Lubricant application device, photoreceptor unit, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suitably hold a lubricant in a non-use state.SOLUTION: The cleaning unit 80 includes a solidified lubricant 83 and an application brush 82 that is disposed between the lubricant 83 and the photoconductor 32 to which the lubricant 83 is to be applied and that applies the lubricant 83 to the photoconductor 32. The coating brush 82 is configured to be capable of coming into contact with and being separated from the photoreceptor 32 so that the photoreceptor 32 and the coating brush 82 can take a first contact state and a first separation state. The lubricant 83 is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the coating brush 82 so that the coating brush 82 and the lubricant 83 can take a second contact state and a second separation state. At least one of the holding rigidity and the separation distance is different between the first separation state and the second separation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lubricant application device that applies a lubricant, a photosensitive unit, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a lubricant application device that is mounted in an image forming apparatus and applies a solid lubricant (lubricant) with an application brush is known. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when an image forming apparatus is not used for a long period of time, the lubricant (lubricant material) is separated and retracted from the application brush, thereby suppressing deformation due to bristles falling down (creep deformation) of the application brush. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-51550 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, simply separating the lubricant from the application brush may result in damage such as cracking in the longitudinal direction if the lubricant receives an impact in this separated state. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to suitably retain a lubricant when the lubricant is separated from the application brush and is not in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a lubricant application device, A solidified lubricant; an application member disposed between the lubricant and an object to which the lubricant is to be applied, and applying the lubricant to the object; Equipped with the application member is configured to be capable of coming into contact with and being separated from the application target so that the application target and the application member can be in a first contact state and a first separated state; the lubricant is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the applying member so that the applying member and the lubricant can be in a second contact state and a second separated state; The first separated state and the second separated state differ in at least one of holding rigidity and separation distance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the lubricant can be suitably retained when not in use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a photosensitive unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of a photosensitive unit showing the application brush in a first contact state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of a photosensitive unit showing the application brush in a first separated state. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a photosensitive unit for illustrating a first spacing member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first spacing member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a view showing a portion of the casing where the first spacing member is locked. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one side in the Y direction of the photosensitive unit in an unused state. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view showing the other side in the Y direction of the photosensitive unit in an unused state. FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the first spacing member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a photosensitive unit for explaining a modified example of the first spacing member. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a photosensitive unit for explaining a modified example of the first spacing member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the photosensitive unit for illustrating a second spacing member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a second spacing member, a cushion material, and a lubricant holder. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second spacing state by a second spacing member. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a cushioning material. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a cushioning material. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of cushioning materials. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of cushioning materials. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the support structure for the lubricant. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the contact and separation directions when the application brush is a slanted bristle brush. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the contact and separation directions when the application brush is a slanted bristle brush. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one side in the Y direction of the photosensitive unit in a printable state. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the other side in the Y direction of the photosensitive unit in a printable state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [Overall configuration of image forming device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment forms an image on a sheet S using an electrophotographic process. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, an intermediate transfer unit 4, a paper feed unit 51, a paper transport unit 55, a secondary transfer unit 6, and a fixing unit .

[0010] The image reading unit 2 reads an original document using the scanning exposure means 21 and outputs an image information signal (image data). That is, an image of an original document placed on an original table 22 is scanned and exposed by an optical system that constitutes the scanning exposure means 21, and is read into a line image sensor.

[0011] The image forming unit 3 includes five image creating units 31 that form toner images of different colors. The five image creating units 31 form toner images of the following colors, for example, from the top of FIG. 1: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and a special color (Z) (for example, white (W)). Each image forming unit 31 forms a toner image of each color on a photoreceptor 32 and performs primary transfer of the toner image onto an intermediate transfer belt 41. Each image forming unit 31 includes a photoreceptor 32, a charging device 33, an exposure device 34, a developing device 35, and a cleaning unit 80.

[0012] The photoreceptor 32 is a drum-shaped image carrier that carries an image (toner image) on its surface. The photoreceptor 32 is composed of an organic photoreceptor in which a photosensitive layer made of a resin containing an organic photoconductor is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a drum-shaped metal substrate, and is driven to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction R (counterclockwise in the drawing).

[0013] The charging device 33 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 32 to a constant potential. The exposure device 34 exposes the non-image area of ​​the photoreceptor 32 to light based on the image data from the image reading unit 2, and forms an electrostatic latent image in the image area of ​​the photoreceptor 32. Note that the image data is not limited to data output from the image reading unit 2, and may be data received from an external device such as a client terminal. The developing device 35 supplies toner, which is a developer, onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 32 , thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor 32 .

[0014] The cleaning unit 80 is disposed below the photoreceptor 32 and removes toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 32, for example, by a blade method. The cleaning unit 80 is an example of a lubricant application device according to the present invention. The cleaning unit 80 is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 together with the photoreceptor 32 as a photoreceptor unit 32U. The "main body of the image forming apparatus 1" refers to the main parts of the image forming apparatus 1, excluding at least the photoreceptor unit 32U. The configuration of the cleaning unit 80 will be described in detail below.

