Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

JP6727839B2 - Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP6727839B2
JP6727839B2 JP2016028429A JP2016028429A JP6727839B2 JP 6727839 B2 JP6727839 B2 JP 6727839B2 JP 2016028429 A JP2016028429 A JP 2016028429A JP 2016028429 A JP2016028429 A JP 2016028429A JP 6727839 B2 JP6727839 B2 JP 6727839B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
charging member
force
charging
contact portion
charging roller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
JP2016028429A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2016167054A5 (en
JP2016167054A (en
Inventor
元就 伊藤
元就 伊藤
広由 岩山
広由 岩山
平松 隆
隆 平松
悠 深澤
悠 深澤
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to US15/058,991 priority Critical patent/US9563144B2/en
Priority to CN201610124123.5A priority patent/CN105938306B/en
Publication of JP2016167054A publication Critical patent/JP2016167054A/en
Publication of JP2016167054A5 publication Critical patent/JP2016167054A5/ja
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP6727839B2 publication Critical patent/JP6727839B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/02Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices
    • G03G15/0208Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices by contact, friction or induction, e.g. liquid charging apparatus
    • G03G15/0216Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices by contact, friction or induction, e.g. liquid charging apparatus by bringing a charging member into contact with the member to be charged, e.g. roller, brush chargers
    • G03G15/0233Structure, details of the charging member, e.g. chemical composition, surface properties
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/02Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices
    • G03G15/0283Arrangements for supplying power to the sensitising device
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1803Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
    • G03G21/1814Details of parts of process cartridge, e.g. for charging, transfer, cleaning, developing

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)

Description

本発明は感光体などの像担持体の表面を帯電させる帯電装置、この帯電装置を備えるプロセスカートリッジ及び記録媒体上に画像を形成する画像形成装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a charging device that charges a surface of an image carrier such as a photoconductor, a process cartridge including the charging device, and an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium.

近年、電子写真装置や静電記録装置などの画像形成装置の帯電装置として、コロナ帯電器に代えて、導電性を有する帯電部材を感光体に直接当接させて、感光体表面を均一帯電しオゾンの発生を抑えた、接触DC帯電方式が広く採用されている。この方式の一例としてあげると、帯電部材である帯電ローラにDCバイアスを印加し、感光体表面に接触回転しながら均一放電を行い、感光体表面を一様に帯電するものである。 In recent years, as a charging device for an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic device or an electrostatic recording device, instead of a corona charger, a conductive charging member is directly brought into contact with the photosensitive member to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive member. A contact DC charging method, which suppresses the generation of ozone, is widely adopted. As an example of this method, a DC bias is applied to a charging roller that is a charging member, and uniform discharge is performed while rotating in contact with the surface of the photoconductor to uniformly charge the surface of the photoconductor.

この帯電ローラは印刷領域をきちんと帯電する為に、長手方向における位置を一定化する必要があり、長手で位置決めすることが望ましい。例えば、特許文献1にあるように、感光体の回転軸と帯電ローラの回転軸とが所定の角度(交差角)をもって交差する位置関係とする構成が示されている。このような構成とすることで回転駆動により帯電ローラは長手方向のスラスト力を受け、所定の位置へと移動することが可能となる。 Since this charging roller charges the printing area properly, it is necessary to keep the position in the longitudinal direction constant, and it is desirable to position it in the longitudinal direction. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-242242, a configuration is shown in which the rotation axis of the photoconductor and the rotation axis of the charging roller intersect each other at a predetermined angle (crossing angle). With such a structure, the charging roller receives the thrust force in the longitudinal direction due to the rotational driving, and can move to the predetermined position.

一方でまた、接触DC帯電方式では感光体表面に直接接しているために帯電ローラ表面にトナーや外添剤等が付着しやすいため、帯電不良となりやすい。特に帯電ローラの長寿命化や感光体表面を清掃するクリーニング部材がない場合、帯電ローラの汚れは大きな問題となる。そこで、このような接触帯電部材表面の汚れを防止するために帯電部材を清掃する手段が色々と提案されている。例えば、特許文献2によると、ブラシによる接触帯電部材を清掃する構成が示されている。 On the other hand, in the contact DC charging method, since the toner and the external additive are easily attached to the surface of the charging roller since they are in direct contact with the surface of the photoconductor, charging failure is likely to occur. In particular, if the charging roller has a long life or there is no cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the photoconductor, the contamination of the charging roller becomes a serious problem. Therefore, various means for cleaning the charging member have been proposed in order to prevent such contamination of the surface of the contact charging member. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration for cleaning the contact charging member with a brush.

特許4749049号公報Japanese Patent No. 4749049 特開2002−108069号公報JP, 2002-108069, A

帯電ローラ及び感光体の長手位置決めをするため、上述したような感光体と帯電ローラが交差角を設ける、また、帯電ローラがギアにより駆動する場合にはハス歯ギアにすることで長手方向に対して一定方向へのスラスト力を受けるようにする方法がある。これにより帯電ローラ及び感光体は所定方向に移動し、位置決めすることが可能となる。 In order to position the charging roller and the photosensitive member in the longitudinal direction, a crossing angle is provided between the photosensitive member and the charging roller as described above. In addition, when the charging roller is driven by a gear, a helical gear is used for the longitudinal direction. There is a method of receiving thrust force in a certain direction. This allows the charging roller and the photoconductor to move in a predetermined direction and be positioned.

しかしながら、帯電ローラ表面を清掃する為のブラシ部材を帯電ローラ表面に当接させると、帯電ローラに負荷が生じてしまう。このため、帯電ローラがスムーズに長手方向へ移動することができず、帯電ローラ及び感光体の長手位置が定まらない。交差角を大きくすることで帯電ローラのスラスト力は大きくなるが、長手方向での当接が不安定になるため好ましくない。 However, if a brush member for cleaning the surface of the charging roller is brought into contact with the surface of the charging roller, a load is generated on the charging roller. Therefore, the charging roller cannot move smoothly in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal positions of the charging roller and the photoconductor are not fixed. Although the thrust force of the charging roller is increased by increasing the crossing angle, the contact in the longitudinal direction becomes unstable, which is not preferable.

そこで本発明は帯電部材をブラシ部材で清掃する構成において、帯電部材を位置決めすることを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to position the charging member in the configuration in which the charging member is cleaned with the brush member.

上記目的を達成するための本発明の代表的な構成は、
画像形成装置にて用いられる帯電装置であって、
転しながら像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材転す、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において、前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力の向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とする。
A typical configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is:
A charging device used in an image forming apparatus ,
A charging member rotating article is charged et image bearing member, a brush member in contact at the contact portion between the charging member,
Have
Wherein during charging member you rolling times, the force receiving portion is different location than the contact portion a force receiving portion for receiving a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the front Symbol charging member, the force which the charging member is subjected The charging member and the brush member are arranged such that the direction of the force of the longitudinal component is the same as the direction of the force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion .

上記構成とすることで帯電部材をブラシ部材で清掃する構成において、帯電部材を位置決めすることを目的とする。 With the above configuration, it is an object to position the charging member in the configuration in which the charging member is cleaned with the brush member.

