JP2004138775A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain the reduction of the cost of a part or the like in an image forming apparatus where a toner cartridge is replaced by opening a cover which is freely turned, opened and closed. <P>SOLUTION: A manual locking claw 4a for maintaining an opening/closing cover 1 in a closed state and a bearing 6a to support the turning shaft 3 of the locking claw are integrally molded with plastic. A locking claw 4b and a bearing 6b are similarly integrally molded with the plastic. Also, the locking claws and the turning shaft 3 are integrally turnably constituted. A handle 2 for locking/unlocking the locking claws and the turning shaft 3 are constituted of a conductive material, and the handle 2 is grounded through the turning shaft 3 and the image forming apparatus. Abnormal sound is not made when the locking pawls are turned in a locking/unlocking mechanism. Also, static electricity collected in the human body of an operator is previously discharged by a ground through the handle in the replacement work of the toner cartridge where an IC chip is mounted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus in which an image forming cartridge, such as a toner cartridge, having an ID chip mounted thereon is replaced by opening a rotatable openable cover. And a lock / unlock mechanism for the opening / closing cover.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 6, a toner cartridge 21 having an ID chip 22 mounted thereon is replaced by opening a rotatable opening / closing cover provided in the image forming apparatus. There is known one that incorporates it.
[0003]
However, if the body of the operator on which the static electricity has accumulated touches the ID chip during the replacement work, the data recorded on the ID chip may be destroyed by the static electricity. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when the operator's hand contacts the opening / closing operation section of the opening / closing cover, the static electricity is discharged by grounding.
[0004]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a lock claw 31 provided on the opening / closing cover and a bearing 33 for supporting a rotation shaft 32 for locking and unlocking the lock claw. The lock claw 31 is a member for maintaining the open / close cover in a closed state. In this cover, the bearing 33 is provided as a member separate from the lock claw 31. The rotating shaft 32 and an operation handle (not shown) for opening the opening / closing cover are made of a conductive material for discharging static electricity accumulated in the human body. A sintered bearing (bearing made of sintered metal) is used as the bearing 33 in order to prevent abnormal noise (curky sound) due to friction generated between the rotating shaft and the bearing supporting the rotating shaft.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional lock / unlock mechanism for the opening / closing cover not only increases the manufacturing cost due to the large number of parts, but also has a poor assemblability, so that it takes time to manufacture and it is difficult to reduce the assembly cost. Was. Also, when the cover is to be dismantled for the purpose of recycling, the disassembly time is long and the disassembly cost is increased.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which an openable and closable cover is opened to replace an image forming cartridge such as a toner cartridge. In the lock / unlock mechanism of the cover, the lock pawl and the bearing that supports the rotating shaft of the lock pawl are formed as an integrated structure, so that the cost of parts and assembly, the cost of disassembly, the disassembly cost, and the recyclability are improved. It is to plan.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a cover that can be opened and closed by a rotating operation, wherein an image mounted with an ID chip for storing various information. In a cartridge in which the opening / closing cover is opened and exchanged, a manual lock pawl for maintaining the cover in a closed state and a bearing for supporting a rotating shaft of the lock pawl are provided. The lock pawl is integrally rotatable with the pivot shaft, and a handle for locking and unlocking the lock pawl is grounded via the pivot shaft and the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0008]
The invention according to a second aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the integral structure product including the lock claw and the bearing is an integrally molded product of plastic.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that a leaf spring for applying a rotating force by elasticity to the lock claw is attached to the handle in a direction for maintaining the cover in a closed state, and the lock claw is pressed by the pressing operation of the handle to cause the lock claw to move to the plate. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said spring rotates integrally with said rotating shaft against said rotating force (spring force) of a spring, thereby separating from a locking member provided in said image forming apparatus. Or an image forming apparatus according to item 2.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming cartridge is a toner cartridge.
[0011]
In the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, when replacing the toner cartridge (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a toner cartridge) mounted with an ID chip, which consumes most of the toner, the lock claw is turned in a predetermined direction by operating the handle. To open an open / close cover (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a cover), and replace it with a new toner cartridge in this state. Then, the cover is closed, and when the operation of the handle is completed, the lock claw is rotated in the opposite direction to the above to bring the lock state. As a result, the cover cannot be opened and closed.
