Image forming apparatus

[0001] The present application is based on Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2002-303904, 2002-303905, 2002-303906 and 2002-303907, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of a printer, a facsimile, a copier or the like for forming an image by using an electrophotography technology. Particularly, the invention relates to a charging technology for charging a photosensitive body thereof.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Generally, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotography technology includes a photosensitive body having a photosensitive layer at an outer peripheral face thereof, a charging unit for uniformly charging the outer peripheral face of the photosensitive body, an exposing unit for forming an electrostatic latent image by selectively exposing the outer peripheral face charged uniformly by the charging unit, a developing unit for constituting a visible image (toner image) by providing a toner which is a developing agent to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposing unit and a transcribing unit for transcribing the toner image developed by the developing unit onto a record member of sheet or the like which is a transcribing object.

[0006] There is known charging unit for charging the outer peripheral face of the photosensitive body utilizing a corona discharger referred to as a scorotron charger. The scorotron charger includes a discharge electrode, a supporting member for supporting the discharge electrode, a back plate for carrying out stable discharge and a grid for controlling charge potential on the photosensitive body. When charging is carried out, for example, by applying a voltage of −4 KV through −6 KV to the discharge electrode, applying −600V (potential dependent on potential intended to charge actually) to a grid and grounding the back plate or applying a potential the same as that of the grid to the back plate, corona discharge is generated from the discharge electrode and the photosensitive body can be charged to about −600V.

[0007] When the photosensitive body is charged by the above-described scorotron charger, as a parameter strongly effecting influence on the charge potential of the photosensitive body, there is a distance between the discharge electrode or the grid and a surface of the photosensitive body.

[0008] Therefore, the corona discharger of a related art is provided with a mechanism for making the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body constant (refer to, for example, JP-B2-2-10423, page 1, left column, page 2, right column, FIGS. 2 through 5; JP-Y2-2-3554, page 2, left column, FIGS. 2, 3; and JP-Y2-5-14282 page 2, left column, FIG. 5).

[0009] Further, there is also known a scorotron charger forming an aperture pattern of a grid by a small hole in a regular hexagonal shape to constitute an isotropic aperture rate with regard to a direction of moving the photosensitive body (for example, refer to JP-Y2-4-53650, page 1, left column, FIG. 3).

[0010] Further, there is known a corona discharger in which an inner face of a back plate is pasted with an insulator sheet such that a pasting rate at two end portions becomes larger than that of a central portion thereof to thereby prevent potential rise at the two end portions of the charger (for example, refer to JP-B2-6-58560, page 1, left column, FIG. 1)

[0011] The charge potential of the photosensitive body is inversely proportional to an electrostatic capacitance of the photosensitive layer. That is, the charge potential is proportional to a film thickness of the photosensitive layer and the thicker the photosensitive layer, the more increased is the potential.

[0012] Meanwhile, the film thickness of the photosensitive layer is provided with a film thickness deviation to some degree in view of fabrication. For example, an organic photosensitive layer which is generally used as a photosensitive layer is normally coated by dipping (dipping coating method). Although the dipping coating method is more excellent in film thickness stability than a ring coating method or the like, even with the dipping coating method, it is not rare to provide a film thickness deviation of 1 through 2 μm between an upper portion and a lower portion of dipping. Particularly, in the case of a large-sized printing photosensitive body having A3 size or more, the film thickness deviation becomes significant.

[0013] When charging is carried out for such a photosensitive body, even when the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is maintained constant or the aperture pattern of the grid is formed to constitute the isotropic aperture rate with regard to the direction of moving the photosensitive body as in the above-described related arts, the charge potential on the photosensitive body is not constant. Further, even when the insulator sheet is pasted on the inner face of the back plate such that the pasting rate at the two end portions becomes larger than that of the central portion, the charge potential on the photosensitive body does not become constant.

[0014] For example, when there is a film thickness deviation of 1 through 2 μm between the upper portion and the lower portion of dipping of the photosensitive body, a difference of about 5 through 12 V is produced in the charge potential in an axis direction of the photosensitive body. This is the difference which cannot be disregarded in consideration of a request for high image quality formation in forming a color image of recent times. Normally, in order to achieve an excellent color image in an image forming apparatus, it is desired to make an in-plane dispersion of the charge potential (dispersion in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body) equal to or lower than 20V, however, it is difficult to achieve the dispersion owing to an influence of a tolerance or the like of a part constituting the charger and it is a significant problem that the potential difference in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body becomes about 5 through 12 V from the start under such a situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an object of the invention to resolve the above-described problem and provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving uniform formation of a charge potential at a surface of a photosensitive body by a simple constitution.

[0016] In order to achieve the above-described object, an image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the invention is characterized in an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is provided and a charger opposed to the photosensitive body for charging a surface of the photosensitive body, wherein an interval between the surface of the photosensitive body and the charger is narrower on a first side of the photosensitive body and widened on a second side thereof.

[0017] Preferably, when the charger is a scorotron charger including a discharge electrode and a grid, an interval between the grid and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the first side of the photosensitive body and widened on the second side.

[0018] In that case, further preferably, the interval between the grid and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the first side of the photosensitive body and widened on the dip lower potion side thereof by changing heights of grid supporting portions for supporting both sides of the grid.

[0019] Further, preferably, when the charger is a charger having a discharge electrode, an interval between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the first side of the photosensitive body and widened on the second side thereof by changing heights of electrode supporting portions for supporting both sides of the discharge electrode.

[0020] Further, preferably, when the charger is a charger having a shape of a roller, the shape of the roller is constituted by a taper shape having a large diameter on the first side of the photosensitive body and a small diameter on the second side thereof.

[0021] In this case, further preferably, a surface layer of the roller is formed by dipping.

[0022] Further, preferably, the charger is provided with a pair of spacers for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body and the charger by being brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body on both sides thereof.

[0023] In this case, further preferably, the pair of spacers are provided with different colors.

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus as described above, uniform formation of charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved by a simple constitution.

[0025] When the charger is the scorotron charger having the discharge electrode and the grid, by making the interval between the grid for controlling the charge potential on the photosensitive body and the surface of the photosensitive body narrow on the first side of the photosensitive body and wide on the second side, uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved.

[0026] Although in setting the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body and the charger as described above, the interval can be set by arranging a total of the charger in a state of being inclined to the photosensitive body, by changing the heights of the grid supporting portions for supporting the both sides of the grid, the interval between the grid and the surface of the photosensitive body can be narrowed on the first side of the photosensitive body and widened on the second side, or when the interval between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the first side of the photosensitive body and widened on the second side by changing the heights of the electrode supporting portions for supporting the both sides of the discharge electrode, assembling performance is promoted since it is not necessary to incline the total of the charger.

