JP2000081827A - Processing unit, paper supply unit, fixing unit and electrophotographic image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect plural processing units so as to be able to deliver transfer material by constituting the processing units so that respective supply aperture parts can be nearly aligned with respective ejection aperture parts. SOLUTION: The processing units 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K are successively provided by connecting 1st and 2nd connection parts 23 and 24, and further the paper supply unit 9 incorporating a controller 12 and a power supply device 13 is connected to the unit 1Y, and the fixing unit 8 is connected to the unit 1K. The unit 9 is equipped with the ejection aperture part 22 aligned with the supply aperture part 21 of the unit 1Y, a 2nd connecting material 24 connected to the 1st connecting material 23 of the unit 1Y, and a transmission connector 28 connected to the reception connector 27 of the unit 1Y on its surface facing to one side of the unit 1Y. In such a case, the aperture parts 21 and 22 are nearly at the same height, so that the degree of freedom in the combination is high among the units 1, 8 and 9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly, to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a process unit, a process unit, a sheet feeding unit, and the like. Related to a fixing unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of forming an image of a plurality of colors on plain paper simply without taking time and effort such as plate making,
Various methods have been proposed. Representative examples will be described.

[0003] The first method is to use an electrophotographic full-color copying machine or printer. As an advantage, the image quality is high, and the full-color image productivity is several tens of sheets per minute in the case of a tandem type in which a plurality of photoconductors are prepared.

[0004] However, although the prices of these products have been decreasing in recent years, they are still expensive for individual users and the like.

[0005] Second, there is a method using an ink jet type full-color copying machine or printer. Compared to the electrophotographic method, it seems to be advantageous in terms of price but lower in productivity.

Third, using a small electrophotographic single-color copier or printer, switching the output color by exchanging a developing device or a consumable cartridge, and performing a plurality of paper passes to print an image of a plurality of colors. How to get. This method will be described in detail below.

In a small electrophotographic single-color copying machine as shown in FIG. 6, a photosensitive drum 2, a primary charger 3, a developing device 4, and a cleaning device 5 include a process cartridge 1.
01, and housed in the image forming apparatus main body.

In the main body of the image forming apparatus, a document reading table 102, a halogen lamp 103 as a light source of an exposure device, a transfer charger 6, and a fixing device 7 are housed in addition to a process cartridge 101.

A photosensitive drum 2 serving as a latent image carrier is rotatably provided, and the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by a primary charger 3. Next, the document on the document reading table 102 is exposed using reflected light or the like irradiated by the halogen lamp 103 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by applying toner using the developing device 4. The visible image thus formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred to the transfer paper 10 by the transfer charger 6. At this time, the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 is removed by the cleaning device 5.
To remove. After a toner image is formed on the transfer paper 10, it is further fixed by the fixing device 7 to obtain a permanent image.

[0010] Such a process cartridge 101
Are prepared with the same configuration except that only the toner is changed. By replacing the process cartridges, not only black but also colored images can be obtained. Also,
In order to obtain an image of a plurality of colors in an image forming apparatus using such a method, for example, after outputting a black image once, the process cartridge is replaced with one containing red toner, and the previously output image is This can be achieved by using the transfer paper again and forming an image. By sequentially repeating this, it is also possible to obtain three-color and four-color images. According to this method, an image of a plurality of colors can be easily formed on plain paper, and the price is within a range sufficiently accessible to an individual user. Also in terms of productivity,
It can be said that the advantage of the high productivity of the electrophotographic system is utilized as compared with the inkjet system. However, it is necessary to replace the process cartridge 101 every time the color is changed or to prepare a document for each color in advance, which is troublesome. In other words, it has not reached the point where the high productivity of the electrophotographic system can be fully utilized.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make full use of the high productivity of the electrophotographic system, at a low price,
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process unit capable of easily outputting images of a plurality of colors.

[0012]

The main aspects of the present invention are as described below with reference to the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, and a visible image on the latent image carrier. Having a transfer means for transferring the transfer material to a transfer material, a transfer material transfer means for transferring the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in a photographic system,
The supply opening can substantially coincide with a discharge opening of another process unit having a similar configuration, and the discharge opening of the one process unit can approximately coincide with a supply opening of another process unit having a similar configuration. This is a process unit characterized in that a transfer material can be transferred by connecting a plurality of process units.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging means for charging the latent image carrier, and a method for exposing the charged latent image carrier to an electrostatic latent image. Exposure means for forming a latent image, a developing device for developing a toner into a latent image on the latent image carrier to develop a visible image, and transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material Transfer device, a cleaning device for removing the toner remaining on the latent image carrier without being transferred by the transfer device, a transfer material conveying means for conveying the transfer material, and a supply opening for supplying the transfer material And a process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in an electrophotographic type, comprising a unit and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material, wherein the supply opening is another process having a similar configuration. A process which can be substantially aligned with the discharge opening of the unit and Discharge opening of the knit is substantially possible consistent with the supply opening of the other process units in the same arrangement, a process unit which is characterized in that it is passing the transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. Latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, transfer means for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material, and transfer material To obtain an electrophotographic transfer material having an unfixed image, comprising a transfer material transporting means for transporting the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit, wherein the supply opening can substantially coincide with a discharge opening of another process unit having a similar configuration, and the discharge opening of the one process unit has a supply opening of another process unit having a similar configuration. A process unit that can be substantially coincident with the opening and that can transfer a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units; b. Paper feeding means for feeding a transfer material to a supply opening of the one process unit; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is formed by connecting a fixing unit for fixing an unfixed image on a transfer material discharged from a discharge opening of the one process unit.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging unit for charging the latent image carrier, an exposure unit for exposing the charged latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image, and a latent image A developing device that develops the toner into an electrostatic latent image on the carrier to make it a visible image,
A transfer device for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material,
A cleaning device that removes toner remaining on the latent image carrier without being transferred by the transfer device, a transfer material transport unit for transporting the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a transfer material A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in an electrophotographic type, comprising a discharge opening for discharging an image, wherein the supply opening is a discharge opening of another process unit having a similar configuration. And the discharge opening of the one process unit can substantially match the supply opening of another process unit having the same configuration, and the transfer material can be transferred by connecting a plurality of process units. A connected body of process units in which a plurality of process units are connected; b. Paper feeding means for feeding a transfer material to a supply opening of a process unit at one end of the connecting body; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit configured to fix an unfixed image on a transfer material discharged from a discharge opening of a process unit at the other end of the connection body.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, and a visible image on the latent image carrier. Having a transfer means for transferring the transfer material to a transfer material, a transfer material transfer means for transferring the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in a photographic system, wherein the supply opening can substantially coincide with the discharge opening of another process unit having the same configuration and the discharge opening of the one process unit. The unit can substantially coincide with the supply opening of another process unit having a similar configuration, and is a process unit consisting of only one or a plurality of process units that can transfer a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units. Discharge opening for feeding the possible transfer material connected to the connecting member of the scan cartridge and the paper feed unit, a paper feeding unit, characterized in that it comprises a.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, and a visible image on the latent image carrier. Having a transfer means for transferring the transfer material to a transfer material, a transfer material transfer means for transferring the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in a photographic system, wherein the supply opening can substantially coincide with the discharge opening of another process unit having the same configuration and the discharge opening of the one process unit. The unit can substantially coincide with the supply opening of another process unit having a similar configuration, and is a process unit consisting of only one or a plurality of process units that can transfer a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units. Feed opening for receiving the transfer material having an unfixed image can be connected to the connecting member of the scan cartridge and a fixing unit, a fixing unit, characterized in that it comprises a.

[0019]

(Embodiment 1) In the following,
First Embodiment An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, an LED element 11 as an exposure unit, a photosensitive drum 2 as a latent image carrier, a primary charger 3 as a charging unit, a developing device 4 as a developing unit, a transfer charger 6 as a transfer unit, and a cleaning unit as a cleaning unit The process unit 1 is configured such that the transfer device transport belts 25 and 26, the power supply device 13, and the high-voltage transformer 15 are integrated into the frame 1a and integrated with each other as transporting means for transporting the transfer device 10 and the transfer device 10. .

