JP3376225B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, etc., which uses electrophotography, generally uses a charging device on an electrostatic latent image carrier composed of a photoconductor such as a photoconductor drum and a photoconductor belt. After performing uniform initial charging,
An electrostatic latent image carrier is exposed by an exposure device in accordance with an image signal, or an original image is exposed to erase the initial charge of the electrostatic latent image carrier, thereby forming a pattern of electrostatic charge. An image forming process is performed in which the electrostatic charge pattern is developed with toner in a developing device and transferred to a recording paper or a transfer material composed of an intermediate transfer body.

In this image forming apparatus, in the image forming process, there is a charging process in which the electrostatic latent image carrier is charged by a charging device. This charging process is conventionally performed as a charging device in which charging is performed in a non-contact manner, and charging is stable. It was performed using a corona charger, which has excellent properties. However, since corona chargers generate a large amount of ozone, a contact charging type charging device has recently been studied, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-149669.
The roller charging method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-175469 and the brush charging method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-175469 have been put into practical use.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-149669 discloses a roller charging system in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage and applied to a charging roller. In addition, JP-A-6
JP-A-175469 describes a brush charging method in which a low resistance intermediate conductive member is provided between a conductive brush and a core thereof to eliminate the environmental dependency of charging.

[0005]

The above corona charger has a drawback that it produces a large amount of ozone. Further, in the contact charging type charging device, the charging member comes into contact with the electrostatic latent image carrier, so that the charging member is easily soiled with toner or the like, resulting in deterioration of charging performance such as uneven charging. Therefore, the present inventor has proposed an electromagnetic wave irradiation device that irradiates an electromagnetic wave to a space on the electrostatic latent image carrier to generate ions, and an electric field that forms an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier. A non-contact charging type charging device having a forming means was proposed.

In this non-contact charging type charging device, ozone is not generated, and deterioration of charging performance such as uneven charging due to dirt of the charging member such as toner does not occur. However, since the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device may affect the human body, no matter how small their intensity is,
Electromagnetic waves should be prevented from leaking outside the image forming apparatus as much as possible. The electromagnetic wave intensity at a place where a human is expected to exist around the image forming apparatus must be sufficiently small. This must be satisfied not only when the image forming apparatus is operating normally, but also when some abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus.

When the electromagnetic wave irradiating device irradiates the electrostatic latent image bearing member with electromagnetic waves, the image forming apparatus may have an electrostatic latent image bearing member or may have no electrostatic latent image bearing member. so,
The intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking outside the image forming apparatus may change. Even when the electromagnetic wave is emitted from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device without being directed to the electrostatic latent image carrier, the electromagnetic wave reflected from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device by a place other than the electrostatic latent image carrier is electrostatic latent image. In some cases, the carrier may block, and in this case as well, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave leaking to the outside of the image forming apparatus changes depending on whether the image forming apparatus has an electrostatic latent image carrier or not. There is a fear.

When the electrostatic latent image carrier is properly set in the image forming apparatus, the electrostatic latent image carrier is set in the image forming apparatus even if the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside of the image forming apparatus is sufficiently small. If not, the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside of the image forming apparatus may increase. This should be avoided considering the effect of electromagnetic waves on the human body.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, when the work door is opened when parts are replaced or when a paper jam occurs, the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside becomes large,
The electromagnetic waves may adversely affect the human body. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the weight of a human body as much as possible without being affected by electromagnetic waves.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides a pattern of electrostatic charge by exposing the electrostatic latent image bearing member after uniform initial charging by a charging device. In the image forming apparatus for forming an image and developing the electrostatic charge pattern with toner to transfer the image to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates an electromagnetic wave to a space on the electrostatic latent image carrier to generate an ion. And an electromagnetic field irradiating device whose electromagnetic wave irradiation direction is a direction other than a front direction and an upper direction of the image forming device, and an electric field forming means for forming an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier. And the electromagnetic wave irradiation device applies electromagnetic waves to the image forming apparatus.
It irradiates the lower part of the body, so that the human body can be prevented from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the electrostatic latent image carrier is properly set.
If the electromagnetic wave irradiation device is not turned on,
It is those having means for controlling so as not to morphism, electrostatic
If the latent image carrier is not set correctly,
You can prevent it from being affected by electromagnetic waves.

