JP2012063515A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing scratches on a lens of an LED head array or contamination of the lens by deposition of scattered toner upon exchanging a process cartridge, by retracting the LED head array from a photoreceptor in a simple configuration.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: elastic members 32a, 32b and a swinging member 27 for retracting an LED head array 8a when a process cartridge 3a is not mounted on a mounting position of an apparatus main body; a swinging shaft 26 which interlocks with a mounting action of the process cartridge 3a on the mounting position of the apparatus main body and moves the LED head array 8a to an irradiation position close to the process cartridge 3a by using the mounting action of the process cartridge 3a as a drive force; and a cap 34 as fixing means to fix the position of the process cartridge 3a as well as to fix the position of the LED head array 8a while the process cartridge 3a is in a mounted state.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus including an LED head array as an exposure unit and a detachable process cartridge.

  In recent years, those using an LED head array have been widely adopted as exposure means used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.

  The LED head array is usually arranged close to the photoconductor. Therefore, the main body of the apparatus can be reduced in size as compared with an image forming apparatus using a polygon mirror or the like as an exposure unit. On the other hand, when replacing a so-called process cartridge composed of a consumable photoconductor and a developing device, the photoconductor And the LED head array are close to each other, the lens surface of the LED head array may be damaged, or the scattered toner may adhere to the lens and stain the lens.

  In view of this, a technique is known that includes a retracting means for retracting (separating) the LED head array from the photosensitive member for the purpose of preventing the lens from being damaged or soiled when the process cartridge is replaced (for example, patents). Reference 1).

  However, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1, the LED head array retracting means is used for the insertion / extraction operation of the paper feed cassette and the opening / closing operation of the exterior cover during the jam processing regardless of the process cartridge replacement work. Since the retracting operation is interlocked, the LED head array is unnecessarily retracted even in a situation other than the replacement of the process cartridge.

  For this reason, if the LED head array is frequently retracted, the positional accuracy is distorted, and the image information is not correctly applied to the surface of the photoconductor, which may cause image defects such as color misregistration.

  Further, in the configuration in which the LED head array is retracted in conjunction with the paper cassette insertion / extraction operation or the exterior cover opening / closing operation, the cost increases due to the increase in the number of interlocking members and the structure becomes complicated, so the possibility of failure increases. There was a problem such as.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. The LED head array is retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array is damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or scattered toner adheres to it. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing lens contamination.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores a photosensitive member and is detachably provided at a mounting position of the apparatus main body, and the process cartridge provided in the apparatus main body and mounted on the apparatus main body is stored. And an LED head array that irradiates the photosensitive member with exposure light, and the LED head array is mounted in the state where the process cartridge is not mounted at the mounting position of the apparatus body. Retracting means for retracting to a retracted position separated from the process cartridge, and mounting of the process cartridge at the mounting position of the apparatus main body, and the mounting of the process cartridge as a driving force, the LED head array is used as the process cartridge. Moving means for moving to an irradiation position close to the A fixing means for fixing the process cartridge to the mounting position in the apparatus main body and fixing the LED head array to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body with the process cartridge mounted in a mounting position; It is characterized by that.

  With this configuration, the LED head array is retracted from the photosensitive member only when the process cartridge is inserted or removed, so that no interlocking member or interlocking mechanism is required in conjunction with other consumable replacement or jam handling operation. .

  Therefore, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the retracting means is provided on the apparatus main body side and the moving means is provided on the process cartridge side.

  With this configuration, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing unit simultaneously fixes the process cartridge to the mounting position in the apparatus main body and the LED head array to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body. It is characterized by that.

  With this configuration, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the fixing means is provided on the process cartridge side.

  With this configuration, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the fixing means is an opening / closing member provided at an end of the process cartridge so as to be freely opened and closed.

  With this configuration, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the fixing means has a gripping part for pulling out the process cartridge from the apparatus main body.

  With this configuration, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the process cartridge is pulled out from the apparatus main body in a direction orthogonal to the recording paper conveyance direction.

  With this configuration, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being soiled due to scattered toner.

  According to the present invention, the LED head array can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being stained due to scattered toner. An apparatus can be provided.

1 is a side sectional view showing a main section of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a process cartridge of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an apparatus main body. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is pulled out from the apparatus main body. 2 is a top view showing a state in which the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a main section of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the image forming apparatus using the LED head array 8a as the exposure unit, the present invention has the following characteristics when the process cartridge 3a is inserted and removed. In short, since the LED head array 8a is retracted from the photosensitive member 4a only by inserting / removing the process cartridge 3a, an interlocking member or interlocking mechanism that interlocks with other consumable replacement or jam handling operation is required. The feature is not to. The features of the present invention will be described in detail below.

