JP3013097B2 - Color image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer material such as a copying machine and a printer.

[Background of the Invention]

In image forming apparatuses such as monocolor analog copiers using electrophotography, copiers and printers using semiconductor lasers and LED scanning systems, various photoconductors, developer carriers, cleaning members and developer toners having a long service life are used. A part of the image forming means is made into a cartridge for replenishment and replacement at the time of exhaustion, etc., and a member integrating the essential parts of the image forming means is taken out of the apparatus and maintenance or replacement is performed. Things have been suggested. Also,
Various configurations have been proposed to open the conveyance path of the transfer material on which an image is formed by the image forming means and to facilitate removal of the transfer material during jam processing.

As a typical configuration thereof, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a cleaner, and the like, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-54392, are integrally attached to a support member, and can be pulled out from the apparatus main body. There have been proposals for facilitating replacement and repair.Next, the main part of these image forming means is integrated and disposable is disclosed in JP-A-57-154255, and a similar disposable cartridge is used. A printer configuration for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum by dot exposure scanning writing by a semiconductor laser is disclosed in
It is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-59-147366. Further, these publications disclose a configuration in which an upper casing of a divided structure is opened to open a transfer material transport path, and a transfer material is removed when a jam occurs.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-154255 described above employs a configuration in which a disposable process cartridge is exchangeably disposed in an upper housing having a two-part structure, which facilitates cartridge replacement and eases jam clearance. Trying to solve. In addition, it has a two-segment structure with an emphasis on the ease of replacement of the process cartridges, mainly replenishing toner cartridges and collected toner cleaning cartridges. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-1161 discloses an improvement.

Further, the above structure is a vertical type.
Nos. 4058, 63-244059, 63-244064, JP-A-1-
This is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 179168, etc., in order to improve the same direction operation and jam processing.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, when the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, the opening and closing of the cartridge can be opened and closed by, for example, dividing the apparatus into two parts as described above, and at the same time, the drive for connecting to the photosensitive member and the developing device constituting the cartridge. It is necessary to be able to easily and surely engage and disengage the gears of the system with the insertion and removal of the cartridge,
Therefore, the structure of the main body is complicated, and the handling operation is not simple.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily and surely attaching and detaching a process cartridge without opening the apparatus as in the case of a two-part structure. is there.

[Means for solving the problem]

The object is to provide, in a color image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge including at least a belt-shaped image carrier and a plurality of developing devices is detachably provided, the process cartridge can be taken out on a side opposite to a transfer unit, Developing devices are arranged in parallel to one surface of the belt-shaped image forming body and in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. When the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the developing device is provided in each of the plurality of developing devices. The gears are achieved by a color image forming apparatus characterized in that the gears mesh with respective drive gears arranged in parallel with the main body and in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge.

〔Example〕

One embodiment of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a flexible photoreceptor belt serving as a belt-shaped image carrier. The photoreceptor belt 1 is bridged between rotating rollers 2 and 3 and is driven clockwise by driving the rotating roller 2. Transported to

Reference numeral 4 denotes a support or guide member fixed to the apparatus main body so as to be inscribed in the photoreceptor belt 1. The photoreceptor belt 1 is tensioned by the urging action of the rotating roller 3 to the outside. The inner peripheral surface is rubbed against the guide member 4.

Accordingly, the photosensitive member on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 1 is always kept at a fixed relation to the surface of the guide member 4 even during the conveyance, so that a stable image forming surface can be formed.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a scorotron charger as charging means, 7 denotes a laser writing system unit as image exposure means, and 8 to 11 denote a plurality of developing means or developing devices each containing a developer of a specific color. The means is disposed facing the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 with the guide member 4 on the back.

The laser writing system unit 7 is housed in a holding housing 70 provided with a slit-shaped exposure opening 70A on the upper surface, and is incorporated in the apparatus main body.

As the laser writing system unit 7, in addition to the optical system shown in the figure, an optical system or the like in which a light emitting unit and a converging light transmitter are integrated is used.

Each of the developing units 8, 9, 10, and 11 accommodates, for example, a developer of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and includes a developing sleeve for maintaining a predetermined gap from the photosensitive belt 1. 1 has a function of visualizing the latent image on the substrate 1 by a non-contact developing method. Unlike the contact development, the non-contact development has an advantage of not hindering the movement of the photosensitive belt.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a transfer unit, 12A denotes a static elimination bar, 13 denotes a cleaning device, and a blade 13A and a toner conveying roller 13B of the cleaning device 13 are kept at a position separated from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 during image formation. It is pressed against the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 only during cleaning, as shown in the figure.

The process of forming a color image by the color image forming apparatus is performed as follows.