The invention according to claim 3 relates to an electrostatic latent image carrier.
On the other hand, exposure is performed after uniform initial charging is performed by the charging device.
To form a pattern of electrostatic charge, and this electrostatic charge pattern
Image obtained by developing the toner with toner and transferring it to a transfer material.
In the image forming apparatus, the charging device carries the electrostatic latent image.
The space above the holder is irradiated with electromagnetic waves to generate ions,
Magnetic wave irradiation direction is other than above and front direction of the image forming apparatus.
Electromagnetic wave irradiation device, which is the direction of the
Electric field formation for forming an electric field for adhering to the latent image carrier
Means, work door, and this work door is closed properly
If not, do not irradiate the electromagnetic wave irradiation device with electromagnetic waves
And a means for controlling the electromagnetic wave irradiation device.
The electromagnetic wave is emitted toward the lower part of the image forming apparatus , and the human body does not emit electromagnetic waves even when the work door is not closed.
Can be unaffected by.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a static charge pattern is formed by exposing the electrostatic latent image carrier to a uniform initial charge by a charging device, and then the static charge pattern is developed with toner. In the image forming apparatus for transferring to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier with electromagnetic waves to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction is the direction of the image forming apparatus. An electromagnetic wave irradiation device that is in a direction other than the upper and front directions, an electric field forming unit that forms an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device and the electrostatic latent image carrier Is paid
The housing is made of a material that does not allow the electromagnetic waves to pass through.
The cartridge, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device
Waves are radiated toward the bottom of the image forming apparatus to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.
Wear.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image according to claim 1.
In the image forming apparatus, at least the electromagnetic wave irradiation device
People who have an electromagnetic wave shielding plate on the wall surface of the housing in the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction , especially people around the device, including people who operate the device.
It is possible to prevent the influence of electromagnetic waves on the space.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, at least the front surface of the image forming apparatus.
The housing wall has electromagnetic wave shielding plate, in particular instrumentation
Electromagnetic waves are emitted from a person standing in front to operate the device.
Can be unaffected.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image according to claim 4.
In the image forming apparatus, the material of the casing of the cartridge is
Lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel), aluminum, glass
Glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride, or acrylic plate
It is those that, surely shield child electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside
In addition, the weight can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 8 is claim 5 or 6
In the image forming apparatus described in the above, the material of the electromagnetic wave shielding plate
Is lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel), aluminum, glass
Glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride, or acrylic plate
It is those that can be reliably shield electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside, and it is possible to reduce the weight.

[0018]

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the principle of a non-contact charging type charging device in an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. When the electromagnetic wave is irradiated into the air, the air in the area irradiated with the electromagnetic wave is ionized, and ions of both positive and negative polarities are generated. Therefore, by irradiating the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier (for example, the photoconductor) with an electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave irradiation device to ionize the air and causing an electric field to act on the space by the electric field forming means, ions of a desired polarity are Only the electrostatic latent image carrier can be attached. The non-contact charging type charging device in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention charges the electrostatic latent image carrier in a non-contact manner based on such a principle. The electromagnetic waves include ultraviolet rays, soft X-rays, X-rays,
Although γ-rays and the like can be used, soft X-rays or X-rays are preferable in view of ionization efficiency and safety.

Next, embodiments and comparative forms of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an electrostatic latent image carrier, 2 is an electromagnetic wave irradiation device, 3 is an electric field forming means composed of a grid, and 4 is an electrode for grounding the back surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. The grid 3 is arranged between the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2, and a DC voltage is applied from a DC power supply. The back side of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is grounded via the electrode 4, and is driven by the drive unit to move in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

The electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 with an electromagnetic wave to ionize the air to generate a large number of positive and negative bipolar ions in the air. The ions are attracted to the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 by the electric field formed in the space between the grid 3 and the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and move substantially perpendicular to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. Then, the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is uniformly charged.

FIG. 2 shows a basic structure of a charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an electrode 5 is used instead of the grid 3 in the above embodiment, the electrode 5 is arranged so as to face the electrostatic latent image carrier 1, and a DC voltage is applied from a DC power supply. The electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates the space between the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and the electrode 5 with an electromagnetic wave substantially in parallel to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 to ionize the air, and A large number of positive and negative polar ions are generated. This ion is generated by the electrode 5 and the electrostatic latent image carrier 1.
The electric field formed in the space between the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 attracts the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 to move substantially perpendicularly to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 so that the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is uniform. Be charged to.

