Lubricant supply device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To uniformly apply lubricant to an image carrier or the like.SOLUTION: A lubricant supply device supplies lubricant to an object that is an image carrier or an intermediate transfer belt used for image formation, and the device comprises: a contact part that is in contact with the object and supplies the lubricant to the object; a first mechanism part that moves the contact part in a pushing direction to push the contact part into the image carrier at a plurality of points; and a second mechanism part that moves the position of the first mechanism part in the pushing direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a technology is known in which a lubricant supplying device is used to supply lubricant to a photosensitive drum, an intermediate transfer belt, or the like. Applying a lubricant to the photosensitive drum reduces friction on the photosensitive drum, thereby preventing cleaning defects.

[0003] Specifically, the lubricant supplying device includes a lubricant supplying roller that is in sliding contact with the image carrier, and a solid lubricant that is in sliding contact with the lubricant supplying roller. The lubricant supplying device further includes a mechanism that varies the contact pressure of the solid lubricant. A technique is known in which the contact pressure is controlled to reduce chipping of the cleaning blade and prevent poor cleaning (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, the member that supplies the lubricant is pressed against the image carrier or intermediate transfer belt (hereinafter referred to as "image carrier, etc.") at one point, which means that the lubricant cannot be evenly wetted onto the image carrier, etc.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to uniformly apply a lubricant to an image carrier or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a lubricant supplying device that supplies a lubricant to an object that is either an image carrier or an intermediate transfer belt used in image formation, a contact portion that comes into contact with the object and supplies the lubricant to the object; a first mechanism portion that moves in a pushing direction to push the contact portion into the image carrier at a plurality of locations; a second mechanism portion that moves the position of the first mechanism portion in the pushing direction; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to uniformly apply a lubricant to an image carrier or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus having a lubricant supplying device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus with a side cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a lubricant supplying device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example after the contact portion has been pressed in the first configuration example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the lubricant supply device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example after the contact portion has been pressed in the second configuration example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of a lubricant supplying device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the third configuration example after the contact portion has been pressed in. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of overall processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration around a photosensitive member in a comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device in a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] Specific examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the specific examples described below. In the following examples, the sheets are described as paper.

[0010] [Information processing system configuration and hardware configuration] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus having a lubricant supplying device, and the following description will be given taking the color printer 1 shown in FIG.

[0011] Inside the main body case 2 of the color printer 1 are installed a printer engine 3, an optical writing device 4 that emits a light beam, a paper feed cassette 5 that stores recording media P, a fixing device 6 that fixes the recording media P onto which the toner image has been transferred, and a waste toner collection container 7 that collects the waste toner generated after the toner image has been transferred.

[0012] The printer engine 3 forms a toner image and transfers the formed toner image onto a recording medium P. The printer engine 3 also has four photosensitive members 8 (8Y, 8C, 8M, 8K) that are image carriers, charging rollers 9 that are charging devices arranged around each photosensitive member 8, a developing device 10, a cleaning device 11, a primary transfer roller 12, the image carriers, an intermediate transfer belt 13, a secondary transfer roller 14, a cleaning device 15, and the like.

[0013] Hereinafter, the subscripts "Y", "C", "M", and "K" represent the colors yellow, cyan, magenta, and black, respectively.

[0014] The photoconductor 8 is cylindrical and connected to a drive motor, and the photoconductor 8 is rotated by the driving force from the drive motor.

[0015] The outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8 is provided with a photosensitive layer on which an electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0016] The charging roller 9 is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8, or disposed with a small gap between it and the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8. When a voltage is applied to the charging roller 9 from a power supply, a corona discharge occurs between the charging roller 9 and the photoreceptor 8. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8 is uniformly charged.

[0017] The optical writing device 4 emits a light beam corresponding to the image data. The optical writing device 4 then exposes the uniformly charged outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8.

