Rotating device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which can suppress wear of a brush for foreign matter removal that contacts an outer peripheral surface of a rotor.SOLUTION: A rotation device 16 comprises: a rotor 250 in which a recess 254 is formed on an outer peripheral surface; and a brush 72 which contacts the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and removes a foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface. In the state where the rotation of the rotor is stopped, the brush is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the rotor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotation device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a transfer device which transfers an image on an image carrier, the transfer device comprising: a transfer material transport means which moves the transfer material endlessly along a circular movement path; a gripper piece attached to the transport means and supported on a rotating shaft so as to rotate relative to a base member, which grips the leading edge of the transfer material; and a switch member attached to the base member, the presence of the transfer material in the gripper being detected by cutting out a portion of the gripper piece at the position of the switch member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-005769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The rotating device may be a device including a rotor having a recess formed on its outer circumferential surface, and a brush that comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor to remove foreign matter adhering to the outer circumferential surface. In this device, if the brush comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor when the rotor is stopped rotating, the brush may wear out.

[0005] The present invention aims to suppress wear of the brush when the rotating body is stopped, compared to a configuration in which the brush is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect comprises a rotating body having a recess formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a brush that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body and removes foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface, and when the rotation of the rotating body is stopped, the brush is moved away from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body.

[0007] In the second aspect, the rotation of the rotating body is stopped at a position where the recess faces the brush, so that the brush is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body in a state where the rotation of the rotating body is stopped.

[0008] In a third aspect, the brushless motor further includes a separation mechanism that separates the brush from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor by moving the brush radially outward of the rotor when the rotor is stopped.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, the brush rotates and includes a contact member that comes into contact with the rotating brush to cause foreign matter adhering to the brush to fall off.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, the spacing mechanism spaces the brush away from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor without changing a positional relationship between the brush and the contact member.

[0011] In the sixth aspect, when a contact width of the brush with respect to the contact member is defined as SA and a contact width of the brush with respect to the rotating body is defined as SL, a relationship of SL>SA is satisfied.

[0012] A seventh aspect includes a transfer unit that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the rotating body and transfers toner to a recording medium passing between the rotating body and the transfer unit, and a rotating device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the brush removes the toner as the foreign matter.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, when the size of the recording medium is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the rotation device separates the brush from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body while the rotating body is rotating. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the configuration of the first aspect, wear of the brush is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the brush is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor when the rotor is stopped from rotating.

[0015] According to the configuration of the second aspect, it is possible to save space compared to a configuration in which the brush is moved radially outward of the rotor to separate the brush from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor.

[0016] According to the configuration of the third aspect, when moving the brush away from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor, it is not necessary to control the rotational position of the rotor.

[0017] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, re-adhesion of foreign matter from the brush to the rotor is suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the brush contacts only the rotor.

[0018] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the performance of the contact member to remove foreign matter adhering to the brush is less likely to fluctuate compared to a configuration in which the positional relationship between the brush and the contact member changes when the brush is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body.

[0019] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the influence of settling of the brush due to contact with the contact member can be reduced, compared to a configuration having the relationship SL≦SA.

[0020] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, wear of the brush is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the brush is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor when the rotor is stopped rotating.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, wear of the brush is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the brush is constantly in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body while the rotating body is rotating, regardless of the size of the recording medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of a transfer cylinder according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a gripper according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning device and a transfer cylinder according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a brush and a flicker according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a recessed portion of a transfer cylinder faces a brush in the cleaning device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning device according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the cleaning device main body is located at a separated position in a cleaning device according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] First Embodiment (Image forming apparatus 10) The configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Note that arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction, which is the up-down direction of the apparatus, arrow W indicates the horizontal direction, which is the width direction of the apparatus, and arrow D indicates the horizontal direction, which is the depth direction of the apparatus (front-rear direction of the apparatus). The dimensional ratios of the parts shown in each figure in the H direction, W direction, and D direction may differ from the actual dimensional ratios.

[0025] 1 is an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an ink image (one example of an image) on a recording medium P. Specifically, image forming apparatus 10 includes image forming section 14, transport mechanism 12, and opposing cylinder 250. Each section of image forming apparatus 10 (image forming section 14, transport mechanism 12, and opposing cylinder 250) will be described below.

[0026] (Image forming unit 14) The image forming unit 14 has a function of forming an ink image on the conveyed recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the image forming unit 14 has ejection units 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K (hereinafter, referred to as 14Y to 14K) that eject ink to predetermined ejection positions.