[0015] The intermediate transfer unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer belt 41 and a primary transfer roller 42 . The intermediate transfer belt 41 is a belt-shaped image carrier that is stretched over a plurality of rollers, carries an image (toner image) on its surface, and conveys the image in the moving direction T. The primary transfer rollers 42 are disposed opposite each photoconductor 32 with the intermediate transfer belt 41 sandwiched therebetween. The primary transfer rollers 42 press the intermediate transfer belt 41 against each opposing photoconductor 32, and perform primary transfer of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 32 onto the intermediate transfer belt 41.

[0016] The paper feed unit 51 includes a plurality of trays 52 that store paper S as recording media. The plurality of trays 52 store paper S of different sizes, paper qualities, paper types, etc. The paper S is sent from the paper feed unit 51 onto a transport path of the paper transport unit 55. The paper transport unit 55 has a plurality of rollers 56 and transports the paper S sent out from the paper feed unit 51. The paper S supplied from the tray 52 of the paper feed unit 51 passes through registration rollers 57 and is transported to the secondary transfer unit 6.

[0017] The secondary transfer unit 6 includes a secondary transfer roller 61 . The secondary transfer roller 61 brings the paper S conveyed by the paper conveying section 55 into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 41, and performs a second transfer of the toner image carried on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 41 onto the paper S.

[0018] The fixing unit 7 is disposed downstream (discharge side) in the conveying direction of the paper S from the secondary transfer unit 6. The fixing unit 7 heats and pressurizes the conveyed paper S, and fixes the toner image transferred to the paper S.

[0019] [Overall structure of the cleaning unit] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the photoconductor unit 32U including the cleaning section 80 and the photoconductor 32. As shown in FIG. In the following description, the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions refer to the directions shown in each drawing. That is, the X direction refers to the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 1, the Y direction refers to the depth direction of the image forming apparatus 1, and the Z direction refers to the up-down direction.

[0020] 2, the cleaning unit 80 includes a cleaning blade 81, an application brush (application member) 82, and a lubricant 83. These are housed in a casing 802. The cleaning blade 81 is an elastic member formed from urethane rubber or the like in a flat plate shape, and has a length approximately equal to the length of the photoreceptor 32 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). During image formation, the cleaning blade 81 is disposed in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 32 in a direction counter to the rotation direction R. As the photoreceptor 32 rotates, the cleaning blade 81 scrapes off the residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 32. The scraped off residual toner is collected into a waste toner box (not shown) by a collection screw 811.

[0021] The application brush 82 is disposed between the photoreceptor 32 and the lubricant 83 and applies the lubricant 83 to the photoreceptor 32. Specifically, the application brush 82 is disposed downstream of the cleaning blade 81 in the rotation direction R of the photoreceptor 32 and substantially directly below the photoreceptor 32. The application brush 82 is a roller-shaped brush formed by wrapping a base fabric, such as polyester fiber, around a core metal, and has a length substantially equal to the length of the photoreceptor 32 in the Y direction. During image formation, the application brush 82 is fixed in place with the tip of the brush digging into the surface of the photoreceptor 32 by a predetermined amount. A drive motor (not shown) is connected to the application brush 82 via a coupling 823 (see FIG. 24), and the application brush 82 rotates in the direction opposite the rotation direction R of the photoreceptor 32 as the drive motor is driven. A collection screw 811 is connected to the shaft end of the application brush 82 opposite the coupling 823 via a gear 825 (see FIG. 23). As will be described later, the application brush 82 is configured to be movable toward and away from the photoreceptor 32, and is separated from the photoreceptor 32 when the photoreceptor unit 32U is transported (packaged), etc.

[0022] The lubricant 83 is a solidified rod-like material, and is formed in the shape of a long rectangular parallelepiped with a length in the Y direction equal to that of the application brush 82. For example, zinc stearate (ZnSt) is used as the lubricant. The lubricant 83 is fixed to a lubricant holder 831 and disposed diagonally below the application brush 82. When viewed from the Y direction, the lubricant 83 is inclined obliquely so that it approaches the application brush 82 in the X direction as it extends upward. This inclination direction coincides with the approach and separation direction (direction D2) of the lubricant 83 as it approaches and separates from the application brush 82, as will be described later. Pressure springs 84 are disposed diagonally below the lubricant 83 at positions corresponding to the two longitudinal ends of the lubricant 83. The pressure springs 84 are, for example, compression springs, and press (urge) the lubricant 83 together with the lubricant holder 831 toward the application brush 82 above. As will be described later, the lubricant 83 is configured to be movable toward and away from the application brush 82, and is separated from the application brush 82 when the photosensitive unit 32U is transported (packaged), etc.

[0023] A leveling blade 85 is disposed downstream of the application brush 82 in the rotation direction R of the photoreceptor 32. The leveling blade 85 is a flat plate-shaped member having a length approximately equal to the length of the photoreceptor 32 in the Y direction, and the portion including the tip on the photoreceptor 32 side is made of an elastic material such as urethane rubber. The tip of the leveling blade 85 is in sliding contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 32 in the direction forward of the rotation direction R.