  In the image forming apparatus 50 of FIG. 1, the apparatus body 1 includes the following main components. A plurality of process cartridges 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, and 3 d are detachably installed in the image forming unit 2 with respect to the apparatus main body 1. In the present embodiment, the process cartridges 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are configured to be detachable from the front side of the drawing.

  Each of the process cartridges 3a to 3d accommodates a plurality of drum-shaped photoconductors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d that are image carriers, and each of the photoconductors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d has different colors. Each toner image is formed.

  In the illustrated example, a black toner image, a cyan toner image, a magenta toner image, and a yellow toner image are formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 4a to 4d, respectively.

  The photoconductors 4a to 4d are arranged in parallel to each other with a predetermined interval. An intermediate transfer belt 4 configured as an intermediate transfer member is disposed opposite to the lower portions of the photoconductors 4a to 4d. A drum may be used as the intermediate transfer member, but in the illustrated example, the intermediate transfer belt 4 which is an endless belt wound around and driven by a plurality of support rollers (support rollers 5 and 6) is used. . Of the support rollers 5 and 6, the support roller 6 is a drive roller.

  Around each of the photoreceptors 4a to 4d, there are charging devices 7a to 7d for performing charging processing on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 4a to 4d, and LED head arrays 8a to 8d for irradiating the surface of the photoreceptors 4a to 4d with image information. Development devices 9a to 9d are provided for visualizing the electrostatic latent images formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 4a to 4d by exposure. Lenses (not shown) for condensing light are provided on the light output portions of the LED head arrays 8a to 8d on the side of the photoreceptors 4a to 4d.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus will be described.

  When image formation is started by a print start signal from a host (not shown), the photoconductor 4a is rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown). At this time, the surface of the photoconductor 4a is charged to a predetermined polarity by the charging device 7a. The

  Next, the charging surface is irradiated with exposure light (laser light) based on image information from the LED head array 8a, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 4a.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 4a is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 9a, and the toner image on the photoreceptor 4a is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 4 by the primary transfer roller 10a. Transcribed.

  At the time of color image formation, the above-described image forming operation is performed on all the photoconductors 4a to 4d, and thereby black toner images, cyan toner images, magenta toner images, and yellow toner images respectively formed on the photoconductors 4a to 4d. Are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 4.

  In addition, a secondary transfer roller 12 is disposed in the apparatus main body 1 so as to face a support roller 6 that is a driving roller with an intermediate transfer belt 4 interposed therebetween.

  On the other hand, the paper feed cassette 21 disposed at the lower part of the image forming unit 2 is loaded with paper 23 and is provided with a paper feed roller 22 for feeding the stacked paper 23. The sheet 23 fed from the sheet feeding cassette 21 is sent out toward the registration roller 11, and the leading end of the sheet 23 is abutted against the stopped registration roller 11.

  As a result, after the paper 23 is aligned, the color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 4 is transferred to the secondary transfer portion provided with the secondary transfer roller 12 (the nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 12 and the support roller 6). ), The registration roller 11 resumes rotating at a timing that coincides with the leading edge of the sheet 23, and the sheet 23 is fed toward the secondary transfer section.

  The sheet 23 on which the unfixed toner image is transferred in the secondary transfer unit is sent to the fixing unit 13, and after the unfixed toner image is fixed on the sheet 23, the sheet discharge roller 14 causes the sheet 23 to move in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The paper is discharged and discharged to a paper discharge tray 15 provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body 1.

  2 and 3 are perspective views showing a state in which the process cartridge 3a is mounted in the apparatus main body 1 and a state in which the process cartridge 3a is pulled out. 4 and 5 are a top view and a side sectional view, respectively, of the state in which the process cartridge 3a is mounted in the apparatus main body 1. FIG.

  First, the configuration of the attachment / detachment mechanism for the process cartridge 3a will be described.

  The process cartridge 3a includes a swing shaft 26 for moving the LED head array 8a close to or away from (retracting from) the photosensitive member 4a, and a lid 34 serving as a handle for fixing the process cartridge 3a to the apparatus main body 1 and pulling it out. And are provided. Retaining rings 41a and 41b are attached to both ends of the swing shaft 26, and the amount of movement is suppressed by stoppers 40a and 40b that also serve as bearings for the swing shaft 26 built in the process cartridge 3a.