[0027] Further, when the charger is the charger having the shape of the roller, by constituting the shape of the roller by the taper shape having the large diameter on the first side of the photosensitive body and the small diameter on the second side, assembling performance is promoted since it is not necessary to incline an axis line of the roller to the photosensitive body.

[0028] Also, by providing the taper by forming the surface layer of the roller by dipping, a small taper can be provided and uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved.

[0029] Further, by providing the pair of spacers for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body and the charger by being brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body on the both sides of the charger, uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved.

[0030] In this case, by changing the colors of the pair of spacers, erroneous assembling can be prevented.

[0031] The second aspect of the invention provides an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is provided and a charger having a discharge electrode and a grid opposed to the photosensitive body for charging a surface of the photosensitive body, wherein an aperture rate of the grid is larger on a first side of the photosensitive body than on a second side thereof.

[0032] According to the image forming apparatus as described above, uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0033] The third aspect of the invention provides an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is provided and a charger having a discharge electrode and a back plate opposed to the photosensitive body for charging a surface of the photosensitive body, wherein an aperture rate of the back plate is smaller on a first side of the photosensitive body than on a second side thereof.

[0034] Further, the invention is characterized in an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is provided and a charger having a discharge electrode and a back plate opposed to the photosensitive body for charging a surface of the photosensitive body for discharging air by making an airflow flow along the back plate, wherein the photosensitive body is arranged such that a dip upper portion thereof is disposed on an upstream side of the airflow and a dip lower portion thereof is disposed on a downstream side of the airflow, the back plate includes an aperture for passing air and an aperture rate of the back plate is smaller on a first side of the photosensitive body than on a second side thereof.

[0035] When the aperture rate of the back plate is increased, an amount of discharge by the charger is reduced.

[0036] According to the image forming apparatus as described above, where the aperture rate of the back plate is made to be small on the first side of the photosensitive body and large on the second side and therefore, uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0037] Further according to the image forming apparatus where air is discharged by making the airflow flow along the back plate and, ozone is discharged from inside of the charger by discharging air, stable charging operation is achieved by preventing a deterioration in the discharge electrode by stagnation of ozone.

[0038] Further, the photosensitive body is arranged such that the first side of the photosensitive body is disposed on the upstream side of the airflow and the second side of the photosensitive body is disposed on the downstream side of the airflow, the back plate includes the aperture for passing air, the aperture rate of the back plate is made to be small on the first side of the photosensitive body and large on the second side and therefore, uniform formation of the discharge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0039] Further, by providing the aperture for passing air on the second side of the photosensitive body, that is, on the downstream side of the airflow, flow of the airflow becomes smooth and ozone can further excellently be discharged from inside of the charger.

[0040] Fourth aspect of the invention provides an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is provided and a charger having a discharge electrode, a back plate and an insulator sheet applied to an inner face of the back plate opposed to the photosensitive body for charging a surface of the photosensitive body, wherein an applying rate of the insulator sheet is smaller on a first side of the photosensitive body than on a second side thereof.

[0041] Further the invention is characterized in an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is provided and a charger having a discharge electrode and a back plate opposed to the photosensitive body for charging a surface of the photosensitive body for discharging air by making an airflow flow along the back plate, wherein the back plate includes an aperture, an aperture rate thereof is made to be small on a first side of the photosensitive body and large on a second side and the aperture is closed by an insulator sheet applied to an outer face of the back plate.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the photosensitive body is arranged such that the first side of the photosensitive body is disposed on an upstream side of the airflow and the second side of the photosensitive body is disposed on a downstream side of the airflow.

[0043] When the insulator sheet is applied to the inner face of the back plate, an amount of discharge at the applied portion is reduced.

[0044] According to the image forming apparatus as described above, where the applying rate of the insulator sheet is smaller on the first side of the photosensitive body than on the second side and therefore, uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0045] According to the image forming apparatus where air is discharged by making the airflow flow along the back plate and ozone is discharged from inside of the charger by discharging air.

[0046] Therefore, stable charging operation is achieved by preventing the deterioration in the discharge electrode by stagnation of ozone.

[0047] Further, the back plate is provided with the aperture and the aperture rate is made to be small on the first side of the photosensitive body and large on the second side and therefore, uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved. That is, when the aperture rate of the back plate is increased, the amount of discharge by the charger is reduced and according to the invention, the aperture rate of the back plate is made to be small on the first side of the photosensitive body and large on the second side and therefore, uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0048] Further, the aperture is closed by the insulator sheet applied to the outer face of the back plate and therefore, disturbance of the airflow by presence of the aperture can be prevented and unevenness of charge can also be prevented.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the image forming apparatus of the invention where, air is discharged by making the airflow flow along the back plate and therefore, ozone is discharged from inside of the charger by discharging air.

[0050] Therefore, stable charging operation is achieved by preventing the deterioration in the discharge electrode by stagnation of ozone.

[0051] Further, the photosensitive body is arranged such that the dip upper portion is disposed on the upstream side of the airflow and the dip lower portion is disposed on the downstream side of the airflow, the back plate is provided with the aperture, and the aperture rate is made to be small on the first side of the photosensitive body and large on the second side and therefore, uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0052] Further, the aperture is closed by the insulator sheet applied to the other face of the back plate while leaving a portion thereof on the downstream side of the airflow and therefore, by constituting the aperture for passing air by the portion of the aperture which is not closed and providing the aperture for passing air on the second side of the photosensitive body, that is, on the downstream side of the airflow, flow of the airflow is made to be smooth and ozone can further excellently be discharged from inside of the charger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053]
FIG. 1 is an outline front view showing an inner structure of a first embodiment.

[0054]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of dipping.

[0055]
FIG. 3 is a view of a graph showing an example of a relationship between a film thickness of a photosensitive body and a charge potential.

[0056]
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are views showing an essential portion of the first embodiment, FIG. 4A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive body and FIG. 4B is an outline view of an image carrier unit.

[0057]
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are views showing an essential portion of a second embodiment, FIG. 5A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer and FIG. 5B is an outline view of an image carrier unit.

[0058]
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are views showing an essential portion of a third embodiment, FIG. 6A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer and FIG. 6B is an outline view of an image carrier unit.