実施例1及び実施例2における画像形成装置の概略断面図Schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. 実施例1における帯電ローラ近傍の概略断面図Schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the charging roller in Example 1. 実施例1における帯電ローラと感光体ドラムの構成を示す概略図Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charging roller and the photosensitive drum in Example 1. 実施例1における帯電ローラと感光体ドラムとの当接状態を示す概略図Schematic diagram showing the contact state between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum in Embodiment 1. 実施例1における帯電ローラとブラシ部材の構成を示す概略図Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charging roller and the brush member in Example 1. 実施例2における帯電ローラと感光体ドラムの駆動側の構成を示す概略図2 is a schematic diagram showing the driving-side configuration of a charging roller and a photosensitive drum in Embodiment 2. FIG. 実施例2における帯電ローラとブラシ部材の構成を示す概略図Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charging roller and the brush member in the second embodiment. カートリッジの説明図Explanatory drawing of cartridge クリーナレス構成の説明図Illustration of cleanerless configuration

<実施例1>
<画像形成装置の構成概略>
以下、本発明に係る画像形成装置を図面に則して更に詳しく説明する。以下に説明する実施例は、例示的に本発明を説明するものであって、以下に記載される構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対配置などは、特に特定的な記載がない限りは、本発明の範囲をそれに限定するものではない。図1をもとに本発明の本実施例にかかる画像形成装置100の概略断面図をもとに画像形成工程を説明する。
<Example 1>
<Outline of configuration of image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The examples described below are for exemplifying the present invention, and the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described below are not particularly specified unless otherwise specified. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. An image forming process will be described based on FIG. 1 with reference to a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment of the present invention.

本実施例における画像形成装置は不図示のパーソナルコンピュータ等からの画像情報の信号が電子写真画像形成装置の受信部としてのCPU(不図示)が受け取ると、装置下部に装着されたシートカセット51から搬送ローラ52によってシートSを搬送する。このシート搬送と同期して、像担持体である感光体ドラム1が回転駆動を開始する。 In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, when a CPU (not shown) as a receiving unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus receives a signal of image information from a personal computer or the like (not shown), the sheet cassette 51 attached to the lower portion of the apparatus. The sheet S is transported by the transport rollers 52. In synchronization with this sheet conveyance, the photosensitive drum 1 which is an image carrier starts to rotate.

本実施例での感光体ドラム1はφ24mmの負極性OPC感光体である。この感光体ドラム1は矢印A方向に周速度100mm/sec(=プロセススピードPS、印字速度)の一定速度をもって回転駆動される。 The photoconductor drum 1 in this embodiment is a negative polarity OPC photoconductor of φ24 mm. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A at a constant peripheral speed of 100 mm/sec (=process speed PS, printing speed).

帯電部材としての帯電ローラ2があり、感光体ドラム1表面を帯電する。図2に示すようにこの帯電ローラ2は導電性の弾性ローラであり、芯金2aと導電性弾性層2bからなる。この帯電ローラ2を感光体ドラム1に所定の押圧力で圧接させて感光体ドラム1との間に帯電領域を形成させてある。本例ではこの帯電ローラ2は感光体ドラム1の回転に対して矢印B方向に従動回転する。帯電ローラ2に帯電バイアスを印加する帯電電源(不図示)があり、本例ではこの帯電電源から芯金2aに直流電圧を印加する。印加する直流電圧は、感光体ドラム1表面と帯電ローラ2との電位差が放電開始電圧以上となるような値に設定されており、具体的には帯電バイアスとして−1300Vの直流電圧を印加している。このとき、感光体ドラム1面を帯電電位(暗部電位)−700Vに一様に接触帯電させている。また、帯電ローラ2の表層を清掃するため、帯電ローラ2に当接するように配設されたブラシ部材10が設けられている。帯電ローラ2、ブラシ部材10に関しては後述する。 There is a charging roller 2 as a charging member, which charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the charging roller 2 is a conductive elastic roller, and includes a core metal 2a and a conductive elastic layer 2b. The charging roller 2 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined pressing force to form a charging area between the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1. In this example, the charging roller 2 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow B with respect to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. There is a charging power source (not shown) that applies a charging bias to the charging roller 2, and in this example, a DC voltage is applied from this charging power source to the core metal 2a. The DC voltage to be applied is set to a value such that the potential difference between the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 2 is equal to or higher than the discharge start voltage. Specifically, a DC voltage of -1300 V is applied as a charging bias. There is. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly contact-charged to a charging potential (dark portion potential) of -700V. Further, in order to clean the surface layer of the charging roller 2, a brush member 10 arranged so as to contact the charging roller 2 is provided. The charging roller 2 and the brush member 10 will be described later.

露光手段(露光装置)として、レーザダイオード・ポリゴンミラー等を含むレーザビームスキャナ3がある。このレーザビームスキャナ3は目的の画像情報の時系列電気ディジタル画素信号に対応して強度変調されたレーザ光を出力し、該レーザ光で上記回転感光体ドラム1の一様帯電面を走査露光する。感光体ドラム1の一様帯電処理面をレーザ光で全面露光した場合、感光体ドラム1面の電位が−150Vになるようにレーザーパワーは調整されている。レーザビームスキャナ3が感光体ドラム1を露光することで、感光体ドラム1に静電潜像(静電像)が形成される。 As an exposure means (exposure device), there is a laser beam scanner 3 including a laser diode, a polygon mirror and the like. The laser beam scanner 3 outputs a laser beam whose intensity is modulated corresponding to a time series electric digital pixel signal of the target image information, and scans and exposes the uniformly charged surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 1 with the laser beam. .. The laser power is adjusted so that the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 becomes −150 V when the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is entirely exposed with laser light. The laser beam scanner 3 exposes the photoconductor drum 1 to form an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) on the photoconductor drum 1.

現像装置(現像器)4には、本実施例では現像剤として、負極性の磁性一成分トナーを使用している。トナー担持体である現像スリーブ13および現像ブレード14が配置されている。現像スリーブ13は矢印C方向に回転駆動している。磁性トナーは、現像スリーブ13に内包された磁界発生手段であるマグネット(不図示)の磁力によって現像スリーブ13に引きつけられる。トナーtは現像ブレード14によって所定の層厚に規制されつつ、一定の負極性の摩擦帯電を帯びる。その後、現像バイアス印加電源(不図示)により現像スリーブ13と感光体ドラム1との間に印加された現像バイアスにより現像部aにおいて感光体ドラム1上の静電潜像を顕像化する。現像バイアスは−350Vに設定している。つまり感光体ドラムの潜像が現像スリーブ13によって現像することで感光体ドラム1の上にトナー像(現像剤像)が形成される。 In this embodiment, the developing device (developing device) 4 uses a negative magnetic one-component toner as a developer. A developing sleeve 13 and a developing blade 14 which are toner carrying members are arranged. The developing sleeve 13 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow C. The magnetic toner is attracted to the developing sleeve 13 by the magnetic force of a magnet (not shown) which is a magnetic field generating means included in the developing sleeve 13. The toner t is regulated by the developing blade 14 to have a predetermined layer thickness and has a constant negative triboelectric charge. After that, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is visualized in the developing portion a by the developing bias applied between the developing sleeve 13 and the photosensitive drum 1 by the developing bias applying power source (not shown). The developing bias is set to -350V. That is, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is developed by the developing sleeve 13, so that a toner image (developer image) is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

感光体ドラム1は、像(トナー像、潜像)を担持する像担持体である。現像装置4は像担持体に現像剤を供給して潜像を現像するものである。現像装置4に設けられた現像スリーブ13は現像剤を担持して、潜像を現像する現像剤担持体である。 The photoconductor drum 1 is an image carrier that carries an image (toner image, latent image). The developing device 4 supplies a developer to the image carrier to develop the latent image. The developing sleeve 13 provided in the developing device 4 is a developer carrier that carries a developer and develops a latent image.