[0027] The discharge sections 14Y to 14K are arranged in this order toward the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The discharge sections 14Y to 14K are elongated along the width direction of the recording medium P. The width direction of the recording medium P is a direction that intersects with the transport direction (specifically, a direction perpendicular to the transport direction) and is a direction along the front-rear direction of the apparatus.

[0028] In the image forming unit 14, the ejection units 14Y to 14K eject ink droplets onto the recording medium P transported by the transport mechanism 12 using a known method such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric method, thereby forming an ink image on the recording medium P.

[0029] (Transport mechanism 12) The transport mechanism 12 shown in Fig. 1 is a mechanism for transporting a recording medium P. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the transport mechanism 12 has a pair of chains 22 and a gripper 24. Note that Fig. 1 shows only one of the pair of chains 22, and the chain 22 and the gripper 24 are shown in a simplified form.

[0030] The pair of chains 22 are formed in a loop as shown in Fig. 1. The pair of chains 22 are arranged at an interval in the device depth direction (direction D in the figure) as shown in Fig. 2. Each of the pair of chains 22 is wound around each of a pair of sprockets 25 provided on both axial ends of the opposing barrel 250 and each of a pair of sprockets 37 (see Fig. 1). The opposing barrel 250 and the pair of sprockets 25 are rotated integrally in rotation direction B (direction of arrow B), causing the chain 22 to revolve in circulation direction C (direction of arrow C).

[0031] 2, mounting members 23 having grippers 24 attached thereto are hung across the pair of chains 22 in the device depth direction. A plurality of mounting members 23 are fixed to the pair of chains 22 at predetermined intervals along the circulating direction C of the chains 22.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of grippers 24 are attached to the mounting member 23 at predetermined intervals along the device depth direction. The grippers 24 function as a holder that holds the leading end of the recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the gripper 24 has a claw 24A and a claw base 24B. The gripper 24 is configured to hold the recording medium P by pinching the leading end of the recording medium P between the claw 24A and the claw base 24B. For example, the gripper 24 has the claw 24A pressed against the claw base 24B by a spring or the like, and the claw 24A is opened and closed relative to the claw base 24B by the action of a cam or the like.

[0033] In the transport mechanism 12, the leading end of the recording medium P sent from a storage unit (not shown) in which the recording medium P is stored is held by a gripper 24 as shown in Fig. 3. The gripper 24 holding the leading end of the recording medium P transports the recording medium P as the chain 22 rotates in a rotation direction C, and causes the recording medium P to pass through the discharge positions of the discharge units 14Y to 14K. Then, the discharge units 14Y to 14K discharge ink droplets at the discharge positions onto the recording medium P passing through the discharge positions, thereby forming an ink image.

[0034] (Rotating device 16) The rotating device 16 includes an opposing cylinder 250, a driving unit 17, a brake 18, and a cleaning device 15. The opposing cylinder 250 is an example of a rotating body. The brake 18 is an example of a separation mechanism and also an example of a stopping unit. The configuration of the brake 18 will be described later.

[0035] 1, the opposing barrel 250 is a barrel member facing the discharge portions 14Y-14K. The opposing barrel 250 is formed in a circular shape in a side view, and has a recess 254 on its outer circumferential surface. The gripper 24 and the attachment member 23 are housed in the recess 254. This prevents the gripper 24 and the attachment member 23 from coming into contact with the discharge portions 14Y-14K when they pass through the discharge positions of the discharge portions 14Y-14K. The specific configuration of the recess 254 will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of sprockets 25 are provided on both axial ends of the opposing cylinder 250. The pair of sprockets 25 are arranged coaxially with the opposing cylinder 250 and are configured to rotate integrally with the opposing cylinder 250. The opposing cylinder 250 and the pair of sprockets 25 are rotationally driven by a drive unit 17 (e.g., a motor, see Fig. 1). Note that hereinafter, the axial direction of the opposing cylinder 250 may be simply referred to as the "axial direction".

[0037] 4, the opposing body 250 has a body main body 252 made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum, and an elastic layer 256 wrapped around the outer periphery of the body main body 252. As the elastic layer 256, for example, a rubber layer made of foamed rubber is used.