[0059]
FIGS. 7A through 7C are views showing a structure of attaching a spacer, FIG. 7A is a front view, FIG. 7B is a side view and FIG. 7C is a plane view when the front view is constituted by FIG. 7B.

[0060]
FIGS. 8A through 8C are views showing an essential portion of a fourth embodiment, FIG. 8A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer in an axis line direction of a photosensitive body, FIG. 8B is an outline view of an image carrier unit and FIG. 8C is a partially omitted enlarged view of FIG. 8B.

[0061]
FIGS. 9A through 9C are views showing an essential portion of a fifth embodiment, FIG. 9A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer in an axis line direction of a photosensitive body, FIG. 9B is an outline view of an image carrier unit and FIG. 9C is a partially omitted enlarged view of FIG. 9B.

[0062]
FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are views showing an essential portion of a sixth embodiment, FIG. 10A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer and FIG. 10B is an outline view of an image carrier unit.

[0063]
FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are views showing an essential portion of a seventh embodiment, FIG. 11A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer and FIG. 11B is an outline view of an image carrier unit.

[0064]
FIG. 12A through FIG. 12E are views showing an essential portion of an eighth embodiment, FIG. 12A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer, FIG. 12B is an outline view of an image carrier unit, FIG. 12C is a plane view of a grid, FIG. 12D is an enlarged view of a portion d in FIG. 12C and FIG. 12E is an enlarged view of a portion e in FIG. 12C.

[0065]
FIG. 13 is a view of a graph showing an example of a relationship between an aperture rate of a grid and a charge potential.

[0066]
FIG. 14A through FIG. 14E are views showing an essential portion of a ninth embodiment, FIG. 14A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer in an axis line direction of a photosensitive body, FIG. 14B is an outline view of an image carrier unit, FIG. 14C is a front view of a charger, FIG. 14D is a bottom view of the charger and FIG. 14E is a plane view of the charger.

[0067]
FIG. 15A through FIG. 15E are views showing an essential portion of a tenth embodiment, FIG. 15A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer, FIG. 15B is an outline left side view of an image carrier unit, FIG. 15C is a front view of a charger when the front view is constituted by FIG. 15B, FIG. 15D is similarly a bottom view of the charger and FIG. 15E is similarly a plane view of the charger.

[0068]
FIG. 16 is a sectional view (outline view) taken along a line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15B.

[0069]
FIG. 17A through FIG. 17E are views showing an essential portion of an eleventh embodiment, FIG. 17A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer in an axial line direction of a photosensitive body, FIG. 17B is an outline view of an image carrier unit, FIG. 17C is a front view of a charger, FIG. 17D is a sectional view taken along a line d-d of FIG. 17C and FIG. 17E is a sectional view taken along a line e-e of FIG. 17C.

[0070]
FIG. 18A through FIG. 18C are views showing an essential portion of a twelfth embodiment, FIG. 18A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer, FIG. 18B is an outline left side view of an image carrier unit, FIG. 18C is a front view of a charger when the front view is constituted by FIG. 18B and FIG. 18D is similarly a front view of an insulator sheet.

[0071]
FIG. 19 is a sectional view (outline view) taken along a line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18B.

[0072]
FIG. 20A through FIG. 20D are views showing an essential portion of a thirteenth embodiment, FIG. 20A is a graph showing a change in a film thickness of a photosensitive layer, FIG. 20B is an outline left side view of an image carrier unit, FIG. 20C is a front view of a charger when the front view is constituted by FIG. 20B and FIG. 20D is similarly a front view of an insulator sheet.

[0073]
FIG. 21 is a sectional view (outline view) taken along a line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20B.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Embodiments of the invention will be explained in reference to the drawings as follows.

[0075]
FIG. 1 is an outline front view showing an inner structure of an image forming apparatus according to the invention.

[0076] The image forming apparatus is a color image forming apparatus capable of forming full color images on both faces of sheets (record member) of A3 size and is provided with a case 10, an image carrier unit 20 contained at inside of the case 10, an exposing unit 30 as exposing means, a developer (developing apparatus) 40 as exposing means, a middle transcriber unit 50 and a fixing unit (fixer) 60 as fixing means.

[0077] The case 10 is provided with a frame (not illustrated) of an apparatus main body and the respective units and the like are attached to the frame.

[0078] The image carrier unit 20 includes a photosensitive body (image carrier) 21 having a photosensitive layer at an outer peripheral face thereof and charging unit (scorotron charger) 22 for uniformly charging the outer peripheral face of the photosensitive body 21 and is constituted such that an electrostatic latent image is formed by selectively exposing the outer peripheral face of the photosensitive body 21 charged uniformly by the charging unit 22 by laser beam L from the exposing unit 30, a visible image (toner image) is constituted by providing toners as developing agent to the electrostatic latent image by the developer 40, the toner image is primarily transcribed to a middle transcribing belt 51 of the middle transcriber unit 50 by a primary transcribing portion T1, further, secondarily transcribed to sheet which is an object to be transcribed by a secondary transcribing portion T2.

[0079] The image carrier unit 20 is provided with a cleaning unit (cleaning blade) 23 for removing the toner remaining on a surface of the photosensitive body 21 after primary transcription and a waste toner containing portion 24 for containing the waste toner removed by the cleaning unit.

[0080] Inside of the case 10 is provided with a carrier path 16 for carrying sheet formed with an image on one face thereof by the secondary transcribing portion T2 to a sheet discharging portion (sheet discharging tray portion) 15 and a return path 17 for switching back sheet carried to the sheet discharging portion 15 by the carrier path 16 to return to the secondary transcribing portion T2 to form an image also on other face thereof.

[0081] A lower portion of the case 10 is provided with a sheet feeding tray 18 for laminating to hold a plurality of sheets and a sheet feed roller 19 for feeding the sheets to the secondary transcribing portion T2 sheet by sheet.

[0082] The developer 40 is a rotary developer and is mounted with a plurality of developer cartridges respectively containing toners attachably and detachably to and from a rotary member main body 41. According to the embodiment, a developer cartridge 42Y for yellow, a developer cartridge 42M for magenta, a developer cartridge 42C for cyan and a developer cartridge 42K for black are provided (in the drawing, only the developer cartridge 42Y for yellow is directly drawn) and a surface of the photosensitive body 21 can selectively be developed by selectively bringing a developing roller 43 into contact with the photosensitive body 21 by rotating the rotating member main body 41 by a pitch of 90 degrees in an arrow mark direction.

