JP3714161B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional printer (image forming apparatus). In FIG. 1, a printer apparatus 1 includes a roof 2 which is an upper part of the apparatus main body and a lower part 3 of the apparatus main body. The roof 2 is provided with a paper discharge port 5 for discharging paper on its upper surface and a paper discharge tray 6 on which the discharged paper is stacked. A paper cassette 8 that is detachable from the front cover 7 and the lower part 3 of the apparatus body is disposed, and an MPF tray 9 (multi-paper feeder: general-purpose paper feed tray) that can be stored in the lower part 3 of the apparatus body is disposed on the right side surface thereof. An operation display unit 4 for inputting information to the printer device 1 and displaying the status of the printer device 1 is provided on the right side of the upper surface.
[0003]
In the printer apparatus 1, the roof 2 is opened in the direction of arrow B around the rotation axis A when performing operations such as jam handling and maintenance. FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional configuration when the above-described printer device 1 is opened, and also shows an internal structure thereof. As shown in the figure, the printer apparatus 1 has a detachable paper cassette 8, a paper feed roll 12 that sequentially feeds the sheets stacked and stored in the paper cassette 8, and temporarily waits for the fed paper. A pair of standby rolls 13 that are sent to the image forming unit 11 at a predetermined timing, a fixing device 14 that fixes the toner image on the paper, and a paper discharge roll pair 18 that discharges the fixed paper to the outside of the apparatus (drive roll 18a and driven roll 18b). ), And the above-described operation display unit 4 for performing various settings and status display on the printer apparatus 1.
[0004]
In the image forming unit 11, the charger 25 charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 23 with a uniform charge, and the print head 26 selectively selects the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 23 based on the print data. Exposure is performed, a low potential portion is formed by the exposure, and an electrostatic latent image composed of the initial charging potential and the exposure low potential portion is recorded on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 23. The developing device 27 transfers the internal toner to the low potential portion of the photosensitive drum 23 via the developing roll 27a, and visualizes (develops) the electrostatic latent image. The transfer device 28 transfers the toner image on the photoconductive drum 23 to the surface of the conveyed paper by an electric field having a reverse polarity.
[0005]
Of the image forming unit 11, the photosensitive drum 23, the charger 25, the developing device 27, the transfer device 28, the cleaner 24, and the like are provided in the lower portion 3 of the apparatus main body, and the print head 26 is a roof that is an upper portion of the apparatus main body. 2 is provided.
Here, the roof 2 is configured to be openable and closable in the direction of arrow B with the hinge portion 15 as a fulcrum with respect to the apparatus main body lower portion 3. At this time, the print head 26 and the follower roll 18b described above are opened and closed together with the roof 2. The roof 2 shown by a solid line in the figure shows a closed state, and the roof 2 shown by a dotted line shows an opened state.
[0006]
On the other hand, most of the image forming unit 11 constitutes a cartridge C that is detachable with respect to the lower part 3 of the apparatus main body, which includes a first cartridge C1 in which a photosensitive drum 23, a cleaner 24, and the like are integrated, and a developing unit. The cartridge 7 and the like can be divided and combined with the second cartridge C2 formed by integrating the cartridge 7 and the like, and these cartridges C1 and C2 can be freely attached to and detached from a predetermined mounting portion of the lower part 3 of the apparatus body with the roof 2 opened. For example, maintenance such as maintenance and inspection such as replacement of these cartridges and supply of consumables is performed due to deterioration of the photosensitive member or toner consumption.
[0007]
Today, color printer devices (color image forming devices) are widely used, and various methods are used for color printing. For example, there is a system in which a plurality of developing devices are arranged in the vicinity of the peripheral surface of one photosensitive drum, and toner images are sequentially formed on the drum surface (method (A)). There is also a method using a drum-shaped intermediate transfer medium (method (b)), and a method in which a plurality of image forming units are arranged in a predetermined direction to form a toner image directly on a sheet (so-called tandem method). ) Is also present.
[0008]
Of these, the method (a) requires the use of a photoconductor drum having a large shape, which reduces the printing speed. In the method (b), since an intermediate transfer medium is used, the shape becomes large. Therefore, a tandem color printer that has excellent printing speed and less problems in terms of shape is promising. In this type of printer, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) image forming units are used.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The image forming unit 11 is a consumable item and needs to be replaced periodically. In this case, in the conventional image forming apparatus, for example, even when only the first cartridge C1 constituting the image forming unit 11 is replaced (because the life is different from the cartridge C2), first, the image forming unit 11 is installed. An image forming unit that is removed from the apparatus main body (with the cartridges C1 and C2 being combined), divided into cartridges C1 and C2, leaving the cartridge C2 and combining this with a new cartridge C1. The work which requires the trouble of mounting | wearing 11 with an apparatus main body was required. In particular, in the case of a tandem type color printer, since four image forming units are used, much labor is required.
