JP2009047994A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving operability for an operator by illuminating the inside of the image forming apparatus more widely without influencing a photoreceptor drum in a case where the inside of the image forming apparatus is illuminated by lighting a pre-exposure lamp when the operator accesses the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The irradiating direction of the pre-exposure lamp is changed to a direction where the photoreceptor drum is irradiated and a direction where the photoreceptor drum is not irradiated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of forming an image on a recording medium such as a sheet, such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional typical image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding device including a sheet feeding tray 2, a sheet stacking table 3, and a sheet feeding roller 4. The transfer material P stacked on the sheet stacking table 3 in the paper feed tray 2 is picked up one by one from the uppermost transfer material by the paper feed roller 4, and sent to the registration unit by the transport roller 5 and the transport roller 6. . The transfer material is fed to the image forming unit after the conveyance direction is aligned by a registration unit including the registration roller 7 and the registration roller 8.

  The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 9, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 9, a developing unit for developing the latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 with toner, a residual toner on the photosensitive drum 9, and a cleaner to be stored therein. The cartridge 10 is configured as a unit. The laser scanner unit 11 is constituted by unitizing a polyhedral mirror 12, a motor for rotating the polyhedral mirror 12, a laser unit, and the like.

  A laser beam L based on image information is irradiated from the laser scanner unit 11 and exposed on the photosensitive drum 9, and a latent image is formed by an electrophotographic method. This latent image is developed by the developing means with toner as a developer, and the developed toner image is transferred by the transfer roller 13 onto a transfer material conveyed from the photosensitive drum 9.

  Thereafter, the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 9 is erased by the light R from the pre-exposure lamp 14, and the residual toner is cleaned by a cleaner. The transfer material, after the transfer of the toner image, is conveyed to the fixing unit 15 where the transferred toner image is heated and fixed. Thereafter, the transfer material is discharged onto a discharge tray 18 by a discharge unit including an intermediate discharge roller 16, a discharge roller 17, and the like.

  Here, when the transfer material is jammed or when a consumable part such as the paper feed roller 4 is replaced, the operator needs to access the inside of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 has a dark place, and the operability of the work of specifying the place of the jam, the jam processing, and the part replacement is poor. Therefore, a method is used in which the pre-exposure lamp 14 is turned on to illuminate the interior when the operator accesses the image forming apparatus 1.

As an example of the above, Patent Document 1 below can be cited.
JP 2004-258137 A

  However, in the above conventional example, when the operator accesses the image forming apparatus, the pre-exposure lamp is turned on. When the pre-exposure lamp is turned on while the toner cartridge is inserted, the photosensitive drum rotates. Since it is stopped, pre-exposure light continues to be applied to the same part of the photosensitive drum. For this reason, there is a problem that not only the image to be transferred thereafter deteriorates but also the photosensitive drum deteriorates and the life of the photosensitive drum decreases.

  Furthermore, in the case of an image forming apparatus that performs jam processing by opening the paper conveyance path by removing the toner cartridge, the paper conveyance path at the back of the toner cartridge is darker. In addition, the fixing device located at a location other than the image forming unit, for example, at the back of the toner cartridge, is more likely to cause jamming, and the automatic transfer that discharges the remaining transfer material to the outside without jamming is performed. Paper is also difficult to implement. However, since the pre-exposure lamp can illuminate only in the vicinity of the image forming portion, there is also a problem that the pre-exposure lamp cannot irradiate a place necessary for jam processing.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus including a pre-exposure lamp that does not affect the photosensitive drum, illuminates the inside of the image forming apparatus more widely, and improves the operability for the operator. It is in.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to the present application uses the following means.

In the first invention, the drum cartridge that includes the image carrier and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the image after the toner image formed on the image carrier is transferred to the transfer material. In an image forming apparatus provided with an image carrier irradiation means for removing residual charges remaining on the carrier,
The irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means can be changed between a direction in which the image carrier is irradiated and a direction in which the image carrier is not irradiated.

  In the second invention, in the first invention, the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means is changed in conjunction with the driving of the image carrier.

  In the third invention, in the first invention, the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means is changed in conjunction with opening and closing of the door of the image forming apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention has means for identifying the opened door of the image forming apparatus, and changes the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiating means according to the location of the opened door. To do.

  According to a fifth invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third inventions, the image forming apparatus has means for detecting the necessity of the operator's work, and the image forming apparatus performs the operator's work. When it is detected that it is necessary, the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means is changed.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the image forming apparatus has means for detecting a place where the operator's work is required, and the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means according to the place where the operator's work is required. Is to change.

