JP2013182103A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus able to facilitate replacement of consumable container or replenishment with recording paper, by operating a consumable container support part and a recording medium storage part correctly.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 to which a toner cartridge 500 is detachably attached and which has a paper feed cassette 81 is provided with a toner cartridge tray 400 accommodating the toner cartridge 500 such that the toner cartridge tray 400 is movable from the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 to the outside thereof. A handle portion 401 is provided at the projecting-side end 400a of the toner cartridge tray 400. A paper feed cassette 81 is provided so as to be movable from the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 to the outside thereof. A handle portion 811 is provided at the projecting-side end 81a of the paper feed cassette 81. The handle portions 401 and 811 can be held such that the direction in which one of the handle portions is held can be made different from the direction in which the other handle portion is held.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus in which a consumable container such as a toner cartridge is detachably mounted.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses often use toner stored in a toner container (toner cartridge or toner bottle) that automatically supplies toner to a developing device according to toner consumption. It has been. Such an image forming apparatus is configured such that a used toner container (hereinafter referred to as “toner cartridge”) can be easily replaced by a user.

  An image forming apparatus using such a toner cartridge is known which facilitates replacement of the toner cartridge.

  As a conventional technique, when a toner cartridge is replaced in an image forming apparatus, a moving member that supports the toner cartridge and the toner replenishing device is pulled out from the inside of the apparatus main body to an outer drawing position, and the shutter closes to perform the toner transfer unit. A device that shields or opens the toner and opens the toner transfer portion has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  With this configuration, the first and second shutters that shield and open the first toner transfer portion in a state where the moving member supporting the toner cartridge is pulled out to the pulling position outside the apparatus main body. Open and close. Therefore, since the moving member is disposed outside the apparatus main body, even if the toner is scattered with the opening / closing operation of the first and second shutters, the toner scattered on the image exposure apparatus in the apparatus main body is generated. There is no drop, and the inside of the apparatus main body is not contaminated by the scattered toner, so that image defects can be prevented.

JP 2009-86417 A

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is useful in that the scattered toner does not drop onto the image exposure apparatus in the apparatus main body and image defects can be prevented. However, when pulling out the moving member, it is necessary to pull out the front cover of the image forming apparatus after opening, and printing must be interrupted when printing is in progress.

  In addition, for users who do not operate the image forming apparatus on a daily basis, it is not clear how to replace consumables or replenish recording paper, and the administrator of the image forming apparatus is used to operating the image forming apparatus. In the absence, there is a problem that the consumables cannot be replaced or the recording paper cannot be replenished over a long period of time, so that printing cannot be performed. Even in a continuous-run compatible image forming apparatus capable of exchanging consumables even during printing, a consumable tray (consumable container support) is pulled out and a recording paper loading tray (recording medium) is accidentally pulled out. There is a problem that printing is interrupted or JAM is generated by pulling out the storage unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus operates the consumable container support unit and the recording medium storage unit without making a mistake. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily replace consumable containers and replenish recording paper.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.

  The present invention includes a consumable container (for example, a toner cartridge) that detachably mounts a consumable, and includes a recording medium accommodating unit that accommodates a recording medium, and forms an image of the consumable on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a consumable container support that removably supports the consumable container on the image forming apparatus, wherein the consumable container support is movable outward from the inside of the image forming apparatus (or Provided with a handle for gripping the consumable container support when moving, and the recording medium container is provided so as to be movable from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside. There is a handle for gripping when moving the medium container, and the configuration of the handle of the consumable container support and the handle of the recording medium container has a direction in which either one of the handles is gripped. ,other The direction of gripping the handle portion and is characterized in that a configuration can be gripped from different directions.

  Further, according to the present invention, the configuration of the handle portion of the consumable container support portion and the handle portion of the recording medium storage portion is such that the insertion direction of the finger to one of the handle portions is the finger direction to the other handle portion. It is preferable to be able to insert from a direction different from the insertion direction.

  Further, the present invention provides the consumables container support part in which the configuration of the handle part of the consumable container support part and the handle part of the recording medium storage part is provided on the same surface side or a different surface side of the image forming apparatus. It is preferable that the moving direction (drawing direction) of the recording medium container with respect to the image forming apparatus is the same direction.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the configuration of the handle portion of the consumable container support portion and the handle portion of the recording medium accommodating portion is not arranged on the same vertical line.

  Further, the present invention provides a configuration of a handle part of the consumable container support part and a handle part of the recording medium container part, and the consumable container support part and the recording medium container part are respectively arranged on the front side of the image forming apparatus. It is preferable to be provided so as to be movable.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a consumable container (for example, a toner cartridge) that stores a consumable is detachably mounted, and includes a recording medium storage unit that stores a recording medium. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by an article, comprising: a consumable container support part that removably supports the consumable container to the image forming apparatus, wherein the consumable container support part is located outside the image forming apparatus. Provided with a handle for gripping when moving the consumable container support, and moving the recording medium container from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside. And a handle for gripping the recording medium container when moving the recording medium container, and the configuration of the handle part of the consumable container support and the handle part of the recording medium container is either one of the handles. Part By making it possible to grip the gripping direction from a direction different from the direction of gripping the other handle part, the distinction (visibility) between the consumable container support part and the recording medium storage part is facilitated. Even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus can operate the consumable container support unit and the recording medium storage unit without making a mistake, so it is easy to replace the consumable container and replenish the recording paper. In addition, printing stop and JAM caused by erroneously pulling out the recording medium container during printing are prevented.

  Further, when the recording paper is replenished, it is possible to prevent a wasteful operation such as pulling out the consumable container support part by mistake. Furthermore, since the consumable container support portion can be pulled out with a single action, the exchangability of the consumable container is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the configuration of the handle part of the consumable container support part and the handle part of the recording medium storage part is such that the insertion direction of a finger into one of the handle parts is directed to the other handle part. By being configured to be able to be inserted from a direction different from the direction in which the fingers are inserted, the respective handle portions can be securely gripped without making a mistake between the consumable container support portion and the recording medium accommodating portion.

  According to the present invention, the consumable container container is configured such that the consumable container support portion and the recording medium accommodating portion have a handle portion on the same surface side or a different surface side of the image forming apparatus. By making the movement direction (drawing direction) of the support part and the recording medium storage part relative to the image forming apparatus the same direction, the movement space of the consumable container support part (drawing space) and the movement space of the recording medium storage part ( (Drawing space) can be shared, and a space-saving image forming apparatus can be provided without requiring a useless space.

  Further, according to the present invention, the configuration of the handle portion of the consumable container support portion and the handle portion of the recording medium storage portion is configured so as not to be arranged on the same vertical line. A user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus can easily operate the consumable container support unit and the recording medium storage unit without making a mistake, making it easier to distinguish (visibility) from the recording medium storage unit.

  According to the present invention, the configuration of the handle part of the consumables container support part and the handle part of the recording medium container part is different from that of the consumable container support part and the recording medium container part of the image forming apparatus. By providing movably on the front side, consumables can be moved in one action without moving these optional devices even when optional large-capacity paper feeders or post-processing devices are mounted on the side of the image forming device. Since the container support portion and the recording medium storage portion can be moved, it is possible to prevent the workability of exchanging the consumable container and replenishing the recording paper from being deteriorated.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a developing device constituting the image forming apparatus in a cross-sectional view. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the intermediate hopper with which the said developing device is mounted | worn. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the toner cartridge mounted in the said image forming apparatus, (b) is A arrow directional view of (a). (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus, (b) is a detailed view of part A of (a), and (c) is a detailed view of part B of (a). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connection structure between the toner cartridge and the apparatus main body driving side in the image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the state which connected the said toner cartridge and the apparatus main body drive side, (b) is a B arrow view of (a). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a driving unit of the toner cartridge. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification 1 of the handle part of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification 2 of the handle part of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification 3 of the handle part of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification 4 of the handle part of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a photosensitive drum 3 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charger (charging device) 5 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 An exposure unit (exposure device) 1 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface, a developing device 2 that forms a toner image by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3, and a toner supply to the developing device 2 A toner replenishing device (not shown), an intermediate transfer belt unit (transfer device) 8 for transferring the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a recording medium, and a fixing unit (fixing device) 12 for fixing the toner image on the recording medium. The toner replenishing device is detachably mounted with a toner cartridge (consumable container) for storing consumables, which has storage means for storing consumables information, and forms an image using toner by an electrophotographic method. Image form An apparatus 100, as a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus, is obtained by employing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 forms multicolor and single color images on a predetermined sheet (for example, recording sheet) in accordance with image data transmitted from the outside. 110 and an automatic document processing apparatus 120.

  The apparatus main body 110 includes an exposure unit 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, a transfer unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a paper feed cassette 81, a paper discharge tray 91, and the like. ing.

  A platen glass (original platen) 92 made of transparent glass on which an original is placed is provided above the image reading unit 90 provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 110, and an automatic original is provided above the platen glass 92. A processing device 120 is attached.

The automatic document processing device 120 automatically conveys the document on the platen glass 92.
Further, the automatic document processing device 120 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and the document can be placed manually by opening the platen glass 92.