[0038] (Cleaning device 15) Cleaning device 15 shown in Fig. 4 is a device that cleans the outer peripheral surface of opposing cylinder 250. Specifically, cleaning device 15 is a device that removes foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface of opposing cylinder 250. As shown in Fig. 4, cleaning device 15 includes cleaning device main body 40, duct frame 60, and cleaning unit 70. Note that foreign matter includes, for example, ink droplets and paper powder when recording medium P is paper. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of opposing cylinder 250 is the surface of elastic layer 256 in this embodiment.

[0039] (Cleaning device body 40) As shown in Fig. 4, the cleaning device main body 40 has a box-shaped housing 42. The housing 42 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated along the axial direction. The housing 42 has an opening 42A that opens to the opposing body 250 side (the right side in Fig. 4).

[0040] (Duct frame 60 and cleaning unit 70) The duct frame 60 and the cleaning unit 70 are disposed inside the housing 42 of the cleaning device main body 40, as shown in FIG.

[0041] The cleaning unit 70 includes a box-shaped housing 80, a brush 72, a flicker 74, a transport auger 76, and sealants 78 and 79. The flicker 74 is an example of a contact member.

[0042] The housing 80 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated along the axial direction. The housing 80 has an opening 82 that opens to the opposing body 250 side (the right side in FIG. 4).

[0043] The brush 72 has a shaft portion 72A and a brush portion 72B provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 72A. The brush portion 72B is disposed around the entire circumference of the shaft portion 72A and is composed of fibers extending radially outward from the shaft portion 72A. The fibers may be, for example, resin fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The fiber diameter may be, for example, 2d (denier) or more and 15d (denier) or less, and the fiber density may be, for example, 10,000 fibers / inch. 2 More than 120000 pieces / inch 2 A circumferential part of the brush portion 72B is a contact portion that comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the opposing body 250.

[0044] Specifically, the brush 72 is housed inside the housing 80, and the contact portion of the brush portion 72B with the opposing body 250 is exposed through the opening 82. The contact portion of the brush portion 72B contacts the outer circumferential surface of the opposing body 250.

[0045] The shaft 72A of the brush 72 extends in the front-rear direction of the device, and both ends in the axial direction are rotatably supported by the cleaning device body 40. The shaft 72A of the brush 72 is driven by a drive unit (not shown) to rotate in the forward direction relative to the rotation direction of the opposing body 250. That is, the opposing body 250 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4, while the brush 72 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4. The peripheral speed ratio of the brush 72 to the opposing body 250 exceeds 1. That is, the peripheral speed of the brush 72 is faster than the peripheral speed of the opposing body 250. In this embodiment, the peripheral speed ratio of the brush 72 to the opposing body 250 is set in a range of, for example, more than 1 and not more than 2.5. The peripheral speed of the brush 72 is the peripheral speed at the tip of the portion that does not bite into the opposing body 250.

[0046] In the brush 72, as the brush 72 rotates, each portion in the circumferential direction of the brush portion 72B repeatedly comes into contact with and separates from the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250. Then, the brush portion 72B, which is elastically deformed by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250, elastically returns to its original state, thereby flicking off foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250, thereby physically removing the foreign matter from the outer peripheral surface.

[0047] In addition to or instead of the physical removal described above, the brush 72 may be configured to remove foreign matter from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250 by electrostatic force.

[0048] The flicker 74 is disposed below the brush 72 and is in contact with the brush portion 72B. The flicker 74 is formed in a rod shape with a circular cross section. The flicker 74 comes into contact with the rotating brush 72, causing foreign matter adhering to the brush 72 to fall. The fallen foreign matter is contained inside the housing 80 and accumulates on the bottom surface inside the housing 80.

[0049] 5, in this embodiment, when the amount of penetration of the brush 72 into the flicker 74 is KA and the amount of penetration of the brush 72 into the opposing body 250 is KB, there is a relationship of KA>KB. The amount of penetration KA is the length by which the brush 72 and the flicker 74 overlap in the radial direction of the brush 72. The amount of penetration KB is the length by which the brush 72 and the opposing body 250 overlap in the radial direction of the brush 72. In this embodiment, the amount of penetration KA is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the amount of penetration KB is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 2.8 mm or less.

[0050] In addition, when the contact width of the brush 72 with respect to the flicker 74 as viewed in the axial direction is defined as SA, and the contact width of the brush 72 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250 as viewed in the axial direction is defined as SL, the relationship SL>SA holds. Therefore, the number of contact pieces of the brush 72 that contact the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250 is greater than the number of contact pieces of the brush 72 that contact the flicker 74. The number of contact pieces can also be said to be the number of pieces that the brush 72 deforms. The contact width SA is, for example, 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and the contact width SL is, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The length of the fibers of the brush portion 72B (i.e., the radial length) is, for example, 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the distance between the shaft portion 72A of the brush 72 and the opposing body 250 is, for example, 1.2 mm or more and 9.7 mm or less.