接触転写手投として中抵抗の転写ローラ5があり、感光体ドラム1に所定に圧接させて転写ニップ部bを形成させてある。本例で使用の転写ローラ5は、芯金に中抵抗発泡層を形成した、ローラ抵抗値5×108Ωのものであり、+2.0kVの電圧を芯金に印加して転写を行なった。つまり転写ローラ5(転写装置、転写部材)によって、感光体ドラム1からトナー像が被転写材に転写される。なお、本実施例では転写装置(転写ローラ5)は、感光体ドラム1から記録媒体(シート)に直接トナー像を転写させる。しかし、感光体ドラム1から一端、中間転写体にトナー像を転写し、その中間転写体から記録媒体(シート)にトナー像を間接的に転写する構成であってもよい。このときには中間転写体が、感光体ドラム1からトナー像が転写される被転写材である。 There is a transfer roller 5 of medium resistance as the contact transfer manual throwing, and the transfer nip portion b is formed by pressing the transfer roller 5 to the photosensitive drum 1 at a predetermined pressure. The transfer roller 5 used in this example has a roller resistance value of 5×10 8 Ω in which a medium resistance foam layer is formed on a core metal, and a voltage of +2.0 kV was applied to the core metal for transfer. That is, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the transfer target material by the transfer roller 5 (transfer device, transfer member). In this embodiment, the transfer device (transfer roller 5) transfers the toner image directly from the photosensitive drum 1 to the recording medium (sheet). However, the toner image may be transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer member, and the toner image may be indirectly transferred from the intermediate transfer member to the recording medium (sheet). At this time, the intermediate transfer member is the transfer target material to which the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 1.

なお、転写工程が終了した感光体ドラム1表面に若干残存する転写残トナーはクリーニング装置6により除去される。このクリーニング装置6は、板金等からなる支持部材の先端部に、ウレタンゴム等の弾性部材を有するクリーニングブレード6aを具備している。弾性部材(クリーニングブレード6a)の先端部を感光体ドラム1表面に対して、いわゆるカウンタ方向で所定の押圧力をもって当接させることにより、転写残留トナーを感光体ドラム1表面から除去する。 The cleaning device 6 removes the transfer residual toner slightly remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer process. The cleaning device 6 includes a cleaning blade 6a having an elastic member such as urethane rubber at the tip of a supporting member made of sheet metal or the like. The transfer residual toner is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by bringing the tip of the elastic member (cleaning blade 6a) into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined pressing force in the so-called counter direction.

定着手段として、熱定着方式の定着装置7があり、転写部を通過してトナー画像の転写を受けたシートSは回転感光体ドラム1の面から分離されてこの定着装置7に導入される。そしてシートS、トナー画像の定着を受けて画像形成物(プリントコピー)として排紙部8へ排出される。 As a fixing unit, there is a heat fixing type fixing device 7, and the sheet S which has passed the transfer portion and has received the transfer of the toner image is separated from the surface of the rotary photosensitive drum 1 and is introduced into the fixing device 7. After the sheet S and the toner image are fixed, the sheet S is ejected to the paper ejection unit 8 as an image formed product (print copy).

本実施形態では、画像形成装置100の装置本体にプロセスカートリッジP(図8参照)が着脱可能(装着可能)な構成である。感光体ドラム1と、帯電ローラ2、現像装置4等はカートリッジPの一部として装置本体に着脱可能な構成である。なお装置本体とは、画像形成装置100からカートリッジPを除いた部分である。 In this embodiment, the process cartridge P (see FIG. 8) is attachable to and detachable from (attachable to) the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the developing device 4 and the like are detachable from the apparatus main body as a part of the cartridge P. The apparatus main body is a portion of the image forming apparatus 100 excluding the cartridge P.

<感光体ドラム・帯電ローラおよびブラシ部材の位置関係>
ここで図2、図3をもとに感光体ドラム1と帯電ローラ2およびブラシ部材10に関して詳述する。図2は帯電ローラ近傍の概略断面図であり、図3は帯電ローラ近傍の長手方向の概略図である。
<Positional relationship between the photoconductor drum, the charging roller, and the brush member>
Here, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, and the brush member 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view near the charging roller, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view in the longitudinal direction near the charging roller.

なお以下の説明において、感光体ドラム1、帯電ローラ2、ブラシ部材10を含んだ構成を特に帯電装置と呼ぶ場合がある。 In the following description, the configuration including the photoconductor drum 1, the charging roller 2, and the brush member 10 may be particularly referred to as a charging device.

感光体ドラム1は画像形成装置から駆動手段(不図示)より駆動力を受け、回転軸線qを中心として矢印A方向に回転駆動する。感光体ドラム1はアルミニウム等からなるシリンダ1aの外周面に有機感光体層1bが塗布されており、シリンダ1aの長手方向一端部には、駆動伝達手段としてのカップリング部材28が設けられており、他方においては画像形成装置を介して接地されている。なお本実施例では、感光体ドラム1や帯電ローラ2の長手方向に関して、このカップリング部材28が設けられている側を駆動側とよび、駆動側とは反対側を非駆動側と呼ぶ。感光体ドラム1はカップリング部材28が設けられた駆動側から、駆動を受ける構成である。 The photoconductor drum 1 receives a driving force from a driving unit (not shown) from the image forming apparatus, and is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A about the rotation axis q. The photoconductor drum 1 has an organic photoconductor layer 1b coated on the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder 1a made of aluminum or the like, and a coupling member 28 as a drive transmission means is provided at one longitudinal end of the cylinder 1a. On the other hand, it is grounded via the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 2, the side on which the coupling member 28 is provided is called the driving side, and the side opposite to the driving side is called the non-driving side. The photosensitive drum 1 is configured to be driven by the driving side provided with the coupling member 28.

帯電ローラ2は先述したように芯金2aとその周囲に導電性弾性層2bからなり、外径10mm、長手方向の長さを230mmのローラ形状に形成されている。芯金2aとしては直径6mmのSUS棒にニッケルメッキを施したものが用いられている。 As described above, the charging roller 2 is composed of the core metal 2a and the conductive elastic layer 2b around the core metal 2a, and is formed into a roller shape having an outer diameter of 10 mm and a longitudinal length of 230 mm. As the core metal 2a, a SUS rod having a diameter of 6 mm plated with nickel is used.