[0024] In the cleaning unit 80 configured as described above, during image formation, the cleaning blade 81 scrapes off the residual toner from the surface of the rotating photoreceptor 32. Downstream of the cleaning blade 81, the application brush 82 rotates, scraping the lubricant from the surface of the lubricant 83 and applying it to the surface of the photoreceptor 32. The applied lubricant is leveled to a uniform thickness by the leveling blade 85. As the lubricant 83 is consumed and its height decreases, it is pressed together with the lubricant holder 831 by the pressure spring 84, and is maintained in contact with the application brush 82.

[0025] When the cleaning section 80 (photoconductor unit 32U) of this embodiment is transported, the application brush 82 is separated from the photoconductor 32, and the lubricant 83 is separated from the application brush 82 (unused state). This prevents creep deformation of the application brush 82 and damage to the lubricant 83 due to impact. Hereinafter, the contact state and separation state between the photosensitive element 32 and the application brush 82 may be referred to as the "first contact state" and the "first separation state," and the contact state and separation state between the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 may be referred to as the "second contact state" and the "second separation state." In addition, in this specification, "during transportation, etc." of the photosensitive unit 32U broadly includes cases where the photosensitive unit 32U is in an unused state for transportation, storage, etc. Therefore, in this case, it does not matter whether the photosensitive unit 32U is incorporated into the image forming apparatus 1 main body or whether it is actually being transported.

[0026] [Applicator brush and photoreceptor contact structure] The application brush 82 is configured to be movable toward and away from the photosensitive member 32 so as to be able to assume a first contact state and a first separated state with respect to the application brush 82. The application brush 82 is in the first contact state in which it is in close contact with the photosensitive member 32 during image formation, and is in the first separated state in which it is separated from the photosensitive member 32 during transportation of the photosensitive member unit 32U, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the application brush 82 is rotatably supported in a support hole 802a of the casing 802 via bearings 821 at both ends in the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the support hole 802a is formed as an elongated hole that slopes obliquely (in the direction D1) so that it approaches the application brush 82 in the X direction as it extends upward. Each bearing 821 is biased obliquely upward in the direction D1 by a compression coil spring 803. More specifically, the compression coil spring 803 is housed in a hat-shaped bent sheet metal member 804 and biases the bearing 821 via the sheet metal member 804. The application brush 82 moves in the direction D1 along the support hole 802a of the casing 802 to approach and separate from the photosensitive element 32. During image formation, application brush 82 comes into contact with photosensitive member 32 in a state in which each bearing 821 is pressed by compression coil spring 803 and supported at the upper end of support hole 802 a of casing 802 .

[0027] <First spacing member> The application brush 82 is spaced apart from the photoconductor 32 by attaching the first spacing member 91 to the casing 802 . 5, 6, and 7, the first spacing member 91 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape and is attached to both sides of the photosensitive unit 32U in the Y direction. Specifically, the first spacing member 91 has a first pressing surface 91a and a second pressing surface 91b. The first pressing surface 91a is a semi-cylindrical surface formed on the lower surface of the first spacing member 91, and presses downward the core metal 822 exposed at the end of the application brush 82 in the Y direction. The second pressing surface 91b is a downwardly curved surface formed at about the middle height of the first spacing member 91, and presses downward the support member 812 that supports the cleaning blade 81. The support member 812 supports the cleaning blade 81 over its entire length in the Y direction, and has a rotation support portion 812a and a load-bearing portion 812b at each end in the Y direction. The rotation support portion 812a is supported by the casing 802 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the Y direction. The load-bearing portion 812b is located diagonally above and spaced apart from the rotation support portion 812a, and is biased by a biasing spring 813 in a diagonally upward direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5) so as to bring the tip of the cleaning blade 81 into contact with the photosensitive element 32. The second pressing surface 91b presses downward the upper end surface of the load-bearing portion 812b.

[0028] Furthermore, first spacing member 91 has a locking pin 91d and a locking surface 91e. Locking pin 91d is fixed to one side of first spacing member 91 in the X direction (the left side in FIG. 5), and is inserted into locking hole 802b of casing 802. Locking surface 91e is a flat, upward-facing surface formed on the other side of first spacing member 91 in the X direction (the right side in FIG. 5), and is engaged by abutting against locked surface 802c of casing 802 from above and below. The first spacing member 91 also has two through holes 91f that penetrate in the Y direction. Fastening members (not shown) that fix the first spacing member 91 to the casing 802 are inserted into the respective through holes 91f. The material (raw material) of the first spacing member 91 is not particularly limited. However, when using a resin material that may cause creep deformation or has insufficient rigidity, such as PP (polypropylene) resin, it is advisable to set the dimensions of each part taking these factors into consideration. Specifically, it is advisable to form the first dimension L1 of the part that receives the biasing force of the biasing spring 813 and the second dimension L2 of the part that receives the biasing force of the compression coil spring 803 thicker by the amount of elastic deformation and creep deformation. The first dimension L1 is the distance between the upper surface of the locking pin 91d and the second pressing surface 91b, and the second dimension L2 is the distance between the locking surface 91e and the first pressing surface 91a.