[0051] 4, the transport auger 76 is disposed on the bottom surface inside the housing 80. The transport auger 76 has a shaft portion 76A and a blade portion 76B provided in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 76A.

[0052] A shaft 76A of the transport auger 76 extends in the front-rear direction of the device, and both axial ends are rotatably supported by the cleaning device body 40. In the transport auger 76, rotation of the shaft 76A causes the blades 76B to pivot, transporting foreign matter that has fallen onto the bottom surface inside the housing 80 rearward along the axial direction of the brush 72, and discharging the foreign matter from the rear side of the housing 80 through a discharge pipe (not shown).

[0053] The sealing materials 78 and 79 have a function of preventing foreign matter contained inside the housing 80 from leaking out of the housing 80 through the opening 82 of the housing 80 to the outside of the housing 80. As an example, the sealing materials 78 and 79 are made of a film material that is capable of bending and deforming.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4, the sealant 78 is attached to an upper edge 83 provided above the opening 82 in the housing 80. Specifically, the sealant 78 extends obliquely downward from the upper edge 83 toward the opposing body 250 (to the right in Fig. 4), and its tip is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the opposing body 250. In this way, the sealant 78 prevents foreign matter from leaking through a gap between the upper edge 83 of the housing 80 and the outer circumferential surface of the opposing body 250.

[0055] The sealant 79 is attached to a lower edge 87 provided below the opening 82 in the housing 80. Specifically, the sealant 79 extends upward from the lower edge 87, and its tip is in contact with the flicker 74. In this way, the sealant 79 prevents foreign matter from leaking through a gap between the lower edge 87 of the housing 80 and the flicker 74.

[0056] The duct frame 60 is a frame serving as a component that constitutes the ducts 91 and 92. In this embodiment, the ducts 91 and 92 are constituted by the duct frame 60 and a housing 80 of the cleaning unit 70. The duct 91 is disposed above the brush 72 and above the housing 80.

[0057] The duct 91 has a suction port 91A that opens toward the opposing body 250. As shown in Fig. 6, in a rotational position where the recess 254 in the opposing body 250 faces the brush 72 (the left side in Fig. 6), the suction port 91A faces the recess 254. More specifically, the suction port 91A opens above the brush 72. The duct 91 also extends in the front-rear direction.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 4, the duct 92 is disposed below the brush 72, below the housing 80. The duct 92 has a suction port 92A that opens toward the opposing body 250. As shown in Fig. 6, in a rotational position in which the recess 254 in the opposing body 250 faces the brush 72 (the left side in Fig. 6), the suction port 92A faces the recess 254. More specifically, the suction port 92A opens below the brush 72. The duct 92 also extends in the front-rear direction.

[0059] Duct 91 and duct 92 are connected at the rear side, and a pipe (not shown) is connected to the connecting portion. A blower (not shown) is provided in the pipe. When the blower is driven, air containing foreign matter is taken into duct 91 from suction port 91A, and is taken into duct 92 from suction port 92A. The air taken into ducts 91 and 92 flows through ducts 91 and 92 toward the rear side, and the air that has flowed through ducts 91 and 92 joins together and is discharged through the aforementioned pipe.

[0060] (Relationship between each part of the cleaning device 15 and the recess 254 of the opposing body 250) 6, the recess 254 of the opposing cylinder 250 is provided at a portion of the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250. The recess 254 is elongated along the axial direction of the opposing cylinder 250 and has a depth along the radial direction of the opposing cylinder 250.

[0061] The opening width 254L (see FIG. 6) of the recess 254 in the axial direction is wider than the contact width SL (see FIG. 5) between the brush 72 and the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250 in the axial direction. The depth 254D (see FIG. 6) of the recess 254 is deeper than the bite amount KB (see FIG. 5) of the brush 72 into the opposing body 250. Therefore, when the brush 72 faces the recess 254, it is not in contact with the opposing body 250 and is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the opposing body 250. Furthermore, the opening width 254L of the recess 254 is wider than the outer diameter of the brush 72, wider than the opening width 80L of the opening 82 of the housing 80 in the axial direction, and wider than the width 60L between the tip of the upper wall and the tip of the lower wall of the duct frame 60 in the axial direction. The opening width 254L, the contact width SL, the opening width 80L, and the width 60L are widths along the circumferential direction of the opposing body 250.