Image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using each color of black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).
Accordingly, four developing devices 2, photosensitive drums 3, chargers 5, and cleaner units 4 are provided to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors. Black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are respectively provided. These are set to form four image stations.

In addition to black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), for example, light cyan (LC) having the same hue as cyan (C) and magenta (M) and a lighter density. ) And light magenta (LM) may be used.
By using these six colors, a clearer high-quality full-color image can be obtained.

  The charger 5 is a charging unit for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential.

  The exposure unit 1 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 in accordance with image data input from the outside or image data obtained by reading from a document, thereby generating an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive body. This is an image writing device formed on the surface of the drum 3. The exposure unit 1 is provided with a polygon mirror that scans the laser beam and optical elements such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser beam reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3.

  The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toners of four colors (Y, M, C, B).

  The photosensitive drum 3 has a cylindrical shape, is disposed above the exposure unit 1, the surface thereof is cleaned by the cleaner unit 4, and the cleaned surface is uniformly charged by the charger 5.

  The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The transfer unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt (endless belt) 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer roller. A belt cleaning unit 65 is provided. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to the respective colors Y, M, C, and B.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are configured to stretch and drive the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm, and is provided so as to contact each photosensitive drum 3. A function of forming a color toner image (multicolor toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. have.

  The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, etc.). The intermediate transfer belt 61 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61. A transfer bias for transferring the image onto the image 61 is applied. Specifically, a high voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image.

  As described above, the toner images visualized according to the hues on the photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The stacked toner images as image information are transported together with the intermediate transfer belt 61, moved to a contact position (secondary transfer position, predetermined position) between the transported paper and the intermediate transfer belt 61, and moved to this contact position. The image is transferred onto the paper by the arranged transfer roller 10.

  The toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 61 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 10 causes a color mixture of the toner in the toner image formed in the next process. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is configured to be removed and collected.

The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing sheets used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the apparatus main body 110. A manual paper feed cassette 82 capable of supplying paper from the outside is provided on the outer side of the apparatus main body 110.
A plurality of sheets used for image formation can be stacked on the manual sheet feeding cassette 82. Above the apparatus main body 110, a paper discharge tray 91 for collecting printed sheets face down is provided.

  Further, the apparatus main body 110 has a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S for sending the sheets of the sheet feeding cassette 81 and the manual sheet feeding cassette 82 to the sheet discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. Is provided. In the vicinity of the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 to the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, and a fixing roller. Unit 7 etc. are arranged.

  The transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of paper, and are provided along the paper transport path S. The transport roller 12b functions as a paper discharge roller that discharges the paper to the paper discharge tray 91, and is therefore referred to as a paper discharge roller.

The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 81, picks up paper one by one from the paper feed cassette 81, and supplies it to the paper transport path S.
The pickup roller 11 b is provided near the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82, picks up paper one by one from the manual paper feed cassette 82, and supplies it to the paper transport path S.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the paper conveyed through the paper conveyance path S. The sheet has a function of conveying the sheet to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 is aligned with the leading edge of the sheet.

  The fixing unit 7 includes a pair of a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 as the fixing roller 70, and the heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 are rotated and conveyed with a sheet interposed therebetween.

  The heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 are disposed to face each other, and a fixing nip portion is formed at a pressure contact portion between the heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72.

  The temperature of the heat roller 71 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature. The controller controls the temperature of the heat roller 71 based on a detection signal from a temperature detector (non-contact type thermistor) (not shown) that detects the temperature of the heat roller 71 provided around the heat roller 71. It controls so that it may become the range of 200 degreeC.

  Further, the heat roller 71 has a function of fusing, mixing, and pressing the multicolor toner image transferred to the paper and thermally fixing the paper with the pressure roller 72 by thermally pressing the toner onto the paper. ing. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat roller 71 is provided with an external fixing belt 73 for fixing the heat roller 71 from the outside.

  On the other hand, similarly to the heat roller 71, the pressure roller 72 is also configured by providing an elastic layer on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical metal core. And it contacts with the heat roller 71 with a predetermined pressure.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a PC, FAX, and a data management server such as a manufacturer, a sales destination or a lease destination via a network line (LAN, telephone line, etc.) not shown.

Next, the configuration of the developing device 2 constituting the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the developing device constituting the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment in a sectional view, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the structure of an intermediate hopper mounted on the developing device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 2 includes a developing roller 231, first and second toner conveying rollers 232 and 233, a developing tank 234, a toner concentration sensor 235, and a doctor blade 236.

  The developing tank 234 forms an exterior portion of the developing device 2, and has a toner introduction port 234a for introducing a toner as a developer at an upper portion thereof. An opening 234b is formed on the side of the developing tank 234 facing the photosensitive drum 3. Inside the developing tank 234, a developing roller 231, a first toner transport roller 232, and a second toner transport roller 233 are disposed.

