JP3259056B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer material such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly, to a process unit for forming an image including an image carrier. And a detachable image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many methods and apparatuses have been proposed for obtaining a color image using electrophotography. For example, JP-A-61
As disclosed in JP-A-100770, a latent image is formed and developed in accordance with the number of color separations of a document image on a photosensitive drum as an image forming body, and transferred to a transfer drum each time development is performed. There is a method of obtaining a color copy by forming a multicolor image thereon and then transferring it onto a transfer material. The device according to this method is:
In addition to the photosensitive drum, it is necessary to provide a transfer drum large enough to transfer one image on the peripheral surface thereof, and it is inevitable that the apparatus has a large and complicated structure.

Further, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-149972, a latent image is formed and developed on a photosensitive drum in accordance with the number of color separations of an original image. To obtain a multicolored color copy. In this method, it is difficult to accurately superimpose multi-color images, and a high-quality color copy cannot be obtained.

Further, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum in accordance with the number of separated colors of the original image and development with color toner is repeated, and a color image is obtained by superimposing and transferring the color toner image on the photosensitive drum. There is a way. The basic process of forming a multicolor image is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
60-76766, 60-95456, 60-95458, 60-15847
No. 5 discloses this.

[0005] In a multicolor image forming apparatus in which a color image is obtained by such superposition, a plurality of developing devices accommodating color toners of different colors are arranged on the periphery of the photosensitive drum. Generally, the photosensitive drum is rotated a plurality of times to develop a latent image on the photosensitive drum to obtain a color image.

In particular, when the image forming apparatus is a color image forming apparatus, a plurality of developing units and a plurality of toner replenishing devices corresponding to the developing units are provided. It is extremely difficult to inspect, replace or replenish materials individually.

For this reason, the photosensitive member, the developing device, the cleaning member and the like are housed in an integral cartridge, and the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body in a unit state so that the cartridge can be detached from the apparatus main body by a simple operation when required for maintenance. The following structure is taken.

[0008]

However, when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, it is necessary to stabilize each material for the process to be accommodated at a predetermined set position and to secure a connection state with the drive system of the apparatus main body. .

Further, in an apparatus in which a toner supply section is provided on the apparatus main body side, a supply pipe section can be automatically connected and disconnected according to the attachment / detachment of a cartridge, and further, the toner spilling at that time is introduced into the apparatus. It is also necessary to take measures to prevent scatter.

The present invention has solved and improved the above points,
By installing the cartridge, each material for the process is correctly set to the position where image formation is possible, and it can be driven reliably, and the scattering and dropping of toner from the toner replenishing unit due to the attachment and detachment of the cartridge is effective. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which the image formation is prevented.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge having at least a photoreceptor and a developing device at a peripheral portion thereof, which can be moved along a guide provided in an apparatus main body. Open up,
In an image forming apparatus capable of performing jam processing by opening an upper lid, toner supply to the cartridge and the developing device is performed.
Is connected to the toner hopper by
The toner hopper is connected to the cartridge so that the cartridge can be moved from the image forming position to the position where the transfer area is opened, and the connection of the connecting means is released at the position where the transfer area is opened. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the cartridge can be removed from the apparatus main body along the guide while keeping the toner hopper in the same posture.

[0012]

1 to 4 show an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

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

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

Therefore, the photosensitive member on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 1 is always kept at a fixed position with respect 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 a charging means;
Denotes a laser writing unit as an image exposure means, and 8 to 11
Is a plurality of developing units or developing units each containing a developer of a specific color, and each of these image forming means is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 with the guide member 4 on the back side. Is done.

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 yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developer, and includes a developing sleeve for maintaining a predetermined gap from the photosensitive belt 1. It has a function of visualizing a latent image on the photoreceptor belt 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 charge removing bar, 13 denotes a cleaning unit, that is, a cleaning device. A blade 13A of the cleaning device 13 and a toner conveying roller 13B are separated from the surface of the photosensitive belt 1 during image formation. It is pressed against the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 as shown in FIG.

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 this 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 inputted to a recording unit, for example, a 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 system unit 7, the laser writing system unit 7 generates a color signal by a semiconductor laser (not shown). The laser beam is rotated by a driving motor 7A, a polygon mirror 7B
, And the optical path is bent by mirrors 7D, 7E, and 7F via an fθ lens 7C, and projected on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 to which electric charges are previously applied by a charger 6 serving as a charging means, thereby forming a bright line. I do.