The photosensitive drum 2 serving as a latent image carrier is provided rotatably and rotates clockwise as indicated by the arrow in the figure. The photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the primary charger 3. Next, exposure is performed using the LED element 11 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by applying toner using the developing device 4. The visible image thus formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred to a transfer material, for example, a transfer paper 10 by a transfer charger 6 which is a corona charger.
The transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 after the transfer is removed by the cleaning device 5.

The process unit 1 has a motor 14. The motor 14 includes the photosensitive drum 2, the developing device 4, the first
The transfer material transport belt 25 and the second transfer material transport belt 26 are driven at a predetermined timing through a gear train or via a gear train and a clutch.

The process unit 1 has a supply opening 21 for supplying the transfer paper 10 and a discharge opening 22 for discharging the transfer paper 10. The supply opening 21 and the discharge opening 22 are arranged on a flat surface so that the transfer paper 10 can be transferred when the plurality of process units 1 are connected on a flat surface as described later. You. In the vicinity of the supply opening 21 and the discharge opening 22,
First and second connecting members 23 and 24 are arranged as connecting means, respectively. The connecting members 23 and 24 are disposed at the same height, and are disposed at the same position in the front-rear direction of the process unit 1. First and second transfer material transport belts 25 and 26 are disposed between the supply opening 21 and the transfer charger 6 and between the transfer charger 6 and the discharge opening 22, respectively.

The supply opening 21 of the process unit 1
A reception connector 27 for receiving a control signal and introducing power into the process unit 1 is provided on the side of the discharge unit 22, and a control signal is transmitted on a side of the discharge opening 22 to supply power to the outside of the process unit 1. Transmission connectors 28 are provided.

In actual image formation, the process unit 1 is used by being mounted on a horizontal table (not shown) as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a process unit 1Y, a process unit 1M, a process unit 1C, and a process unit 1K connected to each other by connecting first and second connecting members 23 and 24, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet feeding unit 9 including a power supply device 13 and a fixing unit 8 are connected to a process unit 1K. Each process unit 1 (1Y,
1M, 1C, 1K), paper feed unit 9, fixing unit 8
The first and second connecting portions 23 and 24 have the same height, the transmitting connector 28 and the receiving connector 27 have the same height, and the supply opening 21.
And the discharge opening 22 are substantially the same height, and therefore these units 1, 8, and 9 have a high degree of freedom in combination.

The paper feeding unit 9 has a discharge opening 22 corresponding to the supply opening 21 of the process unit 1Y, and the second connecting member 2 connected to the first connecting member 23 of the process unit 1Y.
4. The transmission connector 28 connected to the reception connector 27 of the process unit 1Y is provided on the surface facing the one side of the process unit 1Y. Transfer paper 10 is supplied to paper feed unit 9.
9a, a pair of feeding rollers 9b, a retard roller 9c facing the rollers 9b, and a conveyance guide 9
d, a pair of registration rollers 9e. A power supply device 13 provided in the paper feeding unit 9 supplies electric power to a motor that drives the rollers 9 b, 9 c, 9 e, and the like via a gear train and a clutch, and serves as a power supply for the control device 12. The control device 12 sends the process units 1Y, 1
M, 1C, 1K and the fixing unit 8 are controlled at a predetermined timing.

The paper feed unit 9 is provided with a paper feed roller 9b and a retard roller 9 when forming an image in the process unit 1Y.
c, the lowermost transfer paper 10 on the tray 9a is sent out by one sheet and is made to stand by by the pair of registration rollers 9e. Then, the pair of registration rollers 9e is driven in synchronization with the formation of the visible image on the photosensitive drum 2 of the process unit 1Y, and the transfer paper 1 is driven.
0 is sent from the discharge opening 22 to the supply opening 21 of the process unit 1Y. The feed roller 9b, the retard roller 9c, and the registration roller 9e are driven by the motor 14 via a power transmission device such as a gear train and a clutch.