  The developing roller 231 is provided in the vicinity of the opening 234b formed in the developing tank 234, is exposed from the opening 234b, and is in contact with or close to the photosensitive drum 3. The developing roller 231 is a magnet roller for forming the magnetic brush described above.

  The first toner transport roller 232 and the second toner transport roller 233 are arranged on the bottom side of the developing tank 234 so as to be parallel to the developing roller 231 and develop while stirring the toner supplied into the developing tank 234 together with the carrier. Transport to roller 231. A toner density sensor 235 is provided at the bottom of the developing tank 234. This toner concentration sensor 235 is a magnetic permeability sensor, and detects the ratio of toner and carrier in the developing tank 234.

  The toner replenishing device 700 disposed above the developing device 2 includes a toner cartridge (consumable container) 500 that supplies toner, a toner cartridge tray 400 in which the toner cartridge 500 is disposed, and a lower portion of the toner cartridge tray 400. An intermediate hopper 600, a toner transport path 612 for guiding the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 500 via the intermediate hopper 600 to the developing device 2, and first and second motors (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate hopper 600 includes first and second conveying screws 601 and 603, a partition plate 607, a supply port 611, a piezoelectric sensor 216, and a toner supply port (supply port) 613. .

The first and second conveying screws 601 and 603 agitate and convey the toner as the developer supplied from the toner cartridge 500 to the supply port 611, and discharge the toner from the supply port 613.
Specifically, the first and second conveying screws 601 and 603 have a stirring blade 605 and a gear to which driving force is transmitted from a second motor (not shown) disposed on the back side of the developing device 2. Is attached and rotated by the driving force transmitted from the gear to stir the toner.

  The first and second conveying screws 601 and 603 have the same shape, and the respective stirring blades 605 are formed in a spiral shape. Therefore, the first and second conveying screws 601 and 603 can convey toner in one direction by rotation. The second motor drives the first conveying screw 601 in the direction in which the first conveying screw 601 rotates to convey the toner from the front side to the back side. Further, the second conveying screw 603 is driven to rotate so as to convey the toner from the back side to the front side.

  A partition plate 607 that partitions between the first and second conveying screws 601 and 603 is disposed. Thereby, the first conveyance path 615 in which the first conveyance screw 601 is arranged and the second conveyance path 617 in which the second conveyance screw 603 is arranged are partitioned by the partition plate 607.

  Here, the partition plate 607 partitions the inside of the intermediate hopper 600 except for the back side and the front side, which are both ends in the longitudinal direction, and both ends of the first and second conveying screws 601 and 603 in the rotational axis direction. The portion is disposed away from the wall surface of the intermediate hopper 600. Thereby, the connection part which connects the 1st conveyance path 615 and the 2nd conveyance path 617 is formed in the back side and the front side in intermediate hopper 600, respectively.

  Accordingly, the toner replenished from the replenishing port 611 is transported from the front surface side to the back surface side by the first transport screw 601 and then sent to the second transport route 617 through the connecting portion on the back surface side. Then, the second conveying path 617 is conveyed from the back side to the front side by the second conveying screw 603. As a result, the toner in the intermediate hopper 600 circulates through the first transport path 615 and the second transport path 617. The toner sent to the second transport path 617 is discharged from the supply port 613 and is supplied to the developing device 2 via the toner transport path 612.

  The piezoelectric sensor 216 is provided at the bottom of the inner wall surface of the intermediate hopper 600, here the bottom of the second transport path 617, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the force applied from the outside. For this reason, as the amount of toner in the intermediate hopper 600 increases, the pressure generated by the weight of the toner and the bottom portion and the stirring blade 605 of the second conveying screw 603 increases, and the force applied to the piezoelectric sensor 216 from the outside is increased. Will grow. Conversely, when the amount of toner in the intermediate hopper 600 decreases, the pressure generated by the weight of the toner and the bottom portion and the stirring blade 605 of the second conveying screw 603 decreases, and the force applied to the piezoelectric sensor 216 from the outside is reduced. Get smaller. Therefore, the piezoelectric sensor 216 outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of toner in the intermediate hopper 600.

Next, the toner cartridge 500 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a diagram viewed from an arrow A in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the toner cartridge 500 includes a columnar body having a substantially rectangular cross section, and includes a toner storage portion 502 in which supply toner is stored.

