JPH1039661A - Transfer device and image forming device equipped with it - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it difficult for deposits to adhere to the surface of a transfer roller. SOLUTION: Adhered matter such as toner and paper powder is transferred to a transfer roller 6.
Solid release agent 51 that makes it difficult to adhere to the surface
, A bracket 61 for holding the same, and a leaf spring 62 for pressing the bracket 61 to bring the release agent 51 into contact with the surface of the transfer roller 60, and the bracket 61 is formed between the transfer roller 60 and the intermediate transfer belt 19. It is swingably supported on a guide plate 63 for feeding a transfer material therebetween. When the transfer roller 60 rotates, the release agent 51 is uniformly applied to the surface thereof. The deposits are less likely to adhere to the surface of the transfer roller 60, and a decrease in image quality can be prevented. The release agent 51 is held by the bracket 61, and the bracket 61
Is swingably supported by the guide plate 63 and can be easily attached because it is integrated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transfer device having a transfer roller and a guide member for feeding a transfer material between the transfer roller and an image carrier, and a copying machine, a printer or the like equipped with the transfer device. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer, a toner image formed on a surface of a photoreceptor serving as an image carrier provided in an image forming section is transported to a transfer position. A transfer device for transferring the image onto the transferred transfer paper is provided. This transfer device transfers a toner image to transfer paper by corona discharge, or a toner is applied to the surface of a photoreceptor by applying a voltage while the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the photoreceptor via the transfer paper. Some use a transfer roller for transferring an image to transfer paper.

Since most of such transfer rollers are in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor via transfer paper, the toner on the photoreceptor hardly adheres to the roller surface. However, when two or more images are formed continuously,
The toner on the background stain portion between the transfer paper and the paper between the transfer paper may adhere. Also, the transfer paper causes a conveyance jam,
If it is not conveyed to the transfer position, all of the toner images (untransferred images) formed on the surface of the photoconductor come into direct contact with the surface of the transfer roller, so that the transfer roller is easily stained.

Therefore, conventionally, a cleaning blade made of rubber or the like is rubbed at its tip against the surface of the transfer roller to scrape off toner and the like adhering to the surface of the transfer roller for cleaning. Was. The cleaning blade is provided with a contact / separation mechanism so that the blade is separated from the surface of the transfer roller when unnecessary, or the cleaning performance is enhanced by setting the pressure applied to the transfer roller to an optimum value. Was.

[0005]

However, even if a cleaning blade for cleaning the surface of such a transfer roller is provided, if the cleaning ability is reduced, deposits such as toner and paper dust may be adhered to the transfer roller. Attached to the surface. In particular, in the case of a full-color copying machine, a printer, or the like, since the amount of toner adhered is larger than that of a single color, it was difficult to clean the surface of the transfer roller to a sufficient state using only the cleaning blade.

In some cases, the cleaning property is reduced depending on the type of transfer paper used. For example,
When using transfer paper (transfer material) that contains a large amount of calcium carbonate like overseas paper, the calcium carbonate adheres to the surface of the transfer roller and causes filming. In some cases, it was significantly reduced. The calcium carbonate adhering to the surface of the transfer roller was troublesome because it could not be removed by adjusting the pressure of the cleaning blade to the transfer roller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to make it difficult for deposits to adhere to the surface of a transfer roller. It is another object of the present invention to realize the above-mentioned operation without requiring a complicated assembling operation.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a transfer roller for electrostatically transferring an image formed on an image carrier to a transfer material, and the transfer roller and the image carrier. A transfer member having a guide member for feeding a transfer material between the transfer roller and a solid release agent that makes it difficult for deposits such as toner and paper powder to adhere to the surface of the transfer roller; A bracket for holding the agent along the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller, and a pressure member for pressing the bracket to bring the release agent into contact with the surface of the transfer roller along the longitudinal direction. It is supported so that it can swing.

With this configuration, since the release agent held by the bracket that is swingably supported by the guide member is pressed against the transfer roller by the pressure of the pressing member, the rotation of the transfer roller causes the release agent to rotate. The release agent is uniformly applied to the surface. Accordingly, it is difficult for deposits such as toner and paper dust to adhere to the surface of the transfer roller, so that it is possible to prevent a deterioration in image quality due to a poor cleaning of the transfer roller. Further, the release agent is held by the bracket, and the bracket is swingably supported by the guide member, and since they are integrated, it can be easily attached to the predetermined attachment position.

Preferably, a plurality of the pressing members are fixed to the guide member at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller, and each pressing member uniformly presses the bracket. Then, even if the flatness of the holding surface of the bracket for holding the release agent is slightly poor, the pressing members press each of a plurality of positions spaced along the longitudinal direction, so that the release agent is The transfer roller is pressed substantially uniformly over the entire area in the longitudinal direction.

The total pressing force of the plurality of pressing members pressing the bracket is preferably 0.5 to 2 Newtons. If the pressing force of the pressing member is low, the release agent cannot be applied to the surface of the transfer roller. Conversely, if the pressure is high, the frictional force between the release agent and the transfer roller increases. Although there is a possibility that the release roller may be wound around the transfer roller together with the bracket, the release agent can be applied to the transfer roller under optimum conditions without causing such inconvenience.

Further, it is preferable that a deflector for restricting the bending of the bracket by projecting the center bending portion of the bracket against the surface of the guide member facing the bracket is provided. Then, even if the central portion in the longitudinal direction, which is most flexible, is bent by using a thin plate to make the bracket inexpensive,
Since the warp restricts the bending, the release agent can be brought into stable contact with the surface of the transfer roller.

[0013] A shaft support hole is provided at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bracket, and a shaft support hole for rotatably fitting one shaft of the bracket to the guide member and supporting the other shaft. Forming a U-shaped groove for fitting and supporting the portion, and providing a fixing member for restricting the shaft portion from coming off from the U-shaped groove in a state where the other shaft portion is fitted in the U-shaped groove, It is preferable that a rotation amount regulating portion that regulates the amount of rotation of the bracket toward the transfer roller side around the shaft portions at both ends is formed on the fixing member.

With this arrangement, the bracket holding the release agent is rotatably fitted with one shaft into the shaft support hole of the guide member and the other shaft is fitted into the U-shaped groove. The shaft portion on the U-shaped groove side can be easily assembled simply by restricting the shaft portion from coming off with a fixing member. In addition, since the amount of rotation of the bracket toward the transfer roller can be regulated by the amount of rotation of the fixing member, it is possible to prevent the bracket from directly contacting the surface of the transfer roller when the release agent wears over time. Can be prevented.

An image forming apparatus equipped with any one of the above-described transfer apparatuses, wherein the image forming apparatus includes means for selecting a mode in which image formation and paper feeding are stopped and only the transfer roller is independently driven to rotate. If the transfer roller and the release agent are replaced, by selecting a mode in which only the transfer roller is driven to rotate alone by the above means, image formation is continuously performed using a large amount of transfer material. Even without,
The release agent can be applied to the surface of the transfer roller in the same manner as before the replacement.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an enlarged front view showing an embodiment of a transfer device according to the present invention in the vicinity of a main part of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the transfer device together with an intermediate transfer belt as an image carrier. FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a full-color copying machine provided with the transfer device.

In the full-color copying machine as the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3, a color scanner 1 is provided on a color printer 2. The color printer 2 includes a BK developing device 1
4 (black), C developing unit 15 (cyan), M developing unit 16 (magenta), and Y developing unit 17 (yellow) carry a toner image visualized in each developing step on the surface, A photoreceptor drum 9 as an image carrier that conveys a toner image by being rotated and moved to a transfer process is provided.

An image carrier which carries a toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 9 on its surface and transfers it to a position where a transfer unit 23 which is a transfer device for transferring the toner image to transfer paper 24 is provided. A certain intermediate transfer belt 19;
A transport belt 27 for transporting the transfer paper 24 carrying the toner image transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 19 to the next fixing step is provided.

The color scanner 1 irradiates the lower surface (color image surface) of the original 3 with light from the illumination lamp 4 and reflects the reflected light through mirrors 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and a lens 6.
By forming an image on a color line sensor 7 including (blue), G (green), and R (red) color separation means and a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, the color image data of the original 3 is added in three primary colors. The image is read after being separated into the above three colors. The color line sensor 7 simultaneously reads the three colors B, G, and R by one operation.

Then, based on the B, G, and R color separation image signal intensity levels, an image processing unit (not shown) performs color conversion processing to obtain BK (black), C (cyan), and M (magenta). And Y (yellow) color image data. From the color image data, the color printer 2 uses the BK,
The visualization (toner image) of each of C, M, and Y is performed in a stepwise manner, and they are superimposed to form a full-color image.

At this time, the color scanner 1 scans the original by moving to the left in FIG. 3 in synchronization with the operation of the color printer 2. Since this color copier does not have a memory for storing image data, in order to obtain one color of image data for each original scan, a total of four original scans are performed on one original. The above BK, C, M and Y
Are sequentially obtained in correspondence with the visualization of each color.

The color printer 2 includes the above-described photosensitive drum 9 therein, and a cleaning unit 10, a charge removing lamp 11, a charging charger 12, a potential sensor 13, a BK developing device 14, and a C developing device 15 are provided around the photosensitive drum 9. , M developing device 16, Y developing device 17, developed density pattern detector 18,
And an intermediate transfer belt 19 and the like.

Each of the developing units 14 to 17 is a part for developing an electrostatic latent image, and includes developing sleeves 14 a to 17 a shown in FIG.
Developing paddles 14b-17b for pumping and stirring toner
And toner concentration detection sensors 14c to 17c. In this embodiment, the order of writing and development (color image forming order) by laser light is BK,
C, M, and Y.

In the color copying machine, when the copying operation is started, the photosensitive drum 9 is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging charger 12.
After performing image processing on image data of a plurality of colors corresponding to the color image of the original 3 sent from the color scanner 1 described with reference to FIG. 3, the laser writing unit 8 irradiates a laser beam corresponding to the image data. The charged surface of the body drum 9 is sequentially irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. The tip of the BK latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 by the laser light from the laser writing unit 8 is moved to the BK developing device 1.
Before reaching the developing position of No. 4, the developing sleeve 14a is rotated so that the developer is raised, and the BK latent image is developed with the BK toner.

Thereafter, the developing operation of the BK latent image area is continued. When the rear end of the latent image area passes the developing position by the BK developing unit 14, the BK developing sleeve 14
a of the developer on the BK developing device 1
4 is set to a development inoperative state. This is at least the following C
This is completed before the leading end of the C latent image area based on the image data arrives. In addition, the above-mentioned ear cutting is performed by the developing sleeve 14a.
Is switched to the opposite direction to that during the developing operation.

Then, the BK toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 19 which is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 9 and rotates at a constant speed. This intermediate transfer is performed by applying a predetermined bias voltage to the intermediate transfer bias roller 20 by a bias power supply (not shown) when the photosensitive drum 9 and the intermediate transfer belt 19 come into contact with each other.

After that, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 9 is removed by the cleaning unit 10, the charge is removed by the charge removing lamp 11, and then the charging by the charging charger 12 is started again.
Repeat the cleaning and subsequent cycle. That is, B
After the K step, a C step is performed. At a predetermined timing, the C image data is read by the color scanner 1 (FIG. 3), the laser light is written based on the image data, and the C latent image is transferred to the photosensitive drum. 9 is formed on the surface.

The C developing device 15 moves the developing position with respect to the developing position.
After the rear end portion of the BK latent image described above has passed and before the leading end of the C latent image has reached, the rotation of the developing sleeve 15a is started to perform the cutting of the developer, and the C latent image is transferred to the C toner. Develop with. Then, the development of the C latent image area is continued, and when the rear end portion of the C latent image has passed, similarly to the case of the BK developing device 14 described above, the developer Make a cut. This is also completed before the leading end of the next M latent image arrives.

Similarly, in the processes of M and Y, the latent image formation and the developing operation of each latent image area by the M developing unit 16 and the Y developing unit 17 are also performed based on the respective image data.
This is performed in the same manner as in the case of BK and C described above. Thereby, BK, C, M, and BK sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 9 are formed.
By transferring each of the Y toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 19 while sequentially aligning the same, a four-color superimposed intermediate transfer image is formed. After the transfer of each toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 19, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 10, and the charge is uniformly removed by the charge removing lamp 11.

The order in which the toner images are formed is not limited to the above-described order of BK, C, M, and Y. The order is based on the characteristics of the toner and the finishing effect of the color image finally formed on the transfer paper. The order is determined in advance according to. In this way, an intermediate transfer image of four colors is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 19, and is transferred collectively onto the transfer paper 24 by the transfer unit 23.

The transfer paper 24 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 28 by a conveying belt 27, where the fixing roller 2 is heated to a predetermined temperature.
The full-color copy is obtained by fusing and fixing the toner image between the roller 8a and the pressure roller 28b, and thereafter discharging the toner image to the copy tray 29. Intermediate transfer belt 19
Are an intermediate transfer bias roller 20 and a driving roller 21
And another driven roller group, and is rotated in the direction of arrow B by a drive motor (not shown). The surface is cleaned by the belt cleaner 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, the belt cleaner 22 includes a brush roller 22a, a rubber blade 22b, a contact / separation mechanism 22c, etc., and the intermediate transfer belt 19 before the first BK toner image is intermediately transferred. However, when the intermediate transfer is started, it is separated from the belt surface by the contact / separation mechanism 22c.

The transfer unit 23 includes a transfer roller 60,
The cleaning blade 23b, a solid release agent 51 that makes it difficult for attached matter such as toner and paper powder to adhere to the surface of the transfer roller 60, and the release agent 5 as shown in FIG.
1 is the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller 60 (front and back in FIG. 1)
61 that is held along the
1, a plurality of leaf springs 62 serving as pressure members for uniformly bringing the release agent 51 into contact with the surface of the transfer roller 60 over the entire area in the longitudinal direction, and the transfer roller 60 and the intermediate transfer belt 19. A guide plate 63 serving as a guide member for feeding the transfer paper 24 therebetween, a contact / separation mechanism 23c (FIG. 4) for bringing the transfer roller 60 into and out of contact with the intermediate transfer belt 19, and the like. In FIG. 1, the guide plate 63 is shown in a sectional state for convenience.

At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the upper end of the bracket 61 holding the release agent 51, shaft portions 64 are fixed, respectively, and the shaft portions 64 are fixed to the guide plate 6 as will be described in detail later.
It is supported swingably at 3. Although not shown in detail, the transfer roller 60 has a rubber layer formed outside the roller shaft, and a resin coating layer formed outside the rubber layer.

The transfer roller 60 is normally separated from the intermediate transfer belt 19,
When the four-color superimposed intermediate transfer images formed on the transfer paper 9 are collectively transferred to the transfer paper 24, the transfer paper 24 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 19 at a time as shown in FIG. An intermediate transfer image (a negatively charged toner image) is transferred to the transfer paper 24 by applying a predetermined positive bias voltage.

The transfer paper 24 is stored in each of the transfer paper cassettes 30, 31, 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 3 for each size, and an operation panel (not shown).
When the size of the transfer paper is specified above, the paper is fed toward the registration roller pair 26 at a predetermined timing from the transfer paper cassette in which the transfer paper of the specified size is stored. Reference numeral 34 in FIG. 3 denotes a manual paper feed tray used for feeding OHP transfer paper or thick paper.

In this color copying machine, at the time of repeat copying, the operation of the color scanner 1 and the image formation on the photosensitive drum 9 are performed at a predetermined timing following the Y (fourth color) image forming process of the first sheet. Performs the image forming process for the second sheet of BK (first color). At that time, the intermediate transfer belt 19
After the first four-color superimposed image is collectively transferred to the transfer paper, the second BK toner image is transferred to the portion of the surface that has been cleaned by the belt cleaner 22. Then, the subsequent operation is performed in the same manner as the first sheet.

The copy mode for obtaining four full colors has been described above. In the three-color copy mode and the two-color copy mode, the same operation as described above is performed for the designated color and the number of times. . In the case of the single-color copy mode, only the developing device of the designated color is set in the developing operation state (developer of the developer) until the predetermined number of sheets is completed, and the intermediate transfer belt 19 is moved to the photosensitive drum 9. The belt cleaner 22 is driven at a constant speed in the forward movement direction while being kept in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 19, and the copying operation is performed with the belt cleaner 22 still in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 19.

Incidentally, this full-color copying machine is similar to the one shown in FIG.
As described in the above, the transfer roller 60 is
A device for applying a release agent 51 that makes it difficult for deposits such as paper powder to adhere to the surface of the device is provided. Hereinafter, an apparatus for applying the release agent 51 will be described in detail.

The release agent 51 is formed of, for example, zinc stearate, and is formed in a solid square rod shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller 60 as shown in FIG. The back surface (the right end surface in FIG. 5) is fixed to the bracket 61 by, for example, bonding. The bracket 61 is formed of a thin plate-like member extending along the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller 60, and is bent in a lower U-shape. Then, for example, four lower ends of the bracket 61 are disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 61, and are uniformly arranged by leaf springs 62 fixed to the lower surface of the guide plate 63 as shown in FIG. By applying pressure, the release agent 51 is brought into uniform contact with the surface of the transfer roller 60.

The total pressing force of the four leaf springs 62 (the number of which can be increased or decreased as necessary) to press the bracket 61 is preferably 0.5 to 2 Newtons.
Then, the pressing force of the leaf spring 62 is optimized. That is, if the pressing force is too low, the release agent 51 cannot be applied to the surface of the transfer roller 60,
Conversely, if it is too high, the frictional force between the release agent 51 and the transfer roller 60 increases, so that the release agent 51 may be wound around the outer periphery of the transfer roller 60 together with the bracket 61. The release agent 51 can be applied to the transfer roller 60 under optimum conditions without causing such inconvenience.

When the bracket 61 is pressed at a plurality of positions at intervals in the longitudinal direction as described above, the bracket 61 may not always have a good flatness. Also, transfer it to the transfer roller 6
Since the pressure can be substantially uniformly applied to the zero side over the entirety, it is possible to prevent a portion where the release agent 51 does not contact the transfer roller 60 from being formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a projecting piece 61a, for example,
It protrudes at intervals (the number can be increased or decreased as appropriate). A shaft 6 is provided at the upper end of both sides in the longitudinal direction.
4, 64 (illustrations on the back side are not shown) are held in a curled state, and they are integrally fixed by caulking (see also FIG. 1).

On the other hand, in the guide plate 63, a shaft support hole 63a for rotatably fitting and supporting the shaft portion 64 on the back side in FIG. 5 of the bracket 61 and the other shaft portion 64 are fitted. U-shaped grooves 63b are formed to support each other.
Then, in a state where the rear shaft 64 is fitted into the shaft support hole 63a and then the front shaft 64 is fitted into the U-shaped groove 63b, the front shaft 64 is received by the upper surface 66a from below. Thus, a fixing member 66 for restricting the shaft portion 64 from coming out of the U-shaped groove 63b is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fixing member 66 is provided with a rotation amount regulating portion 66b for regulating the amount of rotation around the shaft portions 64, 64 at both ends of the bracket 61 toward the transfer roller 60. doing. Therefore, the release agent 51
Is rotated by the transfer roller 60, the amount of rotation of the bracket 61 is regulated by the rotation amount regulating portion 66b.
Can be prevented from contacting the surface.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing member 66 is formed by screwing a screw inserted into a mounting hole 66c formed on the side surface of the fixing member 66 on the surface of the guide plate 63 where the U-shaped groove 63b is provided. It is fixed to the guide plate 63 by being screwed into the screw hole 63c. Thus, this copier is
Shaft portions 64, 64 respectively fixed to both ends of the upper end of a bracket 61 holding a release agent 51 are swingably supported on a guide plate 63, and the bracket 61 is mounted on a plurality of leaf springs 6.
The release agent 51 is pressed against the surface of the transfer roller 60 by pressing at 2.

Therefore, when the transfer roller 60 rotates, the release agent 51 is uniformly applied to the surface of the transfer roller 60. Since the additive such as calcium carbonate hardly adheres, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to the poor cleaning of the transfer roller 60. The release agent 51 is held by a bracket 61, and the bracket 61 is swingably supported by a guide plate 63 as shown in FIG. The unit 23 can be mounted at a predetermined mounting position.

Further, as described above, the projection 61 abuts against the surface of the guide plate 63 facing the bracket 61, in the direction in which the central portion of the bracket 61 escapes (separates) from the transfer roller 60. Since the sled stopper 67 is restricted by the protrusion, the bracket 61 is provided.
In order to manufacture the inexpensively, a thin plate is used, and even if the central portion in the longitudinal direction is bent by not providing the shaft portion at the central portion, the warp 67 restricts the bending even if the central portion in the longitudinal direction is bent. Therefore, the release agent 51 is transferred to the transfer roller 60.
Surface can be stably contacted.

The mounting of the bracket 61 to the guide plate 63 is performed by connecting the rear shaft portion 64 in FIG.
3 is inserted into the shaft support hole 63a (FIG. 5), the front shaft 64 is inserted into the U-shaped groove 63b from below, and the shaft 64 is supported by the fixing member 66 from below. The mounting of the bracket 61 to the guide plate 63 can be simplified.

The release agent 51 and the transfer roller 60
Is a part to be replaced because it is a consumable part. Therefore, when these parts are replaced, the release agent 51 is applied to the surface of the transfer roller 60 to some extent before the normal copying operation is started in order to obtain the initial performance immediately after the replacement. It is necessary to keep. The work is generally performed by a service person making a considerable amount of copying at the user's site. However, in such a case, a large amount of transfer paper is used, so that the cost burden is high. This is time-consuming and time-consuming, so there is much waste.

Therefore, in this color copying machine, a mode (forming mode) in which the image forming and paper feeding operations are stopped and only the transfer roller 60 is independently driven is provided, and a key for selecting the mode is set on the operation panel ( (Not shown). Therefore, when the transfer roller 60 and the release agent 51 are exchanged, by selecting a mode in which only the transfer roller 60 is driven to rotate alone by using the mode selection key, copying using a large amount of transfer paper is performed. The release agent 51 is transferred to the transfer roller 6 without performing the
The surface can be uniformly coated in the same manner as before replacement. In this forming mode, if the time for performing the forming mode can be freely set, a service person can arbitrarily change the set time according to the application state of the release agent 51, so that the cost can be reduced. Workability can be improved.

[0052]

As described above, according to the transfer device of the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult for deposits to adhere to the surface of the transfer roller. Is obtained. Further, it is possible to prevent the transfer roller from being stained without requiring a troublesome assembling operation.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus equipped with the transfer device, when the transfer roller and the release agent are replaced,
By selecting a mode in which only the transfer roller is driven to rotate alone, the release agent can be uniformly applied to the surface of the transfer roller in the same way as before the replacement without using a large amount of transfer paper. As a result, costs can be reduced and workability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged front view showing an embodiment of a transfer device according to the present invention in the vicinity of a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the transfer device together with an intermediate transfer belt as an image carrier.

FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a full-color copying machine in which the transfer device is provided.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged configuration diagram showing the vicinity of an image forming unit of the full-color copying machine of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a configuration of the transfer device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a rotation amount restricting portion that restricts the rotation amount of a bracket provided in the transfer device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9: Photoconductor drum (image carrier) 19: Intermediate transfer belt (image carrier) 23: Transfer unit (transfer device) 24: Transfer paper (transfer material) 51: Release agent 60: Transfer roller 61: Bracket 62: Leaf spring (pressing member) 63: Guide plate (guide member) 63a: Shaft support hole 63b: U-shaped groove 64: Shaft portion 66: Fixed member 66b: Rotation amount regulating portion 67: Warp stop

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A transfer roller for electrostatically transferring an image formed on an image carrier to a transfer material, and a guide member for feeding the transfer material between the transfer roller and the image carrier. A transfer device provided with a solid release agent for preventing deposits such as toner and paper powder from adhering to the surface of the transfer roller, and holding the release agent along a longitudinal direction of the transfer roller. A bracket and a pressure member that presses the bracket to bring the release agent into contact with the surface of the transfer roller along the longitudinal direction are provided, and the bracket is swingably supported by the guide member. Characteristic transfer device. 2. A plurality of pressure members are fixed to the guide member at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller, and each pressure member uniformly presses the bracket. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The transfer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a total pressing force of said plurality of pressing members pressing said bracket is 0.5 to 2 Newtons. 4. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein a central bent portion of the bracket is brought into contact with a surface of the guide member facing the bracket. A transfer device characterized by projecting a sled stop for regulating the pressure. 5. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein a shaft is protruded at both ends in a longitudinal direction of the bracket, and one shaft of the bracket is provided on the guide member. A shaft support hole that rotatably fits and supports the portion and a U-shaped groove that fits and supports the other shaft portion are formed, and the other shaft portion is fitted into the U-shaped groove. A fixing member for restricting the shaft portion from coming out of the U-shaped groove, and a rotation amount for restricting a rotation amount of the bracket to the transfer roller side about the shaft portions at both ends of the bracket; A transfer device comprising a regulating portion. 6. An image forming apparatus equipped with the transfer device according to claim 1, wherein image forming and paper feeding are stopped and only the transfer roller is driven to rotate independently. An image forming apparatus, comprising: means for selecting the image forming apparatus.