The fixing unit 8 includes a supply opening 21 corresponding to the discharge opening 22 of the process unit 1K, and a first connection portion 2 connected to the second connection portion 24 of the process unit 1K.
3. The receiving connector 27 connected to the transmitting connector 28 of the process unit 1K is provided on the surface facing the one side of the process unit 1K. The transfer paper 10 is attached to the fixing unit 8.
A driving roller 8b and a fixing roller 8c having a heater therein are provided in pressure contact with each other so that a nip portion comes on the conveyance path of the recording medium. Further, the fixing unit 8 applies the transfer paper 10 fed from the supply opening 21 to the fixing roller 8c and the driving roller 8b.
Is provided with a pre-fixing guide 8a leading to the nip. The fixing roller 8c and the driving roller 8b apply heat and pressure to the transfer paper 10 sent from the supply opening 21 of the fixing unit 8 to fix an unfixed image on the transfer paper 10. Drive roller 8
b, the fixing roller 8c is driven from the motor 14 via a gear train. The fixing unit 8 has a discharge opening 22.

The developing devices 4 of the process units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K contain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively.

The paper feeding unit 9 includes a process unit 1Y.
The second connecting member 24 that can be disengaged from the first connecting member 23 is
The fixing unit 8 is provided with a first connecting member 23 that is detachable from the second connecting portion 24 of the process unit 1K.

Each process unit 1, paper feed unit 9 and fixing unit 8 are connected by first and second connecting members 23 and 24, respectively.

The paper feeding unit 9 has a transmitting connector 2 inserted into the receiving connector 27 of the process unit 1Y.
8 are provided. To the fixing unit 8, the receiving connector 2 into which the transmitting connector 28 of the process unit 1K is inserted.
7 are provided.

Each process unit 1, paper feed unit 9, and fixing unit 8 are connected by a transmission connector 28 and a reception connector 27, respectively.
The control signal and the power from the control device 12 and the power supply device 13 built in the printer are supplied to each process unit and the fixing unit 8. The transmission connector 28 and the reception connector 27 may be connected to the adjacent process units 1 or to the process units 1 by connecting the sheet feeding unit 9 and the fixing unit 8 to the first and second connection members 23 and 24 at the same time. Alternatively, the transmission connector 28 and the reception connector 27 may be led to the process unit 1, the paper feeding unit 9, and the fixing unit 8 by electric wires, respectively.

Each of the process units, the paper feed unit 9 and the fixing unit 8 has a built-in motor 14 serving as a drive source. The motor 14 is supplied with power from a power supply unit 13 and receives a control signal from a control unit 12. Accordingly, the photosensitive drum 2, the developing device 4, the transfer and transport belts 25 and 26 in each process unit 1 are driven from the motor 14 via a power transmission device such as a gear train (not shown). The motor 14 of the paper feeding unit 9 drives the feeding roller 9b, the retard roller 9c, and the registration roller 9e. The motor 14 of the fixing unit 8 drives the fixing roller 8c and the driving roller 8b.

Each process unit 1 has a built-in high voltage transformer 15 for applying a high voltage to the primary charger 3, the developing device 4, the transfer charger 6, and the like.
3 receives a power supply, and applies a predetermined high voltage to each device according to a control signal from the control device 12.

Next, the actual image forming operation in the state of FIG. 2 will be described. Upon receiving a print output signal from the document reading device or the computer, the control device 12 transmits an operation start signal to each of the process units 1 and the fixing unit 8 at a predetermined timing. The transfer paper 10 is fed from the paper feed unit 9. The fed transfer paper 10 passes through the process units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K by the transfer material drive belts 25 and 26, and the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 2 are sequentially superimposed and transferred at a predetermined timing. Finally, the fixing unit 8 fixes the toner image. In this way, when the setting is made as shown in FIG. 2, a full-color image can be obtained.

Next, the characteristic portions of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the process unit 1 of the present invention includes a process unit 1K, a sheet feeding unit 9 (inside is partially omitted), and a fixing unit 8 (inside is partially omitted). It also operates as a monochrome black printer in such a way that it consists of only one printer. Similarly, by adding the process unit 1M to these, the printer operates as a two-color printer. That is, if the user purchases only necessary process units, it becomes possible to output necessary multi-color images without purchasing an expensive full-color printer. Further, since it is easy to add a process unit, for example, a chromatic process unit is sequentially added to a black single-color machine in use, and a full-color printer can be finally formed.