[0018] The developing device 10 supplies toner to the photoreceptor 8. The toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

[0019] The intermediate transfer belt 13 has a base made of a resin film or rubber. The intermediate transfer belt 13 is a loop-shaped belt. The intermediate transfer belt 13 is wound around a drive roller 16, an inlet roller 17, and a tension roller 18. When the drive roller 16, which is rotated by a drive motor, is driven to rotate, the intermediate transfer belt 13 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0020] When the intermediate transfer belt 13 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow A, the inlet roller 17 and the tension roller 18 are rotated by the frictional force with the intermediate transfer belt 13 .

[0021] The primary transfer roller 12 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side (inside the loop) of the intermediate transfer belt 13. When a transfer voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 12, the toner image on each photoconductor 8 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 13.

[0022] Next, the toner images formed on the photosensitive member 8 are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 13 and superimposed on each other, forming a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 13 .

[0023] The cleaning device 11 cleans the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8 after the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13. Then, by cleaning, toner or paper dust remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 8 after the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13 is collected as waste toner.

[0024] The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 13 is transferred to the recording medium P when the recording medium P is fed into the transfer position where the intermediate transfer belt 13 and the secondary transfer roller 14 come into contact and a transfer voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 14.

[0025] The recording medium P is fed from a paper feed cassette 5 and then conveyed by a conveying roller 19 and a registration roller 20. After that, the recording medium P has a toner image transferred thereon, and is then sent to a fixing device 6.

[0026] Next, the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to a fixing process in a fixing device 6 by applying heat and pressure. Through this fixing process, the toner image is fixed to the recording medium P. Then, when the fixing process is completed, the recording medium P is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 21.

[0027] After the color toner image is transferred to the recording medium P, the cleaning device 15 cleans the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 13. Then, by cleaning, toner or paper dust remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 13 after the toner image is transferred is collected as waste toner.

[0028] The waste toner collection container 7 stores the waste toner collected by the cleaning device 11 and the cleaning device 15.

[0029] The photosensitive member 8, charging roller 9, developing device 10, and cleaning device 11 are unitized and housed in a case 22 to form process cartridges 23 (23Y, 23C, 23M, and 23K in the figure). Each process cartridge 23 is detachably mounted in the main body case 2. Unitization in this way facilitates replacement and maintenance. Furthermore, unitization allows the positional accuracy between components to be maintained at a high level, and improves image quality.

[0030] The process cartridge 23 can have various configurations. For example, the process cartridge 23 may be configured such that at least one of the charging roller 9, the developing device 10, and the cleaning device 11 and the photosensitive member 8 are housed in a case as a unit.

[0031] The image forming apparatus is, for example, an MFP, a copier, a printer, or a combination of these. Note that the image forming apparatus does not need to have a hardware configuration other than that described above, and any model is acceptable, as long as it is an apparatus that performs image processing such as image formation using an electrophotographic method.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus with a side cover opened, specifically, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a side cover 24 provided on the main body case 2 is opened.

[0033] When the side cover 24 is opened, the printer engine 3 and the waste toner collection container 7 are revealed. In this state, the user performs maintenance such as replacing the process cartridge 23, the intermediate transfer belt 13, and the waste toner collection container 7. The user also performs maintenance by operating the levers 30 for each color (30Y, 30C, 30M, and 30K in the figure).

[0034] In the illustrated example, the intermediate transfer belt 13, the drive roller 16, the entrance roller 17, the tension roller 18, and the cleaning device 15 are housed in a belt case 13a and formed into a unit.

[0035] [First Configuration Example of Lubricant Supply Device] In the following, an example will be described in which the photoconductor 8, which is an image carrier used in image formation, is the target (hereinafter referred to as the "target") to which the lubricant 102 is supplied. Note that the target may also be the intermediate transfer belt 13.

[0036] 3 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a lubricant supplying device. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member 8 is referred to as the "X axis." The photosensitive member 8 rotates around the X axis.