  As described above, according to the first invention of the present application, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp can be changed to a direction in which the photosensitive drum is not irradiated. Therefore, by changing the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp, the dark part inside the image forming apparatus can be illuminated more widely. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the light irradiated by the pre-exposure lamp from hitting the photosensitive drum while the photosensitive drum is stopped, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the transferred image and deterioration of the photosensitive drum. As a result, the inside of the image forming apparatus can be illuminated more widely without affecting the photosensitive drum.

  According to the second invention of the present application, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is changed in conjunction with the driving of the photosensitive drum. For this reason, the timing for changing the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is linked to the driving of the photosensitive drum, that is, the rotation start or stop of the photosensitive drum, so that the time to irradiate the photosensitive drum even when the pre-exposure lamp continues to be lit. Can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, and image deterioration and deterioration of the photosensitive drum can be prevented.

  According to the third aspect of the present application, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is changed in conjunction with opening and closing of the door. Therefore, when the worker opens the door, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is directed to a predetermined position, so that the location to be accessed by opening the door can be illuminated.

  Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application, the means for specifying the opened door is provided, and the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is changed according to the location of the opened door. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate more places than to access. In addition, the opened door is obvious and can prevent the door from being forgotten to close.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present application, it has means for detecting the necessity of the operator's work, and changes the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp when the image forming apparatus detects that the operator's work is required. To do. For this reason, when the operator needs to perform jam processing or replenishment of the transfer material, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is directed to a predetermined position, so that the work place can be illuminated.

  Furthermore, according to the sixth aspect of the present application, the means for detecting the place where the operator's work is required is provided, and the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp is changed according to the place where the operator's work is required. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate more work places such as jam processing and transfer material replenishment, and operability is improved. Furthermore, the work location that the operator must perform becomes clear at a glance, and the time required for the work can be reduced.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below based on examples with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. It is not intended to limit the scope to the following embodiments.

  First, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding device including a sheet feeding tray 2, a sheet stacking table 3, and a sheet feeding roller 4. The transfer material P stacked on the sheet stacking table 3 in the paper feed tray 2 is picked up one by one from the uppermost transfer material by the paper feed roller 4, and sent to the registration unit by the transport roller 5 and the transport roller 6. . The transfer material is fed to the image forming unit after the conveyance direction is aligned by a registration unit including the registration roller 7 and the registration roller 8.

  The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 9, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 9, a developing unit for developing the latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 with toner, a residual toner on the photosensitive drum 9, and a cleaner to be stored therein. The cartridge 10 is configured as a unit. The laser scanner unit 11 is constituted by unitizing a polyhedral mirror 12, a motor for rotating the polyhedral mirror 12, a laser unit, and the like.

  A laser beam L based on image information is irradiated from the laser scanner unit 11 and exposed on the photosensitive drum 9, and a latent image is formed by an electrophotographic method. The latent image is developed with toner as a developer by a developing unit, and the developed toner image is transferred by a transfer roller 13 onto a transfer material conveyed from the photosensitive drum 9.

  Thereafter, the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 9 is erased by the irradiation light R from the pre-exposure lamp 14, and the residual toner is cleaned by a cleaner. The transfer material, after the transfer of the toner image, is conveyed to the fixing unit 15 where the transferred toner image is heat-fixed. Thereafter, the transfer material is discharged to a discharge tray 18 by a discharge unit including an intermediate discharge roller 1716, a discharge roller 17, and the like.

  Next, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the first to fifth embodiments.

  1 and 2 are schematic views for explaining the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main body of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the characteristic sequence of changing the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14.

  The pre-exposure lamp 14 includes a light source 31 and an irradiation direction changing member. The light source 31 is composed of one or more lamps including LEDs and miniature balls. The irradiation direction changing member is composed of a shaft 33 and a rotating member 34 that can rotate with respect to the shaft 33 and supports the light source 31. For this reason, the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be rotated about the shaft 33.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is printing. At this time, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is directed to the photosensitive drum 9. The drum surface immediately after passing through the nip between the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 13 is irradiated by the pre-exposure lamp 14 over the entire area in the paper width direction at a predetermined timing, thereby removing the charge remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9.