On the other hand, when the scanning is started, the beam is detected by the index sensor, the modulation of the beam by the first color signal is started, and the modulated beam scans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 1. 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 the developing device 8 loaded with yellow (Y) toner (visual medium) of the developing means, and a toner image is formed on the drum surface. The obtained toner image is held on the drum surface and is separated from the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 by a cleaning device as cleaning means.
Pass under 13 and enter 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 section is input to the writing system unit 7, and the above-described first color signal is output. In the same manner as in the above case, writing is performed on the drum surface to form a latent image. The latent image is developed as a second color by a developing device 9 loaded with magenta (M) toner.

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 belt surface based on a control signal generated by a signal processing unit.

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 AC bias is applied to each sleeve of each of these developing units 8, 9, 10 and 11, and a jumping development is performed by a two-component developer as a visualizing means, and the photosensitive member whose substrate 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 a paper feed cassette 14 via a paper feed guide 15 at a transfer section.

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

The transfer material having undergone image transfer and static elimination is surely separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 which suddenly changes its direction along the rotating roller 2, and is upwardly moved via a suction type conveyance belt 17A. In the opposite direction, the image is welded by the fixing roller 18, and then discharged onto a tray formed on the upper lid 20 via the 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 in the cleaning device 13 in which the blade 13A and the toner conveying roller 13B are pressed against each other. Then, the blade 13A is separated again. After a short time, the toner conveying roller 13B smoothes the toner accumulated on the tip of the blade 13A, and then the toner conveying roller 13B is separated to start a new image forming process.

The photoreceptor belt 1 has an independent color process cartridge 30 as a process material for image formation together with a charger 6 and respective developing devices disposed opposite the lower peripheral edge and a cleaning device 13 disposed at a lateral end. And is integrated into and removed from the apparatus body.

The color process cartridge 30 is further provided with a waste toner cartridge 30
The waste toner cartridge 30B has a function of collecting the waste toner removed by cleaning.

The color process cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3 showing an AA cross section, a pedestal 50 which is slidably supported by engaging a leg 50A on the bottom surface with a pair of fixed guide rails 40 inside the apparatus.
Is provided, and the color process cartridge 30 is provided.
Is mounted on the gantry 50 and stored in the apparatus.

The gantry 50 is formed integrally with a rack plate 51 which meshes with a pinion P of a motor M on the apparatus main body side. The rotation of the motor M causes a tilt angle when viewed from the insertion direction as shown in FIG. Slant and slide mounted.

Accordingly, the process cartridge 30 strongly urges the built-in process materials to their respective set positions by their own weight at the mounting position, and further, gears G1, G2, etc. connected to each process material are driven by the drive gears on the apparatus body side. , The image is formed by smooth rotation transmission without power loss.

As a result of actual use, the inclination angle of the process cartridge 30 is suitably in a range of at least 5 ° and not more than 25 °, and is determined in consideration of the own weight of the cartridge 30, the output of the motor M, and the like. It is desirable.

Further, toner supply hoppers 80, 90, 100, and 110 for supplying toner to the developing units 8, 9, 10, and 11, respectively, are provided above the process cartridge 30.

Each of the toner supply hoppers is mounted in an integrated state on a support base 60 fixed to the apparatus main body, and each of the supply pipes 80A, 90A, 100A and 110A containing a transport screw.
Is connected to each developing device via a connecting portion.

As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion includes an upper connecting plate PA to which the supply pipes 80A, 90A, 100A and 110A are fixed, and supply pipes 8A, 9A, 10A and 11A on the developing device side.
And the lower connection plate PB to which the toner cartridges 8 are fixed. The lower connection plate PB moves as the process cartridge 30 is attached and detached.
B and 11B are toner outlets 80B, 90 on the side of the upper connecting plate PA.
The toner is replenished in accordance with B, 100B, and 110B, or the toner is retreated and the replenishment is interrupted.

Each of the above-mentioned toner drop openings is provided on a guide rail 1001.
And shutter plate 1 slidably supported by 1002A and 1002B
Covered by 000.

The shutter plate 1000 has four shutter holes 10 at equal intervals corresponding to the toner drop openings.
00A is open, but each of the toner drop ports is always closed without being matched with the toner drop port by the urging of the tension spring 1003 in the direction opposite to the arrow.

On the other hand, each of the toner receiving ports is provided with a guide rail.
It is covered by a shutter plate 2000 slidably supported by 2001, 2002A, and 2002B.