[0029] When attaching the first spacing member 91 to the casing 802, the user (operator) first presses the load-bearing portion 812b of the support member 812 downward with the second pressing surface 91b against the biasing force of the biasing spring 813, and then inserts the locking pin 91d into the locking hole 802b of the casing 802. This keeps the cleaning blade 81 spaced apart from the photosensitive element 32. Next, the user presses the core metal 822 of the application brush 82 downward with the first pressing surface 91a against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 803, and then locks the locking surface 91e with the locked surface 802c of the casing 802. This holds the application brush 82 in a state (first separated state) spaced apart from the photosensitive member 32. Note that the operation of separating the cleaning blade 81 from the photosensitive member 32 and the operation of separating the application brush 82 from the photosensitive member 32 may be performed in reverse order, or may be performed simultaneously. Next, the user inserts fastening members (not shown) into the two through holes 91f of the first spacing member 91 and fastens it to the casing 802. In this way, the casing 802 and the first spacing member 91 are fixed together. In this way, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first spacing members 91 are attached to the casing 802 on both sides of the photosensitive unit 32U in the Y direction.

[0030] <Modifications of the first spacing member> It is preferable that the first spacing member 91 be provided with a rotation restriction structure that prevents the application brush 82 from rotating in the direction opposite to the direction of the bristles. When photoconductor unit 32U is shipped attached to image forming apparatus 1, coupling 823 for driving application brush 82 is removed before packaging to prevent damage to coupling 823 due to vibrations or shocks during transport. When photoconductor unit 32U is subsequently set up to be ready for printing upon arrival, there is a risk that application brush 82 may be rotated in the opposite direction to the orientation of the bristles when coupling 823 is fastened to application brush 82 with a screw. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , a D-shaped hole 91g is formed in the first spacing member 91 in the axial direction, and a D-shaped cut portion 824 is formed in the core metal 822 at the shaft end of the applying brush 82 in the axial direction. Then, by fitting the D-shaped cut portion 824 of the applying brush 82 into the D-shaped hole 91g of the first spacing member 91, the rotation of the applying brush 82 can be restricted by the first spacing member 91. Therefore, for example, a user can hold the first spacing member 91 with one hand to stop the rotation of the applying brush 82, and then use the other hand to secure the coupling 823 to the applying brush 82. This allows the coupling 823 to be attached to the applying brush 82 without causing the bristles of the applying brush 82 to stand up. It is sufficient that the D-shaped hole 91g is formed in at least one of the two first spacing members 91.

[0031] 11 and 12, instead of the first spacing member 91, a first spacing member 92 held integrally with the casing 802 may be used. Unlike the first spacing member 91, the first spacing member 92 is not detachable from the casing 802. Specifically, the first spacing member 92 is supported by the casing 802 so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum shaft 921 along the Y direction. The first spacing member 92 has a first pressing surface 92a and a second pressing surface 92b instead of the first pressing surface 91a and the second pressing surface 91b of the first spacing member 91. The first pressing surface 92a is a surface formed on the lower part of the first spacing member 92, and presses the core metal 822 of the application brush 82 downward. The second pressing surface 92b presses the load bearing portion 812b of the support member 812 that supports the cleaning blade 81, and pushes it downward. The first spacing member 92 has a lever portion 923 at the end opposite to the fulcrum shaft 921. The user presses the lever portion 923 to rotate the first spacing member 92 around the fulcrum shaft 921. Two through holes 92c, 92d for fixing the first spacing member 92 are formed near the lever portion 923. One through hole 92c is a hole for fixing the first spacing member 92 during image formation, and the other through hole 92d is a hole for fixing the first spacing member 92 when the device is not in use. Fastening members 93 are inserted into these through holes 92c, 92d and fastened to the casing 802. That is, the first spacing member 92 is fixed to the casing 802 with the fastening member 93 inserted into one through hole 92c during image formation, and is fixed to the casing 802 with the fastening member 93 inserted into the other through hole 92d when the device is not in use. Like the first spacing member 91, the first spacing member 92 allows the cleaning blade 81 and the application brush 82 to be switched between a state in which they are in contact with the photoreceptor 32 and a state in which they are spaced apart.

