Transfer unit, image forming apparatus, and method for manufacturing transfer unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer unit, an image forming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a transfer unit. A transfer unit that transfers a developer image onto a transfer medium includes an image bearing member on which a developer image is formed, a cleaning member disposed to extend along a width direction of the image bearing member to abut against the image bearing member and remove the developer on the image bearing member, and a sealing member that prevents the developer removed by the cleaning member from leaking outside the transfer unit, the sealing member being opposite to a terminal portion of the cleaning member, the transfer unit further including a first unit provided with the image bearing member and the cleaning member, and a second unit provided with the sealing member and capable of being engaged with the first unit, wherein the second unit is engaged with the first unit so that the sealing member abuts against the cleaning member and the image bearing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer unit, an imaging apparatus including the transfer unit, and a method for manufacturing the transfer unit. Background Technology

[0002] Some known electrophotographic imaging devices (such as electrophotographic printers) include an image-bearing component (e.g., a photosensitive drum and transfer belt) on which a toner image is transferred, and a cleaning device for removing waste toner remaining on the image-bearing component. The cleaning device includes a cleaning frame, a cleaning blade supported by the cleaning frame to contact the image-bearing component, and a storage section for storing the removed waste toner. To prevent leakage of the removed toner to the outside before it is conveyed to the storage section, the cleaning device is typically equipped with a sealing member.

[0003] However, to achieve high sealing performance, each sealing component must be attached with high precision, which has become a factor increasing manufacturing costs. In particular, the end sealing component at the longitudinal end of the cleaning blade, used to seal the gap between the cleaning blade, the image carrier component, and the frame for conveying waste toner, requires a high degree of attachment precision. In such a cleaning device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-056185, an elastic component that deforms elastically to fill the gap between the end sealing component and the cleaning blade is directly injection molded at the cleaning frame. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the above scenario, the end seal and cleaning scraper are attached in a simplified manner by injection molding a specially shaped elastic member directly onto the cleaning frame. However, injection molding the elastic member onto the cleaning frame requires specialized manufacturing equipment, which may increase manufacturing costs.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device with a transfer unit that exhibits high sealing performance for waste toner and has excellent cost performance.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the transfer unit according to the present invention for transferring a developer image onto a transfer medium comprises:

[0007] An image carrier member on which the developer image is formed;

[0008] A cleaning member, configured to extend in the width direction of the image carrier member to abut against the image carrier member and remove developer from the image carrier member; and

[0009] A sealing member is provided to prevent developer removed by the cleaning member from leaking outside the transfer unit. The sealing member is located near the end of the cleaning member in the width direction, opposite to the end portion of the cleaning member in a direction orthogonal to the width direction.

[0010] The transfer unit further includes a first unit disposed of the image-carrying member and the cleaning member, and a second unit disposed of the sealing member to engage with the first unit.

[0011] The second unit engages with the first unit such that the sealing member abuts against the cleaning member and the image carrier member, and the cleaning member and the image carrier member abut against each other.

[0012] According to the present invention, an imaging device having a transfer unit can be provided, which exhibits high sealing performance for waste toner and has excellent cost performance.

[0013] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the intermediate transfer unit according to this embodiment;

[0016] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a view of the waste toner delivery path in the intermediate transfer unit according to this embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing achieved by the cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a top view illustrating the sealing process performed by the cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the end sealing member according to this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a perspective view illustrating the attachment method of the cleaning scraper according to this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a side view used to illustrate the assembly method of the intermediate transfer unit according to this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the assembly method of the intermediate transfer unit according to this embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating the assembly method of the intermediate transfer unit according to this embodiment; and

[0025] Figures 12A to 12C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealing process using a cleaning device according to a comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, embodiments (examples) of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments may be appropriately varied depending on the construction of the device to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, etc. Therefore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments.

[0027] Overall structure of imaging equipment

[0028] Reference Figure 1 The overall structure of the imaging device 100 is described. In the following description of this embodiment, the invention is applied to a color laser beam printer based on a four-drum system and a processing cartridge system, and capable of forming panchromatic images using an electrophotographic method. Here, the processing cartridge system refers to a system that includes an integrated developing device (as a processing device for performing imaging processing) and an electrophotographic image-carrying member (photosensitive drum) as a processing cartridge, such that the processing cartridge can be detachably provided to the main body of the imaging device.

[0029] The imaging device 100 according to this embodiment operates according to an intermediate transfer system, in which toner images of various colors, formed from image information divided into yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color components, are placed on an intermediate transfer member through a primary transfer and then transferred to a transfer material P through a secondary transfer. First, the overall structure and operation of the imaging device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0030] Imaging apparatus 100 has four imaging sections (stations) for forming toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, as multiple imaging sections or first, second, third, and fourth imaging sections Sa, Sb, Sc, and Sd. According to this embodiment, the structures and operations of imaging sections Sa to Sd are substantially the same in many respects, except for the color of the toner image formed by each unit. Therefore, in the following description, unless special distinction is required, the suffixes a, b, c, d, which are assigned to indicate that each element is set for one of the colors, are omitted, and a general description will be provided.