[0010]
Further, since the cartridges C1 and C2 have waste toner inside, it is necessary to prevent the toner from scattering when the cartridge C1 or C2 is replaced. Also, an exchange structure in which a part of the cartridge comes into contact with the airframe by the cartridge exchange operation must be avoided.
[0011]
It is an object of the present invention to efficiently perform maintenance work, and to easily and surely configure an image forming unit having a toner recovery mechanism at the time of replacement work, and to prevent toner scattering during replacement of the cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that does not damage a portion.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit in which an apparatus main body is divided into an upper body and a lower body so that the apparatus body can be opened and closed, and a part of the structure of the apparatus is unitized in the upper body when opened. In the image forming apparatus in which the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit constituting the first and second sub-units can be inserted and removed, the main body of the image forming apparatus is configured so that the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are independently in a substantially horizontal direction. Sub-unit insertion / removal means for inserting / removing the first sub-unit, the first sub-unit includes first connection means, and the second sub-unit includes second connection means. 2 sub-units are mutually connected / disconnected by the first connecting means and the second connecting means.EnableAnd a waste toner collecting means at the time of mutual connection, wherein the second connecting means of the second sub unit is connected to the first connecting means of the first sub unit. And a connection release position for releasing the connection of the first sub unit in the substantially horizontal direction and releasing the connection with the first connecting means.Means for biasing in the direction of the connecting positionThis can be achieved by providing an image forming apparatus.
[0013]
The image forming apparatus has a configuration in which the first sub unit and the second sub unit constituting the image forming unit can be separately inserted and removed in a substantially horizontal direction. Here, the image forming unit has a waste toner collecting mechanism for transporting and collecting waste toner from which unnecessary toner is removed after printing in the first sub unit from the first sub unit to the second sub unit. After the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are separately inserted into the apparatus main body, the waste toner collecting mechanism of the waste toner collecting mechanism is opened particularly by opening a conveyance path for passing the waste toner from the first sub-unit to the second sub-unit. It is necessary to establish functions. According to the above image forming apparatus, the first sub unit and the second sub unit can be connected to each other by a simple operation by the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit. Accordingly, the conveyance path is opened to constitute a waste toner collecting mechanism.
[0014]
  As a result, maintenance work can be performed efficiently, and an image forming unit including a toner recovery mechanism can be easily and reliably configured during replacement work.
  AndSince a force that constantly biases the second connecting means of the second sub unit in the direction of the connecting position is acting, the connection between the first connecting means and the second connecting means is released, and the second connecting means When releasing the toner, a strong force does not act in the releasing direction, and the toner is prevented from scattering.
[0019]
Claim4The invention described is the above claim.3In the invention described above, the second connecting means includes first locking means for preventing rotation of the fitting portion, and the first connecting means is connected to the second connecting means by the first connecting means. The first lock release means for releasing the lock by the lock means is provided.
[0024]
Further, after the first sub unit or the second sub unit is mounted on the apparatus, the second connecting means always returns to the connecting position with the first connecting means by the biasing force. The second connecting means provided in the unit protrudes from the apparatus and is not damaged when, for example, the upper airframe is closed.
[0025]
  Claim2The invention described is the above claim.1In the invention described above, the first sub unit includes at least an image carrier and a toner removing unit that removes toner remaining on the image carrier after printing, and the first connecting unit includes the toner removing unit. A waste toner discharge port for discharging the waste toner obtained by the means, and a first shutter for opening and closing the waste toner discharge port.
[0026]
  Claim3The invention described is the above claim.1 or 2In the invention described above, the second connecting means includes a waste toner receiving port that receives waste toner discharged from the waste toner discharge port of the first sub unit, and a second shutter that opens and closes the waste toner receiving port. And a fitting portion that fits with the first connecting means, and an operation portion that rotates the fitting portion, and the second sub unit receives waste toner received from the waste toner receiving port. Waste toner conveying / accumulating means for conveying and accumulating the waste toner, and the waste toner collecting means is constituted by the waste toner conveying / accumulating means, the first connecting means, and the second connecting means, and the fitting portion When the fitting portion is rotated by the operation of the operation portion after being fitted with the first connecting means, the second shutter is opened and the first connecting means is rotated in conjunction with the fitting portion. Thus, the first shutter is opened.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows an example of a so-called tandem color printer, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus of this example is a printer for duplex printing. In the figure, a printer device 31 is connected to a host device such as a personal computer by a cable (not shown).
[0028]
The printer apparatus 31 includes an apparatus main body upper part 32 and an apparatus main body lower part 33, an operation panel 34 is disposed on the apparatus main body upper part 2, and a print paper discharge unit 35 is formed on the upper surface. The operation panel 34 includes a key operation unit 34a having a plurality of keys and a liquid crystal display 34b that performs display based on display information output from a CPU (not shown). Further, a print output created by an image forming unit, which will be described later, is discharged to the paper discharge unit 35 by the rotation of the paper discharge roll 36 and is sequentially stacked on the paper discharge unit 35.