[0062] (Brake 18) 1 is configured, as an example, to hold the rotation axis of the opposing barrel 250, thereby stopping the rotation of the opposing barrel 250. Specifically, when transitioning from a mode in which the opposing barrel 250 rotates (hereinafter referred to as the "rotation mode") to a mode in which the rotation of the opposing barrel 250 stops (hereinafter referred to as the "stop mode"), the brake 18 stops the rotation of the opposing barrel 250 at a position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72 (the position shown in FIG. 6).

[0063] The rotation mode corresponds, for example, to a state in which an image forming process is performed to form an ink image on the recording medium P. The stop mode corresponds, for example, to a standby state in which the image forming process is not performed, and a state in which the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped when the power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off.

[0064] In this embodiment, the brake 18 stops the rotation of the opposing barrel 250 at a position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72, thereby separating the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing barrel 250 in a state where the rotation of the opposing barrel 250 has stopped. Note that the position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72 is detected by a detection unit such as an optical sensor, for example.

[0065] (Action of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, as described above, when transitioning from the rotation mode to the stop mode, the brake 18 stops the rotation of the opposing cylinder 250 at a position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72. As a result, the brake 18 separates the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250 when the rotation of the opposing cylinder 250 is stopped.

[0066] As a result, deformation of brush 72 due to contact with the outer peripheral surface of opposing body 250 is avoided, and wear of brush 72 is suppressed compared to a configuration in which brush 72 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of opposing body 250 when rotation of opposing body 250 is stopped.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brake 18 stops the rotation of the opposing barrel 250 at a position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72, thereby separating the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing barrel 250. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the brush 72 is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing barrel 250 by moving the brush 72 radially outward of the opposing barrel 250, it is possible to save space.

[0068] In this embodiment, the flicker 74 comes into contact with the rotating brush 72, thereby causing foreign matter adhering to the brush 72 to fall off. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the brush 72 comes into contact only with the opposing body 250, re-adhesion of foreign matter from the brush 72 to the opposing body 250 is suppressed.

[0069] 5, in this embodiment, when the amount of penetration of the brush 72 into the flicker 74 is KA and the amount of penetration of the brush 72 into the opposing cylinder 250 is KB, the relationship is KA>KB. Therefore, compared to a configuration having the relationship KA≦KB, foreign matter that has moved from the opposing cylinder 250 to the brush 72 is more likely to fall from the brush 72, and re-adhesion of foreign matter from the brush 72 to the opposing cylinder 250 is suppressed.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, when the contact width of the brush 72 with the flicker 74 as viewed in the axial direction is defined as SA, and the contact width of the brush 72 with the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250 as viewed in the axial direction is defined as SL, there is a relationship of SL>SA. Here, the brush 72 is capable of being separated from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250, and therefore it is possible to suppress wear due to contact with the opposing cylinder 250, but since the brush 72 is constantly in contact with the flicker 74, there is a risk of wear due to contact with the flicker 74. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, there is a relationship of SL>SA, and therefore the influence of wear due to contact of the brush 72 with the flicker 74 is smaller than in a configuration having a relationship of SL≦SA.

[0071] <Second embodiment> (Image forming apparatus 200) In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium P using ink, but the image forming apparatus is not limited to this. An example of the image forming apparatus may be, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and any apparatus that forms an image will do. In the second embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] (Image forming unit 214) The image forming apparatus 200 has an image forming unit 214 instead of the image forming unit 14. The image forming unit 214 has a function of forming a toner image (one example of an image) on the recording medium P by an electrophotographic method. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the image forming unit 214 has a toner image forming unit 222 that forms a toner image, and a transfer device 217 that transfers the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit 222 onto the recording medium P.

[0073] (Toner image forming unit 222) A plurality of toner image forming units 222 shown in Fig. 7 are provided so as to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 222 for a total of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), are provided. (Y), (M), (C), and (K) shown in Fig. 7 indicate components corresponding to the above-mentioned respective colors.

[0074] In addition, since the toner image forming units 222 of each color are configured in the same manner except for the toner used, in FIG. 7, the respective parts of the toner image forming unit 222(K) are denoted by reference numerals as a representative of the toner image forming units 222 of each color.

[0075] Specifically, each of the toner image forming units 222 for each color has a photoconductor 224 that rotates in one direction (for example, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7). Each of the toner image forming units 222 for each color also has a charger 223, an exposure device 240, and a developing device 238.

