JP2004061898A - Developing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prepare information on kinds of toner, etc., on the side part of a developing apparatus, and to enable specifying a model to which the developing apparatus can be loaded, as for the developing apparatus which is loaded as a unit to the recording part of an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: As for the developing apparatus unit 20 constituted by combining a developing roller and a toner hopper, a pin mount part 31 capable of mounting several pin members 35 is arranged on the casing side part 30 of the unit 20. The identification pin member for the pin member is made to project from a pin insertion hole 41 on the side cover member 40 attached to the casing side part 30 so as to be used as the identification mark of the developing apparatus unit. A storing part corresponding to the pin member is arranged on the main apparatus body part to which the developing apparatus unit 20 is loaded, then, only the specified unit can be loaded, and a unit having a different kind of toner is prevented from being erroneously loaded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints on recording paper using fine powder toner, and more particularly to a developing device that is configured so that only a dedicated developing device can be attached to a developing section of the image recording device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus that prints on recording paper using fine powder toner, in an apparatus such as an electrophotographic copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral, a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum is transferred to paper. Then, means for printing on the recording paper by fixing the paper carrying the toner image through a fixing device is used. In order to supply the toner to the photosensitive drum, a developing device configured as one unit by integrally incorporating a developing roller, a toner storing unit, and a unit for attaching the toner to the developing roller as a thin layer is used. Can be Then, the developing device is combined with a photoreceptor unit having a photoreceptor drum, and is mounted on a recording unit of the image forming apparatus, so that the developing roller can be positioned with respect to the photoreceptor drum.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The toner contained in the developing device has different components depending on the model of the image forming device and the like. The developing devices configured corresponding to the image forming device are used as units. However, the developing device often has almost the same external appearance even when the type of toner to be stored is different, so that a toner container other than the designated dedicated toner container is erroneously prepared and used. May be done. In order to identify the developing device, for example, a part of a unit of the toner container or the developing device is provided with an identification means such as a plurality of projecting members protrudingly provided, and an image forming apparatus capable of using the developing device is provided. In many cases, the model is specified.
[0004]
However, in the case where the identification mark or the like by the protruding member as described above is provided, if one of the protruding members is cut off, it may be in a state where it can be used for other models. When the properties of the toner are specified for the target model, if a developing device containing a different type of toner is used, the operation of forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum is not performed well, and the developing device Many problems occur, such as toner adhering to the stirring / charging mechanism disposed inside the printer, which causes a failure in the recording unit of the image forming apparatus.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus in which the mounting error of the developing device as described above does not occur and a developing device containing a different type of toner cannot be mounted intentionally or erroneously.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a developing device, and the invention according to claim 1 provides a plurality of pin mounting portions for mounting pins on a side portion of a casing containing toner, wherein the pins are mounted on a casing, and A cover body formed to have a length protruding outward from the outer surface of the casing and covering the outer surface of the casing to which the pins are attached is provided with an insertion portion through which the pins are inserted, and a position of the pins attached to the pin attachment portion is provided. And a number and a pin insertion hole provided in the cover body are provided at predetermined positions.
[0007]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the pin is made of metal.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 3, wherein the recording section of the image forming apparatus is provided with a pin accommodating portion corresponding to a pin provided in the developing device, and only a developing device having a pin protruding corresponding to the pin accommodating portion. Can be mounted.
[0009]
With the above-described configuration, only a member having the identification pin member corresponding to the identification means provided in the developing device can be mounted, so that it is possible to prevent the mounting error of the developing device. Further, since the pin member provided as the identification means is made of metal, it can be prevented from being broken off, and can be prevented from being used erroneously or intentionally in another image forming apparatus or the like. Furthermore, since the recording section of the image forming apparatus is provided with a pin storage section that can store only a specific pin member at the mounting position of the unit, it is restricted so that a unit provided with another identification mark cannot be mounted. It is possible to prevent a unit to which the type of toner or the like does not apply from being erroneously attached to the recording unit.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of an image recording apparatus to which the apparatus of the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to FIG. The image recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a small-sized apparatus. A paper feeding tray 2 capable of storing paper of an arbitrary size is mounted on a paper feeding section 2 provided at a lower portion of the apparatus main body. Then, the paper is taken out one by one by the paper feed roller 4 and fed to the paper transport path 5. In the paper transport path 5, transport roller devices 5a and 5b are arranged at a predetermined interval, and the paper transported in the paper transport path 5 is transferred with a toner image when passing through the recording unit 7. The recording paper is fixed by the fixing device 8, and is discharged to the discharge tray 9 a by the discharge roller device 9. In addition to the paper feed system from the paper feed tray 3, a manual tray 6 that can be opened and closed is arranged at the side of the apparatus. To feed paper toward the paper transport path 5 by the paper feed roller 6a.