[0029]
Further, a transport unit for double-sided printing and a paper feed cassette (not shown) are disposed in the lower part 33 of the apparatus main body. For example, by opening a cover (not shown) provided on the side surface of the printer device 31, In this configuration, the printing transport unit can be attached and detached. Further, the apparatus main body lower portion 33 is provided with a front cover 37 that can be opened and closed on the front surface thereof and a paper feed cassette 38 that is detachable from the apparatus main body lower portion 33. For example, the front cover 37 is opened for jam processing, maintenance, or the like.
[0030]
Also, an MPF tray (multi-paper feed tray) mounting portion 39 and a cover 40 are provided on the right side surface of the apparatus main body lower portion 33. However, the MPF tray is not attached to the attachment portion 39 in FIG. In addition, the cover 40 is a cover for checking the paper conveyance path. In this embodiment, the cover 40 is opened to perform maintenance such as paper jam.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer device 31 showing a state in which the front cover 37 and the cover 40 are opened. Further, as described above, the paper feed cassette 38 is housed in the lowermost stage of the printer device 31 of this example. When paper is supplied to the paper feed cassette 38, for example, the paper feed cassette 38 is pulled by pulling the handle 38a toward the front. Can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the printer device 31 having the above-described appearance. In FIG. 1, the printer device 31 includes an image forming unit 41, a duplex printing transport unit 42, and a paper feed unit 43. Here, the image forming unit 41 has a configuration in which four image forming units 44 to 47 are juxtaposed in the direction of the arrow, and magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow ( Y) and black (K) in this order. The magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) image forming units 44 to 46 are configured to perform color printing by subtractive color mixing, and the black (K) image forming unit 47 is monochrome printing. Used for.
[0033]
Each of the image forming units 44 to 46 includes a drum set C1 and a toner set C2, and has the same configuration except for the developer (color) stored in the developing container. Therefore, the configuration will be described using the image forming unit 46 for yellow (Y) as an example. The drum set C1 houses a photosensitive drum 50, a charger 51a, a cleaner 51e, and the like, and a print head 51b is disposed above the drum set C1. The toner set C2 contains a developing roll 51c and toner. Further, the toner set C2 is provided with a movable connecting mechanism which will be described later, thereby reliably connecting the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 without interfering with the insertion and removal of the drum set C1. An image forming unit having a toner recovery mechanism can be configured. This will be described in detail later.
[0034]
The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is made of, for example, an organic photoconductive material. In the vicinity of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50, a charger 51a, a print head 51b, a developing roll 51c, a transfer unit 51d, and a cleaner 51e are provided. They are arranged sequentially. The photosensitive drum 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow. First, the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is uniformly charged by applying a charge from the charger 51a. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 by optical writing based on print information from the print head 51b, and a toner image is formed by development processing by the developing roll 51c. At this time, the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is made of yellow (Y) toner stored in the developing container 51c. The toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 in this way reaches the position of the transfer roll 51d as the photosensitive drum 50 rotates in the arrow direction, and immediately below the photosensitive drum 50 in the arrow direction. Transferred to moving paper.
[0035]
The drum set C1 (first sub unit) and the toner set C2 (second sub unit) constituting each of the image forming units 44 to 46 are configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. This can be inserted and removed independently by the unit mounting portion 63. The unit mounting portion 63 is inserted into the part while sliding the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 in a substantially horizontal direction. It has a rail shape for removing. Further, the print head 51b is disposed in a space inside the unit mounting portion 63 in terms of position.
[0036]
On the other hand, the paper is transported by the paper feed cassette 38, the standby roll 52, the transport belt 53, the drive roll 54, etc. constituting the paper feed unit 43. The unloaded paper is sent to the standby roll 52 and further sent onto the conveying belt 53 at a timing coincident with the toner image and reaches each transfer portion 51d. Then, the toner image is transferred in each transfer portion 51 d, and the sheet on which the toner image is transferred moves on the conveyance belt 53 in the direction of the arrow according to the movement of the conveyance belt 53, and a heat fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 56. .
[0037]
In addition to the yellow (Y) toner image, not only the yellow (Y) toner image but also the magenta (M) and cyan (C) toner images transferred by the drum set C1 are transferred to the upper surface of the paper, and follow the subtractive color mixture described above. The color is printed.
The above-mentioned paper includes not only the paper carried out from the paper feed cassette 38 but also the paper fed from the MPF tray 39 ′. In this case, the paper is carried in by the paper feed roller 39a and is fed by the above-mentioned path. Printing processing is performed.
[0038]
The fixing unit 56 includes heat rolls 56a and 56b and a cleaning roll 56c. While the paper is nipped and conveyed between the heat rolls 56a and 56b, for example, a plurality of color toner images transferred onto the paper are transferred. Melt and heat fix on paper. The cleaning roll 56c has a function of applying release oil to the peripheral surface of the heat roll 56a and removing toner remaining on the heat roll 56a. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 56 is conveyed upward or leftward on the sheet surface via the switching plate 61.
