JP2554734Y2 - Process unit - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process unit detachable from an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer using electrophotographic technology. The present invention relates to a process unit including a member that covers an opening of the unit when used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrophotographic copying machine having a shell structure in which an image forming member is integrally formed as one unit so that an upper body and a lower body can be opened and closed, and a printer using an electrophotographic technique. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a system which is detachable from an image forming apparatus and is replaced with a new unit when a predetermined life time comes.

FIG. 5 shows a conventional process unit 31 as described above. The developing tank 36d of the process unit 31
The inside is filled with a developer 36c necessary for image formation. The process unit 31 is a consumable and is discarded after a predetermined life, and is replaced with a new process unit. Therefore, the process unit 31 is packaged as a single item and then shipped from the factory and sold. However, due to vibration during transportation to a store or the like, the developer 36c is removed from the gap between the developing sleeve 34 and the casing 36 or the developing sleeve. The overflow from the gap between the doctor blade 34 and the doctor blade 35 as indicated by arrows A and B respectively contaminates the process unit 31. At this time, since the amount of the developer 36c is equal to or less than a predetermined amount,
Image quality may be impaired.

In order to prevent the overflow of the developer, the sealing member 3 is used to prevent the developer from flowing into the gap.
There is a method of setting 9. This state is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the A seal 3 of the two members of the seal member 39
9a and B seal 39b are inserted into the gaps, respectively, to prevent the developer 36c from overflowing. The process unit 36 adopting the above method for preventing the outflow of the developer 36c
When using, after unpacking, the user has to pull out the seal member 39 in the direction of arrow C and completely remove it from the process unit 31.

In addition to preventing the developer from leaking out, a protective sheet (not shown) having a light-shielding property (for example, a black film sheet) is attached so as to cover the exposed peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 46, not shown. The protection against fatigue caused by exposure of the drum 46 is also performed. Some of these seal members or protective sheets have both functions of preventing the developer from flowing out and protecting the drum.

[0006]

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a method for mounting the process unit 31 on the main body 45 of the image forming apparatus. Here, the process unit 31 is provided with a developer sensor 38 for controlling the toner concentration in the developer 36c or detecting the amount of the developer 36c. When the process unit 31 is mounted on the apparatus main body 45, a circuit (not shown) detects the electrical continuity, and the presence / absence of the set of the process unit 31 is detected at the same time.

The apparatus main body 45 includes a connector 44 having a spring-like contact portion 44a for connecting a control circuit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 45 and a toner concentration sensor 38 using a conductive material at the bottom. The developer sensor 38 and the connector 44 are electrically connected.
This state is shown in FIG.

In this state, since electrical connection between the developer sensor 38 and the connector 44 is established, it is detected that the process unit 31 is mounted in the apparatus main body 45, and an image can be formed. However, the above-described sealing member 3
Since the image forming apparatus can be operated without removing the developing sleeve 9 from the process unit 31, the rotation E of the photosensitive drum 46 and the developing sleeve 3 may be operated if the removal is forgotten.
The rotation F of 4 and the rotation G of the agitating roll 33 cause the sealing member 39 to be caught in the inside, which causes a problem that the process unit 31 or the apparatus main body 45 is also damaged.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention removes a cover member that is provided when the process unit is not in use, such as during transportation after shipment from a factory, and that is provided to cover the opening of the unit to be removed during use. An object of the present invention is to provide a process unit which can prevent an erroneous operation of operating an image forming apparatus without leaving it and does not damage the process unit itself or the apparatus main body.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE devised the present invention in order to achieve the above object, the field
The image forming apparatus includes a unit detecting member, and the unit
Operable when the unit mounting is detected by the sensor
Is detachable to the apparatus main body to be, in the apparatus main body
It can be engaged with the detection member when mounted, and
The unit mounting is detected by the detection member at
Process unit having a detection target member, wherein the sensing member units not mounted fixedly arranged in order unit is detected in the engagement, and a cover member covering the opening portion of the unit to be detached in use is equipped when not in use In the above, when the process unit is attached to the apparatus main body with the cover member provided, the detected member and
Prevents the engagement by interposing between the detection members
The detection member detects the non-mounting based on the non-engagement.
At least the said cover member to sense, characterized in that the Ugotoku equipped covering a part of the detectable member.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus to which the process unit according to the present invention is mounted.

In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus P has an upper body UB rotatably provided at a hinge H with respect to a lower body DB, and a photosensitive drum is provided substantially at the center of the apparatus main body 15 of the image forming apparatus P. 16 is rotatably supported and is rotated at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow. A charger 17 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 16 to a predetermined polarity in the vicinity of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 along the direction of rotation thereof. A print head 18 that irradiates the surface of the drum 16 to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit 19 that supplies toner to the formed electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and a transfer that transfers the toner image to a transfer paper T The developing device 1 includes a cleaner 20, a cleaner 21 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 16 without being transferred after the transfer, and a waste toner container 22 for storing the removed waste toner.
9, the photosensitive drum 16, the charger 17, and the cleaner 21 are integrated as a process unit 1.

The transfer path of the transfer paper T is
Cassette 23 in which is loaded and stored, paper cassette 23
, A guide plate 25 for guiding the transferred transfer paper T, a fixing device 26 for thermally fixing the toner image on the transferred transfer paper T, and the transfer paper T. A paper discharge roller 27 for discharging the paper to the outside, a paper discharge unit 28 for stacking the discharged transfer paper T, and the like are provided.

The process unit 1 includes an upper body UB
Main unit 1 in a so-called shell open state where
After being detachably mounted at a predetermined position in the transfer paper 5, it is used in a so-called shell-closed state, and when the life of the transfer paper T reaches a predetermined number, replacement with a new one is performed. Will be Therefore, a detection unit is provided to detect whether or not the process unit 1 is mounted at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 15 and notify the user. That is,
A connector 13 having a spring-like contact portion 13a similar to that shown as a conventional example as a detection member is disposed on the apparatus body 15 side.
A toner density sensor 8 using a conductive material is provided on a bottom provided in a developing device casing 6 described later.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a process unit 1 (two-component developer system) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The process unit 1 has a developing device casing 6 having a toner supply roll 2, a stirring roll 3, a developing sleeve 4, a doctor blade 5 and the like inside, and the above-described photosensitive drum 16, charging device 17, cleaner 21 and the like inside. The photoconductor casing 7, the toner density sensor 8, and the cover member 9 are provided, and the developing device casing 6 and the photoconductor casing 7 are integrally connected.

The developing device casing 6 has an upper toner tank 6b for storing the toner 6a and a developing tank 6d for storing the developer 6c, and the photosensitive drum 1 below the developing tank 6d.
An opening 6 e is provided at a portion facing the opening 6. An opening 7e is provided in a portion of the photoconductor casing 7 facing the transfer unit 20 (see FIG. 4), and a part of the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 16 is exposed from the opening 7e.

The toner supply roll 2 is rotatably provided at a communicating portion between the toner tank 6b and the developing tank 6d.
To the lower developing tank 6d. The stirring roll 3 is rotatably provided below the developing tank 6d, and stirs the developer 6c to make it uniform.

The developing sleeve 4 includes a magnet roll 4a.
Is provided at a position facing the opening 6e of the developing device casing 6 so as to be rotatable while exposing a part of the peripheral surface thereof, and the developer 6c uniformly stirred by the stirring roll 3 is supplied to the photosensitive member. It is transported to the drum 16.

The doctor blade 5 is fixed to the upper edge of the opening 6e of the developing device casing 6 with a predetermined gap from the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 4, and is carried on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 4. The developer is regulated to a certain thickness.

A toner density sensor 8 provided in the developing device casing 6 outside the developing tank 6d detects the toner density in the developer 6c, and when the toner density decreases, sends a toner supply signal via an electric circuit (not shown). Then, the toner supply roll 2 is rotated by a predetermined amount, the toner 6a is supplied to the developing tank 6d, and the toner concentration in the developer 6c is controlled within a certain range.