[0011]
In the image recording apparatus 1, the recording unit 7 includes a photosensitive unit 10 provided with a photosensitive drum 12 and a developing unit 20 for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 12. The two units 10 and 20 are combined as shown in FIG. 2 and mounted on the recording unit 7 of the apparatus main body. In the photoreceptor unit 10, a charging member 15 and a memory removing member 14 are disposed on a photoreceptor drum 12 supported on a unit frame 11 via a shaft 13. A writing unit 16 is disposed at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the photosensitive drum 12, and a transfer member 17 is disposed at a lower portion. The developing roller 25 of the developing unit 20 is located on the downstream side.
[0012]
In the photoconductor unit 10, a predetermined voltage is applied to the photoconductor drum by a charging roller 15 as a charging unit, and image light is irradiated from a writing unit 16 including an LED or the like. An electrostatic latent image is formed. Then, toner is supplied from the developing roller 25 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 to form a toner image, and a toner image is formed between the transfer roller 17 and the photosensitive drum 12 and conveyed. On the other hand, a predetermined potential is supplied to the transfer roller 17 to transfer the toner image to a sheet. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 8, is fixed, and is discharged as a recording sheet. Further, after the toner image is transferred onto the sheet, the toner and the like remaining on the photosensitive drum are disturbed by the brush of the memory removing member 14, and the adhesion is weakened to be uniformly dispersed. Later, the toner is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 15.
[0013]
In the developing unit 20 provided with a developing roller corresponding to the photosensitive drum in order to supply the toner to the photosensitive drum 12, the developing roller is accommodated in a hopper 22 provided in a frame (casing) 21. The toner is sent to the supply roller 24 while being stirred by the paddle 23. Then, while rubbing the toner between the supply roller 24 and the developing roller 25, a predetermined potential is applied to charge the toner, adhere to the surface of the developing roller 25, and form a thin layer by the blade 26. . The toner carried on the developing roller 25 is supplied toward the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12, and the toner remaining on the surface of the developing roller after that is newly supplied to the supply roller 24. The toner is mixed with the supplied toner, applied with a charging effect again, and supplied toward the developing area.
[0014]
In order to position and hold the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 25 at a predetermined position of the recording unit of the image forming apparatus by combining the photosensitive unit 10 and the developing unit 20, the recording unit Arbitrary positioning means can be provided for the mounting portion of each unit. By using the positioning means and the like, it is possible to perform the mutual positioning of the two units and the positioning of the developing roller 25 with respect to the photosensitive drum 12 only by mounting the two units. You. In addition, it is also possible to provide an arbitrary connecting means so that the two units can be easily combined so that the two units can be positioned in the recording unit in a combined state.
[0015]
As described above, in an apparatus in which a photoconductor unit and a developing unit are mounted in combination with the recording unit of the image forming apparatus, the life of the developing unit is shorter than the life of the photoconductor unit. Often done. Therefore, when the toner in the developing unit is exhausted, a new developing unit is mounted again and combined with the photoreceptor unit so that the recording paper can be further prepared. For this reason, the developing unit is prepared as a spare part.However, in general, products of the same maker correspond to the model of the image recording apparatus or image forming apparatus, The types such as the mixing ratio of various components are different.