[0039]
On the other hand, the duplex printing transport unit 42 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, and is a unit to be mounted when duplex printing is performed by the printer device 31 of this example, and a plurality of transport rolls 60a to 60e are disposed therein. Has been. In the case of duplex printing, the sheet is once sent upward by the switching plate 61. For example, when the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the transport roll 62, the transport of the sheet is stopped and the sheet is transported in the opposite direction. By this control, the sheet is conveyed downward on the left side of the switching unit 61 set at the position indicated by the dotted line, is carried into the sheet conveyance path of the duplex printing conveyance unit 42, and is conveyed by the conveyance rolls 60a to 60e. It reaches the standby roll 52 and is sent to the transfer unit at the same timing as the toner image as described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back side of the paper.
[0040]
In FIG. 3, FR frames (FR frames 65a and 65b provided on the left and right sides of the color printer 31) which are part of a mechanism for opening and closing the apparatus main body upper part 32 substantially horizontally with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33 are shown. Only the position is shown.
In the printer apparatus 31 of this example, the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened and closed substantially horizontally with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33 to perform maintenance work and the like.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened. As shown in the figure, the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened while maintaining a substantially horizontal position with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33. Therefore, at the time of opening, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be inserted and removed in a substantially horizontal direction.
[0042]
Thereby, when exchanging the drum set C1, as shown in FIG. 5, the drum set C1 is pulled out and a new drum set C1 is inserted. Similarly, when the toner set C2 is replaced, as shown in FIG. 6, the toner set C2 is pulled out and a new toner set C2 is inserted. Therefore, according to this example, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be easily replaced.
[0043]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body independently. Thus, for example, when the toner set C2 is replaced, it is only necessary to remove and replace the toner set C2, so that the conventional labor is not required and the work efficiency such as maintenance can be improved.
[0044]
By the way, even if the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be independently replaced, the image forming unit is not configured only by inserting them into the apparatus main body. An image forming unit is configured by connecting the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 into the apparatus main body and connecting them. This relates to the waste toner recovery mechanism. That is, the image forming unit includes a waste toner collecting mechanism that functions by connecting the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 to each other. By this waste toner collecting mechanism, the drum set C1 is printed by the cleaner 51e or the like. After the toner (waste toner) remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is removed later, the waste toner can be transported to the toner set C2 side and stored. Therefore, after the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are inserted into the apparatus main body, in addition to connecting the two, it is necessary to form a waste toner collecting mechanism. In this example, each of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 Are provided with an interconnecting mechanism (the configuration on the drum set C1 side is referred to as a first connecting portion and the configuration on the toner set C2 side is referred to as a second connecting portion) that can be connected to each other and constitute the waste toner collecting mechanism. Due to the configuration of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2, the interconnection mechanism is provided at one of both ends in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. The movable connecting mechanism 70) is movable (rotatable) as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C so as not to obstruct insertion / removal of the drum set C1.
[0045]
First, immediately after the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are inserted into the apparatus main body (or when the connection between the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 is released in order to remove the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 from the apparatus main body), the state shown in FIG. It has become. The movable connecting mechanism 70 of the toner set C2 is connected to the main body of the toner set C2 by a rotary connecting portion 71 (bearing, ring, etc.) so as to be freely rotatable (rotate in the direction indicated by a paper surface and an arrow). When the connection with C1 is released (due to the urging force of the spring 76), as shown in FIG. 7A, the drum set C1 is in a position that does not interfere with insertion / removal (hereinafter referred to as an open position). The movable connecting mechanism 70 includes the second connecting portion and the like, and the second connecting portion is roughly divided into a TS shutter operation portion 72 and a joint portion 73. For example, when an operator or the like manually rotates the movable connecting mechanism 70 from the position shown in FIG. 7A to the position shown in FIG. 7B against the biasing force of the spring 76, the joint portion 73 is moved to the drum. Fits with the DS shutter 69 of the set C1. In this state, when the operator or the like further turns the TS shutter operation unit 72 by about 90 degrees in the clockwise direction, the state shown in FIG. In this way, although not particularly illustrated, the DS shutter and the TS shutter are opened, and the toner conveyance path from the drum set C1 side to the toner set C2 side is opened. Waste toner obtained by the cleaner 51e on the drum set C1 side is discharged from the discharge port of the DS shutter 69, and this waste toner passes through the TS shutter to the toner set C2 side, and further passes through the toner transport tube 74. Then, it is conveyed to a toner collection bag (not shown). A guide 64 having a substantially 1/4 circular U-shaped groove is provided on the drum set C1 side, and part of the configuration of the TS shutter operation unit 72 engages with the U-shaped groove of this guide. When there is a latching claw 72a and the TS shutter operation portion starts to rotate in the clockwise direction from the state shown in FIG. 7 (b), the latching claw 72a is engaged with the U-shaped groove along the guide 64 (above 1 / 4) Along the circle. Thus, the guide 64 enables accurate positioning when connecting the drum set C1 and the toner set C2. Then, when the TS shutter operation unit 72 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 7C, the lock state is established, and the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are securely connected.