  On the other hand, an LED head array 8a having fitting holes 33a and 33b at both ends in the longitudinal direction is fitted to guide rods 31a and 31b provided in the device body 1 so as to be vertically movable on the device body 1 side. Above the LED head array 8a, there are elastic members 32a and 32b for urging the LED head array 8a upward, and a swing member 27 for moving the LED head array 8a close to or away from (retracted from) the photoreceptor 4a. And are provided.

  The image forming apparatus 50 includes elastic members 32a and 32b as retraction means and reciprocating means for retreating the LED head array 8a to a retreat position separated from the process cartridge 3a in a state where the process cartridge 3a is not attached to the attachment position of the apparatus main body 1. In conjunction with the mounting of the process cartridge 3a at the mounting position of the apparatus main body 1 with the moving member 27, moving means for moving the LED head array 8a to an irradiation position close to the process cartridge 3a using the mounting of the process cartridge 3a as a driving force The process cartridge 3a is fixed to the mounting position in the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the process cartridge 3a is mounted at the mounting position of the swing shaft 26 and the apparatus main body 1, and the LED head array 8a is irradiated to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body 1. As a fixing means to fix to Provided with a lid 34. Here, the elastic members 32a and 32b as the retracting means and the swinging member 27 are provided on the apparatus main body 1 side, and the swinging shaft 26 as the moving means is provided on the process cartridge 3a side. The lid 34 as a fixing means simultaneously fixes the process cartridge 3a to the mounting position in the apparatus main body 1 and the LED head array 8a to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body 1 when closed. , Provided on the process cartridge 3a side. The lid 34 is an open / close member provided at the end of the process cartridge 3a so as to be openable and closable, and has a hole 35 as a grip for pulling out the process cartridge 3a from the apparatus main body 1. Further, the process cartridge 3a is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper.

  Next, the operation of each component of the attachment / detachment mechanism for the process cartridge 3a will be described.

  The lid 34 has a hole 35 for inserting a finger as a handle (gripping part) for pulling out the process cartridge 3 a, lock claws 36 a and 36 b for fixing to the apparatus main body 1, and for rotating the lid 34. Rotating shafts 37a and 37b, and the rotating shafts 37a and 37b can be rotated in the direction of arrow E in the figure.

  The lock claws 36a and 36b can be elastically deformed in the direction of arrow G in the figure by a so-called snap-fit method, and as shown in FIG. 4, hook holes 38 and 38 provided on the apparatus main body 1 side. It fits and is fixed to '.

  The swing member 27 has a push portion 29 for pushing down the LED head array 8a at one end, a receiving portion 30 of the swing shaft 26 provided in the process cartridge 3a at the other end, and the swing member 27 itself rotates. A pivot shaft 28 is provided, and is pivotally supported by the apparatus main body 1 so as to be pivotable in the direction of arrow C in the figure.

  When the process cartridge 3a is attached to the apparatus main body 1, the state becomes as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. The process cartridge 3a is fixed by the lid 34, and at the same time, the swing shaft 26 built in the process cartridge 3a is shown in the figure. By being pushed in the direction of arrow B, the receiving portion 30 of the swinging member 27 is also pushed in the same direction, and rotates in the direction of arrow C in the figure with the rotation shaft 28 as a fulcrum.

  As a result, the pushing portion 29, which is one end of the pivoting swinging member 27, moves the LED head array 8a downward (in the direction of arrow D) against the upward biasing force (in the direction of arrow D ') by the elastic members 32a and 32b. ) To move to the vicinity of the photoreceptor 4a. In the present embodiment, tension springs (pull springs) are used as the elastic members 32a and 32b.

  At this time, the LED head array 8a can be moved by the guide rods 31a and 31b provided in the apparatus main body 1 without causing a positional shift.

  On the other hand, when the process cartridge 3a is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 contrary to the above, the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. First, when the cover 34 is opened, the swing shaft 26 is released from the pressing force of the cover 34 and swings. Since the member 27 is also released, the LED head array 8a pressed by the pressing portion 29 of the swinging member 27 is also released, and the LED head array 8a is moved upward (in the direction of the arrow D ') by the urging force of the elastic members 32a and 32b. Pushed up.