Which of the charging device shown in FIG. 1 and the charging device shown in FIG. 2 is used in the image forming apparatus is determined by the space in which it is arranged. In addition, the electrostatic latent image carrier 1
2 is used for the image forming apparatus when the electromagnetic wave is weak to the electromagnetic wave emitted from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2. X-rays or soft X-rays are suitable for the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2. However, if a large amount of these electromagnetic waves are applied to the human body, there is a risk that the human body may be injured. Further, the influence of electromagnetic waves on the human body has not been sufficiently clarified, and even if the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 are weak, the human body should be prevented from being irradiated with the electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

The electromagnetic wave intensity in a place where a human is expected to exist around the image forming apparatus must be sufficiently small. This must be satisfied not only when the image forming apparatus is operating normally, but also when some abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus.

FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (d) are side views of an embodiment and a comparative embodiment of the present invention in which the charging device shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated. 3 (a)-(d)
In the figure, 6 indicates the image forming apparatus main body. The front surface of the image forming apparatus is the left side of FIGS. 3A to 3D, and an operation panel operated by a person is usually arranged on the front surface. The electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is installed parallel to the front and bottom surfaces of the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, for the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and the electrode 4, each of which is a photoconductor, for example, a photoconductor drum is used, which is rotationally driven by a drive source. To be done. In these image forming apparatuses, the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is subjected to uniform initial charging by the charging device shown in FIG. 2 and then the exposure device responds to the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 with an image signal. Exposure (or exposure according to the original image) is performed to erase the initial charge of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 to form an electrostatic charge pattern, and this electrostatic charge pattern is developed with toner by a developing device. Then, an image forming process is performed in which the image is transferred to a recording material such as recording paper or an intermediate transfer member by a transfer device.

FIG. 3A shows a first comparative embodiment, in which the electromagnetic wave irradiating device 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave upward toward the upper surface of the image forming apparatus substantially in parallel with the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. It is arranged. FIG. 3B is a first embodiment of the present invention, and is arranged so that the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave toward the back surface of the image forming apparatus substantially parallel to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. ing.

FIG. 3C shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave downward toward the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus substantially in parallel with the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. It is arranged to. FIG. 3D shows a second comparative embodiment, in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is arranged so as to irradiate the electromagnetic wave toward the front surface of the image forming apparatus substantially in parallel with the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1.

In the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the position of the charging device is determined by the position of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 at which the charging process is performed. The arrangement of the charging device and the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction of the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, and there are innumerable ones. Therefore, those shown in FIGS. It is a typical form.

Since a person usually operates the image forming apparatus with the operation panel on the front side, the second comparative mode in which the electromagnetic wave irradiating apparatus 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave toward the front side of the image forming apparatus is the electromagnetic wave intensity on the front side of the image forming apparatus. Should be avoided as it may grow. Further, when the image forming apparatus is not so large, a person's head or a part of the body may come to the upper part of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave irradiating device 2 moves the electromagnetic wave upward toward the upper surface of the image forming apparatus. First to irradiate
Comparative forms should also be avoided.

FIGS. 4A to 4D show an embodiment and a comparative embodiment of the present invention in which the charging device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated. These embodiments and comparative forms are shown in FIG.
The embodiment and the comparative embodiment shown in (d) have the same configuration except the charging device. FIG. 4A shows a third comparative embodiment, in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is arranged so as to irradiate electromagnetic waves upward toward the upper surface of the image forming apparatus substantially perpendicularly to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. There is. FIG. 4B shows a third embodiment of the present invention, which is arranged so that the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave toward the back surface of the image forming apparatus substantially perpendicularly to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. ing.

FIG. 4C shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates electromagnetic waves downward toward the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus substantially perpendicularly to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. It is arranged to. FIG. 4D is a fourth comparative embodiment, and is arranged so that the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave toward the front of the image forming apparatus substantially perpendicularly to the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1.