[0032] [Lubricant and application brush contact structure] The lubricant 83 is configured to be able to move toward and away from the application brush 82 so as to be able to assume a second contact state and a second separated state with respect to the application brush 82. The lubricant 83 is in the second contact state in which it is in close contact with the application brush 82 during image formation, and is in the second separated state in which it is separated from the application brush 82 during transportation of the photosensitive unit 32U, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lubricant 83 is pressed upward toward the application brush 82 at both ends in the Y direction by the pressure springs 84, as described above. The lubricant holder 831 that holds the lubricant 83 includes a support plate 832 to which the underside of the lubricant 83 is adhered with double-sided tape or the like, and a cylindrical portion 833 fixed to both ends in the Y direction of the support plate 832. The cylindrical portion 833 is formed in a cylindrical shape that opens downward and houses the pressure spring 84 inside. The pressure spring 84 presses the lubricant 83 via the cylindrical portion 833. The cylindrical portion 833 is guided by the casing 802 so as to be movable along the D2 direction. As the lubricant holder 831 moves in the direction D2, the lubricant 83 comes into contact with and separates from the application brush 82. During image formation, the lubricant 83 comes into contact with the photoconductor 32 with each cylindrical portion 833 pressed by the pressure spring 84.

[0033] <Second spacing member> The lubricant 83 is spaced from the application brush 82 by attaching the second spacer member 95 to the casing 802 . The second spacing member 95 is formed in a T-shape having a shaft portion 95a and a head portion 95b. An engagement claw 95c is formed on the circumferential surface of the tip of the shaft portion 95a. A substantially Saturn-shaped engagement hole 833a that engages with the engagement claw 95c is formed in the bottom surface (upper surface) of the cylindrical portion 833. An insertion hole 802d, through which the shaft portion 95a of the second spacing member 95 can be inserted, is formed in a portion of the casing 802 that is vertically opposed to the engagement hole 833a of the cylindrical portion 833. The engagement claw 95c can be inserted into the engagement hole 833a when the engaging claw 95c is in a predetermined circumferential position (attachment / detachment position), but cannot be inserted (is locked) when the engaging claw 95c is in any other circumferential position (lock position). In addition, in the locked position, the head 95b of the second spacing member 95 is preferably oriented along the attachment / detachment direction (Y direction) of the photosensitive unit 32U relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 8, etc.). This reduces the risk of contact between the second spacing member 95 and other parts of the image forming apparatus 1 (parts other than the photosensitive unit 32U) when attaching / detaching (inserting / removing) the photosensitive unit 32U.

[0034] When separating the lubricant 83 from the application brush 82 by the second spacing member 95, the user (operator) first inserts the shaft portion 95a of the second spacing member 95 from below into the insertion hole 802d of the casing 802 and into the cylindrical portion 833. Then, the user places the shaft portion 95a in the detachable position and inserts the engagement claw 95c into the engagement hole 833a of the cylindrical portion 833. Next, the user turns the shaft 95a to the lock position, and with the engaging claw 95c locked on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 833, pulls the second spacing member 95 downward against the biasing force of the pressure spring 84. As a result, the cylindrical portion 833 is pulled downward, and the lubricant 83 moves away from the application brush 82 downward in the direction D2. Next, the user inserts the cushioning material 96 between the head 95b of the second spacing member 95 and the casing 802, and engages the head 95b with the cushioning material 96. The cushioning material 96 is made of an elastic material, such as closed-cell foam urethane rubber, and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a predetermined thickness (e.g., approximately 8 mm). A through-hole 96a, through which the shaft 95a is inserted, is formed in the center of the cushioning material 96 and communicates (opens) laterally. Therefore, the cushioning material 96 can be inserted between the head 95b of the second spacing member 95 and the casing 802 from a direction perpendicular to the shaft 95a, while passing the shaft 95a through the through-hole 96a.

[0035] As a result, the lubricant 83 is elastically supported by the cushion material 96 and is maintained in a state (second spaced state) spaced apart from the application brush 82, as shown in FIG. In this separated state, the lubricant 83 has a very small gap G1 of a predetermined value (for example, 0.5 mm) or less between it and the application brush 82 in the direction D2. At this time, a gap G2 is present between the cylindrical portion 833 and the casing 802 in the direction D2.

[0036] In this way, the lubricant 83 is elastically supported by the cushion material 96, and therefore the lubricant 83 can be suitably protected. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 , if lubricant 83 is separated from application brush 82 while being supported with high rigidity by an E-shaped retaining ring 110 or the like, there is a risk that lubricant 83 will bend and break (crack) if an upward impact in the direction D2 occurs due to a drop during transportation, etc. If lubricant 83 is made taller to improve the product's lifespan, it will become even more susceptible to cracking. Specifically, lubricant 83 of this embodiment will crack under an impact of approximately 27 G if it is not elastically supported. Attempting to absorb this impact solely through packaging would require a huge package size, which is not practical. In this regard, in this embodiment, the lubricant 83 is elastically supported by the cushion material 96, so that the cushion material 96 can absorb the impact of a fall or the like, and damage to the lubricant 83 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gap G1 between the lubricant 83 and the application brush 82 is very small. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 17, when an upward impact in the direction D2 occurs due to a fall or the like, the lubricant 83 is likely to come into contact with the application brush 82. This allows the application brush 82 to absorb the impact due to a fall or the like, and more reliably prevents damage to the lubricant 83. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gap G2 is interposed between the cylindrical portion 833 and the casing 802. That is, in the second separated state, the lubricant 83 is disposed at a position where the elastic force of the cushion material 96 and the biasing force of the pressure spring 84 are balanced. As a result, when a downward impact in the direction D2 is applied, the impact can be absorbed by the pressure spring 84 inside the cylindrical portion 833, and damage to the lubricant 83 can be suppressed.