As described above, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus constituted by using the process unit according to the present embodiment can provide the user with the electrophotographic image forming apparatus at a low cost. You can achieve your goals.

Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, an embodiment 2 of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, but has the following features.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the process unit 1 of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 4, since the toner contained in the developing device 4 is negatively charged, the toner image similarly developed is also negative. For this reason, the transfer charger 6 applies a polarity opposite to that of the toner, that is, a positive voltage from the back surface of the transfer paper 10, and the transfer residual toner is positively charged due to this effect.

The primary charger 3 is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-066884.
9, a magnet 17 is incorporated in a sleeve 16 using a non-magnetic metal tube,
The magnetic particles 18 are conveyed to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by the rotation of. By applying a negative voltage to the sleeve 16, a negative potential is formed on the photosensitive drum 2.

In such a configuration, when the transfer residual toner positively charged arrives at the opposing portion between the primary charger 3 and the photosensitive drum 2, the transfer residual toner is collected in the primary charger 3. The polarity of the toner collected in the primary charger 3 is inverted to positive during transfer, but the charged particles 18
Is charged to the negative side again by being mixed with the photosensitive drum 2, and is discharged onto the photosensitive drum 2. This toner is collected by the developing device 4 and used again as a developing toner.

In other words, with this configuration, the primary charger 3 also has a function of cleaning the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2, so that the cleaning device 5 in the first embodiment can be omitted.

The transfer charger 6 is in the form of a roller.
Photosensitive drum 2 having a gear that meshes with a gear that rotates integrally with the photosensitive drum 2
With the rotation of the motor, it rotates by receiving a driving force. The lateral width W of each process unit 1 in FIG. 4 is about 100 mm.

That is, the transfer paper 10 having a length in the transport direction of 100 mm or more (for example, the length of the long side of the official postcard is 148
mm), before the transfer paper 10 passes through the transfer charger 6 on the upstream side in the transport direction, the transfer paper 10 on the downstream side in the transport direction
Will begin to pass.

That is, with such a configuration, it is possible to apply a conveying force to the transfer paper 10, so that the first embodiment is used.
, It is possible to omit transfer paper conveying members requiring power, such as the first and second transfer material conveying belts 25 and 26 in FIG.
It is only necessary to provide the transport guides 25a and 26a.

As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaning device and the transfer sheet conveying member are omitted as compared with the first embodiment. That is, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention can be provided to the user at a lower cost, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The inside of the sheet feeding unit 9, the process unit 1, and the fixing unit 8 in FIG. 5 is schematically illustrated, and the inside is the same as that in FIG. 2 or FIG.

In the two embodiments described above, the motor 14 is provided in each unit. However, in this embodiment, only the motor 14a built in the sheet feeding unit 9 is used as a driving source, and A drive gear 29 and a driven gear 30 are provided between the paper unit 9 and the process unit 1Y, between the process units 1 and between the process unit 1K and the fixing unit 8, respectively. The drive is sequentially transmitted while the drive is applied. Further, the high-voltage transformer 15a was provided only in the sheet feeding unit 9 to supply a high voltage to each process unit 1. Thus, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be provided to the user at a lower cost, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.

The motor 14a of the paper feeding unit 9 is connected to a not-shown feeding roller 9b, retard roller 9c, and registration roller 9e provided in the paper feeding unit 9 via a gear train and a clutch. The motor 14a is connected by a gear train to a driving gear 29 rotatably supported by the paper feeding unit 9. Drive gear 2 of paper feed unit 9
Reference numeral 9 denotes a second coupling member 2 that can mesh with the driven gear 30 of the process unit 1Y,
4 is a first connecting member 23 provided in the process unit 1Y.
At the same time as the driving gear 29 and the driven gear 30
Are engaged.

Each of the above process units 1M, 1C, 1K
The driven gear 30 is provided rotatably similarly to the process unit 1Y. Process unit 1Y, 1
M, 1C is also provided with a drive gear 29 that can mesh with each driven gear 30 of the process units 1M, 1C, 1K. The drive gear 29 of the process units 1Y, 1M, 1C is driven by the process units 1M, 1C, 1K at the same time as the first and second connecting members 23, 24, not shown, of the process units 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K are connected. Gear 3
Meshes with 0.

