JP3667931B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine having an intermediate transfer member.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, and facsimiles using an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method have an intermediate transfer member such as an intermediate transfer belt. In the image forming apparatus having the intermediate transfer member, for example, a plurality of color toner images are sequentially formed on the photosensitive member, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the image carrier are overlaid on the intermediate transfer member and transferred. As a result, a full-color image is formed, the full-color image on the intermediate transfer member is transferred to a transfer material, and the intermediate transfer member is cleaned by an intermediate transfer member cleaning device.
[0003]
Also, a lubricant supply including a lubricant for improving the lubricity and slipperiness of the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and a lubricant supply member for supplying the lubricant to be applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. Means are provided, and the lubricant and the lubricant supply means are installed separately from the intermediate transfer member cleaning device or are incorporated in the intermediate transfer member cleaning device in a complicated configuration. In addition, most of the components related to the lubricant supply are used for the single purpose of supplying the lubricant.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-311531 discloses a lubricant application unit for applying a lubricant on an image carrier, a detection unit for detecting the amount of lubricant on the image carrier, and a detection result of the detection unit. An electrophotographic recording apparatus comprising a control means for controlling the lubricant application means is described.
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-334055 discloses an image forming apparatus that obtains an image by transferring a visible image formed on a photoreceptor to a transfer medium, and is arranged so as to be able to contact and separate from the photoreceptor or the transfer medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a lubricant application unit that intermittently applies a lubricant to the photoreceptor or the transfer medium; and a temperature control unit that controls a temperature of the lubricant is described. ing.
[0006]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-334058 discloses an image forming apparatus that obtains an image by transferring a visible image formed on a photoreceptor to a transfer medium, and is arranged so as to be able to contact and separate from the photoreceptor or the transfer medium. A lubricant application means comprising a raised brush that can be rotated in forward and reverse directions to intermittently apply a lubricant to the photoconductor or transfer medium, and the raised brush is always in contact with the lubricant; and the lubricant An image forming apparatus including a movement control unit that controls a rotation direction of the coating unit is described.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above image forming apparatus, the lubricant and the lubricant supply means are installed separately from the intermediate transfer body cleaning device or are incorporated in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device in a complicated configuration. Replacing the lubricant supply member takes time and effort, and in addition, most of the components related to the lubricant supply are used for a single purpose of supplying the lubricant. In many cases, it was disadvantageous.
[0008]
According to the present invention, the lubricant and the lubricant supply member can be easily replaced and the area around the lubricant supply means can be easily cleaned, and the maintenance of the parts related to the lubricant can be performed reliably in a short time. The toner scattered and dropped from the image device unit can be reliably collected and the cleaning work during the maintenance can be performed in a short time and easily, and the cleaning work in the air absorption path during the maintenance can be performed in a short time and It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can be easily performed and can reduce the number of parts and the cost by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer member cleaning device multipurpose.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a toner image is formed on an image carrier by an image forming unit, and the toner image on the image carrier is transferred onto an intermediate transfer member. In an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image on a transfer member to a transfer material, a lubricant, a lubricant supply member for supplying the lubricant to the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and the surface of the intermediate transfer member And an intermediate transfer body cleaning device provided with an upper structure that can be opened / closed and attached / detached, and the replacement of the lubricant and the lubricant supply member and the periphery of the lubricant supply means Can be easily performed, and as a result, the maintenance of the portion related to the lubricant can be reliably performed in a short time.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the upper structure also serves as a toner receiving part that collects the scattered / falling toner generated in the image forming unit. It is possible to reliably collect toner scattered and dropped from the image unit, and to perform cleaning work during maintenance in a short time and easily. The number of parts can be increased by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device more versatile. Reduction and cost reduction can be realized.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the upper structure is attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer member by the lubricant supply member in the intermediate transfer member cleaning device. Part of the air suction path constituting body for sucking and collecting the surplus lubricant powder in the floating state remaining in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device without adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer body among the supplied lubricant powder It can also be used for cleaning work in the air absorption path during maintenance in a short time and easily, and the number of parts and cost can be reduced by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device multipurpose. Is feasible.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an outline of an embodiment according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an enlarged part of this embodiment. This embodiment is an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic color copier, and for example, a photoreceptor drum 1 is used as an image carrier comprising a photoreceptor. The photosensitive drum 1 constitutes an image forming unit together with a main charger 2 as a charging unit, a writing system as an exposure unit (not shown), a developing device 3, a slow charger 5, a photosensitive member cleaning device 6, and a slow power lamp 7. To do. The main charger 2 and the writing system constitute an electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1, and the electrostatic latent image forming means and the developing device 3 are arranged on the photosensitive drum 1 with toner. Toner image forming means for forming an image is configured.
[0013]
The photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven by a rotation driving unit (not shown), and is uniformly charged by the main charger 2, and then exposed by a writing system to form an electrostatic latent image. In the writing system, an image signal from a document reading system (not shown) is input via the image processing unit, and the document reading system reads and separates the document image while performing color separation and reads a plurality of color image signals, for example, red, blue, and green. To the image signal.