[0037] 3, the contact portion is a combination of the application roller 101 and the lubricant 102. However, the contact portion may be configured to use a device other than the application roller 101 and the lubricant 102, or may have a shape different from that shown in FIG.

[0038] 3, the lubricant 102 is supplied to the photosensitive member 8 via the application roller 101. Specifically, the application roller 101 is placed in a position where it comes into direct contact with the photosensitive member 8. The application roller 101 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive member 8.

[0039] The application roller 101 comes into contact with the photosensitive member 8 on one side, and therefore, when the application roller 101 is coated with the lubricant 102, the application roller 101 supplies the lubricant 102 to the photosensitive member 8. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the lubricant 102 comes into contact with the application roller 101, the lubricant 102 is applied to the application roller 101.

[0040] Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis will be referred to as the "Y-axis." In the following description, an example will be taken in which the photosensitive member 8, the application roller 101, and the lubricant 102 are arranged on the Y-axis. Therefore, when the strength with which the lubricant 102 is pressed toward the photosensitive member 8 is changed in the Y-axis direction, the strength with which the application roller 101 is pressed against the photosensitive member 8 (hereinafter referred to as "pressing pressure") is changed. Furthermore, because the lubricant 102 is in contact with the application roller 101, when the strength with which the lubricant 102 is pressed toward the photosensitive member 8 is changed, the strength with which the lubricant 102 is pressed against the application roller 101 is also changed.

[0041] Hereinafter, the Y axis is defined as the pushing direction. However, the pushing direction is not limited to the direction shown in FIG. 3, but differs depending on the positional relationship between the photosensitive element 8, the application roller 101, and the lubricant 102. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the lubricant 102 is moved toward the photosensitive element 8, the lubricant 102 hits hard, resulting in a large amount of lubricant 102 being consumed. Furthermore, the lubricant 102 forms a "contact surface" that contacts the application roller 101 on the application roller 101 side, and the surface opposite the contact surface on the Y axis is a "bottom surface."

[0042] The lubricant 102 moves on the Y axis by a mechanism including at least a "first mechanism unit" and a "second mechanism unit." The casing 103 is a housing that houses the first mechanism unit and the second mechanism unit.

[0043] 3, the first mechanism portion is made up of a tenth part 110, an eleventh part 111, and a spring 104. Specifically, the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are connected by the spring 104. Therefore, the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are configured to generate a force that moves them closer to each other due to the elastic force of the spring 104.

[0044] The first mechanism unit does not have to have the component configuration, component shape, or component number described above. For example, the first mechanism unit may have components other than the tenth component 110 and the eleventh component 111, and may be configured to push the lubricant 102 in at three or more locations. While the following description uses an example in which the lubricant 102 is pushed in at two locations, the number of locations and their relative positions are not important as long as there are multiple locations.

[0045] The tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 come into contact with the lubricant 102 on a surface different from the surface on which the application roller 101 is disposed in the Y axis (in FIG. 3, the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are positioned opposite the application roller 101 with the lubricant 102 sandwiched between them). In addition, the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 press the lubricant 102 at different positions in the X axis.

[0046] 3, the second mechanism portion is a first part 201 and a second part 202. In addition, in FIG. 3, the first part 201 moves the position of the tenth part 110 in the Y-axis direction. Meanwhile, the second part 202 moves the position of the eleventh part 111 in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] To allow the user to operate the first part 201 and the second part 202, a part of the mechanism has a shape with a protrusion that protrudes outside the casing 103. Therefore, the user operates the first part 201 and the second part 202 by changing the position of the protrusion.

[0048] For example, when the first part 201 and the second part 202 are operated to move apart (this means moving them in the direction indicated by the first arrow 301 in the drawing), the following occurs.

[0049] 4 is a diagram showing an example after the contact portion has been pressed in in the first configuration example. Compared to FIG. 3, the difference is that the first component 201 and the second component 202 have moved to positions that are relatively far apart compared to the case shown in FIG.