[0037] <Modifications of the Support State> It is preferable that the cushion material 96 has an appropriate elasticity value that is unlikely to cause significant creep deformation even when left unused for a long period of time. In other words, as shown in FIG. 18, if the cushion material 96 is too soft, the second spacing member 95 will dig into the cushion material 96 to a large extent, causing creep deformation of the cushion material 96. If creep deformation occurs in the cushion material 96, the gap G1 between the lubricant 83 and the application brush 82 cannot be maintained. Therefore, it is preferable that the cushion material 96 has an elasticity value that is not too small. The same can be said about the area of ​​the head 95b of the second spacing member 95 that comes into contact with the cushion material 96. In other words, if the area of ​​the head 95b that comes into contact with the cushion material 96 is too small, the second spacing member 95 will dig into the cushion material 96 too much, causing creep deformation of the cushion material 96. For this reason, it is preferable to increase the area of ​​the head 95b of the second spacing member 95 that comes into contact with the cushion material 96 to a degree that does not adversely affect other elements.

[0038] 19, in order to suppress deformation of the cushion material 96 due to the head portion 95b of the second spacing member 95, a sheet material 961 having higher rigidity than the cushion material 96 may be disposed between the head portion 95b of the second spacing member 95 and the cushion material 96. For example, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate resin) sheet having a predetermined thickness (e.g., 0.35 mm) is attached to the lower surface of the cushion material 96 as the sheet material 961. This disperses the force received from the head portion 95b of the second spacing member 95, suppressing local deformation of the cushion material 96. Note that the sheet material 961 only needs to be disposed in at least the portion of the cushion material 96 that comes into contact with the head portion 95b. In this case, a sheet material 962 may also be disposed on the other (upper) surface of the cushion material 96. This reduces friction and facilitates insertion (press-fitting) between the casing 802 and the head 95b of the second spacing member 95. In this case, it is also preferable that the two sheet materials 961, 962 provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the cushion material 96 have the same configuration (thickness, material, etc.). This eliminates the need for a front and back (upper and lower) orientation of the cushion material 96, improving the ease of assembly of the cushion material 96.

[0039] Furthermore, the lubricant 83 may restrict movement in the D2 direction not only at both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) but also, for example, at the center in the longitudinal direction. 20, for example, a support plate 832 to which lubricant 83 is adhered and the casing 802 may be engaged at the longitudinal center via an additional second spacing member 95A. The second spacing member 95A is configured to be engageable and detachable with respect to the support plate 832, and separates the lubricant 83 from the application brush 82 via the support plate 832. The structure for engaging and detaching the second spacing member 95A and the support plate 832 may be similar to the structure for engaging and detaching the second spacing member 95 and the cylindrical portion 833, for example. This makes it possible to suppress deflection of the lubricant 83 at the longitudinal center even when an impact acts on the lubricant 83 in the upward direction D2. In this case, a cushion material 96 may be disposed between the casing 802 and the second spacing members 95, 95A, or a retaining ring 112 or the like having higher rigidity than the cushion material 96 may be disposed.

[0040] [Differences in separation state] In this embodiment, the separation state (first separation state) between the application brush 82 and the photoconductor 32 has higher retention rigidity (support rigidity) and a longer separation distance than the separation state (second separation state) between the lubricant 83 and the application brush 82. In other words, the rigidity for maintaining the second separation state is lower than the rigidity for maintaining the first separation state. In other words, the application brush 82 is more likely to maintain the separation state between the application brush 82 and the photoconductor 32 even when subjected to an impact, whereas the lubricant 83 is more likely to come into contact with the application brush 82 when subjected to an impact. This prevents deformation of the application brush 82 and allows the lubricant 83 to absorb the impact. The first and second separated states may be different in at least one of the holding rigidity and the separation distance.

[0041] 21 and 22, when the application brush 82 is a slanted bristled brush, it is preferable to move the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 together so as not to ruffle the bristles of the application brush 82. Specifically, in this case, it is preferable that the direction of movement of the application brush 82 (direction D1) be the same as the direction of movement of the lubricant 83 (direction D2), or that the direction D2 be rotated upstream of the slanted bristles of the application brush 82 (clockwise in FIGS. 21 and 22). This prevents the bristles of the application brush 82 from standing up due to movement of the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 together. This also prevents the application brush 82 from being left in a ruffled state for a long period of time. When the second spacing member 95 is removed, the bristles of the application brush 82 stand up, but this is not a problem because the application brush is used before the bristles become tangled.