A toner supply port 540 is provided at the bottom (lower side in the figure) of the toner storage unit 502.
A storage unit (storage unit) 501 in which consumable information is stored is provided at one end 500a of the toner cartridge 500 attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The storage unit 501 is configured using any one of two-dimensional codes such as an IC chip (for example, a non-volatile memory such as a wireless IC tag and a contact-type CRUM), a barcode, and a QR code (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, the storage unit 501 is provided with a non-volatile memory contact type CRUM configured with a device or the like that incorporates an EEPROM or the like for storing information related to the toner cartridge 500. The memory includes a model number of the toner cartridge, Information such as the manufacturing location, the remaining amount of toner (updated sequentially), and whether or not the product is new is stored.

  The storage unit 501 is provided with a storage unit positioning boss 504. The storage unit positioning boss 504 is a positioning member for positioning the storage unit 501 with respect to a storage unit connector (not shown) on the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 when the toner cartridge 500 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. It is. In the drawing, reference numeral 505 denotes a connection terminal, and 506 denotes an attachment hole for attaching the storage unit 501 to the toner cartridge 500.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5B is a detailed view of a portion A in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C is a detailed view of a portion B in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a toner cartridge tray (consumable container support unit) that detachably supports at least one toner cartridge (consumable container) 500 on the image forming apparatus 100. 400.

  On the operation side of the image forming apparatus 100, a display unit 204 using a liquid crystal panel and an input unit 205 including a numeric keypad are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 204 notifies the replacement of the toner cartridge 500 when the toner cartridge 500 runs out of toner.

  When the operation side of the image forming apparatus 100 is a front side, the toner cartridge tray 400 is configured to be able to appear and retract on the front side 110a on the front side in the drawing as shown in FIG.

  On the toner cartridge tray 400, a plurality of toner cartridges 500 are mounted in the apparatus, and are arranged side by side at positions facing the developing device 2 corresponding to each toner cartridge 500.

  On the toner cartridge tray 400, as shown in FIG. 5A, from left to right in the drawing, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (B1), and (B2) are displayed. In order, five toner cartridges 500 are mounted.

  Further, the toner cartridge tray 400 is provided with a handle portion 401 so that the user can manually pull out the toner cartridge tray 400 at the protruding side end portion 400a facing outward in the moving direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the handle 401 has a recess 401 a that is open at the top so that a user or the like can insert a finger from above.

  The toner cartridge tray 400 can be inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 along a guide portion (not shown).

Below the portion of the image forming apparatus 100 in which the toner cartridge tray 400 is accommodated, a paper feed cassette 81 that accommodates recording paper is accommodated.
Similarly to the toner cartridge tray 400, the paper feed cassette 81 is configured to be able to appear and retract in the same direction as the toner cartridge tray 400 on the front side 110 a of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is provided with a handle portion 811 at a projecting side end portion 81a that faces outward in the moving direction so that the user can grip and manually pull out the paper feed cassette 81.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the handle portion 811 is formed with a concave portion 811a having a lower opening so that a user or the like can insert a finger from below.

  With this configuration, the toner cartridge tray 400 and the paper feed cassette 81 can be moved in and out in the same direction, so that a space-saving image can be saved without requiring useless space around the image forming apparatus 100. The forming apparatus 100 can be realized.

  In addition, since the gripping portion 401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 can be gripped from a direction different from the gripping direction of the gripping portion 811 of the paper feed cassette 81, the image forming apparatus 100 can be gripped. Even a user unfamiliar with the operation can operate the toner cartridge tray 400 and the paper feed cassette 81 without making a mistake.

Next, a connection structure between the toner cartridge 500 and the drive side when the toner cartridge tray 400 is mounted in the apparatus main body 110 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a connection structure between the toner cartridge and the apparatus main body drive side in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7A is an illustration showing a state where the toner cartridge and the apparatus main body drive side are connected. The figure and (b) are B arrow directional views of (a).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the toner cartridge 500 includes a housing 510, a toner conveying member 520 that conveys toner, and a toner cartridge side coupling 530 that transmits rotational driving to the toner conveying member 520. A toner replenishing port 540 that replenishes toner from the toner cartridge 500 to the intermediate hopper 600 is formed at the bottom of the housing 510, and a toner cartridge shutter 550 that opens and closes the toner replenishing port 540 is provided.

  The toner supply port 540 is a toner supply port (when the toner cartridge tray 400 is inserted into the apparatus main body 110 and mounted at the image forming position with the toner cartridge 500 mounted in the toner cartridge tray 400). (Not shown).

  The apparatus main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a main body side coupling support member 140 that rotatably supports a main body side coupling 130 that transmits driving to the toner cartridge side coupling 530.

  The main body side coupling support member 140 is provided with a cartridge shutter pressing portion 141 at a position facing the toner cartridge shutter 550 of the toner cartridge 500 in a state where the toner cartridge 500 is mounted in the apparatus main body 110.