[0012]
In the replacement operation of the toner cartridge, static electricity accumulated in the human body of the operator is discharged by the ground through the handle when the handle is operated. Therefore, when the operator replaces the toner cartridge, since the static electricity has already been discharged, even if the operator's hand touches the ID chip of the toner cartridge, the information is recorded on the ID chip due to the static electricity. You don't have to worry about data corruption. The present invention can be applied to a case where the image forming cartridge is a so-called process cartridge.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a lock claw rotating member provided in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an opening / closing cover constituting the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the opening / closing cover, showing a state where a lock claw is locked. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing a state where the lock claws are unlocked. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the opening / closing cover is opened.
[0015]
The structure of the opening / closing cover and its lock / unlock mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as various members, an opening / closing cover 1, a lock / unlock handle 2 (pressing operation member), a columnar rotating shaft 3, an E-ring 3A, and a pair of lock claws 4a and 4b. , A leaf spring 5 and bolts and nuts (not shown) for fastening are prepared. The handle 2 and the rotating shaft 3 are made of a conductive material such as stainless steel.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 2 is configured by connecting a main body 2 </ b> A and a locking portion 2 </ b> B to a rotating shaft 3 described below. The locking portion 2B is formed in a U-shaped cross section. That is, the locking portion 2B includes a flat plate portion 2B-1 and a pair of ear pieces 2B-2 and 2B-3 connected to both ends of the flat plate portion and facing each other. The rotating shaft 3 has a flat first fitting surface 3a and a second fitting surface 3b at one end, and a third fitting surface 3c at the other end. Therefore, the cross-sectional shapes of the first fitting surface 3a forming portion to the third fitting surface 3c forming portion of the rotating shaft 3 are substantially semicircular. A groove 3e for inserting the E-ring 3A is formed at a boundary between the first fitting surface 3a forming portion and the second fitting surface 3b. The flat plate portion 2B-1 is a member for attaching the leaf spring 5 to the handle 2 and a member for attaching the handle 2 to the opening / closing cover 1. Two bolt insertion holes 2a are formed in the flat plate portion 2B-1, a through hole (fitting hole) 2b is formed in the ear piece 2B-2, and a through hole (fitting hole) 2c is formed in the ear piece 2B-3. Form. The cross-sectional shapes and dimensions of the fitting holes 2b and 2c are almost the same as those of the first fitting surface 3a forming portion to the third fitting surface 3c forming portion of the rotating shaft 3. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3d is a planar end face.
[0017]
A bearing 6a for supporting the rotating shaft 3 is formed integrally with the lock claw 4a. Therefore, for example, an integrally molded product including the bearing 6a and the lock claw 4a is manufactured by injection molding of an engineering plastic such as a polyamide resin. Similarly, the bearing 6b is integrally formed with the lock claw 4b. Note that the above-mentioned integrated product may be made of a metal material. The bearing 6a has a fitting hole 6a-1 into which the second fitting surface 3b forming portion of the rotating shaft 3 can be fitted. A fitting hole (not shown) having the same shape and dimensions as the fitting hole 6a-1 is formed in a portion of the lock claw 4a facing the fitting hole 6a-1, and communicates with the fitting hole 6a-1. Similarly, a fitting hole (not shown) is formed in the bearing 6b so that the portion for forming the third fitting surface 3c of the rotating shaft 3 can be fitted therein, and is fitted to a portion of the lock claw 4b facing the fitting hole. A mating hole 6b-2 is formed, and these fitting holes communicate with each other. Further, a mounting piece 5A for fixing the leaf spring 5 to one end of the flat spring 2B-1 is connected to one end of the flat spring 5. In this mounting piece, a bolt insertion hole 5a is formed at a position corresponding to the two bolt insertion holes 2a.
[0018]
On the other hand, in the opening / closing cover 1, as shown in FIG. 2, an opening 1e is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, and inverted L-shaped locking pieces 1B, 1C are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The locking pieces 1B are formed with through holes (locking holes) 1a and 1c, and the locking pieces 1C are formed with through holes (locking holes) 1b and 1d. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opening / closing cover 1 is provided with an abutting portion 1 </ b> D in the vicinity of the locking piece 1 </ b> B where the leaf spring 5 always abuts. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking member 7 is provided at an appropriate position (not shown in FIG. 2). This locking member is a member for locking and unlocking the lock claws 4a and 4b.
