JPS589179A - Cleaning device of recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute cleaning of a photosensitive body having a structure of an uneven pattern, by providing a means for cleaning the second cleaning roller having a means for heating its surface within a prescribed temperature range, and providing this means together with the first cleaning roller. CONSTITUTION:A recording medium 1 is like a sheet and moves in the direction as indicated with an arrow, and as for a blade 50, its edge width is smaller than width of the second cleaning member 4, and the blade executes a reciprocating motion in the direction of width of the cleaning member 4. The first cleaning member 3 has a surface layer 32 of a viscoelastic properties for removing a toner T on the recording mediun 1. As for this viscoelastic material, that which has 15-35dyn/cm cirtical surface tension and 25-80 rubber hardness is desirable. The second cleaning member 4 has a heater H in a hollow cyliner 4 consisting of a rigid body, and the surface is held at a constant temperature.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] This invention relates to a recording medium cleaning device.

Electrostatic a on photoconductive, dielectric, or resistive recording media
A toner image is obtained by forming an image and developing this electrostatic latent image with powder toner! A recording device that transfers information onto a recording sheet is well known as an electronic copying device.

Formation of an electrostatic latent image on a recording medium is performed by a method of charging the recording medium and image exposure, a method of position-selective charging of the recording medium using a multi-needle electrode, or the like.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the recording medium is developed with powder toner, and a toner image is formed on the recording medium.

This toner image is transferred onto a recording sheet and fixed onto the recording sheet by an appropriate method.

The recording sheet may be cut to a predetermined size in advance, or it may be rolled up initially and then unrolled and pulled out.

This may be cut into an appropriate size before or after transferring the toner image.

In this type of recording method, the same recording medium is used repeatedly, so in the recording process, it is necessary to remove the toner remaining on the surface of the recording medium after the toner image is transferred. , a process of cleaning and leaning the surface of the recording medium is required.

Conventionally, proposed methods for cleaning a recording medium include a method of rubbing the surface of the recording medium using a cleaning brush, and a method of scraping off residual toner from the surface of the recording medium using a blade.

In these cleaning methods, recording media and.

There is a large relative speed between the cleaning means such as a blade that cleans this, and when the cleaning means and the residual toner come into contact with each other in a collisional manner, instantaneous heat is generated, and this heat melts the toner and records the information. There is a problem in that the so-called filmink phenomenon, in which the film adheres to the surface of the medium, tends to occur.

In addition, recently, dielectric recording media have been developed that have fine irregularities of about 8 μm uniformly formed on one surface.
A recording electrode such as a multi-needle electrode is brought into direct contact with the surface of the recording medium, and the recording electrode releases 1! A recording method has been proposed in which the surface of a recording medium is charged according to a pattern to be recorded, and an electrostatic latent image is formed according to the recording pattern.

When forming a recording medium by discharging a recording electrode, as is clear from the well-known Paschen's law, the size of the microgap between the electrode and the recording medium greatly affects the discharge efficiency. A good electrostatic latent image cannot be formed unless the minute gap is controlled at a constant level.
This process must be performed with an accuracy of m, which is extremely difficult.

However, using a recording medium with minute irregularities as described above,
If the recording electrode is brought into contact with the recording medium surface.

The optimum gap width is automatically selected within the range of approximately 8 μm, which is the size of minute irregularities.

A good electrostatic latent image is easily formed.

However, due to the uneven structure of the surface of such recording media, there is little charge leakage, the duration of the electrostatic latent image is long, and the toner itself gets stuck in the unevenness, so conventional cleaning methods are difficult to clean. With this method, a sufficient leaning effect cannot be obtained, and the filming problem is also noticeable.

As a cleaning method that solves the above-mentioned problems regarding cleaning of recording media and can provide an effective cleaning effect even for recording media that have a microscopic uneven structure on the surface, it is possible to use a cleaning method that combines the adhesive force of a viscoelastic substance and the surface tension. It is intended that those who take advantage of the difference.

Figure 1 shows an example of a device that implements such a leaning method.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates recording medium 1. Code 2 is a pressure roller;
Reference numeral 3 indicates a cleaning member for the spear 1, reference numeral 5 indicates a second cleaning member, reference numeral 5 indicates a blade, and reference numeral 6 indicates a recovery member. Also, symbol H is a heater, symbol T
indicates toner.

The recording medium 1 is belt-shaped and runs in the direction of the arrow.

The cleaning member 3 of 3.1 liters is in the form of a roller, and is it a pressurized roller? Recording medium 1 along with -2? The recording medium 10 is clamped and pressed along its circumferential surface in the rotational axis direction perpendicular to the drawing.
It rotates in the direction of the arrow while being in pressure contact with the circumferential surface.