In each process unit 1, the driven gear 30 and the driving gear 29 are connected via a gear train. In the process unit 1, power is transmitted from the driven gear 30 to the photosensitive drum 2, the developing device 4, and the transfer material transport belts 25 and 26 via a gear train. However, in the second embodiment shown in FIG.
The transfer charger 6 is driven by a gear rotating simultaneously with the photosensitive drum 2 without the transfer chargers 5 and 26.

Similarly, the process unit 1K and the fixing unit 8 are connected to the first and second connecting members 23 and 24, and at the same time, the driving gear 29 of the process unit 1K meshes with the driven gear 30 provided on the fixing unit 8. In the fixing unit 8, the driving roller 8b, the fixing roller 8c and the driven gear 30
Are connected by a gear train.

The primary charger high voltage, developing bias, and transfer bias supplied from the high voltage transformer 15 of the paper feeding unit 9 are transmitted from the transmission connector 28 of the paper feeding unit 9 to the process unit 1Y through the reception connector 27 connected to the transmission connector 28. Is input to

Each process unit 1 has the same wiring. That is, the receiving connector 27 and the transmitting connector 28 of the process unit 1 are directly connected by the primary charging high voltage common line 3a and the developing bias common wiring 4a, and the primary charging high voltage line 3b branched from the charging high voltage common line 3a is connected to the primary charger. The developing bias wiring 4 b branched from the developing bias common wiring 4 a is connected to the developing device 4. The wiring 6 b branched from the transfer bias wiring 6 a that is wired from the reception connector 27 of the process unit 1 to the transfer charger 6 and the resistor 19 is interposed is a transmission connector 28.
Is connected to

As described above, the high-voltage transformer 15 built in each process can be shared and built into the paper feed unit 9 or the fixing unit 8. The reason why the resistor 19 is provided in each process unit is to change the high voltage applied to the transfer charger 6 toward the plus side as it goes downstream in the paper transport direction. As shown in FIG. Are connected to form a series circuit.

Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to the three embodiments, the detailed configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may be any range as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example,
The color of the toner is not limited to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, but may be green, blue, red,
A toner such as sepia may be used.

[0062]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present application is described.
According to the invention, since the supply opening and the discharge opening of each of the plurality of process units can be made substantially coincident with each other, the transfer material can be transferred by connecting the plurality of process units.

According to the second invention of the present application, in the first invention, the supply opening and the discharge opening of one process unit are almost the same height, so that a plurality of process units are connected on a flat table. It is possible.

In the third invention according to the present invention, since the process power unit and the high voltage generating means are provided in the process unit in the first or second invention, it is not necessary to separately provide these components, and the process unit can be freely used. Can be combined.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second or third aspect, a receiving connector for inputting power from one device connected to the supply opening side and receiving a control signal; A transmission connector for supplying power to another device connected to the discharge opening side and transmitting a control signal, and when the other device is combined, power is input and supplied, and the control signal is supplied. Input / output is enabled.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the front supply opening and the receiving connector are almost coincident with the discharge opening of one device at the same time when they are respectively connected to the one device. By being arranged so as to be connected to the transmission connector of one device, it is possible to input power and control signals and receive the transfer material when connected to one device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the discharge opening and the transmission connector are connected to the supply opening of another device at the same time as being connected to the other device, respectively. In addition, by being arranged so as to be connected to the receiving connector of another device, it is possible to output power and control signals to another device and discharge the transfer material when connected to another device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or the fifth aspect, the one device is a sheet feeding means for supplying a transfer material to a process unit or another process unit, so that various devices are provided. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be configured.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or sixth aspect, the other apparatus is a fixing unit or another process unit for fixing a transfer material discharged from the process unit. Accordingly, various electrophotographic image forming apparatuses can be configured.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, since the transfer means also serves as the transfer material conveying means, the transfer means is eliminated, and a process unit is provided. Can be reduced.