[0031] The imaging section S has a drum-shaped photosensitive component, namely, a photosensitive drum 1, which serves as an image-carrying component. The photosensitive drum 1 is driven by a driving mechanism (not shown) to move along... Figure 1 The rotation is counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow R1. According to this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 has an OPC (organic photoconductor) photosensitive layer. The imaging section S has a charging roller 2 as a charging device for charging the photosensitive drum 1, an exposure device 3 as an exposure device, and a developing device 4 as a developing device around the photosensitive drum 1. The imaging section S also has a primary transfer member 5 as a primary transfer device and a cleaning device 6 as a cleaning device around the photosensitive drum 1. These members are arranged in the order of charging roller 2, exposure device 3, developing device 4, primary transfer member 5, and cleaning device 6 along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0032] The cleaning device 6 includes cleaning components (such as brushes and scrapers) for scraping off waste toner from the photosensitive drum 1, and a toner collection container for collecting the waste toner removed from the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning components. Various sealing components are provided to seal the gaps between the components to prevent leakage of the removed waste toner.

[0033] The developing apparatus 4 develops the electrostatic latent image using a reverse developing method. More specifically, the developing apparatus 4 forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 by depositing a toner with the same polarity as the photosensitive drum 1 (negative polarity according to this embodiment) onto a region (bright area) of the photosensitive drum 1, in which the exposure charge has been reduced after the charging process. The developing apparatus 4 also forms a toner image as a developing image by using a non-magnetic single-component developer or toner as the developer according to this embodiment. The developing apparatus 4 is configured to use a developer application blade (not shown) as a developer limiting member to carry the toner on the developing roller 41 as a developer carrying member, and to deliver the toner to the portion (developing portion) opposite to the photosensitive drum 1.

[0034] The exposure device 3 can be a laser scanner unit that emits a laser beam through a multifaceted mirror or an LED array; according to this embodiment, a laser scanner is used. The exposure device 3 guides the scanning beam 18, which is modulated based on the image signal, onto the photosensitive drum.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1, as well as the charging roller 2, developing device 4, and cleaning device 6 acting as processing devices on the photosensitive drum 1, are integrated into a cartridge to form a processing cartridge 19 that can be detachably attached to the main body (device body) of the imaging device. The processing cartridge 19 is a transfer unit for performing the initial transfer described herein.

[0036] On the other hand, an intermediate transfer belt 71, including a movable annular belt member as an intermediate transfer member, is arranged to abut against all four photosensitive drums 1a to 1d. At the initial transfer portion N1 (initial transfer clamping portion), which serves as the contact area between the intermediate transfer belt 71 and each photosensitive drum 1a to 1d, toner is transferred (initial transfer) from each photosensitive drum 1a to 1d to the intermediate transfer belt 71, which serves as the transfer medium. The intermediate transfer belt 71 is tensioned by three rollers (i.e., drive roller 72, tension roller 73, and driven roller 74) serving as its tensioning members, thereby maintaining appropriate tension. When the drive roller 72 is driven to rotate, the intermediate transfer belt 71 moves relative to the photosensitive drum 1 in the positive direction at substantially the same speed at each initial transfer portion N1. More specifically, the intermediate transfer belt 71 moves along... Figure 1 Rotate in the direction indicated by arrow R2 shown in the image (clockwise).

[0037] Primary transfer components 5a to 5d, which are primary transfer devices corresponding to photosensitive drums 1a to 1d, are respectively arranged at positions opposite to photosensitive drums 1a to 1d, with intermediate transfer belt 71 located therebetween. Primary transfer components 5a to 5d are arranged to contact the back surface (opposite side) of intermediate transfer belt 71, which is opposite to the surface carrying the toner image.

[0038] The secondary transfer roller (secondary transfer member) 8, serving as a secondary transfer device, is arranged to abut against the intermediate transfer belt 71 at a position opposite to the drive roller 72, separated by the intermediate transfer belt 71. The secondary transfer roller 8 is in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 71 carrying the toner image. In the secondary transfer portion N2 (secondary transfer clamping portion), which is the contact area between the intermediate transfer belt 71 and the secondary transfer roller 8, the toner image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt 71 to the transfer material P, which serves as the transfer medium. More specifically, according to this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 are configured as image carrying members, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the transfer material P via the intermediate transfer belt 71.

[0039] Charging roller 2 is connected to a charging power supply (not shown), which is a device for applying voltage to charging roller 2. The developing roller 41 of the developing apparatus 4 is connected to a developing power supply (not shown), which is a device for applying voltage to developing roller 41. The primary transfer member 5 is connected to a primary transfer power supply (not shown), which is a device for applying voltage to primary transfer member 5. The secondary transfer roller 8 is connected to a secondary transfer power supply (not shown), which is a device for applying voltage to secondary transfer roller 8.

[0040] Image processing

[0041] Now, the imaging process will be described using the formation of a panchromatic image as an example. When the imaging operation begins, the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d, the intermediate transfer belt 71, and other elements begin to rotate in their respective predetermined directions at a predetermined processing speed.

[0042] By applying a charging bias voltage to the charging roller 2 from a charging power source (not shown), the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity (negative polarity according to this embodiment). Subsequently, an electrostatic image (latent image) based on image information is formed on the charged photosensitive drum 1 by a scanning beam 18 from the exposure apparatus 3. As the photosensitive drum 1 rotates, the electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the portion (developing portion) opposite the developing roller 41 of the developing apparatus 4.

[0043] The toner in the developing apparatus 4 is charged to the normal charging polarity (negative polarity according to this embodiment) by the developer application doctor blade and applied to the developing roller 41. By applying a developing bias voltage to the developing roller 41 from the developing power supply (not shown), the electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 1 is visualized by the negative polarity toner, and the toner image as the developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0044] Then, in the initial transfer section N1, as the initial transfer, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 71. At this time, a bias voltage with a polarity opposite to the normal charging polarity of the toner (positive polarity according to this embodiment) is applied from the initial transfer power source to the initial transfer member 5.

[0045] After the initial transfer step, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 (initial transfer residual toner) is removed and collected from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning device 6.