[0083] The exposing unit 30 irradiates the laser beam L to the photosensitive body 21 from an exposing window 31 constituted by plate glass or the like.

[0084] The middle transcriber unit 50 is provided with a unit frame, not illustrated, a drive roller 54 rotatably supported by the frame, a driven roller 55, a primary transcribing roller 56, a guide roller 57 for stabilizing a state of the belt 51 at the primary transcribing portion T1, and a tension roller 58 and the middle transcribing belt 51 made to wrap around the rollers to stretch and the belt 51 is driven to circulate in an illustrated arrow mark direction. The primary transcribing portion T1 is formed between the photosensitive body 21 and the primary transcribing roller 56 and the secondary transcribing portion T2 is formed at a portion for bringing the drive roller 54 and a secondary transcribing roller 10b provided on the main body side into press contact with each other.

[0085] The second transcribing roller 10b can be contacted to and separated from the driver roller 54 (and therefore, the middle transcribing belt 51) and the secondary transcribing portion T2 is formed when the both members are brought into contact with each other.

[0086] Therefore, when a color image is formed, the color image is formed by overlapping a plurality of colors of toner images on the middle transcribing belt 51 in a state in which the secondary transcribing roller 10b is separated from the middle transcribing belt 51, thereafter, the secondary transcribing roller 10b is brought into contact with the middle transcribing belt 51 and the color image (toner image) is transcribed onto sheet by supplying sheet to the contact portion (secondary transcribing portion T2).

[0087] Sheet transcribed with the toner image passes through a pair of heating rollers 61 of the fixing unit 60 to thereby melt to fix the toner image and is discharged to the discharge sheet tray portion 15.

[0088] The fixer 60 is constituted by an oilless fixer in which oil is not coated on the heating roller 61.

[0089] For example, according to the above-described color image forming apparatus, a photosensitive layer of the photosensitive body 21 is formed by dipping (dipping coating method) as shown by, for example, FIG. 2.

[0090] That is, a photosensitive layer 21b is formed on a surface of a base member 21a by grubbing the base member 21a by a jig J and dipping in a coating solution A and pulling up the base member 21a as shown by an arrow mark.

[0091] The photosensitive layer 21b formed in this way is provided with a film thickness deviation of 1 through 2 μm between a dip upper portion 21b2 and a dip lower portion 21b1. A film thickness of the dip upper portion 21b2 is thinner than a film thickness of the dip lower portion 21b1 by 1 through 2 μm.

[0092] A charge potential at a surface of the photosensitive body is inversely proportional to an electrostatic capacitance of the photosensitive layer. That is, the charge potential is proportional to the film thickness of the photosensitive layer and the thicker the film thickness, the more increased is the potential.

[0093]
FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a relationship between the film thickness of the photosensitive body and the charge potential.

[0094] The graph is formed as follows.

[0095] (1) There are prepared 3 pieces of photosensitive drums coated with photosensitive layers by changing film thicknesses by about 5 μm.

[0096] (2) The film thicknesses of 3 pieces of the photosensitive drums are measured by a film thickness meter of an eddy current type at the positions for measuring large potentials.

[0097] (3) Charge potential per 1 μm is calculated from the respective measured values to form the graph shown in FIG. 3.

[0098] It is known from the above-described result that there is brought about a difference between charge potentials of about 5 through 6 V per 1 μm of the film thickness of the photosensitive body. For example, when the film thicknesses of the photosensitive layer differ from each other by 2 μm between the dip upper portion and the dip lower portion of the photosensitive drum, there is a difference of about 10 through 12 V between the charge potentials.

[0099] Therefore, in the case of charging such a photosensitive body, even when the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is maintained constant or the aperture pattern of the grid is formed to constitute an isotropic aperture rate in the direction of moving the photosensitive body as in the above-described related arts, the charge potential on the photosensitive body is not constant. Further, even when the insulator sheet is pasted on the inner face of the back plate such that the pasting rate at the both end portions is larger than that of the central portion, the charge potential on the photosensitive body is not constant.

[0100] Hence, in First Embodiment through Seventh Embodiment according to the invention which are described below, an interval between the surface of the photosensitive body and the charger is narrowed on the dip upper portion side (first side of the invention) of the photosensitive body and widened on the dip lower portion side (second side of the invention) of the photosensitive body.

[0101] <First Embodiment>

[0102] According to a first embodiment explained here, as shown by FIGS. 4A and 4B, the charger 22 is a scorotron charger having a discharge electrode 22a and a grid 22b and by slightly inclining a total of the charger 22 to an axis line of the photosensitive body 21, an interval between the grid 22b and a surface of the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on a side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (the interval is designated by notation tg2) and widened on a side of the dip lower portion 21b1 (the interval is designated by notation tg1).

[0103] Further, FIG. 4A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21 and FIG. 4B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20.

[0104] Notation 20a designates a case of the image carrier unit 20, the photosensitive body 21 is rotatably supported by the unit case 20a at a shaft 21c thereof and is driven to rotate by a drive mechanism, not illustrated. Notation A1 designates a photosensitive layer coating region.

[0105] The charger 22 is attached to the unit case 20a. Notation 22c designates a black plate, notation 22d designates a pair of left and right supporting members for supporting the discharge electrode 22a in a wire-like shape and the grid 22b, which are attached to both end portions of the back plate 22c.

[0106] According to the above-described image forming apparatus, the following operation and effect are achieved.

[0107] (a) The image forming apparatus is provided with the photosensitive body 21 coated with the photosensitive layer 21b by dipping and the charger 22 of a non-contact type arranged to be opposed to the photosensitive body 21 for charging a surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 thereof and therefore, according to the image forming apparatus, uniform formation of the charge potential at the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved by a simple constitution.

[0108] That is, by constructing the above-described constitution, uniform formation of the charge potential can be achieved by canceling the charge potential difference on the photosensitive body which is to be brought about when the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is maintained constant or the aperture pattern of the grid is formed to constitute the isotropic aperture rate in the direction of moving the photosensitive body, assumedly, as in the above-described related arts.

[0109] For example, by constituting tg1-tg2=0.3 mm, a charge potential difference of 12V by a film thickness deviation of 2 μm can be canceled.

[0110] (b) Further, according to the first embodiment, the interval between the grid 22b and the surface of the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 for controlling the charge potential of the photosensitive body 21 and therefore, the uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved.