この芯金2aの両端部はそれぞれ軸受26、27によって回転自在に支持されている。軸受26、27は加圧バネ25によって感光体ドラム1へ所定の加圧力S(3〜9N)で付勢されており、このバネ加圧力で帯電ローラ2が感光体ドラム1に当接し、感光ドラム1の駆動回転に伴い従動回転する。 Both ends of the core metal 2a are rotatably supported by bearings 26 and 27, respectively. The bearings 26 and 27 are biased to the photoconductor drum 1 with a predetermined pressing force S (3 to 9 N) by the pressure spring 25, and the charging roller 2 abuts the photoconductor drum 1 by this spring pressurizing force. The drum 1 is driven to rotate as the drum 1 is rotated.

軸受26、27はPOMなどの摺動性のよい部材で形成されている。本実施例では非駆動側の軸受26は帯電電源91から帯電ローラ2への帯電バイアスの給電経路となっているため、カーボンなどの導電性フィラーを均一分散させて、その抵抗を101〜103Ω・mとしている。 The bearings 26 and 27 are formed of a member having good slidability such as POM. In the present embodiment, the bearing 26 on the non-driving side serves as a feeding path for the charging bias from the charging power source 91 to the charging roller 2, so that the conductive filler such as carbon is uniformly dispersed and the resistance thereof is 101 to 103Ω. m.

本実施例での帯電ローラ2の位置決めは、確実に帯電ローラ2に給電できるよう給電経路側とし、帯電ローラ2は非駆動側に移動するようにする。そのため軸受26には帯電ローラ2の芯金2aを受ける芯金受け面を有している。 In the present embodiment, the charging roller 2 is positioned on the power feeding path side so that the charging roller 2 can be reliably fed with power, and the charging roller 2 is moved to the non-driving side. Therefore, the bearing 26 has a core receiving surface for receiving the core 2a of the charging roller 2.

図4は感光体ドラム1と帯電ローラ2との当接状態を示す概略図である。図4に示すように、本実施例の形態では感光体ドラム1の回転軸線qと帯電ローラ2の回転軸線pとが所定の交差角θを有して当接するように帯電ローラ2が配設されている。また、その傾きの方向としては、帯電ローラ2の上方からみた際に、帯電ローラ2は長手方向駆動側が帯電ローラ2の非駆動側に対して感光体ドラム1の回転方向上流側となるように配置されている。 FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a contact state between the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the embodiment, the charging roller 2 is arranged so that the rotation axis q of the photosensitive drum 1 and the rotation axis p of the charging roller 2 are in contact with each other at a predetermined intersection angle θ. Has been done. As to the direction of the inclination, when viewed from above the charging roller 2, the charging roller 2 is such that the longitudinal driving side is located upstream of the non-driving side of the charging roller 2 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1. It is arranged.

感光体ドラム1が矢印方向Aに駆動回転を開始すると帯電ローラ2が矢印方向Bに従動回転を行う。前記交差角θによって帯電ローラ2はその回転軸線p方向(長手方向)に沿って矢印R方向へのスラスト力R(軸線方向(長手方向)へ作用する所定の力(帯電ローラ2を長手方向に移動させるよう作用する))を受ける。 When the photosensitive drum 1 starts driving and rotating in the arrow direction A, the charging roller 2 is driven to rotate in the arrow direction B. Due to the crossing angle θ, the charging roller 2 has a predetermined thrust force R in the direction of arrow R (axial direction (longitudinal direction)) along the rotational axis p direction (longitudinal direction) (predetermined force acting on the charging roller 2 in the longitudinal direction). It acts to move))).

つまり、帯電ローラ2に対して感光体ドラム1が傾いているため、感光体ドラム1と帯電ローラ2が回転する際に、帯電ローラ2と感光体ドラム1の間に生じる摩擦力が帯電ローラに長手方向に作用することになる。つまり帯電ローラ2は、感光体ドラム1と接触する接触部(力受け部)から、上記スラスト力Rを受ける。 That is, since the photosensitive drum 1 is inclined with respect to the charging roller 2, when the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 2 rotate, a frictional force generated between the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 is applied to the charging roller. It will act in the longitudinal direction. That is, the charging roller 2 receives the thrust force R from the contact portion (force receiving portion) that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1.

また、感光体ドラム1は回転軸線qに沿って矢印T方向へとスラスト力Tを受ける。本実施例では感光体ドラム1の回転軸線qと帯電ローラ2の回転軸線pとが長手方向において帯電ローラ2中央部付近で公差し、その交差角θの絶対値は、0.3±0.1°に設定している。 Further, the photosensitive drum 1 receives the thrust force T in the arrow T direction along the rotation axis q. In this embodiment, the rotation axis q of the photosensitive drum 1 and the rotation axis p of the charging roller 2 are inserted in the vicinity of the central portion of the charging roller 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the absolute value of the intersection angle θ is 0.3±0. It is set to 1°.

<ブラシ部材10の毛倒れ処理>
図5をもとに帯電ローラ2とブラシ部材10の関係および効果を詳述する。帯電ローラ2表面に接触するようにブラシ部材10を枠体40(図2、3、6参照)に配設している。このブラシ部材10は弾性層31及び支持体32、ブラシ毛33からなる。ブラシ毛33は長さ2mm、太さ30μmで導電性を有しており、ナイロン・レーヨン等の樹脂からなり、密度を30,000本/cm2程度で支持体32上に縫いこんでいる。弾性層31でブラシ部を支持することで帯電ローラ2と安定して接触させることができ、また、帯電ローラ2との当接圧でブラシ毛33が変形することを防止することができる。ブラシ毛33は帯電ローラ2と同電位とすることが望ましく、そのため、支持体32およびブラシ毛33の抵抗は約102〜108Ω・mとするのが好ましい。本実施例では、ブラシ毛33は、長手方向非駆動側に毛倒れするよう斜毛処理が施されている。本実施例においてはブラシ毛の毛倒れ角度は、根元から先端に向けて約30°としている。つまり、ブラシ毛は帯電ローラ2の回転軸線pに直交する面に対して約30°傾いている。
<Brushing of the brush member 10>
The relationship and effect between the charging roller 2 and the brush member 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The brush member 10 is arranged on the frame body 40 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 6) so as to contact the surface of the charging roller 2. The brush member 10 includes an elastic layer 31, a support 32, and brush bristles 33. The brush bristles 33 have a length of 2 mm and a thickness of 30 μm and are electrically conductive. The brush bristles 33 are made of a resin such as nylon or rayon, and are sewn on the support 32 at a density of about 30,000 fibers/cm 2. By supporting the brush portion with the elastic layer 31, it is possible to make stable contact with the charging roller 2, and it is possible to prevent the brush bristles 33 from being deformed by the contact pressure with the charging roller 2. It is desirable that the brush bristles 33 have the same potential as that of the charging roller 2. Therefore, the resistance of the support 32 and the brush bristles 33 is preferably about 102 to 108 Ω·m. In the present embodiment, the brush bristles 33 are subjected to a slanting treatment so that the bristles collapse on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the bristle collapse angle is about 30° from the root toward the tip. That is, the brush bristles are inclined about 30° with respect to the plane orthogonal to the rotation axis p of the charging roller 2.