[0050] 4, the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 push the lubricant 102 in the pushing direction from the position shown in Fig. 3. Specifically, if the sides of the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 that contact the first part 201 and the second part 202 are spherical, the force of the spring 104 moves the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 in the pushing direction along the sloped portions of the first part 201 and the second part 202.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, when the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are pressed, the lubricant 102 is applied more strongly, and the amount of lubricant 102 consumed can be adjusted to increase.

[0052] On the other hand, by operating the device so as to change from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 3, the amount of lubricant 102 consumed can be adjusted to be reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, depending on the shape of the components that make up the second mechanism unit, the position of the second mechanism unit can be adjusted to suit the environment, usage conditions, friction conditions, and the like, thereby optimizing the consumption of the lubricant 102.

[0054] In particular, when the second mechanism part is divided into the first part 201 and the second part 202, even if the lubricant 102 is not consumed evenly and is consumed unevenly in the X-axis direction, the first part 201 and the second part 202 can be operated at different amounts, and the consumption amount can be adjusted according to the usage status of the lubricant 102.

[0055] It is desirable that the components constituting the first mechanism, such as the tenth component 110 and the eleventh component 111, that come into direct contact with the contact portion to press it in (hereinafter referred to as "pushing components") have a shape such as a hemisphere. Specifically, it is desirable that the pushing components have a curved surface in part. As shown in FIG. 3, when the second mechanism comes into contact with the curved surface, the curved surface reduces the resistance between the second mechanism and the second mechanism during movement.

[0056] 3, in a configuration in which the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are pulled toward each other by the spring 104 and the second mechanism unit stops the space between the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 (in the X-axis direction in the figure), as the lubricant 102 is consumed, the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 push in the lubricant 102. Therefore, even without a device that uses energy, such as an actuator, the lubricant 102 can be pushed in in accordance with the amount of lubricant 102 consumed.

[0057] [Second configuration example of lubricant supply device] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the lubricant supplying device. Compared to the first configuration example, the second configuration example shown in Fig. 5 differs in that the second mechanism unit is configured with a third part 203. The following description will focus on the differences from the second configuration example, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0058] The third part 203 operates as follows.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second configuration example after the contact portion has been pressed in. Fig. 6 shows the state after an operation has been performed to move third component 203 in the direction of second arrow 302 from the position shown in Fig. 5.

[0060] In the configuration using the third part 203, as in the first configuration example, when the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are pressed, as shown in FIG. 6, the lubricant 102 is applied strongly, and the amount of lubricant 102 consumed can be adjusted to be increased.

[0061] On the other hand, by operating the device so as to change from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 5, the amount of lubricant 102 consumed can be adjusted to be reduced.

[0062] [Third configuration example of lubricant supply device] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the lubricant supplying device. Compared to the first configuration example, the third configuration example shown in FIG. 7 differs in that the second mechanism has multiple steps. The following description will focus on the differences from the first configuration example, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Specifically, in FIG. 7, the second mechanism is composed of a fourth component 204 and a fifth component 205.

[0063] The fourth component 204 and the fifth component 205 have a shape having a plurality of steps, such as a first step 211 and a second step 212.

[0064] As in the first configuration example, when the fourth component 204 and the fifth component 205 are operated to move apart (this means moving them in the direction indicated by the first arrow 301 in the figure), the following occurs.

[0065] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example after the contact portion has been pressed in the third configuration example. Fig. 8 shows a state after an operation has been performed to move fourth component 204 and fifth component 205 in the direction of first arrow 301 from the positions shown in Fig. 7, as in the first configuration example.

[0066] In the configuration using the fourth part 204 and the fifth part 205, as in the first configuration example, when the tenth part 110 and the eleventh part 111 are pressed, as shown in FIG. 8, the lubricant 102 is applied strongly, and the amount of lubricant 102 consumed can be adjusted to be increased.

[0067] On the other hand, by operating the device so as to change from the state shown in FIG. 8 to the state shown in FIG. 7, the amount of lubricant 102 consumed can be adjusted to be reduced.

[0068] When there are multiple steps, such as the first step 211 and the second step 212, the user can perform stepwise operation. Therefore, the user can finely adjust the consumption amount of the lubricant 102 in a stepwise manner. Note that the number of steps is not limited to the number of steps shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and there may be more steps than those shown in the drawings.

[0069] Specifically, the number of steps is preferably three or more. For example, the consumption amount of lubricant 102 is adjusted according to the speed at which the recording medium is transported (so-called "linear speed"), etc. Specifically, the speed at which the recording medium is transported is approximately 50 to 60 sheets per minute at high speed. On the other hand, the speed at which the recording medium is transported is approximately 15 sheets per minute at high speed. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to set the consumption amount of lubricant 102 to three levels, i.e., "fast, standard, and slow."

[0070] In addition, the consumption amount of the lubricant 102 is also adjusted according to the ambient temperature, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to adjust the consumption amount of the lubricant 102 according to the temperature, etc.

[0071] [Second embodiment] The second mechanism unit may be controlled by the following configuration.

[0072] [Hardware configuration example] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the second embodiment. For example, in the example configuration shown in Fig. 3, the hardware configuration may further include an actuator 120 and a control device 121. Note that the hardware configuration may further include a sensor, etc.

[0073] The second mechanism unit is controlled by the actuator 120 and the like, for example, in the following control method.

[0074] [Overall processing example] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall processing of the second embodiment.

[0075] In step S1001, the control device 121 determines whether to change the consumption amount of the lubricant 102. For example, the consumption amount of the lubricant 102 is determined based on an instruction from a user or a result of measuring the consumption amount using a sensor or the like.

[0076] Next, if the consumption amount of lubricant 102 is to be changed (YES in step S1001), the control device 121 proceeds to step S1002. On the other hand, if the consumption amount of lubricant 102 is not to be changed (NO in step S1001), the control device 121 repeats step S1001.

[0077] In step S1002, the control device 121 controls the second mechanism unit to move. That is, in step S1002, the control device 121 moves the second mechanism unit so as to optimize the consumption amount based on the result of the determination in step S1001.

[0078] As described above, the second mechanism unit may be moved by the actuator 120 or the like, and the lubricant supply device may optimize the amount of lubricant 102 consumed.

[0079] If too much lubricant 102 is consumed, the lubricant 102 will reach the charging roller 9 via the photosensitive member 8 and contaminate the charging roller 9. As a result, the contaminated areas will become noticeable as black streaks on the image.

[0080] Conversely, if the amount of lubricant 102 consumed is small, it will not be able to protect the surface of the photosensitive member 8, which may result in film abrasion, an increase in driving torque, or filming.

[0081] The amount of lubricant 102 consumed varies depending on the environment in which it is used, the area of ​​the image, etc. In addition, the amount of lubricant 102 consumed decreases due to deterioration of the photoconductor 8 or the application roller 101 over time, etc.

[0082] Unless the consumption amount of the lubricant 102 is appropriately adjusted, it becomes difficult to apply the lubricant 102 uniformly to the image carrier, etc. On the other hand, if the configuration allows the consumption amount to be adjusted, as in the first or second embodiment, the lubricant 102 can be applied uniformly to the image carrier, etc.

[0083] [Comparative Example] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the periphery of a photosensitive member in a comparative example, specifically, a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a photosensitive member 8.

[0084] The cleaning blade 31 removes residual toner and the like adhering to the photoreceptor 8 .

[0085] The scattering prevention sheet 505 prevents the remaining toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 31 from scattering.

[0086] The powder transport coil 32 transports the remaining toner and the like.

[0087] The lubricant holding member 703 holds the solid lubricant 502 .