  By having the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the lens of the LED head array 8a from being damaged or soiled by the replacement operation of the process cartridge 3a, and to provide the image forming apparatus 50 with better operability.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment accommodates the photoreceptor 4a and is provided in the apparatus main body 1 and the process cartridge 3a that is detachably provided at the mounting position of the apparatus main body 1. An image forming apparatus 50 that includes an LED head array 8a that irradiates exposure light onto a photosensitive member 4a that is accommodated in a process cartridge 3a that is mounted on the main body 1. The process cartridge 3a is mounted on the mounting position of the apparatus main body 1. In a state where the process is not performed, the elastic members 32a and 32b and the swinging member 27 as retracting means for retracting the LED head array 8a to the retracted position separated from the process cartridge 3a, and the process cartridge 3a at the mounting position of the apparatus main body 1 are provided. In conjunction with the mounting, the mounting of the process cartridge 3a is used as a driving force to move the LED head array 8a to the process cartridge. The process cartridge 3a is fixed at the mounting position on the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the swing cartridge 26 as a moving means for moving to the irradiation position close to the cartridge 3a and the process cartridge 3a is mounted at the mounting position of the apparatus main body 1. In addition, a lid 34 is provided as a fixing means for fixing the LED head array 8a to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body 1.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a is retracted from the photosensitive member only when the process cartridge 3a is inserted or removed. Therefore, an interlocking member or interlocking mechanism that interlocks with other consumable replacement or jam handling operation is required. And not.

  Therefore, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, or the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the retracting means is provided on the apparatus main body 1 side and the moving means is provided on the process cartridge 3a side.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  In the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, the lid 34 as a fixing unit fixes the process cartridge 3a to the mounting position in the apparatus main body 1 and the LED head array 8a to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body 1. The fixing is performed at the same time.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that a lid 34 as a fixing unit is provided on the process cartridge 3a side.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the lid 34 as a fixing unit is an opening / closing member provided at the end of the process cartridge 3a so as to be freely opened and closed.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the lid 34 as a fixing unit has a hole 35 as a grip portion for pulling out the process cartridge 3 a from the apparatus main body 1.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  The image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the process cartridge 3a is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 in a direction perpendicular to the recording paper conveyance direction.

  With this configuration, the LED head array 8a can be retracted from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array 8a can be prevented from being damaged when the process cartridge 3a is replaced, and the lens can be prevented from being contaminated by scattered toner.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention retracts the LED head array from the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and the lens of the LED head array is damaged when the process cartridge is replaced or the scattered toner adheres to the lens. It is effective as an image forming apparatus including an LED head array as an exposure unit and a detachable process cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus main body 2 Image formation part 3a-3d Process cartridge 4 Intermediate transfer belt 4a-4d Photoconductor 5, 6 Support roller 7a-7d Charging apparatus 8a-8d LED head array 9a-9d Developing apparatus 10a Primary transfer roller 11 Registration roller 12 Secondary transfer roller 13 Fixing unit 14 Paper discharge roller 15 Paper discharge tray 21 Paper feed cassette 22 Paper feed roller 23 Paper 26 Swing shaft (moving means)
27 Swing member (retraction means)
28 Rotating shaft 29 Pushing portion 30 Receiving portion 31a, 31b Guide rod 32a, 32b Elastic member (retracting means)
33a, 33b Fitting hole 34 Lid (fixing means, opening / closing member)
35 holes (grip)
36a, 36b Lock claw 37a, 37b Rotating shaft 40a, 40b Stopper 41a, 41b Retaining ring 50 Image forming apparatus

JP 2001-175046 A

Claims (7)

A process cartridge that houses the photosensitive member and is detachably provided at the mounting position of the apparatus main body;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an LED head array that is provided in the apparatus main body and irradiates exposure light to the photosensitive member that is accommodated in the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body,
In a state where the process cartridge is not mounted at the mounting position of the apparatus main body, a retracting means for retracting the LED head array to a retracted position separated from the process cartridge;
In conjunction with the mounting of the process cartridge to the mounting position of the apparatus main body, moving means for moving the LED head array to an irradiation position close to the process cartridge using the mounting of the process cartridge as a driving force;
In the state where the process cartridge is mounted at the mounting position of the apparatus main body, the process cartridge is fixed to the mounting position of the apparatus main body, and the LED head array is fixed to the irradiation position of the apparatus main body. And an image forming apparatus. The retracting means is provided on the apparatus main body side,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit is provided on the process cartridge side.   2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means simultaneously fixes the process cartridge to the mounting position in the apparatus main body and fixes the LED head array to the irradiation position in the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to 2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit is provided on the process cartridge side.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit is an opening / closing member provided at an end of the process cartridge so as to be freely opened and closed.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes a grip portion for pulling out the process cartridge from the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is pulled out from the apparatus main body in a direction orthogonal to a recording paper conveyance direction.

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