[0046] In the first to fourth imaging sections Sa to Sd, the above-described charging, exposure, development, and primary transfer steps are performed, causing the color toner images to be sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 71 to form a multiple image as a developer image on the intermediate transfer belt 71. At this time, an electrostatic image is formed by exposing each color to a write signal from a controller (not shown) with a specific timing delay according to the distance between the primary transfer positions of each color. This electrostatic image is developed and transferred as a primary transfer.

[0047] Then, during the formation of an electrostatic image through exposure, the transfer material P loaded in cartridge 11 is picked up by transfer medium supply roller 12 and conveyed to blocking roller 13. Then, synchronously with the toner image on intermediate transfer belt 71, the transfer material P is conveyed by blocking roller 13 to secondary transfer section N2. At this time, a bias voltage with a polarity opposite to the normal charging polarity of the toner (positive polarity according to this embodiment) is applied to secondary transfer roller 8 by secondary transfer power supply. Therefore, the four-color multi-tone image carried on intermediate transfer belt 71 is transferred (secondary transfer) onto transfer material P in a single step.

[0048] After the secondary transfer step, the belt cleaning device 9 removes and collects the residual toner (secondary transfer residual toner) and paper scraps generated during the transfer of the transfer material P from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 71. According to this embodiment, the belt cleaning device 9 uses a scraper 91 with an elastic portion (e.g., made of polyurethane rubber) positioned against the intermediate transfer belt 71 to scrape off the material adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 71. The adhering material scraped off by the scraper 91, which serves as a cleaning member, is conveyed and collected in a collection container 75 located inside the intermediate transfer belt 71. The detailed structure of the belt cleaning device 9, which is a cleaning device for the intermediate transfer belt 71, will be described below.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 71, the belt cleaning device 9, and the collection container 75 are integrated into a single unit, serving as an intermediate transfer unit 7 detachable from the main body of the imaging device 100. The intermediate transfer unit 7 is a transfer unit for performing secondary transfers. More specifically, the imaging device 100 is provided with two types of transfer units as transfer devices: a processing cartridge 19 for primary transfer and an intermediate transfer unit 7 for secondary transfer.

[0050] The transfer material P, on which the toner image has been transferred, is conveyed to the fixing device 10, which is a fixing device (fixing unit). At the fixing device, the toner image on it is melted and mixed and fixed, and then discharged from the imaging device 100 to the outside as a full-color image product (print or copy).

[0051] Imaging device 100 can also form monochrome or panchromatic images by forming images only in one or more (not all) desired imaging portions S.

[0052] The imaging device described above is a typical example of a tandem color laser printer, in which two or more color toners are transferred onto recording material via an intermediate transfer belt to form an image. However, the present invention can be applied to other situations besides those described above, and can also be applied to monochrome laser printers using a single-color toner.

[0053] Intermediate transfer unit

[0054] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 Describe intermediate transfer unit 7. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the intermediate transfer unit 7, without showing the intermediate transfer belt 71 to illustrate the internal structure. Figure 3A When observing in the direction indicated by arrow AA Figure 2 The schematic exploded perspective view of the intermediate transfer unit 7 shows the structure of the cleaning device 9 as a cleaning device. Figure 3B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the toner delivery path from the interior of the toner delivery section 92 (which serves as the toner delivery section) through the toner delivery path 761 to the inlet 763 of the collection container 75. Figure 4 When observing in the direction indicated by arrow BB Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of section C of the intermediate transfer unit 7 in the image.

[0055] The intermediate transfer unit 7 is supported on an intermediate transfer belt 71 that is stretched on three tension rollers (i.e., drive roller 72, tension roller 73, and driven roller 74). According to this embodiment, the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 71 is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the drive roller 72 and the tension roller 73.

[0056] The drive roller 72 is rotatably supported by bearing 721 at opposite ends in the direction of the rotation axis, and rotates as a predetermined rotational driving force is transmitted from one end of the device body in the direction of the rotation axis. In the following description, the side to which the driving force is transmitted will be referred to as the drive side ( Figure 2 The side with the support plate 77 is located on one side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the non-drive side. Figure 2 (The side with the support plate 78 is provided). According to this embodiment, the drive roller 72 is made by press-fitting a metal shaft (e.g., made of SUS) into the opposite end of a tube with a diameter of about 25 mm, the tube being obtained by coating an aluminum core with rubber having carbon dispersed therein as a conductive agent.

[0057] The tension roller 73 is made of an aluminum rod with a diameter of approximately 25 mm, and a bearing 731 is provided at opposite ends in the direction of the rotation axis of the tension roller 73. The bearing 731 is pressed by a compression spring 732, so that the end of the tension roller 73 is pressed to apply a prescribed tension to the intermediate transfer belt 71. The driven roller 74, as an auxiliary roller, similarly includes an aluminum rod, and its opposite ends in the direction of the rotation axis are rotatably supported by a bearing 741.

[0058] The primary transfer member 5 is positioned corresponding to the photosensitive drum 1, with the intermediate transfer belt 71 located therebetween. The primary transfer member 5 is supported at its end along the rotation axis by a bearing 51, and is pushed towards the intermediate transfer belt 71 by a compression spring 52 with a predetermined force, so as to rotate as the intermediate transfer belt 71 rotates. According to this embodiment, a roller with a diameter of approximately 6 mm, made of a metal shaft such as SUS, is used as the primary transfer member 5. At least one of the bearings 51 located at opposite ends is made of a conductive material, and a positive voltage is applied to the primary transfer member 5 from a primary transfer power source (not shown) to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 71, thus performing the primary transfer.