In the first embodiment, the cover member 9 is
When the new process unit 1 is delivered to the user after shipment from the factory, and is not used until it is mounted on the apparatus main body 15 of the image forming apparatus P and is operated, the developer 6c provided in the process unit 1 flows out of the opening 6e. And a developer outflow prevention member that is removed when the process unit 1 is used. As shown, one end inserted into the process unit 1 has a bifurcated shape, and the A seal member 9a is inserted into a gap formed between the developing sleeve 4 and the doctor blade 5 in the opening 6e, The B seal member 9b is inserted into a gap formed between the developing sleeve 4 and the developing device casing 6 in the opening 6e, and the handle 9c at the other end is extended to cover the toner density sensor 8 and extends.
(For example, the outer wall of the toner tank 6b) is lightly attached to the engaging portion 10 with a double-sided tape. Removal of the cover member 9 from the process unit 1 is performed by peeling the handle 9 in the direction of arrow H and then pulling it out of the opening 6e.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover member 9. As shown in the drawing, the B seal member 9b inserted into the gap between the developing sleeve 4 and the developing device casing 6 among the members on one end side having a bifurcated shape is folded back with its tip sandwiching a sponge 9d. It is formed and saves thickness. The length from the tip of the bifurcated shape to the tip of the handle 9c on the other end is
The developing tank 6d is provided with a sufficient length so as to be drawn out of the process unit 1 through the opening 6e to the outside of the process unit 1 so as to cover the toner density sensor 8 and reach the locking portion 10.
Further, when the process unit 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 15 while the cover member 9 is mounted on the process unit 1, the toner density sensor 8 as the detected member and the connector 13 as the above-mentioned detecting member (FIG. (See the two-dot chain line portion), an insulating material such as a PET film is used as a material.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In the assembly process at the factory, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover unit 9 is provided in the process unit 1, that is, the A seal member 9 a is inserted into the gap formed by the developing sleeve 4 and the doctor blade 5. The sealing member 9b is inserted into a gap formed between the developing sleeve 4 and the developing device casing 6 to open the opening 6e.
And is extended outside the process unit 1 so as to cover the toner density sensor 8, and the handle 9 c is engaged with the locking portion 10 before shipment. At this time, the entire area of the opening 6e is sealed with the cover member 9, and even if the new process unit 1 is vibrated during transportation or the like, the cover member 9 prevents the developing material 6c from flowing out of the opening 6e. Do not cause.

The process unit 1 is delivered to the user,
Even if the process unit 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 15 without removing the cover member 9 for use, the connector 1
Since a cover member 9 made of an insulating material is interposed between the sensor unit 3 and the toner density sensor 8, electrical conduction is prevented, and it is detected that the process unit 1 is not mounted even though the process unit 1 is mounted. Therefore, the user does not operate the image forming apparatus P even though the process unit 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 15, so that the user notices the forgetting to remove the cover member 9, and removes the cover member 9 and renews the apparatus main body 1.
5, the process unit 1 is remounted. Thereafter, normal image formation is performed.

Since the first embodiment is configured as described above, the process unit 1 is prevented from flowing out of the developer 6c from the opening 6e during transportation after shipment from the factory, and the developing unit that has flowed out is opened. The contamination of the process unit and its surroundings by the agent 6c is prevented. Further, even if an erroneous operation such as mounting the process unit 1 on the apparatus main body 15 without removing the cover member 9 and operating the image forming apparatus P is performed, the apparatus main body 15 does not operate. It is possible to effectively prevent the process unit and the apparatus main body from being broken due to the sealing member being held in the process unit.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a process unit 1 '(two-component developer system) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and redundant description of the same members will be omitted.