[0014]
A plurality of color image signals from the original reading system are subjected to predetermined processing in an image processing unit, and a plurality of recording color image signals such as black (hereinafter referred to as BK), cyan (hereinafter referred to as C), magenta (hereinafter referred to as M). The image processing unit converts each of BK, C, M, and Y image signals each time a plurality of color image signals are input in one reading operation of the document reading system. Outputs image signals for each color to the writing system. The writing system converts BK, C, M, and Y color image signals sequentially input from the image processing unit into optical signals, and sequentially exposes the photosensitive drums 1 as indicated by arrows 8 by the optical signals. The electrostatic latent images for the colors are sequentially formed.
[0015]
The developing device 3 includes a BK developing unit 3BK, a C developing unit 3C, an M developing unit 3M, and a Y developing unit 3Y that develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 into toner images of colors BK, C, M, and Y, respectively. The electrostatic latent image formed by the BK image signal on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the BK developing unit 3BK to become a BK toner image, and the electrostatic latent image formed by the C image signal on the photosensitive drum 1 The image is developed by the C developing device 3C to become a C toner image, and the electrostatic latent image formed by the M image signal on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the M developing device 3M to become the M toner image, and the photosensitive drum 1 The electrostatic latent image formed by the above Y image signal is developed by the Y developing device 3Y to become a Y toner image.
[0016]
The intermediate transfer belt 4 as an intermediate transfer member is installed on the driving roller 9, the bias applying rollers 10 and 11, and the driven roller 12 with a predetermined tension, and the driving roller 9 is rotationally driven by a rotation driving unit (not shown) to be intermediate transfer belt 4. Rotates in synchronism with the photosensitive drum 1 at the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive drum 1.
[0017]
The intermediate transfer belt 4 is applied with a transfer bias from a power supply circuit as a charge applying unit via a transfer member including bias applying rollers 10 and 11, and is sequentially applied onto the photosensitive drum 1 as described above. BK, C, M, and Y toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 4 and the photosensitive drum 1 are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 4 at the nip between the intermediate transfer belt 4 and the multicolor toner image (BK toner). A full-color image is formed by superimposing an image, a C toner image, an M toner image, and a Y toner image.
[0018]
Further, residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 without being transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 4 in the transfer process (primary transfer process) for transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 4 is obtained. Then, after being de-energized by the decelerator 5, it is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaning device 6. After the residual toner is cleaned by the photosensitive member cleaning device 6, the photosensitive drum 1 is gradually electrified by the gradual discharge lamp 7 and starts again from charging of the photosensitive drum 1 by the main charger 2 as described above. The above image forming operation is repeated.
[0019]
A transfer sheet 15 as a transfer material is fed between a transfer roller 13 as a transfer means and the intermediate transfer belt 4 from a sheet feeding device via a sheet feed path 14. The separation mechanism is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 4 in synchronization with the feeding timing of the transfer paper 15 and a transfer bias is applied from a power supply circuit (not shown). The transfer paper 15 is at the nip portion between the transfer roller 13 and the intermediate transfer belt 4. A full color image formed by superimposing multicolor toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 4 is transferred (secondary transfer) at a time. The transfer paper 15 is sent to the fixing device 17 by the conveying device 16, and the full color image is fixed by heating and pressing, and is discharged to the paper discharge unit 18.
[0020]
Residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 4 without being transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 4 to the transfer paper 15 in the secondary transfer process of transferring the full color image from the intermediate transfer belt 4 to the transfer paper 15 starts the secondary transfer process. Is cleaned by an intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 provided with a cleaning portion including a cleaning member 19 and an inlet seal 20 that are brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 4 by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) with a predetermined time difference. The cleaning member 19 and the entrance seal 20 are separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 4 by the contact / separation mechanism after cleaning the area where the next toner image is transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 4, and are multicolored on the intermediate transfer belt 4. The apparatus waits in a state where toner images (BK, C, M, and Y toner images) can be transferred.
[0021]
Further, in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21, the lubricant supply means 22 for supplying the lubricant powder to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 4 by applying the lubricant powder is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 4 from the cleaning member 19 and the inlet seal 20. Provided on the downstream side in the rotational direction, the lubricant supply means 22 includes a solid lubricant 23, a brush roller 24 as a lubricant supply member, and a pressure spring 25.
[0022]
The brush roller 24 rotates by a driving means (not shown) at the same timing as the timing from the start of contact of the cleaning member 19 and the inlet seal 20 to the intermediate transfer belt 4 to the separation thereof. When the solid lubricant 23 is brought into contact with the surface and pressurized, the solid lubricant 23 is sequentially ground and pulverized, and the powder is sprayed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 4 and applied. Supply. The intermediate transfer belt 4 receives the lubricant powder from the brush roller 24 after being cleaned by the cleaning unit including the cleaning member 19 and the inlet seal 20 and is sent to the primary transfer unit again.
[0023]
The intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 is attached in such a manner that the upper structure 25 can be opened and closed as shown by the arrows in the figure with respect to the main body of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21. The upper structure 25 is formed on the toner receiving portion 26 on the upper surface side, and the toner receiving portion 26 collects the toner scattered and dropped from the image forming device provided above the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 21.