Of the embodiments and comparative modes shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the third comparative mode and the fourth comparative mode shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D are shown in FIGS. d) It is better to avoid it for the same reason as in the comparative form. 4 (a)-
In the embodiment and the comparative embodiment shown in (d), since the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is present and has the effect of shielding the electromagnetic wave from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2, for example, the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.
Even in the comparative form, it is expected that electromagnetic waves will not leak to the front of the image forming apparatus, but the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 has a small diameter or the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is not set. In this case, since electromagnetic waves still leak to the front of the image forming apparatus, the third comparative form and the fourth comparative form shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D should be avoided if possible.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D.
In the embodiment and the comparative example shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is installed in parallel with the side surface and the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus, and the positional relationship between the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and other objects is illustrated. 3 (a) to 3 (d) and the comparative example. FIGS. 6A to 6D show the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 installed in parallel with the side surface and the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment and the comparative embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D. Yes, the positional relationship between the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and other things is shown in FIG.
This is similar to the embodiment and the comparative embodiment shown in (a) to (d).

5 (a) to 5 (d) and 6 (a) to
FIG. 3D is a diagram of the image forming apparatus viewed from the front. Figure 5
5B to 5D are fifth to seventh embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 5A is a fifth comparative embodiment. Figure 6
(B)-(d) is 8th Embodiment of this invention thru | or 10th Embodiment, FIG.6 (a) is a 6th comparative form. Figure 5
In the fifth comparative embodiment and the sixth comparative embodiment shown in (a) and FIG. 6 (a), since electromagnetic waves leak above the image forming apparatus,
It should be avoided.

As described above, the electromagnetic wave should not be applied to the front surface or the upper surface of the image forming apparatus, but if there is a possibility that a person other than the operator is present on the side surface or the rear surface of the image forming apparatus, the electromagnetic wave is emitted. It should not irradiate the side or back.
FIG. 9 shows a safe one (shown by a circle) and a safe one for the operator in the embodiment and the comparative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D to 6A to 6D. Those that are dangerous to humans and should be avoided (shown by Δ) and those that are dangerous to the operator (shown by x) are shown. In addition,
FIG. 9 shows the respective embodiments and comparative forms shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D to FIGS. 6A to 6D by their figure numbers.

Since it is not possible for a person to come to the bottom of the image forming apparatus, it is best to irradiate the electromagnetic wave downward from the electromagnetic wave irradiating device 2. However, even an image forming apparatus (shown by Δ in FIG. 9) that irradiates the electromagnetic wave from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 laterally or on the back surface is safe if the electromagnetic wave is reliably shielded.

As described above, the first to tenth embodiments are the embodiments of the invention according to claim 1, and the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is uniformly charged by the charging device. In the image forming apparatus, an electrostatic charge pattern is formed by exposure after exposure, and the electrostatic charge pattern is developed with toner and transferred to a transfer material to obtain an image. The space is irradiated with an electromagnetic wave to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 whose electromagnetic wave irradiation direction is a direction other than the upper direction and the front direction of the image forming apparatus, and the ions are attached to the electrostatic latent image carrier 1. Since the electric field forming means including the grid 3 or the electrode 5 for forming an electric field for causing the electric field is provided, it is possible to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

The second, fourth, sixth and ninth embodiments are the embodiments of the invention according to claim 2, and in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 applies the electromagnetic wave to the image. Since the irradiation is directed toward the lower part of the forming device, it is possible to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

When the image forming apparatus is normally used, it is necessary to prevent the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave irradiating apparatus 2 from leaking to the outside. However, even when the image forming apparatus is used abnormally, the electromagnetic wave irradiating apparatus is used. It is necessary to prevent the electromagnetic waves from 2 from leaking to the outside. For example, in the case of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside are different between when the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is not set and when the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is set. The strength is changing. Therefore, it is needless to say that the electromagnetic wave is shielded surely so as not to leak to the outside, but for the sake of further safety, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 may prevent the electromagnetic wave from being irradiated when the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is not set. Is desirable.

Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first
In each of the embodiments to the tenth embodiment, the first sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and the first sensor
Electromagnetic wave irradiation device control means for controlling ON / OFF of the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 according to the detection signal from the sensor, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device control means is configured to carry the electrostatic latent image by the detection signal from the first sensor. When the body 1 is set, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is turned on, and when the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is not set, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is turned off.