  When the user pushes in the toner cartridge tray 400, as shown in FIG. 7A, the toner cartridge side coupling 530 and the main body side coupling 130 are fitted together, and the cartridge shutter pressing portion 141 is moved to the toner cartridge shutter 550. The toner cartridge shutter 550 is moved to bring the toner replenishing port 540 into an open state.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the cartridge shutter pressing portion 141 is cut out at least at a portion facing the toner supply port 540 at a position where the toner cartridge shutter 550 is moved to open the toner supply port 540. A notch 142 is formed.

Here, a connecting operation between the toner cartridge side coupling 530 and the main body side coupling 130 will be described.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the drive unit of the toner cartridge of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a coupling receiving hole 131 having the same shape as the toner cartridge side coupling 530 is formed in the main body side coupling 130. The main body side coupling 130 and the toner cartridge side coupling 530 are connected by fitting the toner cartridge side coupling 530 into the connection receiving hole 131.

  If the axis of the main body side coupling 130 and the axis of the toner cartridge side coupling 530 do not match, the concave portion 131a of the connection receiving hole 131 and the convex portion 530a of the toner cartridge side coupling 530 collide and wear. Damaged.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the toner cartridge side coupling 530 is connected in a stable state by being pressed against the main body side coupling 130 by a fitting absorption spring 531.

  At this time, the toner cartridge shutter 550 of the toner cartridge 500 is moved to a position where the toner supply port 540 is opened by the cartridge shutter pressing portion 141 of the main body side coupling support member 140. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the notch portion 142 of the cartridge shutter pressing portion 141 is disposed at a position facing the toner supply port 540. As a result, the toner replenishing port 540 becomes ready to supply toner to the intermediate hopper 600.

  That is, when the toner cartridge 500 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100 together with the toner cartridge tray 400 and is positioned at the image forming position (when fully inserted), the main body side coupling 130 and the toner cartridge side coupling 530 are fitted. Then, a toner supply spiral (not shown) of the toner cartridge 500 is driven to supply toner from the toner cartridge 500 to the intermediate hopper 600.

  When the storage unit 501 of the toner cartridge 500 is a contact-type CRUM, a detection unit (not shown) on the main body side contacts a contact-type CRUM in accordance with the movement of the main body-side coupling 130 toward the toner cartridge-side coupling 530. To the side and communication is possible.

  In the case where the storage unit 501 of the toner cartridge 500 is a non-contact type IC tag, since the substantial communication distance is about 30 mm, it is not necessary to move a detection unit (not shown) on the main body side to the non-contact type IC tag.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a block diagram.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100 has, as an electrical configuration, a control unit 201 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, a storage unit (storage unit) 202, a determination unit (determination unit) 203, and a display unit 204. , An input unit 205, a communication unit 206 that performs LAN connection with a PC or the like via a network line, an image processing unit 208 that performs image processing, an image forming unit 209 that performs image formation, and a fixing unit 210 that performs toner image fixing processing. The scanner includes a reading unit 207 that reads an image, a control unit 211 that controls the operation of a post-processing device (referring to the peripheral device in FIG. 9), and the like.

  The control unit 201 is connected to a display unit 204, an input unit 205, a communication unit 206, a reading unit 207, an image processing unit 208, an image forming unit 209, a fixing unit 210, and a toner density sensor 235 (see FIG. 2). The entire image forming apparatus 100 is controlled.

  The storage medium for storing the program executed by the control unit 201 is not limited to a memory card, and may be a medium such as a flexible memory, an optical disk, an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EEPROM, or other semiconductor memory. .

  The communication unit 206 transmits / receives data to / from a connected external device in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 201.

  The reading unit 207 includes a light source that irradiates light to the original conveyed to the original reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected by the original, and scans an original image according to the size of the original. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image processing unit 208.

  The image processing unit 208 performs various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the reading unit 207, and then outputs the data to the image forming unit 209. A paper feed unit (not shown) conveys the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the image forming unit 209.

  The image forming unit 209 forms an image on a sheet conveyed by a sheet feeding unit (not shown) based on the image data after data processing. Then, the image forming unit 209 discharges the paper on which the image has been formed onto the paper discharge tray 91.

  The fixing unit 210 (corresponding to the fixing unit 7 in FIG. 1) melts the toner image formed on the paper by the image forming unit 209 and fixes it on the paper.

  The toner concentration sensor 235 is, for example, a magnetic permeability sensor, and reads the magnetic permeability of iron contained in a carrier per unit volume around the bottom surface of the developing device 2. The greater the magnetic permeability, the lower the toner concentration. The toner concentration sensor 235 outputs the read magnetic permeability to the control unit 201.