The tenth invention according to the present application is the first to ninth inventions.
In the invention described in any one of the above, by having a connection means between the process unit and another process unit or the one device or the other device,
A plurality of units can be integrated.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the same effect as the first aspect is obtained.

According to the twelfth invention of the present application, the first invention
In the first aspect of the present invention, since the charging means and the cleaning means are shared, the size of the process unit can be reduced.

According to the thirteenth invention of the present application, the first invention
In the first or twelfth aspect, since the transfer means also serves as the transfer material transport means, the length of the process unit in the transfer material transport direction can be reduced.

According to the fourteenth and fifteenth inventions of the present application, the structure of the transfer material supply opening and the discharge opening for discharging the transfer material is changed to the discharge for discharging the transfer material of another process unit. Paper supply means for making the transfer material in the opening substantially coincide with the supply opening and supplying the transfer material to the supply opening of the process unit at one or one end of the connecting body, and the other end of the one or connecting body The unfixed image on the transfer material discharged from the discharge opening of the process unit is connected to the fixing unit, making full use of the high productivity of the electrophotographic system, making it easy to print single-color or multiple-color images at low cost. It is possible to provide a process unit and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of outputting the image data to a printer.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the paper feed unit can be connected to any of the process units, it is possible to cope with various combinations such as an increase in the number of process units or a configuration of a monochrome image forming apparatus. Thus, the transfer material can be supplied by one unit.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the fixing unit can be connected to any of the process units, it is possible to cope with various combinations such as the addition of process units or the configuration of a monochrome image forming apparatus. Fixing is possible with one unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a process unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating in detail a multicolor electrophotographic image forming apparatus using four process units according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining in detail an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using one process unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a process unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view illustrating an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Process unit 1a Frame 1M, 1Y, 1
C, 1K Process unit 2 Photosensitive drum 3 Primary charging device 3a Charging high voltage common line 3b Primary charging high voltage line 4 Developing device 4b Developing bias wiring 5 Cleaning device 6 Transfer charger 6a Transfer bias wiring 7: Fixing device 8: Fixing unit 8a: Guide before fixing 8b: Drive roller 8c: Fixing roller 9: Paper feed unit 9a: Tray 9b: Feeding roller
9c ... Retard roller 9d ... Transport guide 9e ... Registration roller 10 ... Transfer paper 11 ... LED element 12 ... Control device 13 ... Power supply device 14 ... Motor 14a ... Motor 15 ... High voltage transformer 15a ... Paper feed unit 16 ... Sleeve 17 ... Magnet Reference Signs List 18 charged particles 19 resistor 21 supply opening 22 for supplying transfer material 22 discharge opening for discharging transfer material 23 first connecting member 24 second connecting member 25 first transfer material Conveying belt 26 Second transfer material conveying belt 27 Receiving connector 28 Transmitting connector 29 Drive gear 30 Driven gear 101 Consumable cartridge 102 Document reading table 103 Halogen lamp

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Fumiko Gomi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Makoto Oki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Kia Within non-corporation (72) Inventor Yoichi Kimura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F-term (reference) 2H071 BA04 BA20 BA22 DA06 DA08 DA09 DA15 DA34 EA04 EA18 2H072 CA01 CB02 CB06 FB02