[0046]
The drum set C1 and the toner set C2 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C and FIGS. 8 to 12 described below are not particularly shown / explained, but a unit mounting portion of the apparatus main body. 63 is in a state of being loosely inserted into the rail-shaped portion of 63. That is, the drum set C1 is inserted by the operator or the like with its protruding portion 66a and DS stay 67 being hung on the rail of the unit mounting portion 63 and sliding on the rail in a substantially horizontal direction. Similarly, the toner set C2 is inserted while an operator or the like places the protruding portions 75a and 75b on the rail of the unit mounting portion 63, and the protruding portion 66a slides on the rail in a substantially horizontal direction.
[0047]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the movable coupling mechanism 70 in the state shown in FIG.
In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to those already described in FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c). In the figure, the movable connecting mechanism 70 of the toner set C2 and the DS shutter 69 of the drum set C1 will be particularly shown and described in detail.
[0048]
As described above, the movable connecting mechanism 70 of the toner set C2 has the casing 75 rotatably connected to the main body of the toner set C2 by the rotation connecting portion 71 (bearing, ring, etc.). A second connecting portion is fixed to the upper surface, and the second connecting portion is roughly composed of a TS shutter operation portion 72 and a joint portion 73. Further, for example, a coil (not shown) is spirally formed in a deformable tube such as a silicon tube, and the toner transport tube 74 configured to transport the toner by rotating the coil includes the second connecting portion. A toner collection bag (not shown) in the main body of the toner set C2 is provided from the bottom through the ring of the rotation connecting portion 71.
[0049]
In the second connecting portion of the movable connecting mechanism 70, the joint portion 73 includes an outer cylindrical portion 73a, an inner cylindrical portion 73b, a waste toner receiving port 73c, a TS shutter opening 73d, an engaging claw 73e, and a DS as shown in the figure. It comprises a shutter / unlock unit 73f. The outer cylindrical portion 73 a is fixed to the casing 75 of the movable coupling mechanism 70, and a waste toner receiving port 73 c is opened in a part of the outer cylindrical portion 73 a, and the waste toner receiving port 73 c is open to the toner transport tube 74. are doing. Further, a TS shutter opening 73d is opened in the inner cylindrical portion 73b. When the TS shutter opening 73d comes to a position facing the waste toner receiving port 73c by a rotation operation described later, the waste toner receiving port 73c. Will be open. Opening and closing the waste toner receiving port 73c by rotating the inner cylindrical portion 73b in this manner is hereinafter referred to as opening and closing the TS shutter. The inner cylindrical portion 73b is integral with the TS shutter operation portion 72. For example, at the time of manufacture, the inner cylindrical portion 73b integral with the TS shutter operation portion 72 is inserted into the outer cylindrical portion 73a, and then rotated by the engaging claw 73e. It is engaged in a movable state. However, in the state shown in the figure, it is impossible to rotate the TS shutter operation unit 72 by a TS shutter lock mechanism described later. When the operator or the like manually rotates the movable connecting mechanism 70 from the state shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 9, the DS shutter / unlocking unit 73f is accompanied by a DS shutter (not shown) of the drum set C1. A notch having a shape that can be unlocked is provided in the joint portion 73. This will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0050]
On the other hand, the DS shutter 69 of the drum set C1 includes a rib 69a, a TS shutter / unlock part 69b, a DS shutter opening part 69c, and the like, and a projection (not shown) (a DS shutter lock mechanism described later with reference to FIG. 11). A protrusion 69d) related to the above. Note that a configuration in which the DS shutter 69 includes a stopper 68 described later is referred to as a first connecting portion.
[0051]
When the DS shutter 69 is inserted into the joint portion 73 by closing the movable connecting mechanism 70 (the state shown in FIG. 9), the rib 69a is fitted in a groove (not shown) provided in the joint portion 73. To do. As a result, the rib 69a is rotated together with the rotation of the TS shutter operation unit 72, and the DS shutter 69 is rotated. Although not particularly shown, the DS shutter 69 includes a cylinder fixed to the drum set C1 main body, and a waste toner discharge port (not shown) is formed below the cylinder. As a result, when the rib 69a is rotated and the DS shutter 69 is rotated so that the DS shutter opening 69c moves to a lower position, that is, a position facing the waste toner discharge port, the waste toner in the drum set C1 is removed. It becomes a state where it can be discharged to the outside (hereinafter referred to as the DS shutter open state, on the contrary, the state before the rib 69a is turned is the DS shutter closed).