[0076] In the toner image forming section 222 for each color, the charger 223 charges the photoconductor 224. Furthermore, the exposure device 240 exposes the photoconductor 224 charged by the charger 223 to light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 224. Furthermore, the development device 238 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 224 by the exposure device 240, thereby forming a toner image.

[0077] (Transfer device 217) Transfer device 217 shown in Fig. 7 is a device that transfers a toner image formed in toner image forming section 222 to recording medium P. Specifically, transfer device 217 performs primary transfer of the toner images of the photoconductors 224 of each color onto transfer belt 213 as an intermediate transfer body, and performs secondary transfer of the superposed toner images onto recording medium P. As shown in Fig. 7, transfer device 217 includes transfer belt 213, primary transfer roll 226, and transfer cylinder 251 instead of opposing cylinder 250. Note that transfer cylinder 251 is an example of a rotating body, and transfer belt 213 is an example of a transfer section.

[0078] The primary transfer roll 226 is a roll that transfers the toner image of each color of the photoconductor 224 to the transfer belt 213 at a primary transfer position T1 between the photoconductor 224 and the primary transfer roll 226. In this embodiment, a primary transfer electric field is applied between the primary transfer roll 226 and the photoconductor 224, so that the toner image formed on the photoconductor 224 is transferred to the transfer belt 213 at the primary transfer position T1.

[0079] A toner image is transferred from each photoconductor 224 of each color onto the outer peripheral surface of transfer belt 213. As shown in Fig. 7, this transfer belt 213 is endless and is wound around multiple rolls 232 and opposing roll 234 so as to assume an inverted triangular posture when viewed from the front (when viewed toward the depth of the device). Transfer belt 213 rotates in the direction of arrow A when at least one of the multiple rolls 232 is driven to rotate.

[0080] The transfer cylinder 251 is a transfer body that transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 213 to the recording medium P at a secondary transfer position T2 between the opposing roll 234 and the transfer cylinder 251. In this embodiment, a secondary transfer electric field is applied between the opposing roll 234 and the transfer cylinder 251, so that the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 213 is transferred to the recording medium P at the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The outer circumferential surfaces of the transfer belt 213 and the transfer cylinder 251 are in contact with each other at the secondary transfer position T2, and the toner image is transferred while the recording medium P is conveyed in a state in which it is sandwiched between the transfer belt 213 and the transfer cylinder 251 at the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The transfer cylinder 251 is configured similarly to the opposing cylinder 250 in the first embodiment.

[0081] (Fixing device 30) In this embodiment, the fixing device 30 functions as a device that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer cylinder 251 to the recording medium P. Specifically, the fixing device 30 has a pressure roll 31 and a heating roll 32, as shown in FIG.

[0082] In the fixing device 30, a heating roll 32 is disposed above the pressure roll 31. The heating roll 32 has a heat source 32A, such as a halogen lamp, inside the roll.

[0083] The pressure roll 31 has a recess 34 on its outer circumferential surface. This recess 34 is provided at a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roll 31 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the recess 34 is elongated along the axial direction of the pressure roll 31 and has a depth along the radial direction of the pressure roll 31. The recess 34 accommodates a gripper 24 and a mounting member 23, which will be described later. This prevents the gripper 24 and the mounting member 23 from coming into contact with the heating roll 32 when they pass through the fixing position NP shown in FIG. 1.

[0084] The pair of sprockets 37 in the first embodiment are provided on both axial ends of the pressure roll 31. The pair of sprockets 37 are arranged coaxially with the pressure roll 31 and are configured to rotate integrally with the pressure roll 31.

[0085] In the fixing device 30, the recording medium P is sandwiched between the heating roll 32 and the pressure roll 31 and transported at the fixing position NP, while the recording medium P is heated and pressurized, thereby fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium P to the recording medium P.

[0086] In the image forming apparatus 200, the conveying mechanism 12 rotates the chain 22 in the circumferential direction C with the gripper 24 holding the leading end of the recording medium P, thereby passing the recording medium P through the secondary transfer position T2 and the fixing position NP between the pressure roll 31 and the heating roll 32. Then, the toner images of each color that have been primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 213 in a superimposed manner at the primary transfer position T1 are secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P at the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The toner images secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P are fixed onto the recording medium P at the fixing position NP.

[0087] The cleaning device 15 in this embodiment is configured similarly to the cleaning device 15 in the first embodiment, and the present embodiment exerts the same functions as the first embodiment.