斜毛処理は、例えば、ブラシ毛33に対して毛倒れするように癖をつけたり、支持体32にブラシ毛33を植毛する際にあらかじめ斜め方向へと植設するなどの方法によって行うことが一般的である。 The slanting treatment is generally performed by, for example, a method of giving a habit of falling over the brush bristles 33, or preliminarily obliquely planting the brush bristles 33 on the support 32. Target.

上述したような構成とすることで、ブラシ部材10のブラシ毛33によって帯電ローラ2表面が清掃される。さらにブラシ毛33には長手方向非駆動側に斜毛処理が行われている。そのため、帯電ローラ2はブラシ部材10と当接した状態で回転を開始すると、その当接部において矢印S方向のスラスト力S(帯電ローラ2の長手方向に作用する(帯電ローラ2を長手方向に移動させるよう作用する)第2の力)を受ける。 With the configuration described above, the surface of the charging roller 2 is cleaned by the brush bristles 33 of the brush member 10. Further, the brush bristles 33 are subjected to a slant treatment on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the charging roller 2 starts to rotate in a state of being in contact with the brush member 10, the thrust force S in the direction of the arrow S (acts in the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 2 at the abutting portion (the charging roller 2 is moved in the longitudinal direction). It receives a second force) that acts to move it.

ここでこのスラスト力Sと、前述のスラスト力R(帯電ローラ2が感光体ドラム1から受ける力)は長手方向において互いに同じ向きに作用する。つまり、帯電ローラ2が、ブラシ部材10との当接部でブラシ部材10から受ける力の長手方向成分(スラスト力S)と、感光体ドラム1と接触する接触部(力受け部)で感光体ドラム1から受ける力の長手方向成分(スラスト力R)は同じ向きである。 Here, the thrust force S and the above-mentioned thrust force R (the force that the charging roller 2 receives from the photosensitive drum 1) act in the same direction in the longitudinal direction. That is, the charging roller 2 receives a component in the longitudinal direction (thrust force S) of the force received from the brush member 10 at the contact portion with the brush member 10 and a contact portion (force receiving portion) in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 at the photosensitive member. The longitudinal component of the force received from the drum 1 (thrust force R) is in the same direction.

つまり帯電ローラ2は異なる2つの場所、すなわち感光体ドラム1との接触部(力受け部)と、ブラシ部材10との接触部において異なる2つの力を受ける。この2つの力、すなわちスラスト力Rとスラスト力Sは長手方向において同じ向き(同一方向)に作用するため、帯電ローラ2はスムーズに力の加わる方向である非駆動側へと移動する。 That is, the charging roller 2 receives two different forces at two different places, that is, a contact portion (force receiving portion) with the photosensitive drum 1 and a contact portion with the brush member 10. Since these two forces, that is, the thrust force R and the thrust force S, act in the same direction (the same direction) in the longitudinal direction, the charging roller 2 smoothly moves to the non-driving side, which is the direction in which the force is applied.

よって、帯電ローラ2を帯電装置内で確実に所望の位置へと位置決めすることが可能となる。 Therefore, the charging roller 2 can be reliably positioned at a desired position in the charging device.

なお、ブラシ毛33の設定に関しては、本実施例で示したのは一例であり、帯電ローラ2表面が清掃でき、かつ帯電ローラに所定のスラスト力がかかるものであればよい。 Note that the setting of the brush bristles 33 is shown in this embodiment as an example, and it is sufficient that the surface of the charging roller 2 can be cleaned and a predetermined thrust force is applied to the charging roller.

<実施例2>
以下、本発明に係る第2実施例について説明する。なお、第2の実施例は第1実施例と比較し、帯電ローラ2が駆動構成となっていること、クリーニング装置6がないことが異なっている。
<Example 2>
The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the charging roller 2 has a driving structure and there is no cleaning device 6.

<クリーナレスシステム>
次に、本実施例における、クリーナレスシステムについて図9を用いて詳細に説明する。転写工程後に感光体ドラム1上に残った転写残トナーは、帯電ローラ2と感光体ドラム1の間に生じる放電によって、感光体ドラム1と同様に負極性に帯電される。このとき、感光体ドラム1の表面は、−700Vに帯電される。負極性に帯電した転写残トナーは、帯電部において電位差の関係(感光体ドラム1の表面電位=−700V、帯電ローラ電位=−1300V)で帯電ローラ2には付着せず通過することになる。
<Cleanerless system>
Next, the cleanerless system in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The transfer residual toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 1 after the transfer process is negatively charged like the photoconductor drum 1 by the discharge generated between the charging roller 2 and the photoconductor drum 1. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is charged to -700V. The transfer residual toner negatively charged passes through the charging roller 2 without being attached to the charging roller 2 due to the potential difference (surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1=−700 V, charging roller potential=−1300 V) at the charging portion.

帯電部を通過した転写残トナーは、感光体ドラム1の表面のうちレーザビームスキャナ3からレーザ光が照射されるレーザ照射位置に到達する。転写残トナーはレーザビームスキャナ3のレーザ光を遮蔽するほど多くないため、感光体ドラム1上の静電像(潜像)を作像する工程に影響しない。レーザ照射位置を通過したトナーのうち非露光部(レーザ照射を受けていない感光体ドラム1の面)のトナーは、現像部において、静電力によって現像スリーブ13に回収される。そしてこのようなトナーは現像スリーブ13を介してさらに現像装置4に回収される。 The transfer residual toner that has passed through the charging section reaches the laser irradiation position on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 where the laser beam is irradiated from the laser beam scanner 3. Since the transfer residual toner is not so large as to block the laser beam of the laser beam scanner 3, it does not affect the process of forming an electrostatic image (latent image) on the photosensitive drum 1. Of the toner that has passed through the laser irradiation position, the toner in the non-exposed portion (the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 that has not been irradiated by the laser) is collected by the developing sleeve 13 by the electrostatic force in the developing portion. Then, such toner is further collected by the developing device 4 via the developing sleeve 13.

一方、レーザ照射位置を通過したトナーのうち露光部(レーザ照射を受けた感光体ドラム1の面)のトナーは、静電力的には回収されずにそのまま感光体ドラム1上に存在し続ける。しかし、一部のトナーは、現像スリーブ13と感光体ドラム1の周速差による物理的な力で回収されることもある。このようなトナーも現像スリーブ13を介して現像装置4に回収される。 On the other hand, of the toner that has passed through the laser irradiation position, the toner of the exposed portion (the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 that has been irradiated with the laser) remains on the photosensitive drum 1 without being electrostatically collected. However, some toner may be collected by a physical force due to the peripheral speed difference between the developing sleeve 13 and the photosensitive drum 1. Such toner is also collected by the developing device 4 via the developing sleeve 13.

転写されずに感光体ドラム1上に残ったトナーは、露光部のトナーを除くと概ね現像装置4に回収される。そして、現像装置4に回収されたトナーは、現像装置4内に収容されていたトナーと混合され再度使用される。 The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 without being transferred is generally collected by the developing device 4 except for the toner in the exposed portion. Then, the toner collected in the developing device 4 is mixed with the toner contained in the developing device 4 and used again.