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 3, and in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the electromagnetic wave irradiation is performed when the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is not correctly set. Since the first sensor and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device control means for controlling the device 2 so as not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave are provided, the human body is affected by the electromagnetic wave even when the electrostatic latent image carrier is not set. You can avoid it.

The first to tenth embodiments described above have a plurality of work doors for performing work such as parts replacement, maintenance, and jam paper removal. This work door is normally closed, but it is opened when performing work such as component replacement, maintenance, and jam paper removal.
When this work door is open, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2
Must not be exposed to electromagnetic waves from. Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, in each of the first to tenth embodiments, the second detection of the opening and closing of the work door is performed.
And an electromagnetic wave irradiation device control means for on / off controlling the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 in accordance with a detection signal from the second sensor, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device control means detecting the second sensor. The electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is turned on when all the work doors are closed by the signal, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is turned off when any one of the work doors is opened.

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 4, wherein the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is subjected to uniform initial charging by a charging device and then an electrostatic charge pattern is formed by exposure. Then, in the image forming apparatus that develops the electrostatic charge pattern with toner and transfers it to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 with electromagnetic waves to generate ions. The electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 which is generated and whose electromagnetic wave irradiation directions are directions other than the upper direction and the front direction of the image forming apparatus, and the ions are the electrostatic latent image carrier 1.
The electric field forming means including the grid 3 or the electrode 5 for forming an electric field for adhering to the work, the work door, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 when the work door is not properly closed.
Second as a means for controlling so that it does not emit electromagnetic waves
Since the sensor and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device control means are provided,
It is possible to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves even when the work door is not closed properly.

In the first to tenth embodiments described above,
It is desirable that the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 for charging be irradiated with the electromagnetic wave from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 as efficiently as possible, and that the other space is not irradiated with the electromagnetic wave as much as possible. Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention is the first embodiment.
In the tenth embodiment, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 is used.
The electrostatic latent image carrier 1 and the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 are built into an integrated cartridge, and the housing of the cartridge is made of a material that does not easily pass electromagnetic waves so that electromagnetic waves do not leak to the outside from this cartridge, and safety is improved. To do.

Examples of the material that does not easily transmit electromagnetic waves include lead, iron, iron alloys (stainless steel), aluminum, glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride, acrylic plate, and the like, of which lead is effective. . However, in order to reduce the weight of the device, aluminum, glass, vinyl chloride, or acrylic plate can be used. Therefore, the housing of the cartridge is made of these lead, aluminum, glass,
It is desirable to be made of vinyl chloride, acrylic plate, or lead glass. In particular, it is desirable to be composed of lead, lead glass, or vinyl chloride.

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 5, wherein the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 is subjected to uniform initial charging by a charging device, and then an electrostatic charge pattern is formed by exposure. Then, in the image forming apparatus that develops the electrostatic charge pattern with toner and transfers it to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 with electromagnetic waves to generate ions. The electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 which is generated and whose electromagnetic wave irradiation directions are directions other than the upper direction and the front direction of the image forming apparatus, and the ions are the electrostatic latent image carrier 1.
An electric field forming means composed of a grid 3 or an electrode 5 for forming an electric field for adhering to the surface, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 and the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 are housed, and the casing is made of a material which does not easily pass the electromagnetic wave. Since the cartridge is provided, the human body can be prevented from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 8, wherein in the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, the material of the housing of the cartridge is lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel). Since it is made of aluminum, glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride, or an acrylic plate, electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside can be reliably shielded and the weight can be reduced.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the above-mentioned first embodiment.
In the tenth to tenth embodiments, for further safety, an electromagnetic wave shielding plate formed of a material that does not easily transmit electromagnetic waves is installed on the wall surface of the housing in the direction in which the electromagnetic wave is emitted from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2. It is a thing. Here, the materials that are difficult to pass electromagnetic waves include lead, iron, iron alloys (stainless steel), aluminum, glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride,
Acrylic plates and the like are listed, and lead is effective among them. However, in order to reduce the weight of the device, aluminum, glass, vinyl chloride, or acrylic plate can be used. Therefore, it is desirable that the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is made of any of lead, lead glass, and vinyl chloride.