[0088] (Modification of the Separation Mechanism) In the above-described first embodiment, the brake 18 stops the rotation of the opposing cylinder 250 at a position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72, thereby separating the brush 72 from the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250, but this is not limited thereto. As the separating mechanism, the moving mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 8 may be used. This modified example is also applicable to the second embodiment. In this case, the opposing cylinder 250 in the following description shall be read as the transfer cylinder 251.

[0089] In this modification, the cleaning device body 40 has an attachment portion 44 in addition to a housing 42, as shown in Fig. 8. In this modification, the cleaning device body 40, including the duct frame 60 and the cleaning unit 70, is provided on the body 11 of the image forming device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "image forming device body 11") so as to be movable along the device width direction. Specifically, the cleaning device body 40 is movable along the device width direction between a close position shown in Fig. 8 and a separate position shown in Fig. 9.

[0090] The approach position shown in Fig. 8 is a position approaching the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250. In this approach position, when the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250 faces the brush 72, the brush 72 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250. In addition, when the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250 faces the sealant 78, the sealant 78 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250. The separated position shown in Fig. 9 is a position separated with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250. In this separated position, the brush 72 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the opposing cylinder 250.

[0091] 8, the attachment portion 44 is a portion to which a tension spring 52 (described later) of the movement mechanism 50 is attached. Two attachment portions 44 are provided on the side wall 42B of the housing 42 on the opposite side to the opposing body 250 (the left side in FIG. 8).

[0092] The moving mechanism 50 is a mechanism for moving the cleaning device body 40 between the approach position shown in Fig. 8 and the separated position shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, the moving mechanism 50 has two tension springs 52 and a cam 54, as shown in Fig. 8. One end of each of the two tension springs 52 is attached to the attachment portion 44, and the other end is attached to the attachment portion 13 provided on the image forming device body 11. As a result, the two tension springs 52 pull the cleaning device body 40 toward the separated position (left side in Fig. 8) relative to the approach position. The cam 54 is provided on the image forming device body 11 so as to be swingable around a swing shaft 54A.

[0093] In the moving mechanism 50, when transitioning from the stop mode to the rotation mode, the cam 54 oscillates and the long diameter portion of the cam 54 contacts the side wall 42B of the housing 42, thereby moving the cleaning device main body 40 to the approach position shown in Figure 8 against the elastic force of the tension spring 52.

[0094] In addition, in the moving mechanism 50, when the rotation mode is switched to the stop mode, the cam 54 swings and the short diameter portion of the cam 54 faces the side wall 42B of the housing 42, and the elastic force of the tension spring 52 moves the cleaning device main body 40 to the separated position shown in Fig. 9. As a result, the moving mechanism 50 separates the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing body 250 when the rotation of the opposing body 250 is stopped.

[0095] As a result, deformation of brush 72 due to contact with the outer peripheral surface of opposing body 250 is avoided, and wear of brush 72 is suppressed compared to a configuration in which brush 72 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of opposing body 250 when rotation of opposing body 250 is stopped.

[0096] In addition, in this modification, since the entire cleaning device body 40 including the brush 72 and the flicker 74 moves, the positional relationship between the brush 72 and the flicker 74 does not change before and after the movement to the separated position shown in Fig. 9. In other words, the movement mechanism 50 separates the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposed body 250 without changing the positional relationship between the brush 72 and the flicker 74. For this reason, the performance of the flicker 74 to remove foreign matter attached to the brush 72 is less likely to fluctuate when the brush 72 is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the opposed body 250, compared to a configuration in which the positional relationship between the brush 72 and the flicker 74 changes.

[0097] Furthermore, in this modification, unlike the case where the brush 72 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the opposed cylinder 250 by the brake 18 stopping the rotation of the opposed cylinder 250 at a position where the recess 254 faces the brush 72, the brush 72 can be separated from the outer peripheral surface of the opposed cylinder 250 regardless of the position of the recess 254. Therefore, when the brush 72 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the opposed cylinder 250, it is not necessary to control the rotational position of the opposed cylinder 250.

[0098] Furthermore, in this modified example, the movement mechanism 50 separates the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250 when the opposing cylinder 250 is in a rotating state, ie, in the rotation mode, and foreign matter removal is not performed.