[0111] <Second Embodiment>

[0112]
FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing an essential portion of a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 5A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21 and FIG. 5B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20. In the drawings, portions the same as those or portions in correspondence with those of the above-described first embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0113] A point of the embodiment which differs from that of the above-described first embodiment resides in that by slightly inclining the total of the charger 22 to the axis line of the photosensitive body 21, an interval between the discharge electrode 22a and the surface of the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (the interval is designated by notation tw2) and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 (the interval is designated by notation tw1) and the other points remain unchanged.

[0114] Further, although according to the embodiment, by inclining the total of the charger 22 to the axis line of the photosensitive body 21, similar to the first embodiment, also the grid 22b is inclined to the axis line of the photosensitive body 21, according to the embodiment, the gird 22b is not necessarily indispensable. That is, the embodiment is effective even when the charger 22 is not provided with the grid 22b.

[0115] Operation and effect of (a) by the above-described first embodiment is achieved even by the embodiment.

[0116] <Third Embodiment>

[0117]
FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing an essential portion of a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 6A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axial line direction of the photosensitive body 21 and FIG. 6B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described first embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0118] A point of the embodiment which differs from the above-described first embodiment reside in that the charger 22 is provided with a pair of spacers 22e and 22f which are brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body 21 on both side thereof to rectify the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 and the other points remain unchanged.

[0119] The pair of spacers 22e and 22f are provided with different colors.

[0120]
FIGS. 7A through 7C are views showing a structure of attaching the spacer 22e, FIG. 7A is a front view, FIG. 7B is a side view and FIG. 7C is a plane view when the front view is constituted by FIG. 7B. Further, a structure of attaching the spacer 22f is similar to the structure of attaching the spacer 22e.

[0121] The spacer 22e is constituted by a roller and rotatably supported on a bearing portion 22d1 of the supporting member 22d by a shaft 22g thereof.

[0122] Further, the grid 22b is stretched between the supporting members 22d, 22d by hanging both end portions 22b1 (only one thereof is illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7C) at hook portions 22d2 of the supporting members 22d. The discharge electrode 22a is stretched between the supporting members 22d, 22d by hanging both end portions 22a1 (only one thereof is illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7C) at hang portions, not illustrated, of the supporting members 22d.

[0123] According to the embodiment, as shown by FIGS. 6A and 6B, by making a diameter D2 of the spacer 22f brought into contact with the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 slightly smaller than a diameter D1 of the spacer 22e brought in contact with the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21, the total of the charger 22 is slightly inclined to the axis line of the photosensitive body 21 and the interval between the grid 22b and the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (the interval is designated by notation tg2) and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 (the interval is designated by notation tg1). Further, also the interval between the discharge electrode 22a and the surface of the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0124] Operation and effect of (a) and (b) according to the above-described first embodiment are achieved also by the embodiment.

[0125] Further, the uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved by providing the pair of spacers 22e and 22f for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 by being brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body 21 on the both sides of the charger 22.

[0126] Further, since colors of the pair of spacers 22e and 22f are changed and therefore, erroneous assembling can be prevented.

[0127] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0128]
FIGS. 8A through 8C are views showing an essential portion of a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 8A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 8B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20 and FIG. BC is a partially omitted enlarged view of FIG. 8B. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described first embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0129] A point of the embodiment which differs from the above-described first embodiment resides in that by changing heights of grid supporting portions 22d3 and 22d4 for supporting both sides of the grid 22b, an interval between the grid 22b and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 thereof and the other points remain unchanged.

[0130] As shown by FIG. 8C, the grid supporting portions 22d3 and 22d4 are respectively provided at the supporting members 22d on both sides and by making a height hg2 of the grid supporting portion 22d4 on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 slightly higher than a height hg1 of the grid supporting portion 22d3 on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1, the interval between the grid 22b and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 thereof.

[0131] Although the both sides of the charger 22 are provided with the pair of spacers 21e, 22e for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 by being brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body 21 similar to the above-described third embodiment, the spacers 22e, 22e according to the embodiment are provided with the same diameter (D) and the charger 22 per se is not inclined.

[0132] Operation and effect similar to those of the above-described third embodiment are achieved also by the embodiment.

[0133] Further, according to the embodiment, it is not necessary to incline the charger 22 per se and therefore, assembling performance is promoted.

[0134] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0135]

FIGS. 9A through 9

c
are views showing an essential portion of a fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 9A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 9B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20 and FIG. 9C is a partially omitted enlarged view of FIG. 9B. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described fourth embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0136] A point of the embodiment which differs from the above-described fourth embodiment resides in that by not changing the heights of the grid supporting portions but changing heights of electrode supporting portions 22d5 and 22d6 for supporting both sides of the discharge electrode 22a, the interval between the discharge electrode 22a and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (the interval is designated by notation tw4) and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 (the interval is designated by notation tw3) and the other points remain unchanged.

[0137] As shown by FIG. 9C, the electrode supporting portions 22d5 and 22d6 are respectively provided at the supporting members 22d on both sides and by making a height hw2 of the electrode supporting portion 22d6 on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 slightly higher than a height hw1 of the electrode supporting portion 22d5 on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1, the interval between the discharge electrode 22a and the surface of the photosensitive body is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0138] Operation and effect similar to those of the above-described fourth embodiment are achieved also by the embodiment.

[0139] Further, according to the embodiment, for example, by constituting tw3-tw4=0.5 mm, the charge potential difference of 12V by the film thickness deviation of 2 μm can be canceled.

[0140] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0141]
FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing an essential portion of a sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 10A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21 and FIG. 10B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described first embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0142] A point of the embodiment which differs from the above-described first embodiment resides in that the charger 22 is a charger in a shape of a roller, which is provided with a pair of spacer 22h and 22i brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body 21 on both sides thereof for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 and the other points remain unchanged.

[0143] The pair of spacers 22h and 22i are provided with different colors.

[0144] The spacers 22h and 22i are in a ring-like shape and may be fixed to a shaft 22k of the charger 22 in the shape of the roller or may be provided thereto rotatably.

[0145] According to the embodiment, by making a diameter D4 of the spacer 22i brought into contact with the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 slightly smaller than a diameter D3 of the spacer 22h brought into contact with the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21, the total of the charger 22 (an axis line of charger in the shape of the roller) is slightly inclined to the axis line of the photosensitive body 21 and an interval between a surface of the roller and the surface of the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (the interval is designated by notation t2) and widened on the side of the dip power portion 21b1 (the interval is designated by notation t1).

[0146] Operation and effect of (a) of the above-described first embodiment are achieved also by the embodiment.