[0024]
The lower surface side of the upper structure 25 is supplied to be sprayed and applied to the intermediate transfer belt 4 by the brush roller 24 at a position downstream of the cleaning member 19 and upstream of the brush roller 24 in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt 4. Of the applied lubricant powder, an air suction port (air suction path) provided for sucking and collecting excess lubricant powder that has not been adhered to the intermediate transfer belt 4 and has floated in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 ) 27 constitutes a part of the structure. The air suction port 27 is connected to an air suction unit (not shown). The air suction unit sucks air through the air suction port 27, thereby surplus lubrication that has floated in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21. Aspirate the agent powder.
[0025]
As a result, in the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 21, the upper structure 25 is opened or removed from the intermediate transfer member cleaning device main body, thereby replacing the solid lubricant 23 and the brush roller 24, and the toner. Maintenance such as cleaning of the receiving portion 26 and the air suction path 27 can be reliably and easily performed in a short time. Furthermore, the upper structure 25 serves not only for a single purpose as a structure but also for a plurality of purposes such as serving as a part of the structure constituting the toner receiving portion 26 and the air suction path 27 as described above. Since it is a multi-purpose type, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced at the same time.
[0026]
As described above, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 1, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier in the image forming unit, and the image carrier 1 In an image forming apparatus that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 4 as an intermediate transfer member and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 4 to a transfer paper 15 as a transfer material, A brush roller 24 serving as a lubricant supply member for supplying the lubricant 23 to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4; and a cleaning member 19 for cleaning the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4; Since the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 is provided so that it can be opened and closed and attached / detached, the replacement of the lubricant and the lubricant supply member and the cleaning of the periphery of the lubricant supply means are performed in an open state or a detached state. To do In can be easily performed, the maintenance of a portion associated with the lubricant as a result can be reliably performed in a short time.
[0027]
Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 2, and in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the scattering / falling toner generated by the upper structure 25 in the image forming device section. Since the toner receiving portion 26 that collects the toner is also used, the toner scattered and dropped from the image forming device portion can be reliably collected, and the cleaning work at the time of maintenance should be in an open state or a detached state. Thus, it is possible to carry out the process reliably and easily in a shorter time, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the cost by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device multipurpose.
[0028]
Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 3, and in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the upper structure 25 is lubricated in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21. Of the lubricant powder supplied for adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 by the agent supply member 24, the floating state remaining in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 without adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4 As a part of the structure of the air suction path 27 for sucking and collecting the excess lubricant powder, cleaning work in the air absorption path during maintenance can be ensured in a short time with the upper structure opened or removed. In addition, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device multipurpose.
[0029]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile having an intermediate transfer member using an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method other than the above-described embodiments. In addition, an intermediate transfer member such as an intermediate transfer drum may be used.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the toner image is formed on the image carrier by the image forming device, and the toner image on the image carrier is transferred onto the intermediate transfer member. In an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image on a body onto a transfer material, a lubricant, a lubricant supply member for supplying the lubricant to the surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a surface of the intermediate transfer body The intermediate transfer body cleaning device has a cleaning member for cleaning, and the upper structure is provided so that it can be opened / closed and detached, so that the lubricant and the lubricant supply member can be replaced and the area around the lubricant supply means can be cleaned. As a result, it is possible to carry out maintenance of a location related to the lubricant in a short time with certainty.
[0031]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the upper structure also serves as a toner receiver that collects the scattered / dropped toner generated in the image forming unit. It is possible to reliably collect toner scattered and dropped from the image unit, and to perform cleaning work during maintenance in a short time and easily. The number of parts can be increased by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device more versatile. Reduction and cost reduction can be realized.
[0032]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the upper structure is attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer member by the lubricant supply member in the intermediate transfer member cleaning device. An air suction path structure for sucking and collecting surplus lubricant powder remaining in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device without adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer body among the lubricant powder supplied for the purpose Since it also serves as a part, cleaning work in the air absorption path during maintenance can be performed in a short time and easily, and the number of parts and cost can be reduced by making the upper structure of the intermediate transfer body cleaning device multipurpose. Is feasible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an embodiment of the invention according to claims 1 to 3;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Photosensitive drum 4 Intermediate transfer belt 15 Transfer paper 19 Cleaning member 21 Intermediate transfer body cleaning device 23 Lubricant 24 Brush roller 25 Upper structure 26 Toner receiving portion 27 Air suction path

Claims (3)

Image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on an image carrier by an image forming unit, transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto an intermediate transfer member, and transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer member to a transfer material A lubricant supply member that supplies the lubricant to adhere to the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and the upper structure opens and closes. And an intermediate transfer member cleaning device detachably provided. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper structure also serves as a toner receiving portion that collects the scattered / dropped toner generated in the image forming device portion. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper structure body is included in the lubricant powder supplied to adhere to the surface of the intermediate transfer body by the lubricant supply member in the intermediate transfer body cleaning apparatus. It also serves as a part of an air suction path configuration body for sucking and collecting surplus lubricant powder in a floating state remaining in the intermediate transfer body cleaning device without adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer body. Image forming apparatus.

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