The cleaning member of the spear 2 is also roller-shaped and rotates in the direction of the arrow while being pressed against the upper surface of the A-117) cleaning member 3 over one revolution in the direction of the rotation axis.

The blade 5 has its edge aligned with the spear 2 as shown in the figure.
The cleaning member is brought into pressure contact with the surface of the cleaning member in the direction of its rotation axis.

The cleaning member 3 of ff1l is a rigid roller 510.
? A surface layer 32 made of a viscoelastic material is formed on the curved portion, and this viscoelastic material has a critical surface tension of 15
~35 dyn/cm, and rubber hardness in the range of 25 to 80 is selected. Note that in this specification, when describing the rubber hardness with respect to the viscoelastic material of the cleaning member, the rubber hardness is J
The value measured by IS-6301A type. Examples of viscoelastic materials that satisfy the above conditions are:
Various elastomers and various rubbers, for example, product names TSE 387 RTV and TSE 3 manufactured by Toshiba Silicone Co., Ltd.
88 W, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. 17) KR271, KE
1300, KE42 RTv (Izuremo product name)
.

SH-9550, SRX 4 manufactured by Toshi Silicone Co., Ltd.
75V.

SH1603V C (trade name) 1 Coronate C-4046 (trade name) manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd. can be mentioned.

Second cleaning member ÷ rigid hollow cylinder 40
It consists of a heater H and a heater K arranged in the inner space. The heat generation of the heater H is controlled so as to maintain the surface temperature of the cleaning member flea within a predetermined temperature range. The hollow cylinder 40 has a critical surface tension of 100 dyn/
It is made of a material 1 of cm or more, such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold maple, glass, or the like.

Now, when the residual toner on the recording medium 1' moves together with the recording medium l and comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the cleaning member 30,
The adhesive force of the peripheral surface of the cleaning member 3 transfers it onto the peripheral surface of the cleaning member 30.

In other words, the cleaning member 3 can move the residual toner on the recording medium 1 onto its own circumferential surface using adhesive force; the strength of the adhesive force depends on the hardness of the rubber on the circumferential surface of the cleaning member δ. depending on the rubber hardness between 25 and 80
When the cleaning member 3 is within the range, a toner transfer efficiency of substantially 1.00% can be obtained.
Since the zero circumferential surface portion has elasticity, if there are minute irregularities on the surface of the recording medium, the surface deforms in accordance with the irregularities, which has conventionally been considered difficult. It is also possible to extremely effectively clean a recording medium having minute irregularities.

The toner T transferred onto the circumferential surface of the cleaning member 3 moves as the cleaning member 3 (7) rotates.

When the cleaning member comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the cleaning member, it is transferred to the peripheral surface of the cleaning member, and then, by the blade 5,
5 is removed from the circumferential surface and collected in a collection section 6.

The efficiency of toner transfer from the cleaning member 3 to ÷ depends on the temperature of the toner at the time of transfer.

That is, when examining changes in toner transfer efficiency with respect to temperature changes, the results are as shown in Figure 2.

That is, as the temperature rises, the transfer efficiency rises rapidly in a certain temperature range, reaches a region of approximately 100%, and then decreases rapidly at a certain temperature. Therefore, in order to obtain a transfer rate of 1, for example, 90 cm or more, the temperature range T
The toner must be transferred from the cleaning member 3 to the cleaning member 4 in the region 1 to T2. Of course, it depends on the type of toner.

There is some variation in the value of T1 m'r2.

At the contact portion between the cleaning member 3 and the cow.

When the temperature of toner T falls within the temperature range of 71 to T2, approximately 90
The surface of the toner above H is in a softened state,
In this state, the force acting between the toner and the cleaning member 3.4 is dominated by a component based on the surface energy between the fluid and the solid surface. This force is proportional to the critical surface tension, whereas the critical surface tension of the cleaning member 3 is.

On the other hand, it becomes easy to adhere to the cleaning member 4 of the cleaning section, which is as low as 15 to 35 dyn/α.

Then, the leaning parts are moved onto the cow. .

``Thus, the recording medium 11 is cleaned by the cleaning member 3.''The cleaning member 3...

Cleaning parts are cleaned by the cow first. The cleaning member is cleaned by the convex blade.

According to this leaning method, it is possible to lean the recording medium extremely efficiently.

In this cleaning method, the relative speed between the eleventh cleaning member, the recording medium, and Q) is set to 8.

Therefore, the relative speed can be set to 0 or close to 0, and the problem of toner filming, which has been a problem with conventional cleaning methods, is solved. Furthermore, even if the surface of the recording medium has minute irregularities, the cleaning member of the spear J deforms according to the shape of the recording medium surface due to its elasticity, so it is suitable for cleaning recording media that have minute irregularities on one surface. It can be done effectively once you have done it.

By the way, as mentioned above, the cleaning of the first cleaning member by the second cleaning member uses the difference in surface tension σ) between the two cleaning members, and in order to make use of this difference in surface tension, The heating of the toner must be controlled within a predetermined temperature range, and for this purpose, the surface temperature of cleaning members 1 and 2 was heated and controlled within a predetermined temperature range using a heater or the like. 2σ) While the surface of the cleaning member is within a predetermined temperature range, the toner is fused to the cleaning member 2, and the adhesion force of the toner to the cleaning member 2 increases. Therefore, in this state, if you try to remove the toner on the second cleaning member with the blade, the contact pressure of the edge of the blade to the surface of the second cleaning member will be considerably increased. It has to be very high. As the upper contact point becomes higher, the torque load applied to the cleaning member of spear 2 increases, and therefore, the
σ) The cleaning member itself must be driven with a considerably large torque.

Conventionally, in order to avoid this trouble, while the surface of the second member is under heating control 1, the pressure L/'
After cleaning of the fertilized mts body is finished, the heating of the leaning member is stopped, and the heating of the leaning member is stopped. , a method is intended in which the second cleaning member is cleaned by the blade after waiting for the adhesion of the toner to the same peripheral surface to decrease.However, in this method, 1) σ) Cleaning of the recording medium is completed. Afterwards, to clean the cleaning parts 1 and 2,
There is a problem in that related equipment must be driven.

An object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned cleaning method and eliminate the above-mentioned inconveniences and gaps.

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium cleaning device.

The present invention will be explained below.

In this application, two inventions related to a recording medium cleaning device are disclosed.

Each invention has the same main parts and also the same purpose. First, common parts of both inventions will be explained.

The recording medium cleaning device according to these inventions is as follows.

The cleaning member includes means for heating and controlling the surface temperature of the cleaning member for the tooth 2 within a predetermined temperature range, and means for contact cleaning the cleaning member for the fang 2.

The cleaning member J'l is belt-shaped or roller-shaped, has at least its peripheral surface made of a viscoelastic material, and rotates in contact with the recording medium.

Removes residual toner. -As a viscoelastic material.

A material having a critical surface tension of 15 to 35 dyn/c7n and a rubber hardness of 25 to 80 is selected.

The cleaning member 3-2 is belt-shaped or.

The roller is shaped like a roller, and at least the surface thereof is made of a material having a critical surface tension of 100 dyn/cIIL or more, and rolls into contact with the first cleaning member to discharge toner. Means for controlling the temperature within a predetermined temperature range (7) Any suitable temperature control means known in the art can be applied.

``The means for contact cleaning the second cleaning member is a feature of the present invention, and each invention has the following features: 1. The concrete configuration of this weld cleaning and cleaning means is different.

In the first invention, the contact cleaning means includes: a movable blade having an edge width smaller than the width of the cleaning member A-2;

1) means for moving the cleaning member in the width direction of item 2; Note that the width direction of the cleaning l'In of 312 refers to the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of one circumferential surface due to rotation of the member on the circumferential surface of the IJ-ning member, and the length of the member in this direction. This is the width of the cleaning member of spear 2.

In the second invention, the contact cleaning means includes a contact cleaning member formed by spirally providing blade-like protrusions on the peripheral surface of a roller, and means for rotating the contact cleaning member.

An embodiment will be described below with reference to one drawing.

Figures 3' and 5 schematically illustrate one embodiment of the invention. In addition, in order to avoid complications, 111 cleaning parts,
Regarding the second cleaning member and recovery member,
The same -V) symbols as in FIG. 11 are used in FIG.

The recording medium 30 is drum-shaped and rotates in the direction of the arrow. The blade 50 has an edge width smaller than the width of the cleaning member bowl, and reciprocates in the width direction of the cleaning member bowl.

That is, the blade 50 is as shown in the % o winter diagram.

Although it is fixed to a support body 51, this support body 51 is.

It has rollers 52, and the rollers 52 move the cleaning member along the guide 53 in the width direction of the 1-year-old 2-year-old cow, that is, 1
It is movable in the direction perpendicular to the drawing. The guide 53 is
It is fixed to one protruding end of the arm 54, and the arm 54 itself is swingably supported by a shaft 54A. Then, by adjusting the force applied to the ζ end of the arm 54, the pressing force of the edge of the blade 50 against the cleaning member 2 of the spear 2 is adjusted.

The wire W has the blade 50 fixed thereto, and is wound around the pulleys 6] and 62.63 as shown in Figure 'A15. The drive shaft of the motor 66 is a single pulley 63.
When the motor 66 is operated, the pulley 63 rotates, and the blade 50 moves to the left or right in the drawing via the wire W.

Detectors 64°6 are located at both ends of the moving area of the radar 50.
5 are deployed. These detectors 64.65.

When it comes into contact with the moving blade 60 and detects this, it sends a detection signal to the control mechanism 67. The control mechanism 67 is.

Upon receiving this detection signal, the forward/reverse rotation motor 66Q) reverses the rotation direction and shifts the blade 50 in the opposite direction. In this way, the blade 50 is connected to the detector 64.6.
While reciprocating between 5 and 5, the cleaning member of spear 2 performs winter cleaning.

By making the edge width of the blade 50 smaller than the width of the cleaning member of the spear 2 to be cleaned, even if the pressing force of the blade 50 against the cleaning member is sufficiently large, the second cleaning is not performed. The torque load on the member can be kept small. Therefore, for example,
However, even with the torque that causes the second cleaning member 3.4 to follow the recording medium 10, the cleaning member 3.
4 rotates reliably, and the recording medium 10. Cleaning member 3
．． Cleaning in step 4 can also be performed reliably.

In this case, the toner removed from the cleaning member of the spear 2 by the blade 50 is 1, for example, the collection member 6 (see Figure 1).
However, as in the modified embodiment shown in FIG.
Toner removal and recovery may be performed by connecting one end of a flexible tube 50C to B and connecting the other end of this tube 50 to suction and recovery means.

Figure No. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention No. 2.

In the figure, numeral 7 indicates a contact cleaning member.

This contact cleaning member 7 has a roller shape as shown in Fig. 51'F8, and has a curved surface.

The blade-like protrusion 7A is formed in a spiral shape.

The contact cleaning member 7 is provided with its rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the cleaning member 2 of the spear 2, and the blade-like protrusion 7A is provided on the circumferential surface of the cleaning member 10 of the spear 2. Pressure contact. By rotating the contact cleaning member 7 as shown in the off-line diagram, the cleaning member ÷ of the spear 2 can be cleaned.

However, in this case as well, the contact cleaning member 7 and the cleaning member winter are in contact only at the blade-like protrusion 7A, and the total contact area is small, so the number of cleaning members divided by 172 is small.

This can be effectively cleaned without imposing significant torque loads.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 21 and Figure 2 are diagrams for explaining the cleaning method to which the cleaning device of the present invention belongs.
The figure is a perspective view showing only the essential parts of an embodiment of the present invention, the figure 5 is a front view showing the means for holding the blade, figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the means for moving the blade, and figure 6 is a figure for explaining the means for moving the blade. A blade having a suction port part. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining suction and collection of toner, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory front view showing only essential parts of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the contact cleaning member. 1.10... Recording medium, 3... Blade cleaning member, 4... Second cleaning member, 50... Blade. 7...Contact cleaning member ff5 4 Figure 2 Tt '2 Sell 5 Figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A recording device that forms an electrostatic latent image on a recording medium, develops this electrostatic latent image with powder toner, and transfers the resulting toner image onto a recording sheet. Stay. Critical surface tension is 15 jyn/an to 3δdyn
/ (m. Singing.Belt-shaped or roller-shaped!-1
cleaning parts. At least the surface portion is formed of a material having a critical surface tension of 100 dyn/C11 or more, contacts the above-mentioned IJ-Jung member, and is absorbed by the toner 1 on the cleaning member. A belt-shaped or roller-shaped cleaning member. and means for controlling the temperature of the circumferential surface of the second cleaning member to a predetermined temperature range. and a contact cleaning means for contact cleaning the cleaning member of the second aspect. 1. This contact cleaning means has a movable blade having an edge width smaller than the width of the cleaning member of the spear 2, and means for moving this blade in the width direction of the cleaning member of the spear 2. Features. Recording medium cleaning device. 2. In claim 1, paragraph 1. The contact cleaning means is a movable blade. It is characterized by comprising means for moving this, and means for suctioning and collecting the toner removed from the cleaning member of the spear 2 by the blade. Recording medium cleaning device. 3. In a recording device that forms an electrostatic latent image on a recording medium, develops this electrostatic latent image with powder toner, and transfers the resulting toner image onto a recording sheet. Critical surface tension is 15 dyn/c1n to 35 dy
n/cm, and the rubber hardness is between 25 and 8.
At least a curved portion is formed of a viscoelastic material within the range of 0Q) and contacts the recording medium to remove residual toner on the recording medium. Belt-shaped or roller-shaped gluing member. At least the surface portion is formed of a material having a critical surface tension of 100 dyn/an or more, and comes into contact with the cleaning member of the spear 1 to receive the toner on the cleaning member of the spear 1. A belt-shaped or roller-shaped spear 2 cleaning member. means for heating and controlling the peripheral surface temperature of the second cleaning member within a predetermined temperature range; and a contact cleaning means for contact cleaning the cleaning member of the spear 2. This contact cleaning means is characterized in that it has a contact cleaning member formed by spirally providing blade-like protrusions on the curved surface of the roller, and means for rotating the contact cleaning member. Recording medium cleaning device.