  The display unit 204 uses a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), a display such as electronic paper using electrophoresis, a plasma display (PDP), a plasma tube array display (PTAD), and an electron-emitting device. A display device such as a display (FED, SED) or the like, which displays an instruction menu such as a setting screen for the user and a screen including information on acquired image data.

  The input unit 205 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys.

  The plurality of keys included in the input unit 205 are hard keys including switches. Further, the input unit 205 may include a touch panel as a part of the key, or may be configured by the touch panel itself.

  When the input unit 205 includes a touch panel, or when the input unit 205 includes a touch panel, the touch panel is provided on the display unit 204. The input unit 205 of the present embodiment is assumed to include a touch panel. Note that gesture input using a finger wearable wearable interface may be used.

  The determination unit 203 determines whether or not the toner in the toner cartridge 500 has run out based on a detection result (remaining amount of toner) detected by a detection unit (not shown). Further, based on the detection result of whether or not the toner cartridge 500 is detected by a detection unit (not shown), it is determined whether or not the toner cartridge 500 is mounted. Further, based on the detection result of whether or not the toner cartridge tray 400 is detected by a detection unit (not shown), it is determined whether or not the toner cartridge tray 400 is attached.

  Next, operations when the toner cartridge 500 is replaced, mounted, and replenished with recording paper in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  When replacing (or mounting) the toner cartridge 500 in the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a finger is inserted from above into the concave portion 401a of the handle portion 401 of the toner cartridge tray 400. The handle 401 is gripped and the toner cartridge tray 400 is pulled out from the inside to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

  At this time, the toner cartridge tray 400 protrudes outward from the front surface 110a on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 and is exposed, so that the toner cartridge 500 accommodated in the toner cartridge tray 400 can be replaced.

  When supplying recording paper to the paper feed cassette 81, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, a handle is inserted by inserting a finger into the concave portion 811a of the handle portion 811 of the paper feed cassette 81 from below. And the paper feed cassette 81 is pulled out from the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 to the outside of the front surface 110a on the front side.

  At this time, the paper feed cassette 81 protrudes outward from the front surface 110 a on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 and is exposed, so that the recording paper can be supplied into the paper feed cassette 81.

  As described above, the direction of the hand holding each of the handle portions 401 and 811 differs between when the toner cartridge tray 400 is operated and when the paper cassette 81 is operated. It can be operated without making a mistake.

  With the above-described configuration, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 100 including the paper supply cassette 81 that stores the recording paper, the toner cartridge 500 that stores toner is detachably mounted. The toner cartridge tray 400 is detachably supported on the image forming apparatus 100. The toner cartridge tray 400 is provided so as to be movable from the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 to the outside (or can be pulled out by the user). The side end 400 a is provided with a handle 401, the paper feed cassette 81 is movably provided from the inside of the image forming apparatus 100, and the paper feed cassette 81 is provided with a handle 811 at the protruding side end 81 a, and the toner cartridge tray 400 A user or the like can insert a finger from above the handle portion 401 A recess 401a having an upper opening is formed, and a recess 811a having a lower opening is formed on the handle portion 811 of the paper feed cassette 81 so that a user can insert a finger from the lower side. Since it is easy to distinguish (visibility) from the paper cassette 81 and even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 can operate the toner cartridge tray 400 and the paper feed cassette 81 without making a mistake, the toner cartridge It is easy to replace 500 and replenish the recording paper to improve workability, and it is possible to prevent printing stoppage and JAM caused by erroneously pulling out the paper feed cassette 81 during printing.

  In the present embodiment, the handle 401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 is configured so that a user or the like can insert a finger from above, and the handle 811 of the paper feed cassette 81 is configured so that the user or the like can insert a finger from below. However, according to the present invention, the direction in which one of the handle 401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 and the handle 811 of the paper feed cassette 81 is gripped is the direction in which the other handle is gripped. As long as it can be gripped from different directions, it is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, modified examples of the configuration of the handle portion 401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 and the handle portion 811 of the paper feed cassette 81 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of Modification Example 1 of the handle portion of this embodiment, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of Modification Example 2 of the handle portion of this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an illustration of the handle portion of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification 3, FIG. 13 is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the modification 4 of the handle part of this embodiment.

(Modification 1)
In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the handle portion 1401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 provided above the paper feed cassette 81 is configured to be gripped from diagonally upward to the right. With this configuration, it is easy to operate the handle part 1401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 with the right hand.

  In addition, what was comprised so that the handle part 1401 might be hold | gripped from diagonally upper left may be sufficient, and it becomes a structure which is easy to operate with a left hand.