  The state in which the image forming apparatus 1 stops printing is shown in FIGS. At this time, the pre-exposure lamp 14 is rotated about the shaft 33 to change the direction in which the light R emitted from the pre-exposure lamp 14 irradiates the photosensitive drum 9 to the direction in which it does not irradiate. The pre-exposure lamp 14 irradiates a portion other than the photosensitive drum 9 inside the image forming apparatus 1.

  The change in the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is linked to the driving of the photosensitive drum 9. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for changing the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 in conjunction with the driving of the photosensitive drum 9.

  The image forming apparatus 1 drives the photosensitive drum 9 when printing is ready. When printing is not ready due to jam or paper shortage, the operator performs operations such as jam handling and paper replenishment to prepare for printing.

  When the photosensitive drum 9 is driven, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is changed to the irradiation direction of the photosensitive drum 9 in conjunction with the start of rotation of the photosensitive drum 9.

  When the printing is finished or stopped and the rotation of the photosensitive drum 9 is stopped, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is changed to a direction in which the photosensitive drum 9 is not irradiated in conjunction with the rotation stop of the photosensitive drum 9. When printing is finished, the process ends here. However, when printing is stopped due to a jam or paper shortage, a job such as jam processing or paper replenishment is performed to prepare for printing and resume printing.

  As described above, since the pre-exposure lamp 14 can irradiate a dark portion inside the image forming apparatus 1, the operability of operations such as jam processing is improved by illuminating the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 more widely. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the irradiation light of the pre-exposure lamp 14 from hitting the photosensitive drum 9 in a state where the photosensitive drum 9 is stopped, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the transferred image and deterioration of the photosensitive drum 9. . Therefore, the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 can be illuminated more widely without affecting the photosensitive drum 9.

  Note that, as the pre-exposure lamp 14, an LED array in which a large number of LED elements as substantially point light sources are arranged at predetermined dense intervals along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 9 is equivalent to the above. Can be obtained (not shown).

  Further, the change in the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 may be mechanically linked to the opening / closing of the cartridge door 61 and the attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 10 for attaching / detaching the toner cartridge 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. Not shown). Further, it may be interlocked when the necessity of the operator's work is detected, such as a sensor jam signal or a signal notifying that the transfer material P is out of paper (not shown). Moreover, you may combine these.

  5 and 6 are schematic views for explaining a characteristic configuration of the pre-exposure lamp 14 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, only the characteristic part is shown, and since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the irradiation direction changing member of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is constituted by a reflecting mirror 41. A flat reflector 41 is sandwiched between the irradiation lines of the light source 31 of the pre-exposure lamp 14. Thereby, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be changed (FIG. 5). The irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 can also be changed by rotating the substantially hemispherical reflecting mirror 41 about the approximate center of the light source 31 (FIG. 6).

  As described above, since the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be changed, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  7 and 8 are schematic views for explaining a characteristic configuration of the pre-exposure lamp 14 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, only the characteristic part is shown, and since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, one or more optical members 51 (light pipes) are used as the irradiation direction changing member of the pre-exposure lamp 14. The light guide member 51 is made of a material having a high light transmittance such as polycarbonate or acrylic, and the surface thereof is a very smooth part. The light guide member 51 is provided between the light source 31 of the pre-exposure lamp 14 and the irradiated portion 52. Install. The light output end 53 of the light member 51 is located at the irradiation location 52, and the light input end 54 of the light member 51 faces the light source 31 of the pre-exposure lamp 14. The light R from the pre-exposure lamp 14 is guided to the light guide member 51 and illuminates the irradiated portion 52.

  FIG. 7 shows a method of changing the irradiation direction by moving the pre-exposure lamp 14. The irradiation direction changing member includes one or more light guide members 51 and a lamp moving member 55 that supports and moves the light source 31 of the pre-exposure lamp 14. Since the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be moved by the lamp moving member 55, the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be moved to a position facing the light input end portion 54 of each installed optical member 51. The irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be changed by moving the lamp moving member 55 and changing the light input end 54 of the optical member 51 facing the pre-exposure lamp 14.

  FIG. 8 shows a method of changing the irradiation direction by providing a shielding plate 56 between the pre-exposure lamp 14 and the light input end portion 54 of the light member 51. The irradiation direction changing member includes one or more optical members 51 and a shielding plate 56. All of the light input end portions 54 of the light guide member 51 are installed so as to face the light source 31 of the pre-exposure lamp 14 at all times. The shielding plate 56 is movably installed between the light input end 54 of the arbitrary light guide member 51 and the light source 31 of the pre-exposure lamp 14, and selects the light irradiated to the light input end 54 of the light guide member 51. Can be shielded. Therefore, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be changed by changing the optical member 51 that moves the shielding plate 56 and shields the light R of the pre-exposure lamp 14.