[0016]
However, the overall shape and the like of the toner hopper and the developing device for storing the toner are almost the same size even when the type of the stored toner is different, and the cross-sectional shape and the side shape are not largely different. It is configured as something. The occurrence of such a problem is that even when developing a new model, in order to suppress the development cost, it is common to use parts that have been used in the past, and as a result, completely use the same However, the size and the structure of the other frames do not significantly change, and a situation in which the user is confused by the judgment easily occurs. Therefore, in many cases, the properties of the toner and the models that can be used are determined based on the label attached to the developing device unit. Inappropriate toner may adhere to the photosensitive drum and other members disposed in the section, causing a failure.
[0017]
As means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a pin member for identification is provided on the casing side of the developing unit, and only the unit provided with the pin member can be mounted. The structure is described below. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the casing 21 of the developing unit 20, FIGS. 4 to 6 show the structure of a pin mounting portion provided on the side of the casing and one example of a pin member, and FIG. 2 shows a main body side frame to be mounted. In the above-described embodiment, the developing device unit 20 is provided so that the developing roller 25 is exposed and positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum, similarly to the conventional device, and provided on the side of the casing 21. The identification pin member 36 is provided so as to protrude outward from the side cover member 40.
[0018]
Further, in order to position the developing unit 20 in the recording section of the image forming apparatus, a positioning shaft member 27 is projected, and the pin member 27 is engaged with an engaging section (not shown) provided in the recording section. In the inserted state, the developing roller 25 is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum. In addition, an electric contact 28 is disposed, and a voltage of a predetermined value is applied to each component of the developing device, for example, the sheet feeding roller 25, the charging roller 24, the blade 26, and the like via the contact 28. It is used for applying.
[0019]
The developing unit 20 has a casing side 30 covered by a side cover member 40. A pin mounting portion 31 to which a plurality of pin members can be mounted, screw mounting holes 34 and 34a for mounting the side cover member 40, a positioning shaft member 27, and the like are arranged on the casing side portion 30, respectively. Are provided with mounting holes (bearing portions) 24a and 25a for the roller members. The pin mounting portion 31 and the pin member may be configured as shown in FIG. 5, and the pin mounting portion 31 is provided with protrusion members 32 a and 32 b above and below the screw mounting hole 32. . The pin member 35 attached to the pin attachment portion 31 is made of metal, and is constituted by integrating an identification pin member 36 projecting to a predetermined length and a base member 37. .
[0020]
The base member 37 is provided with a screw mounting hole 38 provided corresponding to the screw mounting hole 32 of the pin mounting portion 31, and upper and lower holes 38a and 38b of the screw mounting hole 38. Then, the projecting members 32a, 32b of the pin attaching portion 31 are inserted into the insertion holes 38a, 38b, and the fixing screws 39 (shown in FIG. 5) are attached by connecting the screw attaching holes 32, 38, thereby attaching the pins. The pin member 35 is attached to the part 31 and held. Although the pin mounting portion 31 is configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of pin members, an arbitrary number of pin members may be mounted in an arbitrary pattern to identify the type of the developing unit and the like. It can be used as an identification mark to be attached to the recording unit of the image forming apparatus.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 6, a side cover member 40 for covering the casing side portion 30 has a plurality of pin insertion holes 41 for projecting an identification pin member, and a hole 43 for projecting the positioning shaft member 27. , And screw holes 42, 42a for mounting the screws 44, respectively. When the side cover member 40 is attached to the casing side portion 30 and fixed by screws 44, the identification pin member 36 attached to the pin attachment portion 31 is projected from the pin insertion hole 41, and a positioning shaft is provided. Since the member 27 is made to protrude, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the protruding members can be used to identify and hold the unit.
[0022]
The example shown in FIG. 7 shows a configuration of the main body side frame 45 for restricting the developing device unit 20 to be mountable, and a pin for the identification pin member 36 corresponding to each of the identification mark and the mounting means. An accommodating portion 46 is provided. In addition, a housing means for the positioning shaft member 27 is provided, but the description thereof is omitted. The pin accommodating portions 46 provided on the main body side frame 45 are provided in correspondence with the number and the pattern of the pin members attached to the pin attaching portions. However, when only one pin member is used, the pin accommodating portion 46 has one pin. Only a specific developing unit can be accommodated by providing a blocking member 47 for the other pin accommodating portions. As the closing member 47, a closing member having an arbitrary configuration can be used. In the illustrated example, leg members 47a are provided so as to protrude above and below the closing member 47, and the leg member 47 is provided. 47 a is mounted in a hole 48 provided in the frame 45.
