JP2001215860A - Conducting mechanism of image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Conducting mechanism of image forming apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- JP2001215860A JP2001215860A JP2000021321A JP2000021321A JP2001215860A JP 2001215860 A JP2001215860 A JP 2001215860A JP 2000021321 A JP2000021321 A JP 2000021321A JP 2000021321 A JP2000021321 A JP 2000021321A JP 2001215860 A JP2001215860 A JP 2001215860A
- Authority
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- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- image forming
- forming apparatus
- bias
- bias voltage
- developing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- Developing For Electrophotography (AREA)
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、複写機、プリン
タ、ファクシミリ装置に代表される電子写真方式の画像
形成装置に係り、さらに詳しくは画像形成に関わる作像
装置へのバイアス給電のための導通機構に関するもので
ある。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus represented by a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, and more particularly, to a conduction for supplying a bias to an image forming apparatus related to image formation. It concerns the mechanism.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来技術においては、画像形成装置の作
像装置である現像装置に現像バイアス電圧を入力する場
合、現像バイアス用の接続端子と、トナー濃度センサ用
の接続端子と、接地用接続端子等とがまとめられ、画像
形成装置の本体側フレームの凹側接続端子、一方、前述
した接続端子の相手側接続端子がまとめられて現像装置
側に凸側接続端子として夫々配設されており、ドロワー
コネクタと一般に称される接続部（コネクタ）を形成し
ている。2. Description of the Related Art In the prior art, when a developing bias voltage is input to a developing device which is an image forming device of an image forming apparatus, a connecting terminal for a developing bias, a connecting terminal for a toner density sensor, and a grounding connection are used. Terminals and the like, and the concave connection terminals of the main body side frame of the image forming apparatus, and the mating connection terminals of the above-described connection terminals are grouped and arranged as a convex connection terminal on the developing device side. , A drawer connector is formed.
【０００３】この場合、現像装置を画像形成装置の本体
側へ挿入すると、凹側接続端子へ凸側接続端子が挿入す
るとこれら端子が係合して導通し、ここから現像装置内
の現像ローラにおける固定軸側のケーシング上に設けら
れた端子まで相当長のハーネス（電線）を引き回すこと
により、固定軸を介して入力された現像バイアス電圧が
適宜現像スリーブへ導かれ、画像形成装置の導通機構を
構成している。In this case, when the developing device is inserted into the main body side of the image forming apparatus, when the convex connection terminal is inserted into the concave connection terminal, these terminals engage and become conductive, and from there, the developing roller in the developing device is connected. By drawing a harness (wire) of a considerable length to a terminal provided on the casing on the fixed shaft side, a developing bias voltage input through the fixed shaft is appropriately guided to the developing sleeve, and a conduction mechanism of the image forming apparatus is formed. Make up.
【０００４】また、特開平１１−７１７５号公報には、
上述したバイアス電圧を給電するための相当長のハーネ
スを使用することなく、現像ローラの回転軸を画像形成
装置の本体側で固定された給電部へ直接接触させなが
ら、現像バイアス電圧を与えることが開示されている。Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-7175 discloses that
It is possible to apply the developing bias voltage while directly contacting the rotating shaft of the developing roller with the power supply unit fixed on the main body side of the image forming apparatus without using a considerable length of harness for supplying the bias voltage described above. It has been disclosed.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】一般的に、トナー補給
や現像剤交換、現像装置の各部の清掃、感光体の交換、
帯電部（主帯電部、転写部、剥離部等）の清掃、定期的
な部品交換等のメンテナンスのために画像形成装置の本
体側より作像装置の挿抜が繰り返し行われることとな
る。Generally, toner replenishment and developer exchange, cleaning of each part of a developing device, exchange of a photoconductor,
The image forming apparatus is repeatedly inserted and removed from the main body side of the image forming apparatus for maintenance such as cleaning of the charging unit (main charging unit, transfer unit, peeling unit, and the like) and periodic replacement of components.
【０００６】ここで例えば作像装置として現像装置を例
にとると、現像装置が画像形成装置の本体へ着脱された
場合には、画像形成装置本体側の現像バイアス端子と現
像装置の現像バイアス入力部との機械的摺動が繰り返さ
れることとなる。If a developing device is taken as an example of an image forming device, when the developing device is attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming device, a developing bias terminal of the main body of the image forming device and a developing bias input of the developing device are input. Mechanical sliding with the part is repeated.