[0099] A case where foreign matter removal is not performed in the rotation mode refers to a case where foreign matter is unlikely to adhere to the opposing cylinder 250 when performing image formation processing. Specifically, this corresponds to a case where the image area of ​​the image formed on the recording medium P is narrower than a predetermined area. In this case, the amount of ink ejected is small in the first embodiment, and the amount of toner used is small in the second embodiment, so that foreign matter is unlikely to adhere to the opposing cylinder 250.

[0100] According to this configuration, wear of the brush 72 is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the brush 72 is constantly in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250 while the opposing cylinder 250 is rotating.

[0101] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a case in which foreign matter removal is not performed in the rotation mode may be, for example, a case in which the size of the recording medium P is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. In this case, since the area of ​​the recording medium P arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder 251 is large, the amount of toner (so-called fog toner) adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder 251 is reduced.

[0102] According to this configuration, regardless of the size of the recording medium P, wear of the brush 72 is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the brush 72 is always in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250 while the opposing cylinder 250 is rotating.

[0103] The rotation device 16 may be configured to include both the brake 18 and the moving mechanism 50. In this configuration, the brake 18 and the moving mechanism 50 are selectively used. For example, when transitioning from the rotation mode to the stop mode, the brake 18 may be used to separate the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250, and when removal of foreign matter is not performed in the rotation mode, the moving mechanism 50 may be used to separate the brush 72 from the outer circumferential surface of the opposing cylinder 250.

[0104] (Other variations) In the first and second embodiments, the brush 72 rotates in the forward direction relative to the rotation direction of the opposing cylinder 250, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the brush 72 may be configured to rotate in the reverse direction relative to the rotation direction of the opposing cylinder 250. Also, the brush 72 may not rotate. In this case, for example, the flicker 74 is not necessary.

[0105] In the first and second embodiments, the peripheral speed ratio of the brush 72 to the opposing cylinder 250 exceeds 1, but this is not limited to this. The peripheral speed ratio of the brush 72 to the opposing cylinder 250 may be 1 or less.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the flicker 74 is included, but the flicker 74 may not be included.

[0107] In the first and second embodiments, as shown in Fig. 5, when the amount of penetration of the brush 72 into the flicker 74 is KA and the amount of penetration of the brush 72 into the opposing body 250 is KB, the relationship KA>KB is satisfied, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the relationship KA≦KB may be satisfied.

[0108] In the first and second embodiments, the cleaning device 15 is configured to include the ducts 91 and 92, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the cleaning device 15 may be configured to include only one of the ducts 91 and 92.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the transfer belt 213 is used as an intermediate transfer body as an example of the transfer unit, but is not limited to this. As an example of the transfer unit, a photoconductor or the like may be used, or a direct transfer type transfer unit may be used.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined in combination as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 Image forming device 16 Rotating device 18 Brake (an example of a separation mechanism, an example of a stopping part) 50 Moving mechanism (an example of a separation mechanism) 72 Brush 74 Flicker (an example of a contact member) 213 Transfer belt (an example of a transfer section) 250 Opposed cylinder (an example of a rotating body) 251 Transfer cylinder (an example of a rotating body) 254 Recess P Recording medium

Claims

1. A rotor having a recess formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a brush that rotates in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotor and removes foreign matter adhering to the outer circumferential surface; a separation mechanism that separates the brush from an outer circumferential surface of the rotor by moving the brush radially outward of the rotor when the rotor is stopped; a contact member that contacts the rotating brush to cause foreign matter adhering to the brush to fall off; Equipped with The separating mechanism separates the brush from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body without changing the positional relationship between the brush and the contact member. Rotating device.

2. The rotation of the rotating body is stopped at a position where the recess faces the brush, so that the brush is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body in a state where the rotation of the rotating body is stopped. The rotating device according to claim 1 .

3. When the contact width of the brush with respect to the contact member is SA and the contact width of the brush with respect to the rotating body is SL, the relationship SL>SA is satisfied. A rotating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A transfer section that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the rotating body and transfers toner to a recording medium passing between the rotating body and the transfer section; The rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brush removes toner as the foreign matter; An image forming apparatus comprising:

5. A transfer section that contacts an outer peripheral surface of a rotating body and transfers toner to a recording medium passing between the rotating body and the transfer section; A rotating device; Equipped with The rotating device includes: The rotor having a recess formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a brush that comes into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the rotating body to remove toner adhering to the outer circumferential surface; Equipped with When the rotating body is stopped from rotating, the brush is moved away from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body, and when the size of the recording medium is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the brush is moved away from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body while the rotating body is rotating. Image forming device.

Images