[0023]
Therefore, when one pin member is provided in the developing unit 20, only one pin accommodating portion 46 is provided at a position corresponding to this pin member so that the developing device unit 20 can be mounted on the recording portion of the image forming apparatus. It becomes possible to limit the developing unit. Further, since the identification pin member 36 protruding from the side of the developing unit is made of metal, the pin member 35 can be prevented from being broken off. For example, if the pin member is formed of plastic, even if a large number of pin members are attached, it can be easily broken off. Therefore, the pin accommodating portion provided on the main body side frame 45 side in correspondence with the identification mark. In contrast, the pin member is not engaged. In other words, since this is the same as mounting a developing unit without a pin member, it is possible to mount a developing unit containing incompatible toner on the recording unit. . In order to prevent the above-mentioned incompatibility, the pin member is formed as a strong metal member to prevent the pin member from being removed, and only the developing unit provided with a specific mark is mounted. It is possible to make it possible.
[0024]
Note that the configuration of the main body side frame in which an identification mark is provided on the developing unit and the unit can be mounted is not limited to the example disclosed in the embodiment. For example, as for the shape of the pin member and the configuration of the locking means in the pin mounting portion on the side of the casing, other configurations may be used as long as the same action as in the embodiment can be exerted. Also, the structure of the pin accommodating portion provided on the main body side frame, the shape and the mounting structure of the closing member corresponding to the unused pin member, and the like can be any members.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
Since the apparatus of the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to mount only the apparatus having the identification pin member corresponding to the identification means provided in the developing apparatus, so that it is possible to prevent the mounting error of the developing apparatus. In addition, since the pin member provided as the identification means is made of metal, it can be prevented from being broken off, and can be used, erroneously or intentionally, for other image forming apparatuses or the like whose toner properties do not match. Can be prevented. Furthermore, since the recording section of the image forming apparatus is provided with a pin storage section that can store only a specific pin member at the mounting position of the unit, it is restricted so that a unit provided with another identification mark cannot be mounted. It is possible to prevent a unit in which the type of toner or the like does not match from being mounted by mistake.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a photosensitive unit developing unit provided in a recording unit.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing unit.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a casing side portion.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a pin mounting portion pin member.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a casing side portion and a side cover member.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a main body side frame.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 image recording device, 2 paper feed section, 3 paper feed tray,
4 paper feed roller, 5 paper transport path, 5a / 5b transport roller device,
6 manual feed tray, 7 recording unit, 8 fixing device,
9 discharge roller device, 10 photoconductor unit,
11 unit frame, 12 photoconductor drum, 13 drum shaft,
14 memory removing member, 15 charging member, 16 writing member,
17 transfer roller, 20 developing unit,
21 casing, 22 toner hopper, 23 paddle,
24 supply roller, 25 developing roller, 26 blade,
27 positioning shaft member, 30 casing side,
31 pin mounting part, 32 screw mounting hole, 35 pin member,
36 identification pin member, 37 base member, 38 screw mounting hole,
39 fixing screws, 40 side cover members, 41 pin insertion holes,
34, 42, 43 holes, 45 body side frame,
46 pin receiving section, 47 closing member, 48 insertion hole.

Claims (3)

On the side of the casing containing the toner, a plurality of pin mounting portions for mounting pins are provided,
The pin is formed in a length protruding outward from an outer surface of the casing when attached to the casing,
The cover body that covers the outer surface of the casing to which the pins are attached is provided with an insertion portion through which the pins are inserted,
A developing device wherein a position and number of pins attached to the pin attachment portion and a pin insertion hole provided in a cover body are provided at predetermined positions. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the pin is made of metal. In the recording unit of the image forming apparatus, a pin housing corresponding to a pin provided in the developing device is formed,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein only a developing device having a pin protruding corresponding to the pin housing portion can be mounted.

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