The process unit 1 'includes a cover member 9 for protecting the exposed peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 and a cover member 9 for preventing the developer from flowing out in the first embodiment. 'Is provided. The sheet member 11
Is provided as a protective measure against fatigue caused by exposure of the photosensitive drum 16 provided by exposing a part of the peripheral surface from the opening 7e of the drum case 7 during transportation after shipment from the factory. ′ Is a member which is removed when used, covers the exposed peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 and has one end 11a fixed to the cover member 9 and the other end 11b attached to the engaging portion 12 of the drum case 7 as shown in the drawing. And a light-shielding member such as a black film sheet. That is, the cover member 9 'of the second embodiment has both functions of preventing the developer from flowing out and protecting the photosensitive drum.

Since the second embodiment is constructed as described above, the process unit 1 'prevents the developer 6c from flowing out of the opening 6e during transportation after shipment from the factory and the like. The body drum 16 is also protected from fatigue,
Further, similarly to the first embodiment, damage to the process unit and the apparatus main body due to erroneous operation is effectively prevented.

In the above embodiment, the toner density sensor 8 has been described as an example of a member to be detected. However, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of developer may be used. (For example, an optical detector in which a reflective plate is provided on the process unit side and a reflective photosensor is provided on the main body side. In this case, a cover member covering the detected member is made of an insulating material) Instead of a light shielding material).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described process unit, but can be applied to, for example, a drum unit in which a photosensitive drum, a cleaner, and a charger are integrated, and a developing unit in which only a developing unit is integrated. In addition, the present invention
A unit which is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and which has a protective member which is mounted so as to cover an opening of the unit at the time of transportation after shipment from a factory and which is detached at the time of use, is provided with the protective member. The protection member is not limited to the one that prevents the developer from leaking out, because it is to solve the inconvenience caused by the erroneous operation of being operated as it is.
It may be one that protects the photosensitive drum or one that has both functions.

[0031]

According to the present invention, as described in detail above, according to the present invention, a cover member which is provided when the process unit is not used, such as during transportation after shipment from the factory, and which is attached to cover the opening to be removed when used, An erroneous operation of operating the image forming apparatus without removing it can be prevented, and the process unit itself and the apparatus main body are not inadvertently damaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a state in which a cover member of a process unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member provided in the process unit of FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a process unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
It is a sectional side view showing the state where a cover member was equipped.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the entire image forming apparatus to which the process units of FIGS. 1 and 3 are mounted.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a conventional process unit.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a state in which a seal member is provided in the conventional process unit of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a method of mounting the conventional process unit of FIG. 6 on an apparatus main body.

8 is a side sectional view showing a state where the conventional process unit of FIG. 6 is mounted on an apparatus main body.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1 'process unit 4 developing sleeve 6 developing device casing 6c developer 6e opening 7 photoconductor casing 7e opening 8 toner density sensor 9, 9' cover member 13 connector 15 device main body 16 photoconductor drum P image forming apparatus

Claims (4)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] An image forming apparatus includes a unit detecting member.
The unit mounting is detected by the unit detection member
When detached, it is detachably attached to the device main body, and can be engaged with the detection member when attached to the device main body.
And the unit is mounted by the detection member at the time of engagement.
Is detected, and in non-engagement, the unit
And the detecting member mounting is fixedly disposed to the unit is detected, the process unit and a cover member covering the opening portion of the uni <br/> Tsu preparative to be removed in use is equipped when not in use, the When the process unit is mounted on the apparatus main body with the cover member, the detected member and the detection
The engagement is prevented by interposing between the members,
The detection member detects the non-attachment based on the engagement.
The cover member covers at least a part of the detected member.
Process unit, characterized in that Ugotoku equipped with. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein said opening is an opening of a developing device casing in which a developing sleeve is disposed, and said cover member is a member for preventing a developer from flowing out of said developing device casing opening. The process unit according to claim 1. 3. The photosensitive drum according to claim 1, wherein said opening is an opening of a photosensitive casing in which a photosensitive drum is disposed, and said cover member is a member for protecting said photosensitive drum. The described process unit. 4. The process unit according to claim 1, wherein said detected member is a sensor for detecting a state of a developer.