[0042] [Installing the photoconductor unit] When installing the unused photosensitive unit 32U in the image forming apparatus 1 main body in a printable state, the first spacing member 91 and the second spacing member 95 are removed from the casing 802. The order of removal is not particularly limited. The first spacing member 91 and the second spacing member 95 can be removed by performing the reverse procedure of the above-described installation procedure. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, after removing the first spacing member 91, a coupling 823 is attached to one shaft end of the application brush 82, and a gear 825 is attached to the other shaft end. After removing the second spacing member 95, a boss member 99 for supporting the pressure spring 84 is fitted into the insertion hole 802d of the casing 802, and then a seal member 98 is attached to the insertion hole 802d. The seal member 98 closes (blocks) the insertion hole 802d and fixes the boss member 99 to prevent the pressure spring 84 from falling over. This prevents toner leakage from the insertion hole 802d. In this way, the photosensitive unit 32U is ready for printing. Then, the photosensitive unit 32U is slid in the Y direction and attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby completing the installation of the photosensitive unit 32U.

[0043] [Technical effect of this embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the first separation state in which the photosensitive body 32 to be coated and the application brush 82 are separated and the second separation state in which the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 are separated differ in at least one of the holding rigidity and the separation distance. This prevents creep deformation of application brush 82 when not in use, such as during transportation, and allows application brush 82 to absorb the impact of impact on lubricant 83. This in turn prevents uneven application of lubricant due to deformation of application brush 82 and simplifies packaging. Therefore, lubricant 83 can be suitably maintained when not in use.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rigidity with which the photoconductor 32 and the application brush 82 maintain the second separated state is lower than the rigidity with which the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 maintain the first separated state. Therefore, when not in use, application brush 82 tends to maintain a separation from photoreceptor 32 even when subjected to an impact, whereas lubricant 83 tends to come into contact with application brush 82 when subjected to an impact. This more reliably prevents application brush 82 from deforming and allows lubricant 83 to absorb the impact.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the photoconductor 32 and the application brush 82 are in a first separated state when the photoconductor unit 32U (cleaning section 80) is in an unused state, and are in a first contact state when the photoconductor unit 32U is in a printable state. The application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 are in a second separated state when the photoconductor unit 32U (cleaning section 80) is in an unused state, and are in a second contact state when the photoconductor unit 32U is in a printable state. This allows the photoconductor unit 32U to be transported, stored, etc., with the photoconductor 32, the application brush 82, and the lubricant 83 appropriately spaced apart.

[0046] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first spacing member 91 separates the application brush 82 from the photosensitive member 32, and also separates the cleaning blade 81 (cleaning member) from the photosensitive member 32. This allows both the application brush 82 and the cleaning blade 81 to be appropriately spaced from the photoreceptor 32 by the first spacing member 91 alone.

[0047] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first spacing member 91 has a D-hole 91g (restriction portion) that restricts the rotation of the application brush . As a result, for example, when coupling 823 or the like is attached to applying brush 82, first spacing member 91 can be used to restrict rotation of applying brush 82. This prevents applying brush 82 from being rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of the bristles.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first spacing member 91 is made of resin, and the portion that maintains the photosensitive element 32 and the application brush 82 in the first spacing state (the portion corresponding to the second dimension L2) is formed to have a thickness that is thick enough to accommodate elastic deformation and creep deformation. This ensures a gap between the photosensitive member 32 and the application brush 82 even when the first spacing member 91 is elastically deformed and creep-deformed.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second spacing member 95 is engaged with the cushion material 96 (elastic member) in a state in which the lubricant 83 is spaced from the application brush . This allows the cushioning material 96 to absorb any upward impact in the direction D2 due to a fall or the like, thereby preventing the lubricant 83 from being damaged.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the second separated state, the lubricant 83 is positioned at a position where the elastic force of the cushion material 96 and the biasing force of the pressure spring 84 (biasing member) that biases the lubricant 83 toward the application brush 82 are balanced. As a result, when a downward impact in the direction D2 is applied, the impact can be absorbed by the pressure spring 84, and damage to the lubricant 83 can be more reliably prevented.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cushion material 96 has the sheet material 961 having higher rigidity than the cushion material 96 at least in the portion where the cushion material 96 abuts against the second spacing member 95 . This makes it possible to suppress local deformation of the cushion material 96 caused by the second spacing member 95.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second spacing member 95 is configured to be capable of engaging and disengaging with the lubricant 83 so that it can assume a state in which it is engaged with the lubricant 83 (locked position) and a state in which the engagement is released (detached position) as the shaft portion 95a rotates. This allows the second spacing member 95 to be easily attached and detached simply by rotating the shaft portion 95a.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pressure spring 84 (biasing member) is supported by the boss member 99 inserted into the insertion hole 802d of the casing 802 when the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 are in the second contact state. This makes it possible to prevent the pressure spring 84 from falling over even when the second spacing member 95 is removed.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the application brush 82 and the lubricant 83 are in the second contact state, the seal member 98 closes the insertion hole 802d of the casing 802 and supports the boss member 99 inserted into the insertion hole 802d. This prevents toner leakage from the insertion hole 802d and more reliably prevents the pressure spring 84 from tipping over.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the first approaching and separating direction (D1 direction) of the application brush 82 is the same as the second approaching and separating direction (D2 direction) of the lubricant 83, or that the D2 direction is rotated upstream of the slanted bristles of the application brush 82. This prevents the bristles of application brush 82 from standing up when application brush 82 comes into contact with or separates from lubricant 83, even if application brush 82 is a slanted bristled brush.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first spacing member 91 and the second spacing member 95 are configured to be detachable from the casing 802 from the outside of the casing 802. This allows the first spacing member 91 and the second spacing member 95 to be easily attached to and detached from the casing 802 without opening the inside of the casing 802 .