[0147] Further, the uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved by providing the pair of spacers 22h and 22i for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 by being brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body 21 on the both sides of the charger 22.

[0148] For example, by constituting t1-t2=0.02 mm, the charge potential difference of 12V by the film thickness deviation of 2 μm can be canceled.

[0149] Further, since colors of the pair of spacers 22h and 22i are changed, erroneous assembling thereof can be prevented.

[0150] <Seventh Embodiment>

[0151]
FIGS. 11A and 11B are views showing an essential portion of a seventh embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 11A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21 and FIG. 11B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described first embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0152] A point of the embodiment which differs from the above-described first embodiment resides in that the charger 22 is a charger having a shape of a roller and the shape of the roller is constituted by a taper shape having a large diameter d2 on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and a small diameter d1 on the dip lower portion side and the outer points remain unchanged.

[0153] The roller 22 is tapered by forming a surface layer thereof by dipping.

[0154] Further, a dip upper side 22m of the roller 22 formed with the surface layer by dipping in this way is arranged to be opposed to the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21 and a dip lower portion side 22n is arranged to be opposed to the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21.

[0155] As a result of constituting the shape of the roller of the charger 22 by the taper shape having the large diameter d2 on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and having the small diameter d1 on the dip lower side, the interval between the surface of the roller charger and the surface of the photosensitive body 21 is narrowed on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (the interval is designated by notation t2) and widened on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 (the interval is designated by notation t1).

[0156] Although a pair of spacers 22j, 22j for rectifying the interval between the surface of the photosensitive body 21 and the charger 22 by being brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive body 21 similar to the above-described sixth embodiment, the spacers 22j, 22j according to the embodiment are provided with the same diameter (D) and the charger 22 per se is not inclined.

[0157] Operation and effect similar to those of the above-described sixth embodiment are achieved also by the embodiment.

[0158] Further, according to the embodiment, it is not necessary to incline the charger 22 per se and therefore, assembling performance thereof is promoted.

[0159] Further, since the taper is attached by forming the surface layer of the roller charger 22 by dipping, a small taper (taper inclined reverse to the photosensitive layer 21b) can be attached and the uniform formation of the charge potential can further accurately be achieved.

[0160] <Eighth Embodiment>

[0161] According to the embodiment, the aperture rate of the grid is made to be large on the dip upper portion side of the photosensitive body and small on the dip lower portion side.

[0162]
FIG. 12A through FIG. 12E are views showing an essential portion of the embodiment, FIG. 12A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axial line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 12A is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20, FIG. 12C is a plane view of the grid, FIG. 12D is an enlarged view of portion d of FIG. 12C and FIG. 12E is an enlarged view of portion e of FIG. 12C.

[0163] As shown by FIG. 12B, the charger 22 of the embodiment is a scorotron charger having the discharge electrode 22a in the wire-like shape, the back plate 22c for carrying stable discharge and the grid 22b for controlling the charge potential on the photosensitive body 21 and as shown by FIGS. 12C through 12E, the aperture rate of the grid 22b is made to be large on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and small on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0164] For example, as shown by FIG. 12D, at a portion opposed to the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 (portion d), an aperture width t2R is made to be large by making a width t1R of an electrode of the grid 22b comparatively small and as shown by FIG. 12E, at a portion opposed to the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 (portion e), an aperture width t2L is made to be relatively small by making a width t1L of the electrode of the grid 22b comparatively large, thereby, the aperture rate of the grid 22b is made to be large on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and small on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0165] When the aperture rate of the grid 22b is increased, charge function (function of charging the photosensitive body 21) is increased and when the aperture rate is reduced, also the charge function is reduced.

[0166] Therefore, the charge function of the above-described charger 22 is made to be large on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and small on the dip lower portion side 21b1.

[0167] Further, in FIG. 12B, notation 20a designates the case of the image carrier unit 20 and the photosensitive body 21 is rotatably supported by the unit case 20a at the shaft 21c and is driven to rotate the drive mechanism, not illustrated. Notation A1 designates a photosensitive layer coating region.

[0168] The charger 22 is attached to the unit case 20a. Notation 22d designates the pair of left and right supporting members for supporting the discharge electrode 22a and the grid 22b and attached to the both end portions of the black plate 22c.

[0169] The above-described image forming apparatus is provided with the photosensitive body 21 coated with the photosensitive layer 21b by dipping and the scorotron charger 22 having the discharge electrode 22a and the grid 22b opposed to the photosensitive body 21 for charging the surface of the photosensitive body 21, the aperture rate of the grid 22b is made to be large on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and small on the dip lower side 21b1 and therefore, according to the image forming apparatus, uniform formation of the charge potential of the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0170] That is, by constructing the above-described constitution, the uniform formation of the charge potential can be achieved by canceling the charge potential difference on the photosensitive body which is to be brought about when the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is maintained constant or the aperture pattern of the grid is formed to constitute an isotropic aperture rate in the direction of moving the photosensitive body, assumedly as in the above-described related arts.

[0171]
FIG. 13 is a graph showing a relationship between the aperture rate of the grid and the charge potential.

[0172] As is known from the graph, when the aperture rate of the grid is widened by 1%, an absolute value of the large potential is increased by about 5V.

[0173] Therefore, for example, by constituting t1R and t2R by t1R=0.16 mm and t2R=1.00 mm to constitute the aperture rate of the grid 22b in correspondence with the dip upper portion 21b2 to be 86.2% and constituting t1L and t2L to be t1L=0.19 mm and t2L=1.00 mm to constitute the aperture rate of the grid 22b in correspondence with the dip lower portion 21b1 to be 84%, the charge potential difference of 12V by the film thickness deviation 2 μm can be canceled.

[0174] Further, by increasing the aperture rate of the grid 22b substantially linearly from the portion opposed to the dip lower portion 21b1 to the portion opposed to the dip upper portion 21b2, the above-described charge potential difference on the photosensitive body can accurately be canceled.

[0175] <Ninth Embodiment>

[0176] According to a ninth embodiment and a tenth embodiment, the aperture rate of the back plate is made to be small on the dip upper portion side of the photosensitive body and large on the dip lower portion side.

[0177]
FIG. 14A through FIG. 14E are views showing an essential portion of the ninth embodiment, FIG. 14A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 14B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20, FIG. 14C is a front view of the charger 22, FIG. 14D is a bottom view of the charger 22 and FIG. 14E is a plane view of the charger 22.