[0088] The lubricant pressing spring 503 presses the solid lubricant 502 against the lubricant supply roller 704 .

[0089] The blade 402 applies the lubricant supplied to the photoreceptor 8 in the form of a thin film.

[0090] The charging roller 9 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 8 .

[0091] The charging cleaner roller 705 cleans the charging roller 9 .

[0092] The frame 601 holds the components.

[0093] After cleaning with the cleaning blade 31, the lubricant supply roller 704 supplies lubricant to the surface of the photosensitive member 8. In this way, the influence of foreign matter such as residual toner is reduced and the lubricant can be supplied evenly.

[0094] This allows the lubricant to be supplied stably to the surface of the photoreceptor 8 even when large-area images, which tend to have a large amount of remaining toner, are output continuously.

[0095] Therefore, the function of the cleaning blade 31 is less likely to be impaired, and cleaning failures can be reduced. As a result, the occurrence of streaky stains in the paper feed direction can be suppressed. In other words, high performance and high reliability of cleaning can be achieved.

[0096] Furthermore, if the lubricant can be applied evenly to the photosensitive member 8, the cleaning blade 31 can have a long life.

[0097] The charging roller 9 contacts the photoconductor 8 with rollers installed at both ends outside the image area to maintain a gap with the photoconductor 8. When a charging bias is applied to the charging roller 9, the surface of the photoconductor 8 is charged. The blade 402 may be of a counter type or a trailing type.

[0098] The lubricant may be other than a solid lubricant. For example, the lubricant may be a powder or a combination of a solid and a powder.

[0099] When a fatty acid metal salt or an inorganic lubricant is used as the lubricant, high durability, high reliability, and long life of the cleaning performance can be achieved.

[0100] Examples of fatty acid metal salts include barium stearate, lead stearate, iron stearate, nickel stearate, cobalt stearate, copper stearate, strontium stearate, calcium stearate, cadmium stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, zinc oleate, magnesium oleate, iron oleate, cobalt oleate, copper oleate, lead oleate, manganese oleate, zinc palmitate, cobalt palmitate, lead palmitate, magnesium palmitate, aluminum palmitate, calcium palmitate, lead caprylate, lead caprate, zinc linoleate, cobalt linoleate, calcium linoleate, zinc ricinoleate, cadmium ricinoleate, and mixtures thereof. Among these, zinc stearate is particularly preferred due to its excellent film-forming properties on photoreceptors.

[0101] Inorganic lubricants are inorganic compounds that cleave to lubricate or cause internal sliding. Examples of inorganic lubricants include talc, mica, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, kaolin, smectite, hydrotalcite compounds, calcium fluoride, graphite, platelet alumina, sericite, and synthetic mica. Among these, boron nitride is desirable because its tightly interlocked hexagonal meshes are widely spaced, and the only interlayer force is weak van der Waals forces, allowing for easy cleavage and lubrication.

[0102] The inorganic lubricant may be surface-treated for the purpose of imparting hydrophobicity or the like.

[0103] Furthermore, cleaning properties are improved by applying or attaching both a fatty acid metal salt and an inorganic lubricant, and by using a mixture of a fatty acid group and at least boron nitride as a solid lubricant.

[0104] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device in a comparative example, which includes many control devices such as a first control device and a second control device.

[0105] This increases the number of components, which leads to increased costs and makes it difficult to reduce the size of the layout.

[0106] [Example of adjustment range by lubricant supply device] The range within which the consumption amount of the lubricant 102 by the lubricant supplying device can be adjusted varies depending on the type of the lubricant 102. Therefore, it is desirable that the force with which the lubricant 102 is pressed in the pushing direction of the lubricant supplying device be set based on the type of the lubricant 102.

[0107] For example, the force with which the lubricant 102 is pressed is adjusted in the range of 11.5 N (Newtons) to 21.5 N. In this way, when the lubricant 102 is pressed with a relatively strong force, the configuration described above is desirable.