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 6, and in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, at least an electromagnetic wave shielding plate is provided on the housing wall surface of the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 in the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction. Since it has, it can prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 9, wherein in the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, the material of the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel), Since it is made of aluminum, glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride, or an acrylic plate, electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside can be reliably shielded and the weight can be reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, in consideration of the safety of the operator, it is desirable to install the electromagnetic wave shielding plate also on the wall surface of the casing on the side where the operator is operating. The side where the operator is operating is usually the front of the device.
The housing itself on the side where the operator is operating may be formed of a material that does not easily transmit electromagnetic waves. Further, the safety is also improved by making the thickness of the wall of the casing on the side where the operator is operating, thicker than the other walls.

Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, in each of the first to tenth embodiments, an electromagnetic wave shielding plate is installed at least on the housing wall surface in front of the apparatus, and the safety is improved. . Here, examples of the material that does not easily transmit electromagnetic waves include lead, aluminum, glass, vinyl chloride, acrylic plate, lead glass, and the like, among which lead, lead glass, and vinyl chloride are effective. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is made of any one of lead, aluminum, glass, vinyl chloride, and lead glass, and particularly preferably one of lead, lead glass, and vinyl chloride.

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 7, and in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, at least the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is provided on the housing wall surface in front of the image forming apparatus. It is possible to avoid being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 9, wherein in the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, the material of the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is lead, aluminum,
Since it is made of glass, vinyl chloride, an acrylic plate, or lead glass, electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside can be reliably shielded and the weight can be reduced.

First to Fourth Embodiments and First Above
With respect to the comparative form to the fourth comparative form, the strength of the electromagnetic wave leaking to the outside was measured by an experiment. In this experiment,
As shown in FIG. 8, a cubic framework having a length, width, and width of 1 m is made of metal pipe, and various plates are attached to each surface of the cubic frame 8. First to fourth embodiments and first embodiment The casings of the comparative form to the fourth comparative form were used in place of them.

Further, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 uses a soft X-ray source for irradiating soft X-rays having a peak at 6 KeV, with tungsten as a target. Instead of the electrostatic latent image carrier 1, an aluminum element having a radius of 30 mm is used. It was placed in the center of a cube 8 using a tube 7. Note that FIGS. 5A to 5D and FIG.
The fifth embodiment to the tenth embodiment and the fifth comparative embodiment and the sixth comparative embodiment shown in (a) to (d) are shown in FIGS.
Also, since it is substantially the same as the first to fourth embodiments and the first to fourth comparative embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, it is possible to measure the intensity of the electromagnetic wave leaking to the outside. I omitted it.

The first to fourth embodiments and the first embodiment
The intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking outside of the comparative forms to the fourth comparative form was measured at a location 50 cm away from the wall of each form.
The measuring instrument used for this measurement is an ionization chamber type survey meter ICS-311 manufactured by ALOKA. When performing measurement under each form, each form was lifted and the measurement was performed 50 cm below the bottom surface.

When a 3 mm vinyl chloride plate was used as the wall material in each form, the X-ray intensity could not be measured with this measuring device. Since the measurement limit of this measuring instrument is 1 μSv / h, if a 3 mm vinyl chloride plate is used for the casing of each form, the intensity of X-rays leaking from each form to the outside is at least 1.
It can be suppressed to μSv / h or less. Normally, each form should be sufficiently shielded in this way, but this time the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside was intentionally set to a measurable level using a thin wall material for each experiment, and I decided to measure the electromagnetic wave intensity.

10 and 11 show FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (d).
And in the first to fourth embodiments and the first to fourth comparative embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, in the case where a vinyl chloride plate having a thickness of 0.1 mm is used as the wall material. This is the measurement result of the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside. 10 to 12, each embodiment and comparative form shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D and FIGS. 4A to 4D are shown by the drawing numbers.

Further, FIGS. 3A to 3D and 4A.
In the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment and the first comparative embodiment to the fourth comparative embodiment shown in (d), the thickness as the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is set on the vinyl chloride plate having the thickness of 0.1 mm as the wall material. When a 3 mm aluminum plate is attached, X-ray measurement cannot be performed anywhere outside (1 μSv / h
Below).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 11, there is little difference in the measurement results at each measurement place. This is probably because the aluminum tube 7 blocks X-rays. However, for example, in the case of an abnormal situation in which a part of the photoconductor 1 is cracked or the photoconductor 1 is not set, the X-ray intensity in the X-ray irradiation direction should be high.