[0178] As shown by FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C, the charger 22 of the embodiment is a scorotron charger having the discharge electrode 22a in the wire-like shape, the back plate 22c for carrying out stable discharge and the grid 22b for controlling the charge potential on the photosensitive body 21. As shown by FIG. 14D, the charger 22 is provided with an aperture 22c2 in an elongated trapezoidal shape at a bottom plate portion 22c1 of the back plate 22c and by making an aperture width t1 opposed to the dip upper portion side 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 small and making an aperture width t2 opposed to the dip lower portion side 21b1 large, the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is made to be small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the dip lower portion side 21b1.

[0179] When the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is made to be large, an amount of discharge by the charger 22 is reduced and when the aperture rate is made to be small, the amount of discharge by the charger 22 is increased.

[0180] Therefore, the charge function by the above-described charger 22 (function of charging the photosensitive body 21) is large on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and small on the dip lower portion side 21b1.

[0181] Further, in FIG. 14B, notation 20a designates the case of image carrier unit 20 and the photosensitive body 21 is rotatably supported by the unit case 20a at the shaft 21c and driven to rotate by a drive mechanism, not illustrated. Notation A1 designates the photosensitive layer coating region.

[0182] The charger 22 is attached to the unit case 20a. Notation 22d designates the pair of left and right supporting members for supporting the discharge electrode 22a and the grid 22b, which are attached to the both end portions of the back plate 22c.

[0183] The above-described image forming apparatus is provided with the photosensitive body 21 coated with the photosensitive layer 21b by dipping and the charger 22 having the discharge electrode 22a and the back plate 22c opposed to the photosensitive body 21 for charging the surface of the synthesized member, the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is made to be small on the dip upper portion side 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the dip lower portion side 21b2 and therefore, according to the image forming apparatus, the uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0184] That is, by constructing the above-described constitution, the uniform formation of the charge potential can be achieved by canceling the charge potential difference on the photosensitive body which is to be brought about when the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body is maintained constant or the aperture pattern of the grid is formed to constitute an isotropic aperture rate in the direction of moving the photosensitive body, assumedly as in the above-described related arts.

[0185] <Tenth Embodiment>

[0186]
FIG. 15A through FIG. 15E are views showing an essential portion of a tenth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 15A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 15B is an outline left side view of the image carrier unit 20, FIG. 15C is a front view of the charger 22 when the front view is constituted by FIG. 15B, FIG. 15D is similarly a bottom view of the charger 22 and FIG. 15E is similarly a plane view of the charger 22. FIG. 16 is a sectional view (outline view) taken along a line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15B. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described ninth embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0187] The characteristic of the embodiment resides in that air at inside of the charger 22 is discharged by making an airflow B flow along the back plate 22c, the photosensitive body 21 is arranged such that the dip upper portion 21b2 is disposed on the upstream side of the airflow B and the dip lower portion 21b1 is disposed on the downstream side of the airflow B and by providing an aperture 22c3 for passing air at the back plate 22c, the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is made to be small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0188] The aperture 22c3 for passing air is provided at one side plate portion 22c5 of the back plate 22c at a portion of the photosensitive body 21 opposed to the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0189] As shown also by FIG. 16, the case 20a of the image carrier unit 20 is provided with a duct 20b. The duct 20b is provided in a section substantially in a U-like shape to surround a lower side of the charger 22, provided with a flow inlet 20c (refer to FIG. 15B) on one end side thereof (side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21) and provided with a discharge port 20d on other end side (side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21).

[0190] Although as shown by FIG. 15D, the bottom plate portion 22c1 of the back plate 22c of the charger 22 of the embodiment is provided with an aperture 22c4, the opening 22c4 is constituted by a rectangular shape and is not constituted by an elongated trapezoidal shape as in the aperture 22c2 according to an ninth embodiment. That is, the opening 22c4 is for introducing the airflow B into the charger 22 and as shown by an arrow mark b in FIG. 15B, the airflow b is brought from the opening 22c4 into the charger 22 and discharged to outside of the image carrier unit 20 via the aperture 22c3 at the side portion and the discharge port 20d of the duct.

[0191] According to the embodiment, discharge of air is carried out by making the airflow B flow along the back plate 22c and therefore, ozone is discharged from inside of the charger 20 by discharging air.

[0192] Therefore, stable charging operation is achieved by preventing a deterioration of the discharge electrode 22a by stagnation of ozone. Further, also a deterioration of photosensitive body 21 by stagnation of ozone can also be prevented.

[0193] Further, by arranging the photosensitive body 21 such that the dip upper portion 21b2 is disposed on the upstream side of the airflow B and the dip lower portion 21b1 is disposed on the downstream side of the airflow B and providing the aperture 22c3 for passing air at the back plate 22c, the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is made to be small on the dip upper portion side 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 and therefore, the uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0194] Further, by providing the aperture 22c3 for passing air on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21, that is, on the downstream side of the airflow B, the flow of the airflow B is made to be smooth and ozone is further excellently discharged from inside of the charger 22.

[0195] <Eleventh Embodiment>

[0196] In an eleventh embodiment through a thirteenth embodiment, an insulator sheet is applied to an inner face of the back plate and a rate of applying the insulator sheet is made to be small on the dip upper portion side of the photosensitive body and large on the dip lower portion side.

[0197]
FIGS. 17A through 17E are views showing an essential portion of the embodiment, FIG. 17A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 17B is an outline view of the image carrier unit 20, FIG. 17C is a front view of the charger 22, FIG. 17D is a sectional view taken along a line d-d of FIG. 17C and FIG. 17E is a sectional view taken along a line e-e of FIG. 17C.

[0198] As shown by FIGS. 17B and 17C, the charger 22 according to the embodiment is a scorotron charger having the discharge electrode 22a in the wire-like shape, the back plate 22c for carrying out stable discharge and the grid 22b for controlling the charge potential on the photosensitive body 21.

[0199] As is clearly shown in FIGS. 17C through 17E, an insulator sheet 22k in an elongated triangular shape a width of which is widened from the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 to the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 is pasted on an inner face of one side plate portion 22c5 of the back plate 22c (or an insulating coating is coated in the shape of the sheet 22k). As a result, the applying rate of the insulator sheet 22k is small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1.

[0200] When the insulator sheet is applied to the inner face of the back plate 22c, the amount of discharge at the applied portion is reduced.

[0201] Therefore, the charge function (function of charging the photosensitive body 21) by the above-described charger 22 is made to be large on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and small on the dip lower portion side 21b1.

