| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubricant applying device, capable of always forming a lubricant film with a uniform amount of application over the entire surface over an image carrier, without being affected by the usage conditions and the environmental conditions, and to provide a process cartridge which is equipped with the device, an image forming apparatus, and a method of using the lubricant application device. SOLUTION: In the lubricant application device 8, including solid lubricant 8a for providing lubricant to the image carrier 1, a lubricant support member 8d supporting the solid lubricant 8a, and a spring 8c pressing the solid lubricant 8a against the image carrier 1, the lubricant application device includes: a contact angle measuring sensor 8s for measuring the contact angle of a liquid droplet dropped to the image carrier surface, to which the lubricant is applied by the solid lubricant 8a; a cam 8e for changing over the energization force to the solid lubricant 8a by the spring 8c, for changing the contact state between the solid lubricant 8a energized by the spring 8c and the image carrier 1; and a control means 8f for controlling the cam 8e according to the contact angle obtained by the measurement by the contact angle measuring sensor 8s. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
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