[0052]
In the state of FIG. 8, for example, even if the rib 69a is gripped and rotated, it is blocked by the DS shutter lock mechanism described later. The TS shutter / lock release unit 69b is configured to release a TS shutter lock mechanism described later when the movable coupling mechanism 70 is closed. The DS shutter 69 is in a DS shutter closed state in FIG. 8 so that waste toner does not spill out from the waste toner discharge port. When the movable connecting mechanism 70 is closed and the TS shutter operation unit 72 is operated, the TS shutter is opened as described above, and the DS shutter is opened in conjunction with the toner from the drum set C1 side to the toner set C2 side. The conveyance path which conveys is opened. Of course, the waste toner discharge port is provided so as to face the waste toner receiving port 73c when the DS shutter 69 is inserted into the joint portion 73.
[0053]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the movable coupling mechanism 70 in the state shown in FIG.
In the state shown in FIG. 9, the DS shutter lock and the TS shutter lock are automatically released as described above. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, but this makes it possible to rotate the TS shutter operation unit 72. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 9, the engaging claw 72a of the TS shutter operation unit 72 is in a position where it can be engaged with the U-shaped groove of the guide 64. From this state, the TS shutter operation unit 72 is rotated in the clockwise direction. The TS claw operating portion 72 can be rotated about 90 degrees along the guide 64 (including the inner cylindrical portion 73b) while the engaging claw 72a engages with the U-shaped groove of the guide 64. FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 10, as described above, the DS shutter and the TS shutter are opened in conjunction with each other, and the conveyance path for conveying the toner from the drum set C1 side to the toner set C2 side is opened. In addition, when an operator etc. remove | release a hand in the state shown in FIG. 9, the movable connection mechanism 70 will be opened with the urging | biasing force of the spring 76 (it will be in the state shown in FIG. 8).
[0054]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a DS shutter lock release method.
The DS shutter 69 has a protrusion 69d, and a stopper 68 is normally in contact with the protrusion 69d as shown in FIG. 6A. From this, the DS shutter 69 rotates in the clockwise direction. Blocked (locked). The DS shutter 69 cannot be rotated in the counterclockwise direction from the state shown in FIG. The stopper 68 bends when an external force (stress) is applied upward or downward on the paper surface, and returns to its original state (has a shape recovery force) when the external force is removed. In the process of closing the movable connecting mechanism 70, the DS shutter / unlocking portion 73f of the second connecting portion is configured to apply an upward stress while contacting from the lower side of the stopper 68. As a result, the stopper 68 is bent upward as shown in FIG. 4B, and the DS shutter is unlocked.
[0055]
FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the DS shutter in FIG. FIG. 8C shows a cylinder 78 inside the DS shutter 69 described in FIG. 8 and a waste toner discharge port 78a opened below the cylinder 78. In the drawing, the DS shutter 69 and the cylinder 78 are separated from each other, but this is for easy understanding. The inner side of the DS shutter 69 and the outer side of the cylinder 78 are in contact with each other. It turns to slide against.
[0056]
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a TS shutter / unlocking method.
A TS shutter / lock member 77 is provided at the joint portion 73 of the second connecting portion of the movable connecting mechanism 70 as shown in FIG. The TS shutter lock member 77 has, for example, the shape shown in FIG. 2B, and includes a plate spring 77a and a protrusion 77b provided at one end of the plate spring 77a. On the other hand, in the joint portion 73, as shown in FIG. 5A, the protrusion 77b can be inserted into and removed from a part of the inner cylindrical portion 73b, and the TS shutter / unlock portion 69b of the DS shutter 69. A slit 73g that can be inserted and removed while sliding is provided. As a result, when the joint portion 73 is normal (when the DS shutter 69 is not inserted), the inner cylindrical portion 73b cannot be rotated by the protrusion 77b even if the TS shutter operation portion 72 is rotated. ing. When the DS shutter 69 is inserted into the joint portion 73, the TS shutter / unlock portion 69b of the DS shutter 69 slides toward the inside of the joint portion 73 while being inserted into the cutout portion 73g. When it hits against the portion 77b, the protruding portion 77b is pushed to the position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. As a result, the TS shutter lock is released, and the operation of rotating the TS shutter operation unit 72 can be performed. At this time, since the DS shutter 69 also rotates in conjunction with the inner cylindrical portion 73b, the TS shutter / unlocking portion 69b does not obstruct the rotation of the inner cylindrical portion 73b. Further, since the leaf spring 77a of the TS shutter / lock member 77 has a shape restoring force, when the DS shutter 69 is pulled out from the joint portion 73, the projection 77b returns to the original position and the TS shutter is locked again.
[0057]
With the configuration described above, the replacement work of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be easily performed, and the connections between the sets can be easily and reliably performed.
<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0058]
FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining a main part of the toner set C2 for explaining the present embodiment. In this example as well, the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, and in this example, the configuration of the movable connecting mechanism 70 for rotating the TS shutter is different.
[0059]
As described above, the movable connecting mechanism 70 is connected to the toner set C2 by the rotating connecting portion 71, and is attached to be rotatable in the arrow direction shown in FIG. Further, as described above, the movable connecting mechanism 70 includes a TS shutter operation unit 72, a joint unit 73, an outer cylindrical unit 73a, an inner cylindrical unit 73b, a waste toner receiving port 73c, a TS shutter opening unit 73d, and a engagement member. A claw 73e and the like are formed and engaged with the DS shutter 69. In addition, the movable connecting mechanism 70 of this example is provided with a pressing portion (push portion) 70 a described later, and is operated when the TS shutter is pushed into the DS shutter 69.
[0060]
FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the movable connecting mechanism 70, in which the TS shutter is pushed into the DS shutter 69 by pushing the pressing portion (push portion) 70 a from the direction of arrow A. Further, a contact portion 70b having a predetermined angle is formed below the pressing portion (push portion) 70a, and the pressing member presses from below (from the direction of arrow B). This pressing member is 90 shown in FIG. 13 described above, and the pressing member 90 is provided at a predetermined position of the lower machine body 33.
[0061]
Note that the surface of the contact portion 70b is formed smoothly, and can be operated smoothly while the pressing member 90 is in contact with the contact portion 70b and slides while pushing up the contact portion 70b.
On the other hand, a tension spring is disposed inside the movable coupling mechanism 70. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining this configuration. This figure is a view of the movable connecting mechanism 70 as viewed from above, and also shows part of the configuration of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2. A guide plate 70c having a predetermined curvature is disposed in the vicinity of the rotating shaft of the movable coupling mechanism 70, and a hook 70c 'is formed at one end of the guide plate 70c. One end of a tension spring 70d is hung on the hook 70c ', and the other end of the tension spring 70d is hung on a hook 70c "provided on the housing of the toner set C2.
[0062]
The tension spring 70d has a predetermined spring constant and always applies a tension biasing force between the hooks 70c 'and 70c ". Therefore, the movable connecting mechanism 70 always receives a biasing force in the direction of the arrow.
Further, the guide plate 70c is also formed with a lock member 70e, and the lock member 70e is configured to lock to the hook 70c ″ when reaching the position of the hook 70c ″. However, the locking force is weak, and for example, the lock is released with a light force.
[0063]
Next, the operation of this example in the above configuration will be described. As described above, from the state where the TS shutter is locked to the DS shutter 69, for example, the TS shutter operation unit 72 is operated to replace the drum set C1, the lock is released, and the movable coupling mechanism 70 is released. At this time, since the urging force of the tension spring 70d acts in a direction to close the movable coupling mechanism 70, the movable coupling mechanism 70 is released against the urging force. Accordingly, since the urging force is not applied and released as in the first embodiment described above, the movable connecting mechanism 70 is released energetically, and for example, waste toner is not scattered.
[0064]
Next, when the movable coupling mechanism 70 is released 90 degrees, the state shown in FIG. 16 is obtained, and the lock member 70e is lightly locked at the position of the hook 70c ″. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing this state. In this state, replacement work of the drum set C1 is performed.
[0065]
Next, the movable connecting mechanism 70 is closed from the state shown in FIGS. At this time, the lock can be released with a weak force. For example, the movable coupling mechanism 70 is closed to the DS shutter 69 side simply by pressing lightly in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, even after forgetting to close the movable coupling mechanism 70 after replacing the drum set C1, the lock of the lower body 33 is brought into contact with the movable coupling mechanism 70 when the upper body is closed. The movable connecting mechanism 70 is automatically closed to the DS shutter 69 side by the urging force of the tension spring 70d. For this reason, the problem that the movable connection mechanism 70 is damaged does not occur.
[0066]
FIG. 18 shows a state where the movable connecting mechanism 70 has been moved to the position of the DS shutter 69 by the above operation. Next, in order to set the TS shutter to the DS shutter 69, the above-described pressing portion (push portion) 70a is pressed to the state shown in FIG. Also in this case, this example can cope with forgetting to press the pressing portion (push portion) 70a. That is, if the pressing part (push part) 70a is forgotten to be pressed and the upper body 32 is closed, for example, the pressing member 90 hits the contact part 70b shown in FIG. 14, and the pressing member 90 slides on the surface of the contact part 70b. While pushing the contact portion 70b, the TS shutter is pushed into the DS shutter 69. Therefore, even when the pressing portion (push portion) 70 a is forgotten to be pressed, the TS shutter can be inserted into the DS shutter 69 by closing the upper body 32.
[0067]
As described above, according to this example, the use of the tension spring 70d that applies an urging force in the direction opposite to that of the spring 76 of the first embodiment prevents the waste toner from being scattered when the movable coupling mechanism 70 is released. In addition, the movable connecting mechanism 70 can be prevented from being damaged by the function of the lock mechanism 70d that is released with a light force and the tension spring 70d. Furthermore, the TS shutter can be automatically set on the DS shutter 69 even if the pressing of the pressing part (push part) 70a is forgotten.