[0108] [Other embodiments] The second mechanism part is preferably made of a material containing a practical metal, such as iron, aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof. When made of such a practical metal, the part is less likely to deform, and its position can be stabilized.

[0109] It is desirable that the second mechanism unit includes a resin member with a certain degree of slippage. As shown in Figures 3 to 9, the second mechanism unit is a moving mechanism. Therefore, it is desirable to use a member with slippage and low friction during movement. For example, a resin member with a certain degree of slippage is polyoxymethylene resin or polyacetal resin (POM). Such a configuration improves the operability of the second mechanism unit. It also allows for a lighter weight.

[0110] The lubricant supplying device is preferably configured with an operating unit, as shown in Figures 3 to 8. That is, in a configuration in which the second mechanism unit is moved by a user operating it from outside the device, it is preferable that the second mechanism unit has a protrusion or the like for operating the second mechanism unit. Specifically, the user moves the protrusion or the like to move the second mechanism unit and control the amount of movement of the first mechanism unit in the pushing direction. The presence of an operating unit in this way makes it easier for the user to operate the device from outside, improving operability, compared to a configuration in which no operating unit is present.

[0111] It is desirable that a coating agent be applied to the contact surface of the second mechanism part that comes into contact as the second mechanism part moves. For example, the coating agent is a quick-drying coating agent that uses a fluorine-based inert liquid as a solvent. The second mechanism part may have a contact surface that comes into contact with the casing 103 or the like as it moves. It is desirable that a coating agent be applied to such a contact surface.

[0112] When the coating material is applied to the contact surface, the movement of the second mechanism unit can be made smoother. That is, the coating material reduces friction between the second mechanism unit and the mating part at the contact surface. With this configuration, the user can operate the device with less force, improving operability.

[0113] The lubricant supplying device may be applied to the intermediate transfer belt 13. Specifically, in the configurations shown in Figures 3 to 9, the target object may be the intermediate transfer belt 13. When the target object is the intermediate transfer belt 13, the lubricant supplying device can uniformly apply lubricant to the intermediate transfer belt 13.

[0114] The control method may be realized, for example, based on a program. Specifically, devices such as a computing device, a storage device, and a control device cooperate to execute the control method based on the program. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and distributed, or may be distributed via a telecommunications line.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention may be modified or added to without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. Therefore, all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The above-described exemplary embodiments are preferred examples. Those skilled in the art will be able to realize various modifications from the disclosed content, and such modifications are included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Color printer 8: Photoreceptor 13: Intermediate transfer belt 102: Lubricant 103: Casing 104: Spring 110: 10th part 111: 11th part 121: Control device 201: First part 202: Second part 203: Third part 204: 4th part 205: 5th part 211: First step 212: Second step [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0117] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-88362

Claims

1. A lubricant supplying device that supplies a lubricant to an object that is either an image carrier or an intermediate transfer belt used in image formation, a contact portion that comes into contact with the object and supplies the lubricant to the object; a first mechanism that moves in a pushing direction to push the contact portion into the object at a plurality of locations; a second mechanism portion that moves the position of the first mechanism portion in the pushing direction; Equipped with The first mechanism portion has a pushing part that comes into contact with the contact portion to push the contact portion and has a hemispherical shape. Lubricant supply device.

2. The second mechanism unit is A plurality of steps in the pushing direction The lubricant supply device according to claim 1 .

3. The second mechanism unit is Contains iron, aluminum, magnesium, or their alloys The lubricant supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second mechanism unit is Contains polyoxymethylene resin or polyacetal resin The lubricant supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. an operating unit that moves the second mechanism unit to operate the amount of movement of the first mechanism unit in the pushing direction; The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second mechanism portion includes: A coating agent is applied to the contact surface that comes into contact with the second mechanism portion as it moves. The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An image forming apparatus comprising the lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images