FIG. 12 shows the results of performing the same experiment as described above with the aluminum base pipe 7 removed in the first to fourth embodiments and the first to fourth comparative embodiments. From FIG. 12, when the aluminum base tube 7, that is, the electrostatic latent image carrier 1 does not exist, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2
It turns out that electromagnetic waves should not be emitted.

In an actual image forming apparatus, an electromagnetic wave shield plate is necessarily provided in the direction in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 emits an electromagnetic wave. Further, since the image forming apparatus has a developing device, a transfer device, and many other units and parts inside, the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside should be smaller than the above experimental results. The above-mentioned series of experiments is the worst case, and it is safe if the X-ray intensity is small enough not to affect the human body.

Next, in each mode in which the above experiment was conducted,
As shown in FIG. 8, the aluminum tube 7 and the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 2 are made of a vinyl chloride plate having a thickness of 1 mm and have a length of 50 mm.
It was placed in a cartridge 9 composed of a rectangular parallelepiped having a size of 50 cm, a width of 50 cm, and a width of 80 cm, and the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside was measured. The wall of the rectangular parallelepiped 9 is a vinyl chloride plate having a thickness of 0.5 mm. As a result, in each form, the strength of the electromagnetic wave leaking to the outside cannot be measured anywhere outside (1 μm
Sv / h or less). The thicker the material forming the casing of the image forming apparatus and the cartridge, the higher the effect of shielding electromagnetic waves. However, the thicker the material, the heavier the device and the higher the cost, and the thickness of the material is determined by the trade-off between them.

[0066]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic latent image carrier is subjected to uniform initial charging by the charging device and then exposed to form an electrostatic charge pattern. In an image forming apparatus in which an electrostatic charge pattern is developed with toner and transferred to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates an electromagnetic wave to a space on the electrostatic latent image carrier to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave is generated. Since the irradiation direction is provided with an electromagnetic wave irradiation device which is a direction other than the front and the front direction of the image forming apparatus, and an electric field forming means for forming an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier, It is possible to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves as much as possible.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the electromagnetic wave irradiating device irradiates the electromagnetic wave toward the lower part of the image forming apparatus. Can be unaffected.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device is controlled so as not to emit the electromagnetic wave when the electrostatic latent image carrier is not correctly set. Since the means for controlling is provided, it is possible to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves even when the electrostatic latent image carrier is not set correctly.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic latent image carrier is subjected to uniform initial charging by the charging device and then exposed to form an electrostatic charge pattern. In the image forming apparatus, which develops by means of and transfers to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates electromagnetic waves to the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction is the image forming direction. An electromagnetic wave irradiation device that is in a direction other than the upper direction and the front direction of the device, an electric field forming unit that forms an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier, a work door, and this work door. Since it has means for controlling the electromagnetic wave irradiation device so as not to emit electromagnetic waves when it is not closed properly, it is possible to prevent the human body from being affected by electromagnetic waves even when the work door is not closed properly. .

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic latent image carrier is uniformly charged by the charging device and then exposed to form an electrostatic charge pattern. In the image forming apparatus, which develops by means of and transfers to a transfer material to obtain an image, the charging device irradiates electromagnetic waves to the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction is the image forming direction. An electromagnetic wave irradiation device that is in a direction other than the upper direction and the front direction of the device, an electric field forming unit that forms an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier, the electromagnetic wave irradiation device and the electrostatic latent image Since the carrier is housed and the case is provided with the cartridge made of a material that does not easily transmit the electromagnetic wave, the human body can be prevented from being affected by the electromagnetic wave as much as possible.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, at least the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is provided on the housing wall surface of the electromagnetic wave irradiating device in the electromagnetic wave irradiating direction. It is possible to prevent humans around the device including it from being affected by electromagnetic waves.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is provided at least on the housing wall surface in front of the image forming apparatus. It is possible to prevent standing human beings from being affected by electromagnetic waves.