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, and a transfer for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material Means for transferring a transfer material; a supply opening for supplying the transfer material; and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having a supply opening that can substantially coincide with a discharge opening of another process unit having the same configuration, and a discharge opening of the one process unit having the same configuration. And a transfer opening for transferring a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units. 2. The process unit according to claim 1, wherein the supply opening and the discharge opening of the one process unit are substantially the same height. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply member for driving the latent image carrier and the processing means; and a high voltage generating means for obtaining a high voltage applied to the charging member of the processing means and the transfer device. 3. The process unit according to 2. 4. A receiving connector for inputting power from one device connected to the supply opening and receiving a control signal, and supplying power to another device connected to the discharge opening and controlling the control signal. 4. A process unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission connector for transmitting the data. 5. The supply opening and the receiving connector are arranged so as to substantially coincide with the discharging opening of one device at the same time as being connected to the one device, respectively, and to be connected to the transmitting connector of one device. The process unit according to claim 4, wherein 6. The discharge opening and the transmitting connector are arranged so as to substantially coincide with the supply opening of the other device at the same time as being connected to the other device, respectively, and to be connected to the receiving connector of the other device. The process unit according to claim 4, wherein the process unit performs the process. 7. The process unit according to claim 4, wherein the one device is a sheet feeding unit that supplies a transfer material to the process unit or another process unit. 8. The process unit according to claim 4, wherein the other device is a fixing unit for fixing a transfer material discharged from the process unit or another process unit. 9. The process unit according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit also serves as the transfer material conveying unit. 10. The process unit according to claim 1, wherein the process unit has a connection means with another process unit or the one device or the other device. 11. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, charging means for charging the latent image carrier, and exposure for forming an electrostatic latent image by exposing the charged latent image carrier. Means, a developing device for developing a toner on the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier to visualize the toner, a transfer device for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material, and a transfer device A cleaning device for removing the toner remaining on the latent image carrier without being transferred, a transfer material conveying means for conveying the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and discharging the transfer material Process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in an electrophotographic manner, comprising: a discharge opening for supplying a transfer material having an unfixed image; Possible and discharge openings of said one process unit Substantially matches are possible, the process unit is characterized in that it is passing the transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units and the supply opening of the other process units of similar configuration. 12. The process unit according to claim 11, wherein said charging means and said cleaning device are common means. 13. The process unit according to claim 11, wherein the transfer unit also serves as the transfer material conveying unit. 14. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, a transfer means for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material, and a transfer material A transfer material having an unfixed image of an electrophotographic type including a transfer material transporting unit for transporting the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material is obtained. A process unit, wherein the supply opening can substantially coincide with a discharge opening of another process unit having the same configuration, and the discharge opening of the one process unit has a supply opening of another process unit having the same configuration. A process unit that can be substantially coincident with the opening and that can transfer a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units; b. Paper feeding means for feeding a transfer material to a supply opening of the one process unit; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit that fixes an unfixed image on a transfer material discharged from a discharge opening of the one process unit. 15. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging unit for charging the latent image carrier, an exposing unit for exposing the charged latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image, and a latent image A developing device that develops a toner on the electrostatic latent image on the carrier to form a visible image, a transfer device that transfers the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material, and a latent device that is not transferred by the transfer device. A cleaning device for removing toner remaining on the image carrier, a transfer material transporting means for transporting the transfer material, a supply opening for supplying the transfer material, and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having an unfixed image in an electrophotographic system, wherein the supply opening can substantially coincide with the discharge opening of another process unit having a similar configuration, and The discharge opening of one process unit has the same configuration. Feed opening of the process unit and is substantially possible match, the coupled body of the process unit to process unit and a plurality linkages can transfer the transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units, b. Paper feeding means for feeding a transfer material to a supply opening of a process unit at one end of the connecting body; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit that fixes an unfixed image on a transfer material discharged from a discharge opening of a process unit at the other end of the connection body. 16. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, processing means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, and transfer for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material Means for transferring a transfer material; a supply opening for supplying the transfer material; and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having a supply opening that can substantially coincide with a discharge opening of another process unit having the same configuration, and a discharge opening of the one process unit having the same configuration. And a plurality of process cartridges that can be substantially aligned with the supply openings of the process units and that can transfer a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units. Sheet feeding unit, characterized in that it comprises a discharge opening for feeding the connectable transfer material to the body and the sheet feeding means. 17. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, process means for forming a visible image on the latent image carrier, and transfer for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier to a transfer material Means for transferring a transfer material; a supply opening for supplying the transfer material; and a discharge opening for discharging the transfer material. A process unit for obtaining a transfer material having a supply opening that can substantially coincide with a discharge opening of another process unit having the same configuration, and a discharge opening of the one process unit having the same configuration. And a plurality of process cartridges that can be substantially aligned with the supply openings of the process units and that can transfer a transfer material by connecting a plurality of process units. A fixing unit, characterized in that it comprises a fixing means and the supply opening for receiving the transfer material having an unfixed image can be connected to the body, the.