[0068]
Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is more convenient than the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment and can prevent waste toner scattering and damage to the apparatus.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, maintenance work such as replacement of the image forming unit can be easily performed in the image forming apparatus. Further, the drum unit and the toner unit constituting the image forming unit can be easily / reliably connected.
[0070]
In addition, it is possible to provide a more convenient image forming apparatus that can prevent scattering of waste toner and damage to the apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a so-called tandem color printer, which is an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer apparatus showing a state in which a front cover or the like is opened.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the printer apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the upper part of the apparatus main body is opened.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining replacement of a drum set in a state where the upper part of the apparatus main body is opened.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating replacement of a toner set in a state where the upper part of the apparatus main body is opened.
FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are views for explaining a procedure for inserting a drum set and a toner set into the apparatus main body and connecting them together.
8 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the movable coupling mechanism in the state shown in FIG.
9 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the movable coupling mechanism in the state shown in FIG. 7B.
FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view illustrating a state where the connection between the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 is completed.
FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are diagrams for explaining a DS shutter lock release method; FIGS.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a TS shutter / unlock method. FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a toner set according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing a movable coupling mechanism.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a tension spring is disposed inside the movable coupling mechanism.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the movable connecting mechanism is released by 90 degrees.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable connecting mechanism is released by 90 degrees.
18 is a diagram showing a state where the movable coupling mechanism has moved to the position of the DS shutter 69. FIG.
FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of a conventional printer device.
FIG. 20 is an internal configuration diagram of a conventional printer apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
31 Printer device
32 Upper part of device body
33 Lower part of main unit
34 Operation Panel
34a Key operation unit
34b liquid crystal display
35 Output section
36 Paper discharge roll
37 Front cover
38 Paper cassette
39 MPF tray
40 cover
41 Image forming unit
42 Transport unit for duplex printing
43 Feeder
44 to 47 Image forming unit
50 Photosensitive drum
51a charger
51b Print head
51c Developing roll
51d transfer device
51e cleaner
50f drum shaft
52 Standby roll
53 Conveyor belt
54 Drive roll
55 Feed roller
56 Fixing unit
56a, 56b Heat roll
56c Cleaning roll
60a-60e Transport roll
61 switching plate
62 Transport roll
63 Unit mounting part
63a Rail part
63b Rail part
64 Guide
65 FR frame
66a protrusion
67 DS Stay
68 Stopper
69 DS shutter
69a rib
69b TS shutter lock release part
69c DS shutter opening
69d protrusion
70 Movable connection mechanism
70a Press part (push part)
70b Contact part
70c guide plate
70c’70c ”hook
70d tension spring
70e Lock member
71 Rotating connection
72 TS shutter operation section
72a Hanging nail
73 Joint part
73a Outer cylindrical part
73b Inner cylindrical part
73c Waste toner receiving port
73d TS shutter opening
73e engaging claw
73f DS shutter lock release
73g cutting part
74 Toner transport tube
75 case
76 Spring
77 TS shutter lock member
77a leaf spring
77b Projection
78 cylinder
78a Waste toner outlet
90 Pressing member

Claims (3)

The apparatus main body is divided into an upper machine body and a lower machine body that can be freely opened and closed, and when opened, the upper machine body includes a first sub-unit and a second sub-unit that form an image forming unit in which a part of the apparatus configuration is unitized. In the image forming apparatus in which the unit can be inserted and removed,
The image forming apparatus main body includes sub unit insertion / removal means for inserting and removing the first sub unit and the second sub unit in a substantially horizontal direction independently of each other,
The first sub unit includes a first connecting unit, the second sub unit includes a second connecting unit, and the first sub unit and the second sub unit are the first connecting unit. And the second connecting means enable mutual connection / disconnection and constitute waste toner collecting means at the time of the mutual connection,
The second connecting means of the second sub unit includes a connecting position where the first sub unit is connected to the first connecting means, and the first connecting means is released from the connection position. An image forming apparatus comprising: means that can be rotated to a connection release position that allows the sub-unit to be inserted and removed in the substantially horizontal direction, and that is biased in the direction of the connection position. The first sub unit includes at least an image carrier and a toner removing unit that removes toner remaining on the image carrier after printing, and the first connecting unit is obtained by the toner removing unit. a waste toner discharge port for discharging the waste toner, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a first shutter for opening and closing the waste toner discharge port. The second connecting means includes a waste toner receiving port that receives waste toner discharged from a waste toner discharge port of the first sub unit, a second shutter that opens and closes the waste toner receiving port, and the first And a second operation unit for rotating and operating the fitting unit. The second sub unit conveys and accumulates the waste toner received from the waste toner receiving port. A waste toner conveying / accumulating means, the waste toner conveying / accumulating means, the first connecting means, and the second connecting means constitute the waste toner collecting means;
When the fitting portion is rotated by the operation of the operation portion after the fitting portion is fitted to the first connecting means, the second shutter is opened and the first connection is interlocked with the fitting portion. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first shutter is opened by rotating the means.

Images