According to the invention of claim 8, in the image forming apparatus of claim 5, the casing material of the cartridge is lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel), aluminum,
Since it is made of glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride, or an acrylic plate, electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside can be reliably shielded and the weight can be reduced.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the material of the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel), aluminum, glass, lead glass, chloride. Since it is either a vinyl plate or an acrylic plate, it is possible to reliably shield electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside and to reduce the weight.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an embodiment and a comparative form of the present invention in which the charging device shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an embodiment and a comparative embodiment of the present invention in which the charging device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated.

5 is a schematic view showing another embodiment and a comparative embodiment of the present invention, which incorporates the charging device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another embodiment and a comparative form of the present invention in which the charging device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing experimental models of the embodiment and the comparative embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an experimental model of another embodiment of the present invention and a comparative embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing safety of the embodiment and the comparative form shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D and FIGS. 6A to 6D.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing experimental results of an embodiment and a comparative form in which the charging device shown in FIG. 3 is incorporated.

11 is a diagram showing experimental results of an embodiment and a comparative form in which the charging device shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing experimental results of other embodiments and comparative forms in which the charging device shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Electrostatic latent image carrier 2 Electromagnetic wave irradiation device 3 grid 4, 5 electrodes 6 Image forming device body 9 cartridges

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Masayuki Hirano 1126-1 Nono-cho, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka 1 Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-8-262844 (JP, A) JP-A-8-262845 ( (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/02 G03G 15/00 115

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electrostatic latent image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging device and then exposed to form an electrostatic charge pattern, and the electrostatic charge pattern is developed with toner and transferred to a transfer material. In the image forming apparatus for obtaining an image, the charging device irradiates the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier with electromagnetic waves to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation directions are other than above and in the front direction of the image forming apparatus. comprising an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit is a direction, the electric field forming means for forming an electric field for depositing the ions on the electrostatic latent image bearing member, said electromagnetic
The wave irradiation device directs electromagnetic waves toward the bottom of the image forming device.
Charging device characterized by irradiation . 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, before
If the electrostatic latent image carrier is not set correctly,
Control the electromagnetic wave irradiation device so that it does not emit electromagnetic waves.
A charging device, characterized in that it comprises means. 3. An electrostatic latent image bearing member is uniformly charged by a charging device.
Static charge pattern by exposure after performing a single initial charge
And develop this electrostatic charge pattern with toner.
In an image forming device that obtains an image by transferring it to a transfer material
The charging device applies electromagnetic waves to the space above the electrostatic latent image carrier.
Irradiate to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction is the image
Irradiation of electromagnetic waves in directions other than the front and front of the forming device
Apparatus and attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier
An electric field forming means for forming an electric field for working, a work door,
If this work door is not closed properly, the electromagnetic wave
A means to control the irradiation device so that it does not emit electromagnetic waves.
And the electromagnetic wave irradiation device applies electromagnetic waves to the image forming apparatus.
Charging device characterized by irradiating toward the lower part of . 4. An electrostatic latent image bearing member is uniformly charged initially by a charging device and then exposed to form an electrostatic charge pattern, and the electrostatic charge pattern is developed with toner and transferred to a transfer material. In the image forming apparatus for obtaining an image, the charging device irradiates the space on the electrostatic latent image carrier with electromagnetic waves to generate ions, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation directions are other than above and in the front direction of the image forming apparatus. Direction electromagnetic wave irradiation device, electric field forming means for forming an electric field for attaching the ions to the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation
The device and the electrostatic latent image carrier are housed and the housing is the electromagnetic wave.
Equipped with a cartridge made of a material that does not easily pass through
The electromagnetic wave irradiation device emits electromagnetic waves to the image forming apparatus.
A charging device characterized by irradiating downward . 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
At least the housing wall in the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction of the electromagnetic wave irradiation device
A charging device having an electromagnetic wave shielding plate on its surface . 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, small
Even if not, electromagnetic wave shielding is performed on the housing wall surface in front of the image forming apparatus.
A charging device having a plate . 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
The material of the cartridge housing is lead, iron, iron alloy (stainless steel).
Less), aluminum, glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride
A charging device characterized in that it is either an acrylic plate or an acrylic plate . 8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The material of the electromagnetic wave shielding plate is lead, iron, iron alloy (steel
), Aluminum, glass, lead glass, vinyl chloride
A charging device characterized in that it is either an acrylic plate or an acrylic plate .