[0202] Further, in FIG. 17B, notation 20a designates the case of the image carrier unit 20, the photosensitive body 21 is rotatably supported by the unit case 20a at the shaft 21c and is driven to rotate by a drive mechanism, not illustrated. Notation A1 designates the photosensitive layer coating region.

[0203] The charger 22 is attached to the unit case 20a. Notation 22d designates the pair of left and right supporting members for supporting the discharge electrode 22a and the grid 22b, which are attached at the both end portions of the back plate 22c.

[0204] The above-described image forming apparatus is provided with the photosensitive body 21 coated with the photosensitive layer 21b by dipping, and the charger 22 having the discharge electrode 22a opposed to the photosensitive body 21 for charging the surface of the photosensitive body and the back plate 22c and the insulator sheet 22k applied to the inner face of the back plate 22, the applying rate of the insulator sheet 22k is made to be small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 and therefore, the uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0205] That is, by constructing the above-described constitution, the uniform formation of the discharge potential can be achieved by canceling the charge potential difference on the photosensitive body which is to be brought about when a constitution of maintaining the distance between the discharge electrode and the surface of the photosensitive body constant or the like is constructed, assumedly as in the above-described related arts.

[0206] <Twelfth Embodiment>

[0207]
FIGS. 18A through 18C are views showing an essential portion of a twelfth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, FIG. 18A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 18B is an outline left side view of the image carrier unit 20, FIG. 18C is a front view of the charger 22 when the front view is constituted by FIG. 18B and FIG. 18D is similarly a front view of the insulator sheet 22k.

[0208]
FIG. 19 is a sectional view (outline view) taken along a line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18B. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described eleventh embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0209] The characteristic of the embodiment resides in that air at inside of the charger 22 is discharged by making an airflow B flow along the back plate 22c, the back plate 22c is provided with an aperture 22c3, an aperture rate thereof is made to be small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 and the aperture 22c3 is closed by an insulator sheet 22L applied to an outer face of the back plate 22c.

[0210] The aperture 22c3 is provided at one side plate portion 22c5 of the back plate 22c and is similarly closed by the insulator sheet 22L pasted on the side plate portion 22c5.

[0211] As shown also in FIG. 19, the case 20a of the image carrier unit 20 is provided with the duct 20b. The duct 20b is provided to constitute a section thereof substantially in a U-like shape to surround the lower side of the charger 22 and one end side thereof (side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21) is provided with a suction port 20c (refer to FIG. 18B) of air.

[0212] The bottom plate portion 22c1 of the back plate 22c is provided with an aperture 22c4 extended in a longitudinal direction (direction orthogonal to paper face of FIG. 19). Therefore, the airflow B is brought from the opening 22c4 into the charger 22 as shown by the arrow mark b in FIG. 18B, passes inside of the charger 22 and is discharged to outside of the image carrier unit 20 via the suction port 20c.

[0213] According to the embodiment, air is discharged by making the airflow B flow along the back plate 22c and therefore, ozone is discharged from inside of the charger 20 by discharging air.

[0214] Therefore, stable charging operation is achieved by preventing a deterioration of the discharge electrode 22a by stagnation of ozone. Further, also a deterioration of the photosensitive body 21 by stagnation of ozone is prevented.

[0215] Further, the back plate 22c is provided with the aperture 22c3, the aperture rate is made to be small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 and therefore, the uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body 21 can be achieved. That is, when the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is increased, the amount of discharge by the charger can be reduced. According to the embodiment, the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is made to be small on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and large on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 and therefore, the uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body can be achieved.

[0216] Further, the aperture 22c3 is closed by the insulator sheet 22L applied to the outer face of the back plate and therefore, disturbance of the airflow B by presence of the aperture 22c3 is prevented and unevenness of charge is also prevented.

[0217] <Thirteenth Embodiment>

[0218]
FIGS. 20A through 20D are views showing an essential portion of a thirteenth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 20A is a graph showing a change in the film thickness of the photosensitive layer 21b in the axis line direction of the photosensitive body 21, FIG. 20B is an outline left side view of the image carrier unit 20, FIG. 20C is a front view of the charger 22 when the front view is constituted by FIG. 20B and FIG. 20D is similarly a front view of an insulator sheet 22M.

[0219]
FIG. 21 is a sectional view (outline view) taken along a line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20B. In the drawings, portions the same as or in correspondence with those of the above-described twelfth embodiment are attached with the same notations.

[0220] A point of the embodiment which differs from the twelfth embodiment resides in that the aperture 22c3 of the back plate 22c is closed by an insulator sheet 22M (sheet shorter than the insulator sheet 22L) applied to the outer face of the back plate while leaving a portion 22c6 on the downstream side of the airflow B to constitute an aperture for passing air by the portion 22c6 and that in place of the suction port 20c of the duct 22b, a flow inlet (wind blowing port) 20e is provided on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and the discharge port 20d is provided on the side of the lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body 21 and the other points remain unchanged.

[0221] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the airflow B is brought from the wind blowing port 20e into the charger 22 by passing the opening 22c4 as shown by the arrow mark b of FIG. 20B and is discharged to outside of the image carrier unit 20 via the air passing aperture 22c6 at the side portion and the discharge port 20d of the duct.

[0222] Also according to the embodiment, the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 is arranged to be disposed on the upstream side of the airflow B and the dip lower portion 21b1 is arranged to be disposed on the downstream side of the airflow B, the aperture rate of the back plate 22c is reduced on the side of the dip upper portion 21b2 of the photosensitive body 21 and increased on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 and therefore, the uniform formation of the charge potential on the surface of the photosensitive body is achieved.

[0223] Further, the aperture 22c3 is closed by the insulator sheet 22M applied to the outer face of the back plate while leaving the portion 22c6 on the downstream side of the airflow B and therefore, by constituting the aperture for passing air by the portion 22c6 which is not closed in the aperture 22c3 and providing the air passing aperture 22c6 on the side of the dip lower portion 21b1 of the photosensitive body, that is, on the downstream side of the airflow B, the flow of the airflow B is made to be smooth and ozone is further excellently discharged from inside of the charger 22.

[0224] Although an explanation has been given of embodiments of the invention as described above, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments but can pertinently be modified within a range of the gist of the invention.

Number	Date	Country
P2002-303904	Oct 2002	JP
P2002-303905	Oct 2002	JP
P2002-303906	Oct 2002	JP
P2002-303907	Oct 2002	JP

Image forming apparatus

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CPC

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Priority Claims (4)