[0019]
Next, an example of a procedure for assembling the lock / unlock mechanism of the opening / closing cover 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, the leaf spring 5 is inserted into a space directly below the flat plate portion 2B-1 of the handle 2, that is, a space facing the lugs 2B-2 and 2B-3, and is inserted into the bolt insertion holes 2a and 2a of the flat plate portion 2B-1. Align the bolt insertion holes 5a of the mounting piece 5A. In this state, the mounting piece 5A is fixed to the flat plate portion 2B-1 by caulking. Thereby, the leaf spring 5 is attached to the handle 2.
[0020]
In FIG. 2, the rotating shaft 3 is inserted through a through-hole 1d formed in the locking piece 1C of the opening / closing cover 1, and the third fitting surface 3c forming portion projects outside from the through-hole 1d. The part for forming the fitting surface 3b is located inside the opening / closing cover 1, that is, between the locking pieces 1B and 1C. Next, the combined body composed of the handle 2 and the leaf spring 5 is fixed to the rotating shaft 3. In this case, the first fitting surface 3a forming portion of the rotating shaft 3 is inserted into the through holes 2b, 2c formed in the ear pieces 2B-2, 2B-3 of the handle 2 so as to be outside the ear pieces 2B-3. The side face is brought into contact with the end face 3 d of the rotating shaft 3. Next, the second fitting surface 3b forming portion of the rotating shaft 3 is inserted into a through hole 1c formed in the locking piece 1B of the opening / closing cover 1, and the second fitting surface 3b forming portion is moved from the locking piece 1B. Protrude outside. In this case, the E-ring 3A is inserted into the groove 3e formed at the boundary between the first fitting surface 3a forming portion and the second fitting surface 3b forming portion.
[0021]
By fitting the fitting hole 6a-1 of the bearing 6a integrated with the lock claw 4a into the second fitting surface 3b forming portion, the lock claw 4a is fixed to the rotating shaft 3, and the lock claw is locked. 4a is located in the immediate vicinity of the ear piece 2B-2. As a result, the E-ring 3A is set in the gap between the ear piece 2B-2 and the lock claw 4a. Similarly, the lock claw 4b is fixed to the rotating shaft 3 by fitting the fitting hole of the bearing 6b integrated with the lock claw 4b into the third fitting surface 3c forming portion of the rotating shaft 3. I do. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, bolts are inserted into the bolt insertion holes 2a and 5a, and fixed with nuts (both not shown). Thereby, the lock claw rotating member 10 constituted by connecting the members shown in FIG. 1 to each other is mounted on the opening / closing cover 1, and the handle main body 2A is positioned in the opening 1e formed in the opening / closing cover 1, The leaf spring 5 is disposed immediately below the plate spring (FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0022]
In the lock claw rotation member 10, when the handle 2 (the main body 2A thereof) is pressed, the lock claws 4a and 4b are integrally formed with the rotation shaft 3 against the spring force of the leaf spring 5 in the clockwise direction in FIG. To rotate. When the pressing operation is completed, the lock claw is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 integrally with the rotation shaft 3 by the spring force of the leaf spring 5. That is, the leaf spring 5 always applies a rotational force to the locking pawls 4a and 4b to lock the distal ends of the locking pawls to the locking member 7 (FIG. 3). By pressing the lock pawls, a turning force is applied to the lock pawls so that the distal ends of the lock pawls 4a and 4b are disengaged from the locking member 7.
[0023]
Next, the open / close cover 1 with the lock claw rotating member 10 is attached to the image forming apparatus. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing support shaft 1A is inserted into through holes 1a, 1b formed in the locking pieces 1B, 1C of the opening / closing cover 1, respectively, and the opening / closing support shaft 1A is inserted into the image forming apparatus. It is supported by deployed bearings (not shown). Thereby, the opening / closing cover 1 becomes rotatable about the opening / closing support shaft 1A as an opening / closing fulcrum, and at the same time, the end of the rotating shaft 3 comes into contact with a ground plate (not shown) attached to the image forming apparatus. When the cover 1 is closed, the ground plate comes into contact with a grounded part of the image forming apparatus main body, and static electricity is discharged.
