JPS6011080A - Moisture-resistant material and moisture-resisting method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates to moisture proofing of process components in recording devices, particularly copiers or printers using electrophotographic processes.

(Prior Art) As is well known, in the electrophotographic process, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoreceptor using a suitable charging device or an optical system in combination with the electrostatic latent image, and this is developed by toner. The I/S image is fixed as is, or it is transferred to a predetermined sheet of paper and then fixed to obtain a hard copy.

In such a process, if the humidity on the photoreceptor is high during charging, it is impossible to form an electrostatic latent image reliably, and in processes that use an optical system, if the image becomes cloudy due to condensation, it becomes impossible to form an electrostatic latent image. Loss of clarity of image.

Furthermore, in the process of developing with toner, whether this is a so-called two-component developing system that utilizes frictional charging between toner and carrier, charge injection is performed by friction with a magnetic L/S trimmer or sleeve, or by using these. It goes without saying that even a so-called component development system that performs this process dislikes a high-humidity environment.

Furthermore, it is well known that when a transfer process is involved, if the paper absorbs moisture, it is difficult to secure the potential necessary for transfer, resulting in copy images being omitted due to poor transfer.

In order to avoid such problems, it has been recommended to install the entire machine in a well-controlled environment, and to keep the fuser, which is the source of heat, energized when the machine is not in use, especially at night. It was necessary to take measures, which posed a serious problem in terms of capital investment and running costs.

(Object of the Invention) It is an object of the present invention to provide a moisture-proofing means that does not require a special environment or use of energy in the above-mentioned conventional recording apparatus, especially a copying machine or printer using an electrophotographic process. .

(Structure of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a moisture-proof material filled with a highly water-absorbing substance such as silica gel or polyacrylate between sheets is installed in an apparatus using an electrophotographic process. This makes the inside of the device moisture-proof.

(Example) FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing different embodiments of the moisture-proof material according to the present invention, with the former showing a single-layer structure and the latter showing a multi-layer structure. Both are porous paper or resin sheets 1.1. A thin layer of highly absorbent material 2 such as silica gel or polyacrylate is filled and sealed between them to form a sheet or band-shaped moisture-proof material 3. Configure.

In order to place these moisture-proofing materials in as large a quantity as possible near the f, 31% material that should be moisture-proofed, it is desirable that they can be bent, for example, into a bellows shape, so the thickness should generally not exceed several millimeters. Should.

The moisture-proof material configured as explained above is shown in Figure 3 or @
It can be used by the method shown in Figure 4.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state in which the moisture-proofing material according to the present invention is applied to a developing machine of an electrophotographic copying machine.

If the developing machine of an electrophotographic copying machine uses a two-component developing system, a developing magnetic roll 6 is rotatably provided in a developing machine main body 5 disposed close to a photoreceptor drum 4 as shown in this figure. A developer agitation paddle 7 is arranged nearby, and the toner particles, which are dropped little by little by a dispenser 9 from an upper toner reservoir 8, are electrostatically attached to the carrier by mixing and friction with the carrier.

As mentioned above, in such a developing device, if the developer absorbs moisture, the desired static electricity will not be generated between the toner and the carrier, and development will not be performed properly.

Therefore, in the present invention, the side wall of the developing machine main body 4 is constituted by a filter 10 having a large number of holes smaller than the toner particle size, and the moisture-proof material 3 according to the present invention is passed through the filter 10. Place it opposite the developer. Further, the moisture-proofing material 3 can be pulled out and replaced by opening the opening/closing lid 11 above the storage part, and if the filter 10 becomes clogged, the moisture-proofing material 3 can be pulled out and then stored fi+((
Vibrate it with an illumination force or a suitable rod, and drop the toy that has landed on the inside of the elephant.

It should be noted that this filter 10 can be used by using a valve or a canopy having sufficient ventilation.

The moisture-proofing material according to the present invention is not limited to the developing device as described above, and can be similarly applied to the optical system of a recording device as shown in No. 41D.

This figure explains the case where it is applied to a typical moving optical system of an electrophotographic copying machine as an example.
4 travels at speed ■, the second mirror 15 facing it travels in the same direction at speed 1/2■, and the reflected light is transmitted to the imaging lens 16, fixed mirror 17, and Surino I.
18 etc.) (2) An image is formed on the body 47.

In this case, it is obvious that if there is dew condensation on the surface of the SO5B self-reflectors 16, 14, 15 and 17, or 1 photoreceptor 4, the ability to form an electrostatic image will be significantly inhibited or impossible. It is.

In order to solve this problem, as shown in this figure, the moisture-proof material 3.3 according to the present invention is appropriately pasted on the back of each mirror, the outer periphery of the lens barrel, or around Surin 1. All you have to do is shift. For this purpose, it may be convenient to use an adhesive tape or an adhesive pad in which a large number of thin resin wires with slanted tips, which are commercially available under the trade name Velcro tape, are implanted in consideration of replacement.

Further, although not shown in the drawings, it can be easily imagined that if the moisture-proofing material 3 according to the present invention is attached to the ceiling of the storage area for recording paper, etc., it will have a significant effect on moisture-proofing the paper.

As mentioned above, the moisture-proof material placed inside the machine absorbs moisture after the machine has finished operating, for example at night and on holidays, keeping the inside of the frame dry, and releases the moisture absorbed during high temperatures while the machine is operating. Generally, there is no need to perform any special operations to recover the water absorption function, but if the machine has been out of operation for a long time, it may be necessary to replace it as appropriate.

(Effects of the Invention) Since the moisture-proofing material according to the present invention is configured and used as explained above, it can be supplied at an extremely low cost and its usage is simple, and it can generally be used in conventional machines. There is no need for any special modification, and it is extremely effective in ensuring dryness within the recording device and preventing deterioration in the reproduced image quality due to humidity.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing different embodiments of the moisture-proofing material according to the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views showing different embodiments of how to use the moisture-proofing material according to the present invention, respectively. The former is a side sectional view illustrating a state in which the present invention is applied to a developing device, and the latter to moisture proofing of an optical system. 1... Breathable Sea I... 2... Highly absorbent material,
3... Moisture proof material, 5... Developing machine 10... Filter. Patent applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A sheet-shaped or band-shaped moisture proofing agent in which a highly water-absorbing substance is filled in a thin layer between breathable sheets. (2) The moisture-proof material according to claim 1, characterized in that silica gel or polyacrylate is used as the super absorbent substance. (3) In a developing machine of a recording device using an electrophotographic process, a filter having a vent hole smaller than the developer particle size is provided on at least one inner wall surface of the developer storage H1 of the machine. (4) A developer moisture-proofing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sheet-like or band-like moisture-proofing agent is arranged replaceably through an optical system, a transfer system, a fixing system, or paper of a recording device. Place the sea 1- in a suitable place near the storage section.
3. A method for moisture-proofing a recording device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a moisture-proofing material in the form of a shape or a band is attached in a replaceable manner.