(Modification 2)
As shown in FIG. 11, Modification 2 is configured to grip the handle portion 2401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 provided above the paper feed cassette 81 from the right lateral direction. With this configuration, it is possible to easily operate the handle 2401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 with the right hand.

  In addition, what was comprised so that the handle part 2401 might be hold | gripped from the left side direction may be used, and according to this, it becomes a structure which is easy to operate with a left hand.

(Modification 3)
In Modification 3, as shown in FIG. 12, the handle portion 3401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 provided above the paper feed cassette 81 passes through the handle portion 811 of the paper feed cassette 81 (or the center of the handle portion 811). It is provided at a position shifted from the vertical line L1 to the right side, and is configured to be gripped from the upper right side. With such a configuration, it is possible to give the user a time (interval) to confirm once in terms of both the visual and operation of further pulling out the toner cartridge tray 400 and the paper feed cassette 81. It is possible to suppress mistakes in operation.

  Note that the handle portion 3401 is provided at a position shifted to the left side from the vertical line L1 passing through the handle portion 811 (or the center of the handle portion 811) of the paper feed cassette 81, and is configured to be gripped from the upper left. There may be, and according to this, it becomes the composition which is easy to operate with the left hand.

(Modification 4)
As shown in FIG. 13, in Modification 4, the handle portion 4401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 provided above the paper feed cassette 81 is moved in the direction of movement of the protruding end portion 400 a on the front surface of the housing of the toner cartridge tray 400. Is provided on the right side surface along the right side, that is, on the right side surface of the housing, and is configured to be gripped from the right lateral direction. With such a configuration, it is possible to give the user a time (interval) to confirm once in terms of visually and operating further pulling out the toner cartridge tray 400 and the paper feed cassette 81, respectively. Incorrect operation can be suppressed.

The handle portion 4401 is provided on the left side surface of the protruding side end portion 400a of the front surface of the housing of the toner cartridge tray 400, that is, the left side surface along the moving direction of the housing, and is gripped from the left lateral direction. According to this configuration, it is easy to operate with the left hand.
Further, the handle portion 4401 may be provided on both the left and right side surfaces of the housing.

  As described above, in the above-described modified example, the modified example of the configuration of the handle portion 401 of the toner cartridge tray 400 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The configuration of the unit 811 can be similarly developed.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the handle portions 401 and 81a are provided on the housing of the toner cartridge tray 400 and the paper feed cassette 81. It may be configured to function as a handle portion by projecting or denting the portion.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications, an example in which the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 to which a plurality of toner cartridges 500 can be mounted has been described. However, a toner cartridge tray in which toner cartridges can be replaced and recording paper can be supplied. As long as the image forming apparatus includes a paper feed cassette, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, and can be expanded to other image forming apparatuses.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and technical means disclosed in different embodiments, respectively. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

81 Paper feed cassette (recording medium container)
81a Projecting side end 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Apparatus main body 110a Front 400 Toner cartridge tray (consumable container support)
400a Projecting side end portions 401, 811, 1401, 2401, 3401, 4401 Handle portions 401a, 811a Recess 500 Toner cartridge (consumable container)
600 Intermediate hopper 700 Toner supply device L1 Vertical line

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus in which a consumable container for storing a consumable is detachably mounted and includes a recording medium storage unit for storing a recording medium, and forms an image of the consumable on the recording medium,
A consumable container support unit that removably supports the consumable container in an image forming apparatus;
The consumable container support section is provided so as to be movable from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside, and includes a handle section for gripping the consumable container support section when moving.
The recording medium storage unit is provided movably from the inside of the image forming apparatus, and includes a handle for gripping the recording medium storage unit when moving.
The handle part of the consumable container support part and the handle part of the recording medium storage part can be gripped in a direction in which one of the grip parts is gripped from a direction different from the direction in which the other grip part is gripped. An image forming apparatus comprising:   The handle part of the consumable container support part and the handle part of the recording medium storage part are inserted from a direction in which the insertion direction of the finger into one of the handle parts is different from the insertion direction of the finger into the other handle part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be capable of being configured. The handle portion of the consumable container support portion and the handle portion of the recording medium storage portion are provided on the same surface side or different surface sides of the image forming apparatus,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein movement directions of the consumable container support unit and the recording medium storage unit with respect to the image forming apparatus are the same direction.   The handle part of the consumable container support part and the handle part of the recording medium storage part are configured so as not to be arranged on the same vertical line. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The handle part of the consumable container support part and the handle part of the recording medium container part are provided so that the consumable container support part and the recording medium container part can be moved to the front side of the image forming apparatus, respectively. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

Images