[0024]
Next, the procedure for taking out the toner cartridge 21 shown in FIG. 6 and replacing it with a new one, which is set in the image forming apparatus, and the operation of the lock / unlock mechanism of the opening / closing cover will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0025]
In FIG. 4, when the handle 2 (the main body 2A) is pressed down (arrow A), the lock claws 4a and 4b rotate clockwise (arrow B) against the spring force of the leaf spring 5, and these locks are locked. The pawl separates from the locking member 7 (unlocked state), and the opening and closing cover 1 can be opened and closed. In this case, when the operator's hand comes into contact with the handle 2, static electricity accumulated in the operator's body flows through the image forming apparatus via the rotating shaft 3, the ground plate, and the ground member, and is discharged. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the open / close cover 1 is rotated clockwise (arrow C) about the open / close support shaft 1A to open.
[0026]
With the openable cover open, the toner cartridge 21 in the image forming apparatus is taken out and replaced with a new one. In this case, since almost no static electricity is accumulated in the operator's body, even if the operator's finger or the like comes into contact with the ID chip 22, the data recorded therein will not be destroyed. After the replacement of the toner cartridge 21, the cover 1 is closed, and then the handle 2 is released from being depressed, so that the locking claws 4a and 4b are locked by the locking member 7 by the spring force of the leaf spring 5 (locked state). The opening / closing cover 1 cannot be opened / closed. Unlike the conventional structure, the rotating shaft 3 does not rotate with respect to the bearings 6a and 6b, but rotates integrally with these bearings, so that no abnormal noise is generated during the rotation. In addition, by forming the lock claw from a molded product of a polyamide resin which is originally rich in self-lubricating properties, the engagement and disengagement operation with respect to the lock member 7 can be performed smoothly.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, the bearing and the lock claw are formed as an integral product, and the lock claw is rotated by integrally rotating the lock claw with the rotation shaft. No abnormal sound is generated when it is caused to occur. Further, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts and assembly, the cost of disassembly, and improve recyclability. Further, in an operation of replacing an image forming cartridge such as a toner cartridge equipped with an ID chip for storing various information, static electricity accumulated in the human body of the operator is discharged in advance to the ground via a handle. Even if the operator's hand comes into contact with the ID chip of the cartridge, there is no fear that the data recorded on the ID chip is destroyed due to static electricity.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of a lock claw rotation member provided in an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an opening / closing cover included in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the opening / closing cover of FIG. 2, showing a state in which a lock claw is locked.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing a state where a lock claw is unlocked.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing a state in which an opening / closing cover is opened.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a conventional toner cartridge.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lock claw disposed on an opening / closing cover of a conventional image forming apparatus and a bearing that supports a rotating shaft for locking and unlocking the lock claw.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Opening / closing cover 1A: Opening / closing support shaft (opening / closing fulcrum)
1B: Locking piece 1C: Locking piece 1D: Abutment portions 1a to 1d: Through hole 1e: Opening 2: Handle (pressing operation member)
2A: Main body 2B: Locking portion 2B-1: Flat plate portion 2B-2: Ear piece 2B-3: Ear piece 2a: Bolt insertion hole 2b: Through hole (fitting hole).
2c: Through hole (fitting hole)
3: rotating shaft 3A: E-ring 3a: first fitting surface 3b: second fitting surface 3c: third fitting surface 3d: end surface 3e: groove 4a: lock claw 4b: lock claw 5: leaf spring 5A: Mounting piece 5a: bolt insertion hole 6a: bearing 6b: bearing 6a-1: fitting hole 6b-2: fitting hole 7: locking member 10: lock claw rotating member 21: toner cartridge 22: ID chip 31: lock Claw 32: rotating shaft 33: bearing

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type provided with a cover that can be opened and closed by a rotating operation, wherein an image forming cartridge equipped with an ID chip for storing various information is replaced with the open / close cover opened. In what we did,
A manual lock pawl for maintaining the cover in a closed state, and a bearing that supports a rotation shaft of the lock claw are integrally formed, and the lock claw is configured to be rotatable integrally with the rotation shaft. And
An image forming apparatus, wherein a handle for locking and unlocking the lock claw is grounded via the rotating shaft and the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the integrated structure comprising the lock claw and the bearing is an integrally molded plastic product. Attachment of the leaf spring to the lock claw in a direction to maintain the cover in a closed state, and to apply a revolving force by elasticity to the lock claw,
By pressing the handle, the lock claw is rotated integrally with the rotation shaft against the rotating force of the leaf spring, so that the lock claw is released from the locking member provided in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming cartridge is a toner cartridge.

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