【０００７】これらの現像バイアス端子は薄板板金等で
形成されており、端子が磨耗したり、端子自体の弾性で
勘合する場合は端子自体、別途弾性部材を設ける場合は
その弾性部材の弾性が低下して、端子部での接触不良が
発生しやすくなる。バイアス部分での接触不良が発生す
ると、的確に作像装置へバイアスを供給できないことと
なるばかりか、不安定に接触と非接触を繰り返すと、リ
ーク等による感電や電気回路の誤動作が発生するおそれ
がある。[0007] These developing bias terminals are formed of a thin sheet metal or the like. When the terminals are worn or fitted by the elasticity of the terminals themselves, the elasticity of the terminals themselves decreases when an elastic member is separately provided. As a result, a contact failure at the terminal portion is likely to occur. If a contact failure occurs in the bias portion, not only can the bias not be supplied to the image forming device accurately, but if the contact and non-contact are repeated in an unstable manner, electric shock due to leaks or malfunction of the electric circuit may occur. There is.
【０００８】また従来技術では、固定軸側まで相当の長
さのハーネス線を引き回しており、現像装置組立作業時
のハーネス線処理に伴う作業性や生産性の低下、ハーネ
ス線の噛み込み及び現像装置の着脱操作に伴うハーネス
断線等のトラブルを誘発する原因となることがある。In the prior art, a harness wire of a considerable length is routed up to the fixed shaft side, so that workability and productivity are reduced due to harness wire processing at the time of assembling the developing device, harness wire biting and development. This may cause troubles such as disconnection of the harness due to the attachment / detachment operation of the device.
【０００９】画像形成装置本体側の現像バイアス端子が
固定配置されている付近の環境は、感光体上の残留トナ
ーを除去するクリーニング装置や現像装置自身から飛散
した浮遊トナーが多い環境であると共に、画像形成装置
内部の定着装置などの発熱体が隣接していることから、
機内温度上昇などにより比較的高温の環境下にある。The environment near the fixed position of the developing bias terminal on the image forming apparatus main body side is an environment in which a large amount of floating toner scattered from the cleaning device for removing residual toner on the photoconductor and the developing device itself. Since heating elements such as a fixing device inside the image forming apparatus are adjacent to each other,
It is in a relatively high temperature environment due to a rise in temperature inside the machine.
【００１０】更に、この現像バイアス端子が固定配置さ
れている付近には、帯電装置や転写装置としてのコロナ
チャージャから発生するオゾンによるNOｘ（窒素酸化
物）なども存在している。従って画像形成装置では、浮
遊トナーによる汚れやトナーの固着、及びNOｘの付着な
どにより現像バイアス端子が汚染され易く、この現像バ
イアス端子と現像装置の現像バイアス入力部とが、接触
・離間を繰り返す間に汚染が進行して接触不良を起こ
し、現像バイアス印加不良による異常画像が発生すると
いう問題がある。Further, NOx (nitrogen oxide) due to ozone generated from a corona charger as a charging device or a transfer device also exists near the fixed position of the developing bias terminal. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, the developing bias terminal is likely to be contaminated due to dirt and toner sticking due to floating toner, and NOx adhesion, etc., while the developing bias terminal and the developing bias input section of the developing device repeatedly contact and separate. In addition, there is a problem that contamination progresses to cause a contact failure, and an abnormal image is generated due to a development bias application failure.
【００１１】一方、特開平１１−７１７５号公報に開示
されているものでは、相当長のバイアス電圧用のハーネ
ス線を不要とすると共に、バイアス電圧の給電部である
端子が完全にカバーされることから、端子に浮遊トナー
やNOｘは付着するのを防止できるという点で有用なもの
である。On the other hand, in the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-7175, a harness wire for a bias voltage of a considerably long length is not required, and a terminal which is a power supply portion for the bias voltage is completely covered. This is useful in that floating toner and NOx can be prevented from adhering to the terminals.
【００１２】しかしながら、現像ローラの回転軸側の端
面は、常時、上記カバーと機械的に摺動することから、
軸端部及びカバーの磨耗、接触部の酸化による導通不
良、現像装置の回転抵抗の増加、摺動音の発生等の弊害
が発生しやすくなるという問題がある。However, since the end surface of the developing roller on the rotating shaft side always slides mechanically with the cover,
There is a problem that adverse effects such as abrasion of the shaft end and the cover, poor conduction due to oxidation of the contact portion, an increase in rotational resistance of the developing device, and generation of sliding noise are likely to occur.
【００１３】また同公報に記載のものでは、感光体ドラ
ムのアース端子である回転軸端面が本体側の給電端子に
面接触していることから、シャフトの回転に伴って、同
様に機械的摺動を行うこととなり、軸端部及び給電端子
部の磨耗、接触部の酸化による導通不良、現像装置の回
転抵抗の増加、摺動音の発生等の種々の弊害をもたら
す。Further, in the apparatus disclosed in the publication, the end face of the rotary shaft, which is the ground terminal of the photosensitive drum, is in surface contact with the power supply terminal on the main body side. This causes various problems such as abrasion of the shaft end and the power supply terminal, poor conduction due to oxidation of the contact portion, increase in rotational resistance of the developing device, generation of sliding noise, and the like.
【００１４】本発明は、上述した従来技術の問題点を解
決するためになされたものであり、その目的とするとこ
ろは、むやみに作業性や生産性を低下させることなく、
バイアス電源から作像装置に対しバイアスを供給するバ
イアス供給機構における磨耗、損傷、導通不良、摺動音
発生等を防止できる画像形成装置を提供することにあ
る。The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the workability and productivity without unnecessarily lowering the workability and productivity.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a bias supply mechanism for supplying a bias from a bias power supply to an image forming apparatus with abrasion, damage, poor conduction, generation of sliding noise, and the like.
【００１５】[0015]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、画像を作像す
る作像装置と、該作像装置へ供給するバイアスを生成す
るバイアス電源と、上記作像装置と該バイアス電源を接
続する接続部からなり上記作像装置に対し上記バイアス
電源からバイアスを供給するバイアス供給機構と、上記
作像装置を挿抜自在に支持案内する作像装置支持体とを
備えた画像形成装置において、上記接続部は、平板状部
材と、導電性部材からなる小球体と、挿抜方向に延設さ
れ上記小球体を回動自在に保持収容する収容部とからな
り、上記作像装置の挿入時には平板状部材と小球体を当
接させることを特徴とする画像形成装置の導通機構であ
る。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image forming apparatus for forming an image, a bias power supply for generating a bias to be supplied to the image forming apparatus, and a connection for connecting the image forming apparatus to the bias power supply. A bias supply mechanism configured to supply a bias from the bias power supply to the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus supporter that supports and guides the image forming apparatus in a removable manner. A flat member, a small sphere made of a conductive member, and a storage portion extending in the insertion and removal direction and configured to rotatably hold and store the small sphere, and the flat member is inserted when the image forming apparatus is inserted. This is a conduction mechanism of the image forming apparatus, wherein small balls are brought into contact with each other.
【００１６】また本発明は、上記収容部へ導電性潤滑剤
を充填するようにしても良いし、上記小球体が上記収容
部内で弾性支持体によって挿抜方向に付勢されるように
構成しても良い。In the present invention, the accommodating portion may be filled with a conductive lubricant, and the small sphere may be urged in the inserting / removing direction by an elastic support in the accommodating portion. Is also good.
【００１７】[0017]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明を、画像形成装置に
おける現像装置での導通機構に適用した場合の実施形態
を説明する。また以降の説明では、画像形成に関わりバ
イアス電圧等を供給する必要のある装置を作像装置と総
称する。さらに以下の実施形態では、現像装置へバイア
ス電圧を印加するための導通機構を説明しているが、当
該導通装置は導通できれば良く、定電圧制御や定電流制
御等を行うために通電するための機構全てに適用できる
のは勿論である。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a conduction mechanism in a developing device in an image forming apparatus will be described below. In the following description, an apparatus which needs to supply a bias voltage or the like in connection with image formation is generally referred to as an image forming apparatus. Further, in the following embodiments, a conduction mechanism for applying a bias voltage to the developing device is described. However, the conduction device only needs to be able to conduct, and a conduction mechanism for performing constant voltage control, constant current control, and the like. Of course, it can be applied to all the mechanisms.
【００１８】図１は本発明の実施形態に係る作像装置と
画像形成装置の挿抜状況を説明するための斜視図であ
り、図２はその平面図である。図１と図２に示している
ように、画像形成装置１の作像部たる現像装置２は、装
置本体部から矢印Ａ方向に挿抜自在な作像装置支持体３
に支持案内されている。FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the state of insertion and removal of an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a developing device 2 serving as an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming device support 3 that can be inserted and removed in a direction indicated by an arrow A from an apparatus main body.
Is supported and guided.
【００１９】ここで、作像装置支持体３は他の作像装置
たる感光体ドラム４の支持体としても作用しており、図
中フロント側には前側板５、リア側には後側板６が、感
光体４と現像装置２の長手方向の軸心方向と垂直な方向
で且つ感光体４と現像装置２の軸端部方向に並設されて
いる。Here, the image forming device support 3 also functions as a support for the photosensitive drum 4 as another image forming device, and a front plate 5 is provided on the front side and a rear plate 6 is provided on the rear side in the drawing. Are arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the photoconductor 4 and the developing device 2 and in the axial direction of the photoconductor 4 and the developing device 2.
【００２０】また、前側板５と後側板６は、挿抜方向と
平行にステー７ａ・７ｂが設けられており、前側板５、
後側板６、左右のステー７ａ・７ｂ及び図示しない中央
部のステ−とで作像装置支持体３が構成されている。作
像装置支持体３の両サイド部近傍の装置本体側には、図
示しないアキュライドスライドレールが設けられ、ステ
ー７ａ・７ｂとアキュライドスライドレールにより、作
像装置たる現像装置が装置本体手前側のＡ方向にスライ
ド移動可能となっている。The front side plate 5 and the rear side plate 6 are provided with stays 7a and 7b in parallel with the insertion / removal direction.
The rear side plate 6, the left and right stays 7a and 7b, and the central stay (not shown) constitute the image forming apparatus support 3. On the side of the apparatus main body near both sides of the image forming apparatus support 3, an unillustrated slide slide rail is provided, and the developing device as an image forming apparatus is provided by the stays 7 a and 7 b and the slide slide rail. Can be slid in the A direction.
【００２１】さらに、画像形成装置１のリア側、即ち、
現像装置２の後側板６側と勘合する側には、バイアス電
源８からのバイアス電圧を供給するための平板状部材で
構成されたバイアス電圧端子部９が設けられ、現像装置
２の後側板６から画像形成装置本体のリア側方向に現像
装置２の図示しない現像ローラの回転軸１０が突出する
ように配設されている。Further, the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1, that is,
A bias voltage terminal portion 9 composed of a flat plate-shaped member for supplying a bias voltage from a bias power supply 8 is provided on a side that is fitted to the rear plate 6 of the developing device 2. The rotating shaft 10 of a developing roller (not shown) of the developing device 2 is disposed so as to protrude toward the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body.
【００２２】従って、現像装置２が図１、２のように画
像形成装置１のフロント側へ抜かれた状態から、画像形
成装置１のリア側へ挿入されると、突出した回転軸１０
が、バイアス電圧端子部９へ当接することとなり、現像
ローラの回転軸を介して、現像装置２へバイアス電源８
からのバイアス電圧が印加されることとなる。Therefore, when the developing device 2 is inserted into the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 from the state of being pulled out to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIGS.
Comes into contact with the bias voltage terminal portion 9, and is supplied to the developing device 2 via the rotating shaft of the developing roller.
Will be applied.
【００２３】尚、本実施形態では、接続部が現像ローラ
の回転軸１０と画像形成装置１のリア側に設けられた平
板状のバイアス電圧端子部であるため、作像装置たる現
像ローラの回転軸が凸形状となっているが、回転軸のよ
うな軸状部材を有さない作像部分、例えば感光体４や、
図示しない帯電装置、カートリッジ等である場合には、
バイアス電源からバイアス（バイアス電流、バイアス電
圧含む）が供給される側が凸形状であっても良く、即ち
図２でいうバイアス電圧端子９側が突出したものであっ
ても良く、要は凸部と凹部とが小球体を介して当接すれ
ば良い。In this embodiment, since the connecting portion is a rotary shaft 10 of the developing roller and a plate-shaped bias voltage terminal provided on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1, the rotating portion of the developing roller as an image forming device is rotated. Although the shaft has a convex shape, an image forming portion that does not have a shaft-like member such as a rotating shaft, for example, the photoconductor 4,
In the case of a charging device (not shown), a cartridge, or the like,
The side to which a bias (including a bias current and a bias voltage) is supplied from a bias power supply may have a convex shape, that is, the bias voltage terminal 9 side in FIG. It is sufficient that the abutment comes in contact with a small sphere.
【００２４】次に図３と図４は、本実施形態における回
転軸１０とバイアス電圧端子部９近傍の構造を説明する
ための断面図であり、図３は回転軸１０とバイアス電圧
端子部９が当接していない状態、図４は回転軸１０とバ
イアス電圧端子部９とが小球体１１を介して当接してい
る状態をそれぞれ図示している。FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views for explaining the structure near the rotating shaft 10 and the bias voltage terminal portion 9 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the rotating shaft 10 and the bias voltage terminal portion 9. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rotating shaft 10 and the bias voltage terminal portion 9 are in contact with each other via the small sphere 11.
【００２５】図３において、現像ローラの回転軸１０の
先端部分は、小球体１１の外径以下に先端が絞られた収
納部たる中空部１２を有しており、中空部１２の内部に
は、回動自在に挿入された小球体１１と、小球体１１を
回転軸１０の先端方向へ付勢支持するバネ等からなる弾
性支持体１３が配置されており、小球体１１は弾性支持
体１３により回転軸１０の先端方向に向かって付勢され
ているが、中空部１２の先端部分は小球体１１の外径以
下の先端が絞られているので、小球体１１が中空部１２
の先端位置近傍の内面端部１４と弾性支持体１３とで付
勢支持された状態となっており、小球体１１の外円部に
おけるバイアス電圧端子部方向は、回転軸１０の先端部
よりも僅かに突出した状態である。In FIG. 3, the tip of the rotary shaft 10 of the developing roller has a hollow portion 12 as a storage portion whose tip is narrowed to the outer diameter of the small sphere 11 or less. A small ball 11 inserted rotatably and an elastic support 13 made of a spring or the like for biasing and supporting the small ball 11 toward the tip of the rotating shaft 10 are arranged. However, since the tip of the hollow portion 12 is narrowed at the tip of the outer diameter of the small sphere 11 or less, the small sphere 11 is urged toward the tip of the rotary shaft 10.
Are biased and supported by the inner surface end portion 14 and the elastic support body 13 in the vicinity of the front end position of the rotary shaft 10. It is in a slightly protruding state.
【００２６】この状態から、現像装置２を画像形成装置
１のリア側へ押しこむと、図４に示すように、導電性部
材からなる小球体１１の先端部１１ａはバイアス電圧端
子部９と当接し、回転軸１０の先端部１４とは直線方向
に距離ｄだけ離間した状態となる。この状態で現像装置
２が画像形成装置１に収容されると、バイアス電源８と
回転軸１０が導通することになる。In this state, when the developing device 2 is pushed toward the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1, the tip 11 a of the small sphere 11 made of a conductive member contacts the bias voltage terminal 9 as shown in FIG. And a distance d from the tip 14 of the rotating shaft 10 in the linear direction. When the developing device 2 is housed in the image forming apparatus 1 in this state, the bias power supply 8 and the rotating shaft 10 become conductive.
【００２７】ここで、回転軸１０とバイアス電圧端子部
９とが距離ｄだけ離間しているので、従来技術のよう
に、導通部分（ここではバイアス電圧端子部９と回転軸
１０）が磨耗するという不具合を回避でき、小球体が回
転して接触部分が固定化されないので導通不良の発生を
抑制でき、摺動音を抑制できると共に、回転軸１０の回
転負荷をも低減することが可能となる。Here, since the rotating shaft 10 and the bias voltage terminal 9 are separated by the distance d, the conductive portion (here, the bias voltage terminal 9 and the rotating shaft 10) is worn as in the prior art. And the contact portion is not fixed because the small sphere rotates and the occurrence of poor conduction can be suppressed, the sliding noise can be suppressed, and the rotational load of the rotating shaft 10 can be reduced. .
【００２８】また、端子部が小球体１１であるので、給
電部において接触部分の機械的磨耗や、酸化又は電気的
な腐食等が発生しにくい。また、バイアス供給用の相当
長のハーネスが不要となるので、作像装置の脱着に伴う
ハーネスの断線や、ハーネス線噛込み等の不具合を防止
することができる。Further, since the terminal portion is the small sphere 11, mechanical abrasion, oxidation or electrical corrosion of the contact portion in the power supply portion is less likely to occur. In addition, since a harness of a considerable length for supplying a bias is not required, it is possible to prevent a problem such as disconnection of the harness due to attachment and detachment of the image forming apparatus and harness wire biting.
【００２９】尚、小球体１１は導電性部材から構成され
て導電性を有していれば良いが、小球体１１を良導性で
且つ耐久性の優れた金属材料で形成するのが望ましい。
小球体１１を金属材料で形成することで、長期間に亙っ
て使用しても、耐久性に優れ導通機構の安定した回転状
態と導通状態を維持することができる。また、小球体１
１を導電性樹脂で形成しても良く、この場合には、樹脂
の自己潤滑性を利用することができ、導通機構の回転負
荷を抑制して安定した回転状態を実現することができ
る。The small spheres 11 may be made of a conductive material and have conductivity, but it is desirable that the small spheres 11 be formed of a metal material having good conductivity and excellent durability.
By forming the small spheres 11 from a metal material, even when used for a long period of time, it is possible to maintain a stable rotation state and conduction state of the conduction mechanism with excellent durability. In addition, small sphere 1
1 may be formed of a conductive resin. In this case, the self-lubricating property of the resin can be used, and the rotational load of the conduction mechanism can be suppressed to realize a stable rotation state.
【００３０】さらに回転軸１０と小球体１１とが導電性
部材であり、かつ両者が確実に接触するのであれば、弾
性支持体は必ずしも導電性を有さなくても良いが、小球
体１１と回転軸１０の先端部１４の間に埃や紙粉等の非
導電性不純物が介在すると、導通がとれなくなるおそれ
があることから、より好適には弾性支持体をも導電性と
して側壁部１５と確実に接触させて導通させることが望
ましい。Further, if the rotating shaft 10 and the small sphere 11 are conductive members and they are surely in contact with each other, the elastic support does not necessarily have to have conductivity. If non-conductive impurities such as dust and paper dust are interposed between the distal end portions 14 of the rotating shaft 10, there is a possibility that electrical conduction may not be obtained. It is desirable to ensure contact and conduct.
【００３１】本実施形態では小球体１１の当接状態を安
定化するために弾性支持体１３を設けているが、弾性支
持体１３を設けずに中空部１２における回転軸１１先端
側とは反対側の内面側壁部１５を小球体１１に当接する
位置としても良い。しかし回転軸１０とバイアス電圧端
子部９の位置バラツキ（特に矢印Ａ方向の寸法バラツ
キ）によっては小球体１１とバイアス電圧端子部９との
距離が短く、小球体１１に付勢力が強すぎて小球体１１
が破損したり、逆に小球体１１とバイアス電圧端子部９
とが当接しないという不具合や、装着時の衝撃等により
小球体１１や側壁１５が破損することが予想される。従
ってより好適には、弾性支持体１３を設けて寸法バラツ
キを吸収し且つ衝撃を吸収することが望ましい。尚、弾
性支持体１３は板状の弾性部材であっても良く、復元力
のある弾性体であれば良い。In this embodiment, the elastic support 13 is provided to stabilize the contact state of the small sphere 11, but the elastic support 13 is not provided and the hollow portion 12 is opposite to the tip end of the rotating shaft 11. The inner side wall portion 15 on the side may be a position in contact with the small sphere 11. However, the distance between the small ball 11 and the bias voltage terminal 9 is short depending on the positional variation between the rotating shaft 10 and the bias voltage terminal portion 9 (particularly, the dimensional variation in the direction of arrow A), and the biasing force on the small spherical member 11 is too strong. Sphere 11
May be damaged, or conversely, the small sphere 11 and the bias voltage terminal 9
It is expected that the small sphere 11 and the side wall 15 will be damaged due to a defect that they do not contact each other, or an impact at the time of mounting. Therefore, more preferably, it is desirable to provide the elastic support 13 to absorb the dimensional variation and absorb the impact. The elastic support 13 may be a plate-like elastic member, and may be any elastic member having a restoring force.
【００３２】また本実施形態においては、小球体１１の
収納された中空部１２に導電性潤滑剤である導電性グリ
ス１６を充填している。このことにより、小球体１１の
回転が滑らかになり、さらに小球体１１と回転軸１０と
の間で安定した導通状態を保持することができる。即
ち、小球体１１とバイアス電圧端子部９とは、そのまま
だと1点で接触することになり、導電性が不安定になる
おそれがあるが、導電性グリス１６が充填されている
と、小球体１１の球面部分に導電性グリスが塗布され、
導電性グリスを介してバイアス電圧端子部と導通するこ
とになり、導通状態が安定化することとなる。また、導
電性グリスを充填することにより、弾性支持体１３と小
球体１１との接触抵抗を軽減し、小球体１１が滑らかに
回転することで、導通状態が安定すると共に、より摺動
音を軽減することもできる。In the present embodiment, the hollow portion 12 containing the small sphere 11 is filled with conductive grease 16 which is a conductive lubricant. Thereby, the rotation of the small sphere 11 becomes smooth, and a stable conduction state between the small sphere 11 and the rotating shaft 10 can be maintained. That is, the small sphere 11 and the bias voltage terminal 9 come into contact at one point as it is, and the conductivity may be unstable. Conductive grease is applied to the spherical portion of the sphere 11,
Conduction with the bias voltage terminal portion via the conductive grease is achieved, and the conduction state is stabilized. Also, by filling the conductive grease, the contact resistance between the elastic support 13 and the small sphere 11 is reduced, and the small sphere 11 rotates smoothly, thereby stabilizing the conduction state and further reducing the sliding noise. It can also be reduced.
【００３３】以上が本発明の実施形態であるが、本発明
は本実施形態にのみに限定されるものではない。例え
ば、本発明の導通機構を適用できる作像装置としては、
現像装置以外にも、感光体、接触式帯電装置又は接触式
転写装置などが挙げられ、これら装置のバイアス電圧供
給端子やアース端子の導通機構に適用することができ
る。これら装置の近傍は、飛散トナーやNOｘの付着によ
り導通不良が生じ易い領域であり、これら装置の導通機
構に適用した場合には、導通不良の起こし難い良好な給
電回路や接地回路を形成することができる。The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited only to the embodiments. For example, as an image forming apparatus to which the conduction mechanism of the present invention can be applied,
In addition to the developing device, a photoreceptor, a contact-type charging device, a contact-type transfer device, and the like can be used, and the present invention can be applied to a bias voltage supply terminal and a ground terminal conduction mechanism of these devices. The vicinity of these devices is an area where conduction failure is likely to occur due to the adhesion of scattered toner and NOx, and when applied to the conduction mechanism of these devices, it is necessary to form a good power supply circuit and a ground circuit that are unlikely to cause conduction failure. Can be.
【００３４】また同様にして、作像装置としては、現像
槽カートリッジ、ドラムカートリッジ、又は、これらカ
ートリッジが合体したプロセスカートリッジの導通機構
に適用しても良く、この場合でも、導通不良の起こし難
い良好な給電回路や接地回路を形成することができる。
特に作像装置がカートリッジ形式になっている場合に
は、複数の作像部が一体化されていることから、各カー
トリッジの挿抜回数は、カートリッジ形式でない場合よ
りも多くなり、従来技術では益々不具合が発生し易くな
るところ、本願構成により導通不良を効果的に防止でき
る。Similarly, the image forming apparatus may be applied to a conduction mechanism of a developing tank cartridge, a drum cartridge, or a process cartridge in which these cartridges are combined. Even in this case, good conduction is unlikely to occur. Power supply circuit and ground circuit can be formed.
In particular, when the image forming apparatus is in the form of a cartridge, since a plurality of image forming units are integrated, the number of times of insertion and removal of each cartridge is greater than in the case where the cartridge is not of the form of a cartridge. However, the configuration according to the present application can effectively prevent conduction failure.
【００３５】例えば図５と図６は、画像形成装置本体１
に、感光体カートリッジ２１と現像カートリッジ２２が
独立して設けられ、それぞれが装置本体から手前方向に
スライドさせること脱着可能な構成となっているが、各
カートリッジ２１・２２の例えば感光体支持部（軸部）
や現像ローラ支持部（軸部）に図３、４で図示している
ような構造を適用すれば良い。For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show the image forming apparatus main body 1.
The photoreceptor cartridge 21 and the developing cartridge 22 are provided independently of each other, and each can be detached by being slid forward from the apparatus main body. Shaft)
The structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be applied to the developing roller support portion (shaft portion).
【００３６】さらに、図３、４で上述した実施形態で
は、導通部分が単一の場合について説明したが、本発明
はそれに限定されるものではなく、例えば小球体１１、
回転軸１０、弾性支持体１３からなる凸部と、バイアス
電圧端子部９からなる平板状部材を複数組設け、各組毎
で導通させることで、複数のバイアスを供給することも
できる。この場合、供給するバイアス等の値が同一のも
の（例えば接地、同じバイアス値）で有る場合には、共
通の組で導通するようにしても良いし、作像装置内部で
の配線等の観点から導通箇所間の距離に応じて、平板状
部材又は凸部の両方又は片方を共通で使用するように構
成しても良い。このことで、導通部分のスペース及び製
造費用を削減することができる。Furthermore, in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the case where the conducting portion is single has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
A plurality of bias members can be supplied by providing a plurality of sets of flat members formed of the rotating shaft 10, the elastic support body 13, and the bias voltage terminal 9, and conducting each set. In this case, when the values of the bias and the like to be supplied are the same (for example, ground and the same bias value), conduction may be performed in a common set, and the viewpoint of wiring and the like inside the image forming apparatus may be used. Depending on the distance between the conductive portion and the conductive member, both or one of the flat member and the convex portion may be commonly used. This can reduce the space for the conductive portion and the manufacturing cost.
【００３７】[0037]
【発明の効果】本発明によれば、むやみに作業性や生産
性を低下させることなく、バイアス電源から作像装置に
対しバイアスを供給するバイアス供給機構における磨
耗、損傷、導通不良、摺動音発生等を防止できる画像形
成装置を提供することができる。According to the present invention, a bias supply mechanism for supplying a bias from a bias power supply to an image forming apparatus without excessively reducing workability and productivity is subject to wear, damage, poor conduction, and sliding noise. An image forming apparatus capable of preventing occurrence and the like can be provided.
【図１】本発明の実施形態に係る作像装置と画像形成装
置本体の関係を説明するための斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a relationship between an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】本発明の実施形態に係る作像装置と画像形成装
置本体の関係を説明するための平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a relationship between an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】本発明の実施形態に係る導通機構に係り、導通
機構が離間している状態を示す要部拡大断面図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the conduction mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the conduction mechanism is separated.
【図４】本発明の実施形態に係る導通機構に係り、導通
機構が当接している状態を示す要部拡大断面図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the conduction mechanism is in contact with the conduction mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図５】本発明の他の実施形態に係り、現像カートリッ
ジと画像形成装置の関係を説明するための説明図であ
る。FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a developing cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】本発明の他の実施形態に係り、感光体カートリ
ッジと画像形成装置の関係を説明するための説明図であ
る。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a photoreceptor cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
１ 画像形成装置 ２ 現像装置（作像装置） ３ 作像装置支持体 ４ 感光体ドラム（作像装置） ５ 前側板 ６ 後側板 ７、７ａ、７ｂ ソテー ８ バイアス電源 ９ バイアス電圧端子部 １０ 回転軸 １１ 小球体 １１ａ 先端部 １２ 中空部（収容部） １３ 弾性支持体 １４ 先端部 １５ 後端部 １６ 導電性グリス ２１ 現像カートリッジ ２２ 感光体カートリッジ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Developing apparatus (image forming apparatus) 3 Image forming apparatus support 4 Photosensitive drum (image forming apparatus) 5 Front side plate 6 Rear side plate 7, 7a, 7b Saute 8 Bias power supply 9 Bias voltage terminal section 10 Rotation axis DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Small sphere 11a Tip part 12 Hollow part (housing part) 13 Elastic support 14 Tip part 15 Rear end part 16 Conductive grease 21 Developing cartridge 22 Photoreceptor cartridge
Claims (3)
へ供給するバイアスを生成するバイアス電源と、上記作
像装置と該バイアス電源を接続する接続部からなり上記
作像装置に対し上記バイアス電源からバイアスを供給す
るバイアス供給機構と、上記作像装置を挿抜自在に支持
案内する作像装置支持体とを備えた画像形成装置におい
て、 上記接続部は、平板状部材と、導電性部材からなる小球
体と、挿抜方向に延設され上記小球体を回動自在に保持
収容する収容部とからなり、上記作像装置の挿入時には
平板状部材と小球体を当接させることを特徴とする画像
形成装置の導通機構。An image forming apparatus for forming an image, a bias power supply for generating a bias to be supplied to the image forming apparatus, and a connecting portion connecting the image forming apparatus and the bias power supply. On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus provided with a bias supply mechanism for supplying a bias from the bias power supply, and an image forming apparatus supporter that supports and guides the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus can be inserted and removed, the connection unit includes a flat member, A small sphere made of an elastic member, and a housing portion extending in the insertion / extraction direction and rotatably holding and housing the small sphere. When the image forming apparatus is inserted, the flat sphere is brought into contact with the small sphere. Characteristic conduction mechanism of the image forming apparatus.
とを特徴とする請求項１に記載の導通機構。2. The conduction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said housing portion is filled with a conductive lubricant.
体によって挿抜方向に付勢されることを特徴とする請求
項１に記載の導通機構。3. The conduction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the small sphere is urged in an insertion / removal direction by an elastic support in the housing portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000021321A JP2001215860A (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2000-01-31 | Conducting mechanism of image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000021321A JP2001215860A (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2000-01-31 | Conducting mechanism of image forming apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2001215860A true JP2001215860A (en) | 2001-08-10 |
Family
ID=18547740
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000021321A Pending JP2001215860A (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2000-01-31 | Conducting mechanism of image forming apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2001215860A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1953603A1 (en) | 2007-01-30 | 2008-08-06 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Process unit, image apparatus, and developing cartridge |
| JP2010079262A (en) * | 2008-09-01 | 2010-04-08 | Canon Inc | Cartridge |
| JP2012248475A (en) * | 2011-05-30 | 2012-12-13 | Kasuga Electric Works Ltd | Electrode holder |
| JP2015125278A (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-06 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2016076320A (en) * | 2014-10-03 | 2016-05-12 | シャープ株式会社 | connector |
-
2000
- 2000-01-31 JP JP2000021321A patent/JP2001215860A/en active Pending
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1953603A1 (en) | 2007-01-30 | 2008-08-06 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Process unit, image apparatus, and developing cartridge |
| US7813666B2 (en) | 2007-01-30 | 2010-10-12 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Process unit, image formation apparatus, and developing cartridge |
| JP2010079262A (en) * | 2008-09-01 | 2010-04-08 | Canon Inc | Cartridge |
| JP2012248475A (en) * | 2011-05-30 | 2012-12-13 | Kasuga Electric Works Ltd | Electrode holder |
| JP2015125278A (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-06 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2016076320A (en) * | 2014-10-03 | 2016-05-12 | シャープ株式会社 | connector |
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