[0059] The intermediate transfer belt 71 can be suitably made of materials such as rubber and resin. According to this embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 71 is a film in the form of an annular strip of resin material, having a thickness of about 60 μm in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt 71 and the direction of rotation of each tension roller, and having moderate resistance.

[0060] The frame 76, made of molded resin material, supports each tension roller. Bearings 51 supporting the primary transfer member 5 at opposite ends in the direction of the rotation axis and bearings 731 supporting the tension roller 73 at opposite ends in the direction of the rotation axis are supported by the frame 76 in a manner that allows them to move along the direction in which each compression spring applies pressure to the frame 76.

[0061] Near the drive roller 72 supported by the frame 76, support plates 77 and 78 are provided, which rotatably support the drive roller 72 and the driven roller 74 via corresponding bearings. Support plates 77 and 78 are fixed to opposite end sides of the drive roller 72 along its rotational axis by screws, with their positions relative to the frame 76. According to this embodiment, each of the support plates 77 and 78 is a pressed metal plate. Along the rotational axis of the drive roller 72, support plate 77 is located on the drive side, and support plate 78 is located on the non-drive side, and both serve as a frame.

[0062] like Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4As shown, the cleaning device 9 includes a doctor blade 91 as a cleaning component and a toner delivery section 92 for conveying and collecting toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 71 by the doctor blade 91. Both the doctor blade 91 and the toner delivery section 92 extend along the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 71 and are fixed to the support plate 77 and the support plate 78 respectively in the positioning state.

[0063] The toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 71 by the doctor blade 91 is temporarily stored inside the toner delivery section 92. For example... Figure 3B As shown, the toner is then conveyed inside the toner delivery section 92 and collected into the collection container 75 via the toner delivery path 761 provided on the drive side of the frame 76. Figure 3A As shown, the toner delivery path 761 is sealed by, for example, by fastening the transfer path cover 762 to the container body 94 with screws, thereby preventing the toner from leaking to the outside in the intermediate transfer unit 7.

[0064] The collection container 75 includes molded resin parts and is configured to be a container with its outer periphery sealed by joining multiple resin parts. The collection container 75 is secured to the frame 76 by screws or other means. The collection container 75 is also provided with a detection device (not shown), such as an optical sensor, for detecting when the container is full of toner. This allows the user to be notified when the collection container 75 is ready for replacement. A new collection container can be used to replace the full collection container 75 when a service technician or user replaces the intermediate transfer unit 7.

[0065] With cleaning device

[0066] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 The belt cleaning device 9 is described in more detail. As described above, the belt cleaning device 9 has a doctor blade 91 and a toner delivery section 92, which temporarily stores the toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 71 by the doctor blade 91 and delivers the toner to the collection container 75. Figure 4 As shown, the squeegee 91 has a polyurethane rubber portion 91a as an elastic part and a retaining metal plate 91b as a retaining part, the polyurethane rubber portion 91a being adhered to the retaining metal plate. In the longitudinal direction (parallel to the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 71), the length of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a is set to be longer than the width of the imaging area of ​​the intermediate transfer belt 71 capable of carrying the toner image. The polyurethane rubber portion 91a extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the squeegee 91 and is arranged such that its end portion presses against the intermediate transfer belt 71. When the end portion of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a abuts against the intermediate transfer belt 71, the squeegee 91 can remove residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 71.

[0067] Here, in order to reliably remove the toner, the doctor blade 91 must be pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 71 with a specified pressure. According to this embodiment, the specified pressure is ensured by positioning the doctor blade 91 opposite to at least one of the plurality of tension rollers that hold the intermediate transfer belt 71 in a taut manner. More specifically, the doctor blade 91 is opposite to and in contact with the drive roller 72 at a position downstream of the secondary transfer section N2 in the direction of movement relative to the intermediate transfer belt 71 and above the drive roller 72 in the direction of gravity.

[0068] In the longitudinal direction of the scraper 91, holes 91cR and 91cL are provided at opposite ends of the retaining metal plate 91b for rotatably supporting the scraper 91, and a spring hook 91d is provided for suspending a spring that pushes the scraper 91 against the intermediate transfer belt 71. The scraper 91 engages with metal scraper support shafts 77a and 78a, which are press-fitted to support plates 77 and 78, through holes 91c at opposite ends, and is supported in a separable and rotatable state relative to the intermediate transfer belt 71. Hereinafter, components provided on the driving and non-driving sides (e.g., holes 91cR and 91cL) may be described using the suffixes R and L attached to the reference numerals, but the suffixes R and L will be omitted when it is not necessary to distinguish between the components.

[0069] The spring hook portion 91d located at the longitudinal end of the scraper 91 and the spring hook portion 94d located at the longitudinal end of the container body 94 constituting the toner delivery section 92 respectively engage with hooks 93a and 93b located at opposite ends in the extension direction of the tension spring 93. More specifically, as Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 As shown, spring hook 91d engages with hook 93a, and spring hook 94d engages with hook 93b, such that spring hook 91d and spring hook 94d are bridged by tension spring 93. Therefore, tension spring 93, as a biasing member, generates a torque around holes 91cR and 91cL at the scraper 91, and the scraper 91 presses against and contacts the intermediate transfer belt 71 under a specified pressure.