つまり現像装置4は、潜像を現像するとともに、感光体ドラム1に残ったトナーを回収することを同時に行っている。 That is, the developing device 4 simultaneously develops the latent image and collects the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1.

クリーナレス構成の場合、クリーニングブレード6aがないため、感光体ドラム1のトルクが下がり、長手方向のブレーキがないため、感光体ドラム1の長手方向の位置ずれが生じやすい。 In the case of the cleanerless configuration, since the cleaning blade 6a is not provided, the torque of the photoconductor drum 1 is reduced, and the longitudinal brake is not provided, so that the photoconductor drum 1 is easily displaced in the longitudinal direction.

図6は帯電ローラおよび感光体ドラムの駆動側における構成の概略図である。本実施例では帯電ローラ2は芯金2aに帯電ローラ駆動ギア29を介して、感光体ドラム1に対して110%の周速差をもって駆動している。帯電ローラ駆動ギア29は、感光体ドラム1に設けられたカップリング部材28に形成されたギア部とかみ合うことで駆動力を受ける構成である。 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the configuration on the driving side of the charging roller and the photosensitive drum. In this embodiment, the charging roller 2 is driven by a core metal 2a through a charging roller drive gear 29 with a peripheral speed difference of 110% with respect to the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller driving gear 29 is configured to receive a driving force by being engaged with a gear portion formed on the coupling member 28 provided on the photosensitive drum 1.

帯電ローラ2が感光体ドラム1に対して周速差を持って駆動することで、感光体ドラム1との当接部において、帯電ローラ2に付着した付着物を摺擦によりネガ化することができる。これにより帯電ローラ2及び感光体ドラム1との電位差により、付着物を感光体ドラム1に戻すことができ、帯電ローラ2表面の汚れを軽減することができる。 By driving the charging roller 2 with a peripheral speed difference with respect to the photoconductor drum 1, it is possible to rub the adhering material attached to the charging roller 2 at the contact portion with the photoconductor drum 1 to make it negative. it can. As a result, due to the potential difference between the charging roller 2 and the photoconductor drum 1, the adhering substances can be returned to the photoconductor drum 1, and dirt on the surface of the charging roller 2 can be reduced.

この帯電ローラ駆動ギア29はPOMなどの部材で構成されており、感光体ドラム1駆動側に設けられたカップリング部材28のギア部と係合することで、駆動力を受ける構成をしている。また、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29およびカップリング部材28に設けられたギア部はハス歯形状をしている。これは実質の噛み合い率を大きくとることができ、帯電ローラ2の回転ムラの発生を抑制することが可能となる。 The charging roller drive gear 29 is composed of a member such as POM, and is configured to receive a driving force by engaging with a gear portion of the coupling member 28 provided on the driving side of the photosensitive drum 1. .. Further, the gear portion provided on the charging roller drive gear 29 and the coupling member 28 has a helical tooth shape. This makes it possible to increase the substantial meshing ratio and suppress the occurrence of uneven rotation of the charging roller 2.

本実施例においては、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29(第1のハス歯ギア)およびカップリング部材28のギア部(第2のハス歯ギア)の形状は、帯電ローラ2および感光体ドラム1が長手方向の駆動側にスラスト力を受けるようにした。つまり各ギアの歯の傾きを図6のようにしている。 In this embodiment, the charging roller driving gear 29 (first helical gear) and the gear portion (second helical gear) of the coupling member 28 are shaped such that the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 are in the longitudinal direction. The thrust force is applied to the drive side of. That is, the inclination of the teeth of each gear is as shown in FIG.

帯電ローラ2および感光体ドラム1を駆動側で位置決めすることで帯電ローラ駆動ギア29とドラムカップリング部材28との噛み合い幅をきちんととることにつながり、結果、回転ムラの発生を抑制することが可能となる。また、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29及びカップリング部材28の位置決め部として、摺動性のよい摺動部材42、43をそれぞれ設けている。この摺動部材としてはPOM、摺動剤入りPOM、ポリカーボネイト、摺動剤剤入りポリカーボネイト、ナイロン等の樹脂で成形されたものを枠体40に圧入、接着、ねじ止め等により接合している。 Positioning the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 on the driving side leads to a proper meshing width between the charging roller driving gear 29 and the drum coupling member 28, and as a result, uneven rotation can be suppressed. Becomes Further, sliding members 42 and 43 having good slidability are provided as positioning portions for the charging roller drive gear 29 and the coupling member 28, respectively. As this sliding member, a POM, a POM containing a sliding agent, a polycarbonate, a polycarbonate containing a sliding agent, or a resin such as nylon is joined to the frame 40 by press fitting, bonding, screwing or the like.

図7をもとに本実施例における帯電ローラ2とブラシ部材10の関係及びその効果を詳述する。本実施例においては、ブラシ部材10のブラシ毛33には帯電ローラ2が駆動側に斜毛処理が行われている。これにより、帯電ローラ2が感光体ドラム1と当接した状態で駆動を開始すると、ブラシ部材10から実施例1と同様にスラスト力Sを受ける。 The relationship between the charging roller 2 and the brush member 10 and the effect thereof will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the brush bristles 33 of the brush member 10 are subjected to the bristling process on the drive side of the charging roller 2. As a result, when the charging roller 2 starts driving while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, the brush member 10 receives the thrust force S as in the first embodiment.

また帯電ローラ2が、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29を通して矢印B方向へと回転駆動力を受けるに際して、スラスト力Uが生じる。つまり、帯電ローラ2は帯電ローラ駆動ギア29(ハス歯ギア、力受け部)において、感光体ドラム1(カップリング部材28)から、帯電ローラの長手方向に所定の力(スラスト力U)を受ける。つまり、スラスト力Uは、帯電ローラ2を長手方向に移動させるよう作用する力である。 Further, when the charging roller 2 receives the rotational driving force in the arrow B direction through the charging roller driving gear 29, the thrust force U is generated. That is, the charging roller 2 receives a predetermined force (thrust force U) in the longitudinal direction of the charging roller from the photosensitive drum 1 (coupling member 28) in the charging roller drive gear 29 (a helical gear, a force receiving portion). .. That is, the thrust force U is a force that acts to move the charging roller 2 in the longitudinal direction.

本実施例においても、帯電ローラ2は異なる場所、すなわち帯電ローラ駆動ギア29(力受け部)と、ブラシ部材10の接触部においてそれぞれ力(スラスト力U、スラスト力S)を受ける。ただし、これらスラスト力U、スラスト力Sは、長手方向において同じ方向に向けて作用する。つまり、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29が受ける力の長手方向成分(スラスト力U)と、ブラシ部材10の接触部で受ける力の長手方向成分(スラスト力S)はそれぞれ同じ向きである。これにより、帯電ローラ2は長手方向駆動側へとスムーズに移動することにより、帯電ローラ2を確実に所望の位置へと移動することが可能となる。 Also in this embodiment, the charging roller 2 receives forces (thrust force U, thrust force S) at different places, that is, at the charging roller drive gear 29 (force receiving portion) and the contact portion of the brush member 10, respectively. However, the thrust force U and the thrust force S act in the same direction in the longitudinal direction. That is, the longitudinal component of the force that the charging roller drive gear 29 receives (thrust force U) and the longitudinal component of the force that the contact portion of the brush member 10 receives (thrust force S) are in the same direction. As a result, the charging roller 2 smoothly moves to the drive side in the longitudinal direction, so that the charging roller 2 can be reliably moved to a desired position.

比較例としてブラシ毛33の斜毛処理が逆向きの場合においては、帯電ローラ2にかかるスラスト力Uとスラスト力Sが逆方向になるため、帯電ローラ2の長手位置決めがスムーズに行われない。結果、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29とカップリング部材28との噛み合い率がきちんと取れないことによる回転ムラや、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29が芯金2aから外れてしまう現象が発生した。その際には帯電不良が発生した。 As a comparative example, when the bristles of the brush bristles 33 are in the opposite direction, the thrust force U and the thrust force S applied to the charging roller 2 are in opposite directions, so that the longitudinal positioning of the charging roller 2 is not smoothly performed. As a result, uneven rotation between the charging roller driving gear 29 and the coupling member 28 due to the improper meshing ratio and the phenomenon that the charging roller driving gear 29 is disengaged from the core metal 2a occur. At that time, poor charging occurred.

一方本実施例の構成では、上述したように、帯電ローラ駆動ギア29により帯電ローラ2が受けるスラスト力の方向とブラシ毛33から帯電ローラが受けるスラスト力を同一方向に作用させる。そうすることで、帯電ローラ2をスムーズに所定の位置(駆動側)へと移動することができる。また感光体ドラム1も、スラスト力Vによって帯電ローラ2が移動する駆動側に位置決めが成されている。つまり、カップリング部材28のギア部(第2のハス歯ギア)で受ける力の長手方向成分(スラスト力V)は、スラスト力Uやスラスト力Sと同じ向きである。その結果、帯電ローラ2および感光体ドラム1の同じ側に長手位置をきめることで噛み合い率が高まり、回転ムラの発生を抑制できる。 On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment, as described above, the direction of the thrust force received by the charging roller 2 by the charging roller drive gear 29 and the thrust force received by the charging roller from the brush bristles 33 act in the same direction. By doing so, the charging roller 2 can be smoothly moved to a predetermined position (driving side). The photosensitive drum 1 is also positioned on the drive side where the charging roller 2 is moved by the thrust force V. That is, the longitudinal component (thrust force V) of the force received by the gear portion (second helical gear) of the coupling member 28 has the same direction as the thrust force U and the thrust force S. As a result, by setting the longitudinal positions on the same side of the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1, the meshing ratio is increased, and the occurrence of uneven rotation can be suppressed.

本実施例ではクリーナレス構成としているが、限定することはなく、クリーニング装置がある構成においても本実施例の構成を採用し、スラスト力S、スラスト力Uの方向をそろえることができる。また、本実施例においては帯電ローラ2と感光体ドラム1の間に交差角を設けていないが、実施例1記載の通り帯電ローラ2および感光体ドラム1に長手方向のスラスト力を与えることができるため、さらなる効果を得ることができる。 Although the cleanerless structure is used in this embodiment, the structure of this embodiment is not limited to this, and the structure of this embodiment can be adopted to align the thrust force S and the thrust force U. Further, in this embodiment, no crossing angle is provided between the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1, but it is possible to apply a thrust force in the longitudinal direction to the charging roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, further effects can be obtained.

1 感光体ドラム
2 帯電ローラ
4 現像装置
5 転写ローラ
10 ブラシ部材
26,27 軸受
28 カップリング部材
29 帯電ローラ駆動ギア
31 弾性層
32 支持体
33 ブラシ毛
100 画像形成装置
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor drum 2 Charging roller 4 Developing device 5 Transfer roller 10 Brush member 26, 27 Bearing 28 Coupling member 29 Charging roller drive gear 31 Elastic layer 32 Support 33 Brush bristles 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (16)

画像形成装置にて用いられる帯電装置であって、
回転しながら像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、
前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材が回転する間に、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって、前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において、前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力の向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とする帯電装置。
A charging device used in an image forming apparatus,
A charging member that charges the image carrier while rotating,
A brush member contacting the charging member at a contact portion,
Have
A force receiving portion that receives a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the charging member while the charging member rotates, the force receiving portion being at a different location from the contact portion, and the longitudinal direction of the force received by the charging member. The charging device and the brush member are arranged such that the direction of the force of the component is the same as the direction of the force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion.
前記ブラシ部材は斜毛処理されており、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力は、前記ブラシ部材が毛倒れすることによって生じることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の帯電装置。 2. The charging according to claim 1, wherein the brush member is subjected to bevel treatment, and the force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion is generated when the brush member collapses. apparatus. 画像形成装置にて用いられる帯電装置であって、
回転しながら像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、
前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材が回転する間に、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において、前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材と接触する前記ブラシ部材の毛倒れの向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とする帯電装置。
A charging device used in an image forming apparatus,
A charging member that charges the image carrier while rotating,
A brush member contacting the charging member at a contact portion,
Have
During the rotation of the charging member, in the force receiving portion that receives a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the charging member, which is different from the contact portion, the longitudinal component of the force received by the charging member. The charging device and the brush member are arranged so that the direction of the force is the same as the direction in which the brush member comes into contact with the charging member at the contact portion.
前記力受け部は、前記像担持体の回転軸と前記帯電部材の回転軸とが交差した状態で前記帯電部材と前記像担持体が当接する当接部であることを特徴とする請求項1乃至3のいずれか一項に記載の帯電装置。 2. The force receiving portion is an abutting portion for abutting the charging member and the image carrier in a state where a rotation axis of the image carrier and a rotation axis of the charging member intersect with each other. 4. The charging device according to any one of 3 to 3. 前記帯電部材と係合する第1のハス歯ギアを備え、
前記力受け部は、第1のハス歯ギアであることを特徴とする請求項1乃至4のいずれか一項に記載の帯電装置。
A first helical gear that engages with the charging member,
The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the force receiving portion is a first helical gear.
画像形成装置に装着可能なプロセスカートリッジであって、
像担持体と、
回転しながら前記像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、
前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材が回転する間に、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力の向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。
A process cartridge attachable to an image forming apparatus,
An image carrier,
A charging member that charges the image carrier while rotating,
A brush member contacting the charging member at a contact portion,
Have
While the charging member is rotating, a force receiving portion that receives a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the charging member, which is a different location from the contact portion, of the longitudinal component of the force that the charging member receives The process cartridge, wherein the charging member and the brush member are arranged so that the direction of force is the same as the direction of force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion.
前記ブラシ部材は斜毛処理されており、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力は、前記ブラシ部材が毛倒れすることによって生じることを特徴とする請求項6に記載のプロセスカートリッジ。 The process according to claim 6, wherein the brush member is subjected to bevel treatment, and the force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion is generated when the brush member collapses. cartridge. 画像形成装置に装着可能なプロセスカートリッジであって、
像担持体と、
回転しながら前記像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、
前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材が回転する間に、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材と接触する前記ブラシ部材の毛倒れの向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。
A process cartridge attachable to an image forming apparatus,
An image carrier,
A charging member that charges the image carrier while rotating,
A brush member contacting the charging member at a contact portion,
Have
While the charging member is rotating, a force receiving portion that receives a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the charging member, which is a different location from the contact portion, of the longitudinal component of the force that the charging member receives The process cartridge, wherein the charging member and the brush member are arranged such that the direction of the force is the same as the direction in which the brush member comes into contact with the charging member at the contact portion.
前記力受け部は、前記像担持体の回転軸と前記帯電部材の回転軸とが交差した状態で前記帯電部材と前記像担持体が当接する当接部であることを特徴とする請求項6乃至8のいずれか一項に記載のプロセスカートリッジ。 7. The force receiving portion is an abutting portion that abuts the charging member and the image carrier in a state where a rotation axis of the image carrier and a rotation axis of the charging member intersect with each other. 9. The process cartridge according to any one of items 8 to 8. 像担持体と、
回転しながら前記像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、
前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材が回転する間に、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力の向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とする画像形成装置。
An image carrier,
A charging member that charges the image carrier while rotating,
A brush member contacting the charging member at a contact portion,
Have
While the charging member is rotating, a force receiving portion that receives a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the charging member, which is a different location from the contact portion, of the longitudinal component of the force that the charging member receives The image forming apparatus, wherein the charging member and the brush member are arranged such that the direction of force is the same as the direction of force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion.
前記ブラシ部材は斜毛処理されており、前記接触部において前記帯電部材が受ける前記長手方向成分の力は、前記ブラシ部材が毛倒れすることによって生じることを特徴とする請求項10に記載の画像形成装置。 The image according to claim 10, wherein the brush member is subjected to bevel treatment, and the force of the longitudinal component received by the charging member at the contact portion is generated when the brush member collapses. Forming equipment. 像担持体と、
回転しながら前記像担持体を帯電する帯電部材と、
前記帯電部材と接触部において接触するブラシ部材と、
を有し、
前記帯電部材が回転する間に、前記帯電部材の長手方向にかかる力を受ける力受け部であって前記接触部と異なる場所である力受け部において前記帯電部材が受ける力の前記長手方向成分の力の向きは、前記接触部において前記帯電部材と接触する前記ブラシ部材の毛倒れの向きと同じになるように前記帯電部材と前記ブラシ部材が配置されることを特徴とする画像形成装置。
An image carrier,
A charging member that charges the image carrier while rotating,
A brush member contacting the charging member at a contact portion,
Have
While the charging member is rotating, a force receiving portion that receives a force applied in the longitudinal direction of the charging member, which is a different location from the contact portion, of the longitudinal component of the force that the charging member receives The image forming apparatus, wherein the charging member and the brush member are arranged such that the direction of the force is the same as the direction in which the brush member comes into contact with the charging member at the contact portion.
前記力受け部は、前記像担持体の回転軸と前記帯電部材の回転軸とが交差した状態で前記帯電部材と前記像担持体が当接する当接部であることを特徴とする請求項10乃至12のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 11. The force receiving portion is an abutting portion for abutting the charging member and the image carrier in a state where the rotation axis of the image carrier and the rotation axis of the charging member intersect with each other. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 12. 前記像担持体に現像剤を供給して前記像担持体に現像剤像を形成する現像装置を有することを特徴とする請求項10乃至12のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a developing device that supplies a developer to the image carrier to form a developer image on the image carrier. 前記現像装置は、画像形成に使用されず前記像担持体に残留した現像剤を回収することを特徴とする請求項14に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the developing device collects the developer that is not used for image formation and remains on the image carrier. 前記現像剤は一成分現像剤であることを特徴とする請求項14または15に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the developer is a one-component developer.
JP2016028429A 2015-03-06 2016-02-17 Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Active JP6727839B2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/058,991 US9563144B2 (en) 2015-03-06 2016-03-02 Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
CN201610124123.5A CN105938306B (en) 2015-03-06 2016-03-04 Charging unit, handle box and imaging device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2015045132 2015-03-06
JP2015045132 2015-03-06

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2016167054A JP2016167054A (en) 2016-09-15
JP2016167054A5 JP2016167054A5 (en) 2019-03-22
JP6727839B2 true JP6727839B2 (en) 2020-07-22

Family

ID=56898384

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2016028429A Active JP6727839B2 (en) 2015-03-06 2016-02-17 Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP6727839B2 (en)
CN (1) CN105938306B (en)

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3852551B2 (en) * 2000-07-26 2006-11-29 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Image forming apparatus
JP3722208B2 (en) * 2000-08-04 2005-11-30 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Image forming apparatus
JP4579390B2 (en) * 2000-08-29 2010-11-10 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
JP2002108069A (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-04-10 Niigata Fuji Xerox Manufacturing Co Ltd Cleaning mechanism for electrostatic charge roller
JP2002304103A (en) * 2001-04-09 2002-10-18 Canon Inc Imaging device and process cartridge
JP2005156654A (en) * 2003-11-21 2005-06-16 Canon Inc Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
JP2007155844A (en) * 2005-11-30 2007-06-21 Kyocera Mita Corp Cleaning apparatus and image forming apparatus
KR100846789B1 (en) * 2006-06-05 2008-07-16 삼성전자주식회사 Charging roller cleaning device and electrophotographic apparatus adopting the same
JP2008064955A (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-21 Canon Inc Charging device and image forming apparatus
JP5256242B2 (en) * 2010-04-28 2013-08-07 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Charging device and image forming apparatus having the same
JP5264832B2 (en) * 2010-06-25 2013-08-14 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN105938306A (en) 2016-09-14
JP2016167054A (en) 2016-09-15
CN105938306B (en) 2019-03-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP3825600B2 (en) Charging device, image forming apparatus, image carrier unit, and charging roller
US8064791B2 (en) Charging device for electrically charging photosensitive member
JP4208513B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
JP2006330453A (en) Image forming apparatus
JP4307207B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
JP7095149B2 (en) Image forming equipment, process cartridge, developing cartridge, drum cartridge
JP2008070811A (en) Charging device and image forming apparatus
JP2001337548A (en) Image forming device
JP4804129B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
JP6727839B2 (en) Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
JP4498083B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
US9563144B2 (en) Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
KR101811101B1 (en) Image forming apparatus
JP3944432B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
US9880483B2 (en) Image forming apparatus with cleaning mode using AC voltage
JP2019020567A (en) Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming device equipped therewith
JP3888675B2 (en) Cleaning device and image forming apparatus having the cleaning device
JP2010060997A (en) Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
JP2004101978A (en) Cleaning device and image forming apparatus
JP2007304232A (en) Image forming apparatus
JP2005165022A (en) Cleaner, coater, image forming apparatus with the cleaner or the coater, and processing cartridge
JP2001166562A (en) Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming device and electrifying device
JPH11174784A (en) Electrifying device
JPH0553455A (en) Transfer device
JP2004233652A (en) Cleaning apparatus and image forming device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20190201

A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20190201

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20191127

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20191203

A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20200131

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20200602

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20200701

R151 Written notification of patent or utility model registration

Ref document number: 6727839

Country of ref document: JP

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R151