  As described above, since the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be changed, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  9 and 10 are schematic cross-sectional views of an image forming apparatus main body according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Here, only the characteristic part is shown, and since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cartridge door 61 and a sensor 63 for detecting opening / closing of the door on the paper feed tray 2 door. By this sensor 63, the image forming apparatus 1 detects the opened door. Then, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is changed according to the location of the opened door.

  FIG. 9 shows the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 when the cartridge door 61 is opened. When the cartridge door 61 is opened, a sensor 63 attached to the cartridge door 61 detects the opening of the cartridge door 61 and changes the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14. By changing the irradiation direction, it is possible to illuminate a dark portion in front of the fixing unit 15 inside the image forming apparatus 1 when the operator removes the drum cartridge and works. Thereby, the operativity of an operator's work can be improved.

  FIG. 10 shows the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 when the door of the paper feed tray 2 is opened. When the door of the paper feed tray 2 is opened, the sensor 63 attached to the paper feed tray 2 detects the opening of the paper feed tray 2, and it is easy for the operator that the door of the paper feed tray 2 is opened. The irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is changed to a noticed position. Thereby, it is obvious at a glance that the door of the paper feed tray 2 is open, and forgetting to close the door can be prevented.

  As described above, the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be illuminated according to the place where the operator works, so that workability is improved. In addition, the opened door becomes obvious at a glance, and you can prevent forgetting to close the door.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus main body according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Here, only the characteristic part is shown, and since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In this embodiment, a sensor 71 for detecting a jam of the transfer material P is provided in the transfer path of the transfer material P in the image forming apparatus main body. With this sensor 71, the image forming apparatus 1 detects a place where a jam has occurred. Then, the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 is changed according to the place where the jam has occurred.

  FIG. 11 shows the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14 when a jam occurs in front of the fixing unit 15. When a jam occurs in front of the fixing unit 15, the sensor 71 attached to the conveyance path detects the occurrence of a jam on the transfer material P and changes the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp 14. By changing the irradiation direction, it is possible to illuminate a dark portion in front of the fixing unit 15 in the image forming apparatus 1 when the operator removes the drum cartridge and performs jam processing. Thereby, the operativity of an operator's work can be improved.

  As described above, since the pre-exposure lamp 14 can be illuminated in accordance with the location where the jam has occurred, workability is improved. Furthermore, the place where the jam occurred can be seen at a glance, and the working time can be shortened.

It is the schematic which shows the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the irradiation direction of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the characteristic order of the irradiation direction change of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the principal part of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the principal part of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the principal part of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the principal part of the pre-exposure lamp which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 5 of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Paper feed tray 3 Sheet stacking board 4 Paper feed roller 5 Carrying roller 6 Carrying roller 7 Registration roller 8 Registration roller 9 Photosensitive drum 10 Toner cartridge 11 Laser scanner unit 12 Polyhedral mirror 13 Transfer roller 14 Pre-exposure lamp 15 Fixing Unit 17 Paper discharge roller 18 Paper discharge tray 31 Light source 33 Rotating shaft of pre-exposure lamp 34 Rotating member 41 Reflecting mirror 51 Optical member 52 Irradiation location 53 Light output end 54 Light input end 55 Lamp moving member 56 Shield plate 61 Cartridge door 62 Paper feed tray door 63 Door open sensor 71 Jam detection sensor P Transfer material L Laser light R Pre-exposure lamp light

Claims (6)

A drum cartridge that includes an image carrier and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a toner image formed on the image carrier, after the toner image is transferred to a transfer material, remains on the image carrier. In an image forming apparatus provided with an image carrier irradiation means for removing residual electric charges,
An image forming apparatus, wherein an irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means can be changed between a direction in which the image carrier is irradiated and a direction in which the image carrier is not irradiated.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation unit is changed in conjunction with driving of the image carrier.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation unit is changed in conjunction with opening and closing of the door of the image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for specifying an opened door of the image forming apparatus, and changing an irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiating means in accordance with the location of the opened door.   The image forming apparatus has means for detecting whether or not the operator needs work, and changes the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means when the image forming apparatus detects that the operator needs work. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to Item 3.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus has means for detecting a place where the operator's work is required, and changes the irradiation direction of the image carrier irradiation means according to the place where the operator's work is required.

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