Four shutter holes 2000A are opened in the shutter plate 2000 at equal intervals corresponding to the respective toner receiving ports, but they are aligned with the respective toner receiving ports by urging in the direction of the arrow by the tension spring 2003. Each toner receiving port is always closed without performing the operation.

When the process cartridge 30 is mounted at a fixed position in the apparatus main assembly, the connecting plate PB is slid in the direction of the arrow and is located immediately below the connecting plate PA, whereby the spring on the connecting plate PB side is moved. Hanging pin 2004 is connecting plate PA
The rising portion 1004 of the shutter plate 1000 on the side is pressed to slide the shutter plate 1000, and the shutter hole 1000A is brought into an open state in accordance with each toner drop opening.
The rising portion 2005 of the shutter plate 2000 on the connecting plate PB side is pressed by the spring hook pin 1005 on the connecting plate PA side, and
00 slides, the shutter holes 2000 are aligned with the respective toner receiving openings, and the toner is replenished in an open state.

Further, a compression spring 11 is attached to the connection plate PA.
A lock pin 1100 urged downward by 01, while a lock hole 2100 is provided in the lower connecting plate PB,
At a position where each of the toner receiving ports coincides with each of the toner drop ports, the lock pin 1100 engages with the lock hole 2100, and the upper and lower connecting plates PA and PB are integrated.

When the process cartridge 30 is moved rightward by the operation of the motor M so as to open the transfer area of the photoreceptor belt 1 in order to remove a transfer material, the upper and lower connecting plates PA and PB are integrated. Each of the toner supply hoppers 80, 90, 100 and 110 is connected to the support table 60 as shown in FIG.
After sliding up and moving in parallel, the end is
The operation of the motor M is stopped at the position where the motor M is brought into contact with the end surface of the cartridge, and the removal of the process cartridge 30 to the outside of the apparatus is prohibited.

Therefore, by opening the upper cover 20 counterclockwise with the support shaft 20A as a fulcrum, it is possible to clear the transfer material without disconnecting the toner supply hoppers. The toner is prevented from falling and scattering due to the release.

Further, from the state shown in FIG.
When the lock pin 1100 is pulled up via the knob 1102 on the upper side thereof to release the engagement with the lock hole 2100 of the lower connecting plate PB, the toner supply hoppers can be integrally taken out of the apparatus, and the process can be performed. The cartridge 30 can be further moved rightward, so that the motor M
By actuating, the process cartridge 30 can be moved to a position where it can be manually pulled out.

In parallel with the rightward movement of the process cartridge 30 from the position shown in FIG. 2, the shutter plates 1000 and 2000 of the upper and lower connecting plates PA and PB start operating, and The outflow of toner is prevented by closing the toner drop port and the toner receiving port.

When the process cartridge 30 is to be mounted again on the apparatus main body, the respective toner supply hoppers are placed on the support table 60 shown in FIG. Due to the connection operation between the upper connecting plate PA and the lower connecting plate PB, the toner supply to each developing unit is restarted again at the storage position.

[0053]

According to the present invention, the process cartridge can be moved and retracted while the toner supply system for each developing device is connected when opening the image transfer area, and as a result, it is possible to carry out daily processing such as jam processing. Thus, an image forming apparatus having excellent handleability, which can perform maintenance easily and does not cause contamination due to toner leakage, has been provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement position of a process cartridge in the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connection mechanism with a toner supply hopper.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photoreceptor belt 6 ... Charging device 8, 9, 10, 11 ... Developing device 12 ... Transfer device 13 ... Cleaning device 30 ... Process cartridge 40 ... Guide rail 50 ... Stand 60 ... Support base 80, 90, 100, 110 ... Toner supply hopper 1000 , 2000… Shutter plate PA (PB)… Upper (lower)
Connecting plate

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masakazu Fukuchi Examiner, Konica Co., Ltd., 2970, Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Masahisa Kunida (56) References JP-A-60-95552 (JP, A) Hei 4-142562 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/00 550 G03G 21/16-21/18 G03G 15/08

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A process cartridge having at least a photoreceptor and a developing unit at a peripheral portion thereof is movable along a guide provided in an apparatus main body, and the transfer area is opened by the movement of the cartridge. In an image forming apparatus capable of performing a process, toner is supplied to the cartridge and the developing device.
Connected to the hopper with a connecting means that allows contact and separation
The toner hopper is connected to the cartridge so that the cartridge can be moved from the image forming position to the position where the transfer area is opened, and the connection of the connecting means is released at the position where the transfer area is opened. Thus, the cartridge can be removed from the apparatus main body along the guide while keeping the toner hopper in the same posture.