[0070] In the toner delivery section 92, multiple sealing members are attached to the container body 94, for example, by double-sided tape, to prevent toner collected from the intermediate transfer belt 71 from leaking out of the container body 94. In the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt 71, upstream of the cleaning unit where the squeegee 91 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 71, a sheet-like member 44 is provided that abuts against the intermediate transfer belt 71 to seal the gap between the toner delivery section 92 and the intermediate transfer belt 71. The detailed structure of the sealing member including the sheet-like member 44 will be described below. The toner temporarily stored in the toner delivery section 92 is delivered from the belt cleaning device 9 to the collection container 75 without leaking to the outside.

[0071] Toner delivery

[0072] The toner delivery section 92 has a waste toner storage section 92c for temporarily storing toner removed by the scraper 91, and a waste toner delivery section 92d for conveying the stored toner along the longitudinal direction of the scraper 91. The waste toner storage section 92c has a rotating shaft 92f, which has a flexible sheet-like member 92e with a thickness of approximately 80 μm that is disposed entirely along the longitudinal direction, and a third gear 82 for driving is arranged at one end of the rotating shaft 92f. The rotating shaft 92f is driven by the third gear 82 along... Figure 4 The drive force is transmitted sequentially from the first gear 80 and the idle second gear 81, which are arranged on the shaft of the drive roller 72, to the third gear in a clockwise direction.

[0073] The toner removed by the scraper 91 gradually begins to accumulate around the scraper 91 and the sheet member 44. The accumulated toner is propelled and supplied to the waste toner conveying section 92d while being agitated by the sheet member 92e. The waste toner conveying section 92d includes a screw 60 that directs the toner supplied by the sheet member 92e along the longitudinal direction (…). Figure 2 (In the direction indicated by the middle arrow BB) it is conveyed to the drive side. The screw 60 is connected to the fourth gear 83 for driving at its non-drive end in the longitudinal direction, and rotates by meshing with the third gear 82 of the drive plate member 92e.

[0074] In the waste toner conveying section 92d, the toner conveyed along the rotation axis of the screw 60 toward the drive side reaches the toner conveying path 761 located at the drive side end of the toner conveying section 92. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the toner delivery path 761 has an inclined shape and is formed at an inclination angle greater than the angle at which the toner falls under its own weight. Figure 3BAs shown, the toner T, conveyed to the toner delivery path 761 by the rotation of the screw 60, is transported to the inlet 763 of the collection container 75 by its own weight. The toner T conveyed to the inlet 763 diffuses through toner diffusion members (e.g., screw and blades) (not shown) arranged in the collection container 75 and fills the collection container 75 with toner.

[0075] Sealing according to the comparative example with a cleaning device

[0076] The sealing method for preventing leakage of waste toner, achieved through the cleaning device 9, will now be described. Before describing embodiments of the invention, reference will be made to... Figures 12A to 12C A comparative example of a conventional seal is described as an example.

[0077] Figures 12A to 12C The sealing is shown by the cleaning device 200 according to the comparative example. Figure 12A This is an overall view of the conventional cleaning device 200. Figure 12B It is along Figure 12A The WW section view shows the state before the photosensitive drum 190 is assembled. Figure 12C It is along Figure 12A The cross-sectional view taken from WW in the image shows the assembled photosensitive drum 190. The photosensitive drum 190 is positioned along the rotation axis ( Figure 12A The member that extends in the direction indicated by the arrow X in the diagram.

[0078] The cleaning device 200 includes resilient members 86R and 86L, ​​which are disposed near opposite ends of the cleaning blade 201 in the longitudinal direction to prevent waste toner from leaking from the gap between the cleaning frame 220 and the cleaning blade 201. The cleaning device 200 also includes end sealing members 85R and 85L, which are disposed near the ends of the cleaning blade 201 in the longitudinal direction to prevent waste toner from leaking from the gap between the cleaning frame 220, the photosensitive drum 190, and the cleaning blade 201. End sealing members 85R and 85L are respectively disposed on the resilient members 86R and 86L.

[0079] When the end sealing member 85R and the cleaning scraper 201 are attached to the cleaning frame 220, as shown in the image... Figure 12BThe gap G1 shown prevents one component from straddling another or deforming in an unintended direction due to mutual interference. The photosensitive drum 190 is then attached to abut against the end seal member 85R and the cleaning blade 201. At this point, depending on the initial positions of the end seal member 85R and the cleaning blade 201, a gap G2 may be generated between the end seal member 85R, the cleaning blade 201, and the photosensitive drum 190. From the perspective of preventing waste toner leakage, the presence of gap G2 is undesirable. However, to make gap G2 small enough to have no impact, the cleaning blade 201, end seal members 85R and 85L, elastic members 86R and 86L, ​​and other components must be attached with high precision, which may increase manufacturing costs.

[0080] Sealing via a cleaning device according to the embodiment

[0081] Now refer to Figure 5 The sealing performed according to this embodiment using the cleaning device 9 is described in detail. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating how toner is sealed at the drive-side end of the doctor blade 91 in the longitudinal direction. The doctor blade 91 has the same structure on the non-drive side as the drive side and is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction. The toner delivery section 92 includes a sheet member 44 as a sealing member to prevent leakage of waste toner, end sealing members 45R and 45L, elastic members 46R and 46L, and a spray shield 47.

[0082] The sheet member 44 is a flexible sheet member that prevents waste toner from leaking from the gap between the container body 94 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the toner delivery section 92. The sheet member 44 extends along the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 71 and is disposed on the container body 94 opposite to and abutting against the end portion of the rubber portion 91a of the doctor blade 91.

[0083] The blowout preventer 47 is a flexible sheet-like component that prevents waste toner from leaking along the lateral direction of the toner delivery section 92 from the gap between the container body 94 and the retaining metal plate 91b. The blowout preventer 47 is placed on the container body 94 to abut against the retaining metal plate 91b.