[0057] [others] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiment and its variations, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the photosensitive unit 32U (cleaning unit 80) is exemplified as an example of a lubricant application device according to the present invention. However, the present invention can be widely applied to lubricant application devices that apply lubricant, and can also be applied to intermediate transfer units, secondary transfer units, fixing units, etc. in image forming apparatuses. In these cases, the application mode is a belt rather than a drum. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Image forming device 32 Photoconductor (target of application) 32U Photoconductor Unit 80 Cleaning section (lubricant application device) 81 Cleaning blade (cleaning material) 82 Application brush (application member) 822 Core 824 D-cut section 83 Lubricants 833 Cylindrical part 833a Engagement hole 84 Pressure spring (biasing member) 91, 92 First spacing member 91a, 92a First pressing surface 91b, 92b Second pressing surface 91g D hole (regulating part) 95, 95A Second spacing member 95a Shaft 95b head 95c engaging claw 96 Cushioning material (elastic material) 961 Sheet material 962 Sheet material 98 Sealing material 99 Boss parts 802 Casing 802d Insertion hole D1: Direction of application brush contact (first direction of contact) D2 Lubricant contact / separation direction (second contact / separation direction) G1 Gap G2 gap L1 First dimension L2 Second dimension R Rotation direction of the photoconductor 32

Claims

1. A solidified lubricant; an application member disposed between the lubricant and an object to which the lubricant is to be applied, and applying the lubricant to the object; Equipped with the application member is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the application target so that the application target and the application member can be in a first contact state and a first separated state, the lubricant is configured to be capable of coming into contact with and being separated from the applying member so that the applying member and the lubricant can be in a second contact state and a second separated state; The first separated state and the second separated state are different in at least one of holding rigidity and separation distance. Lubricant application device.

2. a rigidity for maintaining the second spaced state being lower than a rigidity for maintaining the first spaced state; The lubricant application device according to claim 1.

3. the application target and the application member are in the first separated state when the lubricant application device is in an unused state, and in the first contact state when the lubricant application device is in a printable state; the applying member and the lubricant are in the second separated state when the lubricant applying device is in a non-use state, and in the second contact state when the lubricant applying device is in a printable state; The lubricant application device according to claim 1.

4. a first spacing member that maintains the application member in the first spaced state with respect to the application target; a second spacing member that maintains the lubricant in the second spaced state relative to the applicator member; Equipped with The lubricant application device according to claim 1.

5. a cleaning member that contacts the surface of the object to be coated; the first spacing member separates the applying member from the application target and also separates the cleaning member from the application target; The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

6. The application member is configured to be rotatable, the first spacing member has a restricting portion that restricts rotation of the applying member; The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

7. The first spacing member is It is made of resin, a portion that holds the application target and the application member in the first spaced state is formed to have a thickness that is thick enough to accommodate elastic deformation and creep deformation; The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

8. the second spacing member is engaged with the elastic member in a state in which the lubricant is spaced from the applicator member; The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

9. a biasing member that biases the lubricant toward the applying member, The lubricant is disposed at a position where the elastic force of the elastic member and the biasing force of the biasing member are balanced in the second separated state. The lubricant application device according to claim 8.

10. the elastic member has a sheet material having a higher rigidity than the elastic member at least in a contact portion with the second spacing member; The lubricant application device according to claim 8.

11. The second spacing member is The lubricant has a shaft portion along the contact and separation direction, The shaft portion is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the lubricant so as to be engaged with the lubricant and disengaged from the lubricant as the shaft portion rotates. The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

12. a casing having an insertion hole through which the second spacing member is inserted; a biasing member that biases the lubricant toward the applying member, the biasing member is supported by a boss member inserted into the insertion hole when the application member and the lubricant are in the second contact state. The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

13. a seal member is disposed in the insertion hole when the application member and the lubricant are in the second contact state; The sealing member closes the insertion hole and supports the boss member. The lubricant application device according to claim 12.

14. the application member is a bristle brush, The first contact / separation direction of the applicator is the same as the second contact / separation direction of the lubricant, or the second contact / separation direction is a direction rotated toward the upstream side of the bristles of the applicator. The lubricant application device according to claim 1.

15. a casing that houses a main part of the lubricant application device; the first spacing member and the second spacing member are configured to be detachable from the casing from the outside of the casing. The lubricant application device according to claim 4.

16. The lubricant application device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, a photoreceptor that is the coating target and that carries a toner image; A photoreceptor unit comprising:

17. The photoreceptor unit according to claim 16 ; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image carried by the photoreceptor onto a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images