First, the formation of a multicolor image according to the present embodiment is performed according to the following image forming system. That is, data obtained by a color image data input unit in which an image sensor scans an original image is processed by an image data processing unit to create image data, which is temporarily stored in an image memory. Next, the image memory is taken out at the time of recording and is a recording unit, for example, the first memory.
The data is input to the color image forming apparatus shown in the embodiment of FIG.

That is, when a color signal output from an image reading device separate from the printer is input to the laser writing unit 7, the laser writing unit 7 generates a laser beam generated by a semiconductor laser (not shown). Is a photoreceptor belt which is rotationally scanned by a polygon mirror 7B rotated by a drive motor 7A, and whose optical path is bent by mirrors 7D, 7E and 7F via an fθ lens 7C, and which is previously charged by a charger 6 as charging means. The light is projected on the peripheral surface of No. 1 to form a bright line.

On the other hand, when scanning is started, the beam is detected by the index sensor, modulation of the beam by the first color signal is started, and the modulated beam is transmitted to the photosensitive belt 1.
Is scanned on the peripheral surface of. Therefore, a latent image corresponding to the first color is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 1 by the main scanning by the laser beam and the sub-scanning by the conveyance of the photosensitive belt 1. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 8 loaded with yellow (Y) toner (a visual medium) in the developing means.
A toner image is formed on the drum surface. The obtained toner image passes under the cleaning device 13 serving as cleaning means separated from the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 while being held on the drum surface, and enters the next copy cycle.

That is, the photoreceptor belt 1 is charged again by the charger 6, and then the second color signal output from the signal processing unit is input to the writing system unit 7. Similarly, writing is performed on the drum surface to form a latent image. The latent image is developed by the developing device 9 loaded with magenta (M) toner as the second color.

The magenta (M) toner image is formed in the presence of the previously formed yellow (Y) toner image.

A developing unit 10 has a cyan (C) toner and forms a cyan (C) toner image on the drum surface based on a control signal generated by a signal processing unit.

Further, reference numeral 11 denotes a developing device having a black toner, which forms a black toner image on the belt surface by the same processing. A DC or further bias is applied to each sleeve of each of these developing devices 8, 9, 10 and 11, and a jumping development is performed by a two-component developer as a visualizing means, and a photosensitive member whose base is grounded The belt 1 is developed in a non-contact manner. As the development, non-contact development using a one-component developer can also be used.

The color toner image thus formed on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 is transferred to a transfer material sent from the paper feed cassette 14 via the paper feed guide 15 at the transfer section.

That is, one of the uppermost layers of the transfer material accommodated in the paper feed cassette 14 is carried out by the rotation of the paper feed roller 16, and the transfer material is transferred to the transfer device 12 via the timing roller 17 in synchronization with the image formation on the photosensitive belt 1. Supplied to.

The transfer material having undergone image transfer and charge elimination is surely separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 which suddenly changes its direction along the rotating roller 2 and is directed upward via an attraction type conveyance belt 17A to be fixed. After the image is welded by the roller 18, the image is discharged onto a tray formed on the upper cover 20 via a paper discharge roller 19.

On the other hand, the photoreceptor belt 1 after the transfer to the transfer material is further conveyed and the remaining toner is removed by the cleaning device 13 in which the blade 13A and the toner conveying roller 13B are pressed against each other. The blade
13A, and slightly after that, the toner transport roller 13B
Smoothes the toner accumulated on the tip of the blade 13A, and then separates the toner conveying roller 13B to start a new image forming process.

The photoreceptor belt 1, the charging device 6, and the developing devices 8, 9, 10, 1
The cleaning device 1 and the cleaning device 13 are integrated into an independent process cartridge 30, integrated, and then slid from the direction shown by the dashed line to be inserted and mounted inside the device.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 30 has a rail member 31 having a convex sectional shape on both sides.
Is mounted on the device by inserting and engaging with a guide member 32 having a concave cross-sectional shape provided inside the device.

The process cartridge 30 includes an end 31 of a rail member 31.
The position at the time of mounting is determined by the contact of A with the guide member 32, and at the same time, the top portion 33A of the locking plate 33 provided on the main body side is engaged with the notch 31B of the rail member 31 and fixed, and the Each process material to be processed is set at a position where each image can be formed.

Simultaneously with the mounting of the process cartridge 30 inside the apparatus, each gear group connected to each developing device including the photoreceptor belt 1 is meshed with each gear of a drive system of the apparatus main body to be in an operable state. You.

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the respective gear groups as viewed from the back of the apparatus.
Further, FIG. 4 shows a main part in the direction of arrow A.