[0084] Next, we will refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B Describe elastic members 46R and 46L. Figure 6A This is a view of the drive-side end of the toner delivery section 92, taken from the side abutting the drive roller 72, before the end sealing member 45R is assembled onto the container body 94. Figure 6BThis is a view of the toner delivery section 92 and the doctor blade 91, assembled with the end sealing member 45R, as seen from the side abutting the drive roller 72. The detailed structure of the elastic member 46R and the end sealing member 45R on the drive side will be described below. The elastic member 46L and the end sealing member 45L on the non-drive side are symmetrical to the members on the drive side and have the same structure, therefore they will not be described further.

[0085] The elastic member 46R according to this embodiment is a foam of synthetic resin (e.g., polyurethane) and is attached to the container body 94 by double-sided tape. Any other material such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers can be used for the elastic member 46R. Figure 6B As shown, the elastic member 46R is located near the center in the longitudinal direction within a range of approximately 0 mm to 10 mm from the longitudinal end of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a of the scraper 91. More specifically, the elastic member 46R is positioned near the end of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a such that it overlaps with the polyurethane rubber portion 91a when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The elastic member 46R also has a longitudinal sealing portion 46dR and a support surface 46bR serving as a support surface for attaching the end sealing member 45R. The longitudinal sealing portion 46dR prevents waste toner from leaking from the gap between the longitudinal end of the scraper 91 and the container body 94.

[0086] The anti-spray sheet 47, extending longitudinally along the toner delivery section 92, contacts the elastic members 46L and 46R at its longitudinal end and contacts the retaining metal plate 91b while compressing the elastic members 46L and 46R. This prevents waste toner from leaking from the gap between the anti-spray sheet 47, the elastic members 46L and 46R, and the retaining metal plate 91b.

[0087] An end sealing member 45R is disposed near the end of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a in the longitudinal direction. The end sealing member 45R is configured such that at least a portion abuts against and opposes the end portion of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a. The end sealing member 45R is compressed between the intermediate transfer belt 71 and the container body 94 and is configured to contact the elastic member 46R. The end sealing member 45R prevents waste toner from leaking from the gap between the doctor blade 91, the intermediate transfer belt 71, the elastic member 46R, and the container body 94.

[0088] Detailed structure of the end sealing component

[0089] Next, we will refer to Figure 7The structure of the end sealing member 45R is described. The end sealing member 45R is generally L-shaped, having a protruding portion 45aR of length L. The end sealing member 45R also has an adhesion surface 45bR to be adhered to the elastic member 46R and a contact surface 45cR abutting the end portion of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a. According to this embodiment, the end sealing member 45R has a four-layer structure, including a surface layer 45dR, an adhesive layer 45eR, an intermediate layer 45fR, and an adhesion layer 45gR.

[0090] When the end sealing member 45R is attached to the intermediate transfer unit 7, the protruding portion 45aR is adjacent to the end portion of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a in the longitudinal direction, and this portion extends from the end side of the polyurethane rubber portion 91a towards the base side. Thus, because the end sealing member 45R has the protruding portion 45aR, the end sealing member 45R can prevent toner leakage from the intermediate transfer unit 7. Although Figure 7 An example of the end sealing member 45R is shown, but the length L of the protrusion 45aR can be determined by considering the sealing performance. If the polyurethane rubber portion 91a has sufficient sealing performance at the end, the protrusion 45aR does not need to be provided.

[0091] The surface layer 45dR has a surface abutting against the intermediate transfer belt 71. The surface layer 45dR comprises a base fabric and pile yarns raised from the base fabric, but may also be made of only the base fabric. The surface layer 45dR is bonded to the surface of the intermediate layer 45fR by an adhesive layer 45eR, such as double-sided tape or adhesive. The base fabric may be a woven fabric made by weaving warp and weft yarns together, a knitted fabric made by knitting yarns together, or a nonwoven fabric made by binding fibers together. Examples of methods for manufacturing nonwoven fabrics may include binding fibers by spraying heated steam onto the fibers, melting fibers together using heat, or entangled fibers using a high-pressure water jet. The pile yarns may be looped or have loops that are cut one after another to raise the pile. If only a base fabric is used, the yarns may be electrostatically flocked onto the base fabric to form a piled base fabric.

[0092] Examples of materials for the surface layer 45dR may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and acrylic resin. Furthermore, the material for the surface layer 45dR may be any of the following: synthetic fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon, and natural fibers such as cotton, or a combination of these materials already twisted together. Alternatively, the surface layer 45dR may be coated with a lubricant such as silicone resin and zinc stearate. Note that any other material with high heat resistance, durability, and abrasion resistance, and which allows for sufficient adhesive strength to the adhesive layer 45eR, may be used for the surface layer 45dR.

[0093] The intermediate layer 45fR is a cushioning layer made of an elastic material. Examples of materials for the intermediate layer 45fR may include foams of synthetic resins such as polyurethane, as well as materials such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers. Any other material that has heat resistance and durability and allows for sufficient bond strength with the adhesive layer 45eR and the laminate layer 45gR may be used for the intermediate layer 45fR.

[0094] The adhesive layer 45gR is disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer 45fR, formed by double-sided tape or pressure-sensitive adhesive, and has an adhesive surface 45bR. Any other material that is flexible and allows for sufficient adhesive strength to the intermediate layer 45fR can be used for the adhesive layer 45gR.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the end sealing member 45R has a four-layer structure including a surface layer 45dR, an adhesive layer 45eR, an intermediate layer 45fR, and an adhesive layer 45gR as an example. However, the member can also have a two-layer structure including a surface layer 45dR and an adhesive layer 45gR. In this case, for example, by using a non-woven fabric as the material for the surface layer 45dR, this layer must have a certain thickness. Since the end sealing member 45L is symmetrical in shape and has the same structure as the end sealing member 45R, it will not be described further.

[0096] Assemble intermediate transfer unit

[0097] Next, we will refer to Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10 and Figure 11 A method for assembling the intermediate transfer unit 7 is described. When assembling the intermediate transfer unit 7, the belt unit 95 is first assembled by attaching the squeegee 91 to the support plates 77 and 78, which serve as a frame, and then bringing the squeegee 91 against the intermediate transfer belt 71, which is tensioned by the drive roller 72. In addition to the aforementioned components, the belt unit 95 also includes a frame 76 and a collection container 75. Then, the toner delivery section 92, provided with end sealing members 45R and 45L, is attached to the belt unit 95. More specifically, the intermediate transfer unit 7 is assembled by attaching the toner delivery section 92, which serves as a second unit, to the belt unit 95, which serves as a first unit. When the toner delivery section 92 is attached to the belt unit 95, the end sealing members 45R and 45L contact the squeegee 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71. Finally, the squeegee 91 and the toner delivery section 92 are connected by a tension spring 93. The attachment steps will be described in detail below.

[0098] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B Describes a method for assembling unit 95. Figure 8AIt is an exploded perspective view with unit 95. Figure 8B This is a perspective view showing how the squeegee 91 is attached to the belt unit 95. Squeegee support shafts 77a and 78a for engaging and supporting the squeegee 91 are attached to and supported by, for example, the support plate 77 on the drive side and the support plate 78 on the non-drive side by press fit. According to this embodiment, the squeegee support shafts 77a and 78a are arranged to project from their respective plates in the same direction to the non-drive side. The squeegee 91 is attached from the non-drive side such that holes 91cR and 91cL engage the squeegee support shafts 77a and 78a and are held, for example, by an E-ring 300. The squeegee 91 is shaped such that the polyurethane rubber portion 91a generates a torque of its own weight in the direction in which the polyurethane rubber portion 91a contacts the intermediate transfer belt 71, and the squeegee 91 can be temporarily fixed, for example, by a clamp to maintain the contact state.

[0099] Reference Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10 and Figure 11 Describes how to attach the toner delivery section 92 to the belt unit 95. Figure 9A This is a side view of the attached tape unit 95 and toner delivery section 92. Figure 9B This is a side view illustrating how the toner delivery section 92 is attached to the tape unit 95. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the toner delivery section 92 is attached to the belt unit 95. Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating how the tension spring 93 is attached to the scraper 91 and the toner delivery section 92.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the toner delivery section 92 can be attached to the belt unit 95 by moving the toner delivery section along the attachment direction F, which is orthogonal to the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 71. When the toner delivery section 92 and the belt unit 95 are engaged, the end sealing members 45L and 45R provided in the toner delivery section 92 abut against the doctor blade 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 provided in the belt unit 95. When the container body 94, which serves as the frame (second frame) of the toner delivery section 92 (second unit), is engaged with the support plates 77 and 78, which serve as the frame (first frame) of the belt unit 95 (first unit), the toner delivery section 92 and the belt unit 95 are engaged with each other. This engagement will be described in detail below.

[0101] The container body 94 has cylindrical protrusions 94bL and 94bR that project outwards in the width direction at opposite ends as joining portions, and convex portions 94cL and 94cR that project linearly downstream in the attachment direction F from the outer periphery of the protrusions 94bL and 94bR. The support plate 78 also has a groove 78b that is linearly recessed in the attachment direction F as a joining target portion, and a recess 78c provided at the bottom of the groove 78b. Similar to the support plate 78, the support plate 77 has a groove 77b and a recess 77c. Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, when the toner delivery portion 92 is attached to the belt unit 95, the protrusion 94bL engages with the groove 78b, and the raised portion 94cL engages with the recess 78c. The groove 78b and the recess 78c restrict the attachment direction of the toner delivery portion 92 to the belt unit 95 and serve as guide portions for guiding the toner delivery portion 92. The raised portion 94cL engages with the recess 77c to restrict the rotation of the toner delivery portion 92 relative to the belt unit 95, thus allowing the toner delivery portion 92 to be attached while maintaining a fixed posture. Although referenced... Figure 9A and Figure 9B The engagement on the non-driving side is described, but the protrusions 94bR and convexities 94cR on the driving side also engage with the grooves 78b and recesses 78c of the support plate 78 in the same manner.

[0102] As described above, the attachment direction of the toner delivery section 92 is restricted, such that the surface layer 45dR of the end sealing member 45R contacts the intermediate transfer belt 71, while the contact surface 45cR contacts the end portion 91e of the polyurethane rubber section 91a, as shown. Figure 10 As shown. Due to the weight of the doctor blade 91, the polyurethane rubber portion 91a always remains in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 71. This prevents the end sealing members 45L and 45R from straddling the doctor blade 91 and entering between the intermediate transfer belts 71, thus allowing these members to properly contact each other.

[0103] After the protrusion 94c and the recess 77c engage, a component such as pin 310 is attached to secure the toner delivery section 92 and the belt unit 95. Referring to the non-drive side, pin 310 is inserted into the through hole 78e of the support plate 78 and the hole 94eL of the container body 94. Pin 310 is used in the same manner on the drive side, so that the toner delivery section 92 is secured and supported by the support plate 78 and the support plate 77.

[0104] In addition, a tension spring 93 is attached to connect the toner delivery section 92 and the squeegee 91. One end of the tension spring 93 is attached to the spring hook portion 92b of the toner delivery section 92, and the other end is attached to the spring hook portion 91d of the squeegee 91. The contraction force of the tension spring 93 generates a torque at the squeegee 91, which gives the polyurethane rubber portion 91a a pressure contact force relative to the intermediate transfer belt 71.

[0105] The spring hooks 92b and 91d are positioned substantially at the same location in the longitudinal direction of the scraper 91 relative to the support plates 77 and 78 that support and fix the toner delivery section 92. More specifically, the force received by the toner delivery section 92 from the tension spring 93 can be received by the support plates 77 and 78, which are sturdy metal plate components, thus minimizing the deformation of the toner delivery section 92. In this way, the toner delivery section 92, which is provided with the end sealing member 45, can be firmly supported so that the unit does not move and the sealing performance of each sealing member is not compromised, thereby preventing waste toner leakage.

[0106] As described above, according to the present invention, the end sealing member 45 is allowed to abut against the squeegee 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 while the squeegee 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 are in contact with each other beforehand, thereby eliminating gaps between the components and achieving high sealing performance to prevent toner leakage. Furthermore, since the squeegee 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 are in contact with each other beforehand, the end sealing member 45 will not enter between the squeegee 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 and create gaps when the toner delivery portion 92 is attached. Moreover, since the end sealing member 45 contacts the squeegee 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 71 while elastically deforming, even if the position of the end sealing member 45 deviates slightly from the designed position, the error will be absorbed by the elastic deformation, achieving gapless contact. Therefore, the adhesion position of the end sealing member 45 and the elastic member 46 does not need to be highly precise, and the components can be attached, for example, with double-sided tape, thus reducing costs.

[0107] The above embodiments apply the present invention to an intermediate transfer unit 7 for secondary transfer, where an image is transferred onto a transfer material such as a recording material. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a processing cartridge 19 that performs the initial transfer and removes waste toner from the photosensitive drum 1. Even in a processing cartridge 19 including a cleaning device 6, when a cleaning member, such as a scraper, is pre-contacted with the photosensitive drum, and then the end sealing member abuts in that state, high waste toner sealing performance can be achieved and costs reduced.

[0108] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to cover all variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A transfer unit for transferring a developer image onto a transfer medium, the transfer unit comprising: An image carrier member on which the developer image is formed; A cleaning member is configured to extend in the width direction of the image carrier member to abut against the image carrier member and remove developer from the image carrier member; as well as A sealing member is provided to prevent developer removed by the cleaning member from leaking outside the transfer unit. The sealing member is located near the end of the cleaning member in the width direction, opposite to the end portion of the cleaning member in a direction orthogonal to the width direction. The transfer unit further includes a first unit disposed of the image-carrying member and the cleaning member, and a second unit disposed of the sealing member to engage with the first unit. The second unit engages with the first unit such that the sealing member abuts against the cleaning member and the image carrier member, and the cleaning member and the image carrier member abut against each other.

2. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The sealing member abuts against the end portion of the cleaning member.

3. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The end portion of the cleaning component abuts against the image carrying component.

4. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The cleaning member has an elastic portion and a retaining portion that holds the elastic portion, the elastic portion including the end portion and configured to abut against the image carrier member and the sealing member.

5. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The first unit has a first frame that supports the image-carrying member and the cleaning member and has a target engagement portion. The second unit has a second frame that supports the sealing member and has a joining portion that engages with the joining target portion.

6. The transfer unit according to claim 5, in, The target portion is a recessed portion in a direction orthogonal to the width direction, and The joining portion is a convex portion that protrudes along the direction of the recess.

7. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The sealing member has a contact surface abutting against the end portion of the cleaning member and a protrusion adjacent to the end portion in the width direction.

8. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The cleaning component abuts against the image-carrying component from above.

9. The transfer unit according to claim 1 further includes a biasing member that pushes the cleaning member toward the image carrying member.

10. The transfer unit according to claim 9, in, The cleaning component is configured to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction. The biasing member is a spring that pushes the cleaning member along the direction of rotation of the cleaning member.

11. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The first unit has a collection container for collecting the removed developer, and The second unit has a delivery path for delivering developer to the collection container.

12. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The image-carrying component is an annular belt stretched across multiple rollers, and The first unit further includes a roller opposite to the cleaning component, and the annular belt is located between the roller and the cleaning component.

13. The transfer unit according to claim 1, in, The image-carrying component is a photosensitive drum.

14. An imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, the imaging apparatus comprising: The transfer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; as well as A fixing unit for fixing an image onto the recording material.

15. The imaging device according to claim 14, in, The transfer unit is detachably attached to the main body of the imaging device.

16. A method for manufacturing a transfer unit, said transfer unit being used in an imaging apparatus and for transferring a developer image onto a transfer medium. The transfer unit includes: An image carrier member on which the developer image is formed; A cleaning member is configured to extend along the width direction of the image carrier member to contact the image carrier member through its end portion in a direction orthogonal to the width direction and remove developer from the image carrier member; A sealing member, which prevents developer removed by the cleaning member from leaking outside the transfer unit, is located near the end portion of the cleaning member in the width direction. A first frame, wherein the first frame is provided with the image carrying component and the cleaning component; as well as A second frame supports the sealing member and engages with the first frame. The method for manufacturing the transfer unit includes the following steps: The image carrier component and the cleaning component are attached to the first frame such that the cleaning component abuts against the image carrier component; as well as The second frame is engaged with the first frame such that the sealing member abuts against the end portion and the image carrier member, the end portion and the image carrier member abutting against each other.

Images