member is used as the auxiliary cleaning means. 3. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 1, wherein said casing has an opening which covers said cleaning member and a part of said cleaning member can be exposed to said peeling member side. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, comprising: a seal member for sealing a gap between a portion facing the opening of the casing and the peeling member. 4. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image holding member according to claim 3, wherein said conveying means conveys the image forming substance removed from said peeling member existing at a bottom in said casing to one end of said casing. A collecting container for collecting the conveyed image forming substance at one end of the casing; 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning unit including the cleaning member, the casing, and the seal member is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier. 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least one member used in said cleaning unit requires a driving force, and the driving force is obtained from a driving source provided on the apparatus main body side. In the substance removing apparatus, a driving output unit that outputs a driving force of the driving source is provided on the apparatus main body side, and the driving unit receives the driving force by engaging with the driving output unit when the cleaning unit is mounted on the apparatus main body. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, wherein a receiving portion is provided on the cleaning unit side. 7. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein said opposing member is separated from a contact position in contact with said peeling member and from said peeling member. An image forming substance removing apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, comprising: a contact / separation mechanism configured to move the opposed member between the contact position and the separated position. . 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of said peeling member and said cleaning means so as to be able to peel off the image forming substance adhered to both sides of the image holding member.
5. The apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to 5, 6, or 7, wherein the cleaning means having the same configuration is used in combination as the one set of cleaning means. apparatus.