In the figure, 8GA, 9GA, 10GA and 11GA are the developing sleeves 8A, 9A, 10A and 11A of the above-mentioned developing units, each gear having the same diameter on the same axis, 8GB and 8GC, 9GB and 9GC, 10GB and 10GC and 11GB and 11GC are a pair of stirring screws built into each developing unit.
8B and 8C, 9B and 9C, 10B and 10C, and 11B and 11C are all coaxially provided gears having the same diameter.

The gears 8GA to 11GA and the gears 8GC to 11GC have different axial positions and are meshed only with the gears 8GB to 11GB without meshing with each other.

On the other hand, G1A, G2A, G3A, G4A and G5 are output gears of a drive system provided on the apparatus main body side, and the gears 8GA through 1G are provided by mounting the process cartridge 30 on the main body.
1GA and the rotating roller 2 for rotating the photoreceptor belt 1 are brought into a state in which the power can be transmitted by meshing with the gear 2G.

As shown in FIG. 4, the gears G1A to G4A are coaxial with each other and have the same diameter through the electromagnetic clutch C.
B, G3B and G4B are integrated.

The gears G1B to G4B are connected in series via intermediate gears I ₁ , I ₂ and I ₃ having the same diameter, and the pinion P of the motor M connected to a drive gear DG which is coaxial with the intermediate gear I _2. Are simultaneously driven to rotate in the same direction.

Therefore, by switching the electromagnetic clutch C from the OFF state to the ON state, any of the gears G1A, G2A, G3A, G4A is rotated, and the specified developing units in mesh with the gears are sequentially operated. Thus, the above-described color image development processing can be performed.

Here, the respective developing units are arranged along the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt, and therefore, the respective gears 8 GB to 11 GB are arranged so as to be located in an arc shape. Gear 8G
B is set at the lowest position and an appropriate step S
It is possible to arrange so that 1GB occupies the highest position.

As a result, even if the gears 8 GB to 11 GB are arranged in a straight line as shown in FIG. 4 and contained in the same vertical plane, even when the process cartridge 30 is mounted, the gears G 1 A to G 4 A are completely removed. Gear 8GB and G1A, G9B and G2 without interference and in the mounting position
A, the gear 10GB and the gear G3A, and the gear 11GB and the gear G4A can be smoothly and accurately engaged or disengaged.

On the other hand, when removing the process cartridge 30,
A part of the locking plate 33 is formed as a release lever 33B protruding to the side of the cartridge, and when the release lever 33B is pressed down, the locking plate 33 is retracted downward against the bias of the tension spring 34. Can be done.

Therefore, the process cartridge 30 can be easily removed from the apparatus by opening the cover 35 and pushing down the release lever 33B and pulling the process cartridge 30 to the side opposite to the image transfer portion with the handle 30A.

If the process cartridge 30 is removed, only the relatively small upper cover 20 is opened to open both the transfer material transfer path and the upper part of the apparatus, so that operations such as jam processing can be easily performed. .

In addition, the replenishment of the toner to the toner replenishing section 21 is only required to open the small top cover 22, so that the operation is extremely simple.

〔The invention's effect〕

The present invention makes it possible to easily attach and detach a process cartridge while making the structure of the apparatus extremely simple, and as a result, operations such as maintenance of process materials and jam removal of transfer materials can be performed easily and quickly. Thus, a color image forming apparatus which is excellent in handleability and can always obtain a high quality image is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part thereof, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are arrangement views of a drive system gear and a side view of the main part. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photoreceptor belt, 6 ... Charger 8-11 ... Developing device, 8A-11A ... Developing sleeve 8B-11B, 8C-11C ... Stirring screw 13 ... Cleaning device 30 ... Process cartridge 31 ... … Rail member, 32… Guide member 33… Lock plate, 35… Cover 8GA-11GA, 8GB-11GC, 8GC-11GC… (Process cartridge side) Gears G1A-G4A, G1B-G4B, G5… (Main unit side) Gear

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masakazu Fukuchi 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Co., Ltd. Examiner Junichi Shimazaki Saki (56) References JP-A-2-15759 (JP, A) JP-A-2-165165 (JP, A) JP-A-1-155365 (JP, A) JP-A-61-279872 (JP, A) JP-A-58-169239 (JP, U) (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 13/01 G03G 15/01-15/01 117 G03G 15/00 550 G03G 21/16-21/18

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A color image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge including at least a belt-shaped image carrier and a plurality of developing units is detachably provided, wherein the process cartridge is capable of being taken out on a side opposite to a transfer unit. Are arranged in parallel in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge, and are provided in each of the plurality of developing devices when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A color image forming apparatus, wherein the gears mesh with respective drive gears arranged on the main body side and in parallel in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge.