JP4099345B2 - Device unit and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus unit including a replaceable consumable part, a receiving part for the consumable part, and at least a functional part that can be used for a longer period of time than the consumable part, and an image forming unit including the apparatus unit Relates to the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of a photoreceptor to form a toner image, and transfers the toner image to a recording medium to form an image (apparatus unit). ). The developing unit includes a developing housing part (functional part) having a developing device including a sponge roller, a stirring roller, a developing roller, and the like, and a toner cartridge (consumable part).
[0003]
As the image formation is repeated, the toner in the toner cartridge is consumed. When a certain period of time is reached, the toner cartridge must be replaced and new toner must be replenished. However, the life of the developing housing portion having the developing device is exhausted. Until used continuously. That is, a mechanism is used in which a plurality of toner cartridges are exchanged for one (one) development unit.
[0004]
In order to confirm the service life (remaining life) of the developing housing portion, it is necessary to provide means on the developing unit side to inform the user of the history of use and the operating state so far. Therefore, in order to measure the life of the developing unit, the life of the developing housing portion is notified by notifying the user of the limit of the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge for one developing unit by using the number of times the toner cartridge is replaced as an index. There has been proposed a developing unit that recognizes.
[0005]
For example, (1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-75756 discloses a specific toner cartridge from a developing housing portion among a plurality of toner cartridges used until the developing housing portion (developing device) reaches the end of its life. A configuration is disclosed in which the toner cartridge cannot be detached, and the toner cartridge that cannot be detached is finally attached to the developing housing portion to prompt the user to replace the developing housing portion.
[0006]
Also, in (2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 5-119620 and (3) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-54158, the number of times of toner replenishment from the toner cartridge to the developing housing is counted, and the number of times of replenishment reaches a certain value. A configuration has been proposed in which the life of the developing housing portion (developing device) can be recognized depending on the state.
[0007]
Specifically, in the above publication (2), a plurality of holders are formed on the developing housing portion side, and when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing housing portion, a protrusion that fits into the holder is provided as a toner. When the used toner cartridge is removed at the time of toner replenishment, it is formed on the cartridge side so that the protrusion is broken and remains inside the holder.
[0008]
Therefore, the new toner cartridge is mounted by fitting the protrusions to a holder in which no protrusions remain inside. Therefore, if protrusions remain in all the holders of the development housing portion, the next new toner cartridge cannot be mounted. Therefore, the user can recognize the life of the development housing portion in this state. it can.
[0009]
On the other hand, in the above publication (3), each time a toner cartridge is mounted in the developing housing, the indicator is dropped from the toner cartridge to the developing housing, and the number of the dropped indicators is detected by the detection member. By notifying this as the number of toner replenishments, the life of the developing housing can be recognized.
[0010]
Further, (4) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-103277 discloses a developing device (developing unit) in which the toner cartridge is classified into a plurality of types so that the user is notified of the time to replace the developing housing (developing device). Is disclosed.
[0011]
Specifically, the same type of toner cartridge cannot be mounted again once the mounted toner cartridge is removed by the remount prevention means provided in the developing housing portion for each type of toner cartridge. .
[0012]
With such a configuration, when all types of toner cartridges are installed and removed, the toner cartridges can no longer be installed, and the user can know that the number of toner replenishment has reached the limit. The life of the housing part can be recognized.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above technique (1), it is necessary for the user to install a plurality of toner cartridges in the correct order. If the installation order is incorrect and a toner cartridge that cannot be removed is installed first, There arises a problem that the developing housing portion is replaced before the end of its life.
[0014]
That is, for example, if there are a plurality of toner cartridges that are very similar in shape, the order of installation is determined for each, but the order of installation is incorrect, or the order of toner is out of order by ignoring the order of installation. This causes a problem such as mounting a cartridge.
[0015]
Due to such a problem, a new developer cannot be replenished to the developing housing part that has not reached the original set life, and the copying operation cannot be continued. As a result, the toner cartridge remains unattached to the developing housing portion, and at the same time, there arises a problem that the developing housing portion needs to be replaced earlier than the life of the developing housing portion.
[0016]
On the other hand, in the technique (2), a plurality of holders must be provided on the developing housing side, and the toner cartridge must be provided with a protrusion that fits into the holder. In order to change every time, a fixing means for fixing the toner cartridge in a plurality of directions is also required.
[0017]
Further, the technique (3) requires a detection member for detecting the number of indicators that have dropped to the developing housing portion side, which causes a problem that the number of parts increases and the structure of the developing unit becomes complicated.
[0018]
Also in the technique (4), since a remount prevention means is required for each type of toner cartridge, a plurality of remount prevention means are provided in the development housing portion in order to cope with a plurality of types of toner cartridges. Necessary. Therefore, there arises a problem that the structure of the developing unit is complicated.
[0019]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an apparatus unit (development unit) having a simple configuration in which only a corresponding predetermined consumable part (toner cartridge) can be surely mounted and an image forming apparatus including the apparatus unit are provided. The purpose is to provide.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, means for achieving the above-described problems are configured as follows.
[0021]
  (1) ExchangeablepluralConsumable parts,A plurality of specific members configured to cover each of the plurality of consumable parts and having different sizes from each other;An apparatus unit including a receiving part for the consumable part and including a functional part that can be used for a longer period of time than at least the consumable part;
  Each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the shape of the receiving part is updated, and only the consumable part that can be fitted to the updated shape of the receiving part can be mounted.Configured to be
  When removing consumable parts from the functional parts,Only the specific member covering this remains on the functional component side by locking to the functional component side, and from the consumable componentThe shape of the receiving part is defined by the specific member remaining after separation.
[0022]
In this configuration, each time the consumable part (toner cartridge) is removed from the functional part (developing housing part) of the apparatus unit (developing unit), the shape of the receiving part is updated, and the updated shape of the receiving part is obtained. Only consumable parts that can be fitted to can be mounted. This ensures that only predetermined consumable parts can be reliably mounted.
[0023]
That is, in the past, in order to prevent erroneous mounting of consumable parts that are not applicable, the reattachment prevention means is provided in the receiving portion. However, according to this configuration, the reattachment prevention means as described above becomes unnecessary. With a simple configuration in which the shape of the receiving portion is updated each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, only the corresponding predetermined consumable part can be definitely mounted.
[0024]
Also, for example, when it is set that one functional component will reach the end of its life when a plurality of consumable components each having a different shape is replaced, the above configuration may cause a functional component error exceeding the usage limit. Use can be reliably prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the lifetime of the functional parts by inserting the consumable parts in the wrong order.
[0025]
  (2) ExchangeablepluralConsumable parts,A plurality of specific members configured to cover each of the plurality of consumable parts and having different sizes from each other;An apparatus unit including a receiving part for the consumable part and including a functional part that can be used for a longer period of time than at least the consumable part;
  Each time a consumable part is removed from the functional part, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion opening for inserting the consumable part into the receiving part and the receiving part is updated, and the insertion opening part having the updated cross-sectional shape is updated. Only consumable consumable parts can be mountedConfigured to be
  When removing consumable parts from the functional parts,Only the specific member covering this remains on the functional component side by locking to the functional component side, and from the consumable componentThe shape of the receiving part is defined by the specific member remaining after separation.
[0026]
In this configuration, each time the consumable part (toner cartridge) is removed from the functional part (developing housing part) of the apparatus unit (developing unit), the receiving part and the insertion opening for inserting the consumable part into the receiving part are provided. The sectional shape of the portion is updated, and only consumable parts that can be fitted into the insertion opening having the updated sectional shape can be mounted. Thereby, only the corresponding predetermined consumable part can be definitely mounted.
[0027]
Also, for example, when it is set that one functional component will reach the end of its life when a plurality of consumable components each having a different shape is replaced, the above configuration may cause a functional component error exceeding the usage limit. Use can be reliably prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the lifetime of the functional component by misordering the consumable components.
[0029]
  Also,The shape of the receiving part or the cross-sectional shapes of the receiving part and the insertion opening are updated so as to replace the consumable part. That is, as a mounting order for a single functional component, a consumable component that is mounted first is formed larger than a consumable component that is mounted later. With such a simple configuration, it is possible to reliably install only the predetermined consumable parts that fall under certainty.
[0031]
  further,When removing the consumable part from the functional part, the specific member is separated from the consumable part and remains on the functional part side, so that the shape of the receiving part or the consumable part is inserted into the receiving part and the receiving part. The cross-sectional shape of the insertion opening is updated, and consumable parts that can be fitted into these updated shapes are mounted. With such a simple configuration, only the corresponding predetermined consumable part can be definitely mounted.
[0033]
  Also,The specific member is locked to the functional component side, and when the consumable component is removed from the functional component, the specific member is separated from the consumable component and remains on the functional component side. With such a simple configuration, only the corresponding predetermined consumable part (toner cartridge) can be mounted.
[0034]
  (3) An image forming apparatus includes the apparatus unit described in (1) or (2).
[0035]
In this configuration, every time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, only the consumable part that is updated to the shape of the receiving part or the cross-sectional shape of the receiving part and the insertion opening and can be fitted to these updated shapes. Is installed. With such a simple configuration, only the corresponding predetermined consumable part can be definitely mounted.
[0036]
Also, for example, when it is set that one functional component reaches the end of life when a plurality of consumable components each having a different shape is replaced, according to the above configuration, the functional component exceeding the use limit Misuse can be reliably prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the lifetime of the functional component by misordering the consumable components.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an apparatus unit according to an embodiment of the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the apparatus unit will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0038]
[Description of operation of image forming apparatus to which apparatus unit is applied]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 14, which includes an image forming unit 20, a sheet feeding unit 5, and a sheet feeding unit 6, and the sheet feeding unit 5 and the sheet feeding unit. 6 includes a paper feed roller 7 and a separation roller 8, and recording paper (recording medium) is stored in each paper feed unit.
[0039]
The image forming unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charger 2, a laser writing system 3, a developing unit (device unit) 4, a registration roller 9, a transfer charger 10, a separation charge 11, a transport belt 12, and a fixing unit 13. Then, an operation related to image formation is performed.
[0040]
Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charger 2 in the process in which the photosensitive drum 1 rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow in FIG. This charged portion is irradiated with a laser beam from the laser writing system 3 based on the document image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Next, toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image by the developing unit 4 disposed so as to face the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner image.
[0041]
On the other hand, the recording paper (recording medium) stored in the paper supply unit 5 or 6 is pulled out by the paper supply roller 7 and separated and conveyed one by one by the separation roller 8. Thereafter, the recording paper comes into contact with the nip portion of the registration roller 9 in a stopped state and stands by. When the registration roller 9 rotates in synchronization with the rotation cycle of the photosensitive drum 1, the recording paper is conveyed toward the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. Is done.
[0042]
The toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the recording paper by the transfer charger 10, and the recording paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 by the separation charger 11. The recording paper separated from the photosensitive drum 1 is conveyed to the fixing unit 13 by the conveying belt 12. The fixing unit 13 fixes the transferred image on the recording paper. Then, the recording paper is conveyed by a paper discharge roller 15 to a discharge unit (not shown).
[0043]
[Development unit as a functional component]
Next, the developing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The developing unit 4 includes a developing housing part (functional part) 41 having a developing unit 47 and a toner cartridge (consumable part) 42 having a cover-shaped member (specific member, outer frame) 63. The developing housing portion 41 is formed by injection molding a thermoplastic resin such as polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or modified polyphenylene oxide (M-PPO) to a thickness of about 2 to 4 mm.
[0044]
The developing housing portion 41 includes a developing device 47, a toner cartridge receiving portion 46 (hereinafter referred to as a receiving portion 46), and a toner hopper portion (not shown) that supplies toner to the developing device 47. The developing device 47 includes a sponge roller (not shown), a stirring roller (not shown), a developing roller 43, a layer thickness regulating blade 44, and a driving gear 48.
[0045]
The developing roller 43 is for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 (see FIG. 1), and the layer thickness regulating blade 44 regulates the layer thickness of the toner on the developing roller 43 to drive the drive gear. 48 receives a driving force from a driving source such as a driving motor (not shown) and rotates the developing roller 43.
[0046]
The receiving portion 46 is for mounting the toner cartridge 42 in the upper surface opening of the toner hopper portion. Specifically, the receiving portion 46 includes an insertion opening 45 in the end wall of the development housing portion 41, and the toner cartridge 42 is mounted on the upper surface of the toner hopper portion by inserting the toner cartridge 42 from the insertion opening 45. It is configured to be.
[0047]
The toner supplied from the toner cartridge 42 to the toner hopper is put into the developing device via the sponge roller. Although details of the inside of the developing device are not shown, the toner and the carrier (iron powder) are stirred by a stirring roller, and the toner held on the carrier appears on the surface of the developing roller 43 with a predetermined thickness, The toner is electrodeposited on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner image.
[0048]
[Toner cartridges as consumable parts that can be mounted on functional parts]
Next, the toner cartridge 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. The toner cartridge 42 is a container for storing toner having a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, and is formed by injection molding a thermoplastic resin such as PS or M-PPO to a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm. The opening 51 is provided in the opening 51, and a flange 53 is formed over the entire circumference of the opening 51.
[0049]
The flange portion 53 improves the rigidity of the entire toner cartridge 42 and serves as a mounting surface when a film seal 52 (to be described later) is adhered or welded to the toner cartridge 42. The toner cartridge 42 is attached to the developing housing portion 41. It also functions as an engagement guide surface when performing.
[0050]
After the toner cartridge 42 configured in this manner is filled with a predetermined amount of powder toner, the opening 51 is adhered by a film seal 52 (sealing member), for example, by adhering a double-sided tape or applying an adhesive. Alternatively, it is closed by a method such as heat welding by a hot plate welding method or ultrasonic welding method, and the toner inside is sealed.
[0051]
The film seal 52 has an extra length portion (becomes a grip when peeling) that is not adhered or thermally welded to the opening surface of the toner cartridge 42, and the tip portion is folded back, and the leading end portion is peeled off by a release tape or the like. The cartridge 42 is fixed in place. The film seal 52 is made of a flexible material having a thickness of about 50 to 200 μm (microns) such as low density polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
[0052]
On the other hand, a cover-shaped member 63 provided in the toner cartridge 42 is for attaching the toner cartridge 42 to the developing housing portion 41, and is configured to cover the entire toner cartridge 42 in close contact.
[0053]
On the other hand, the cover-shaped member 63 is formed in a lid shape having an opening 66 at one end and the other end closed as a wall surface 65, and the toner cartridge 42 has an opening 66 relative to the cover-shaped member 63. More removable.
[0054]
A handle portion 61 is provided on one side surface of the toner cartridge 42, and a hook-like claw (holding claw) 62 is provided on the wall surface 65 opposite to the opening 66 of the cover-shaped member 63. A pair of protrusions are provided.
[0055]
The handle 61 inserts the toner cartridge 42 with the cover-shaped member 63 from the insertion opening 45 of the developing housing 41 into the receiving portion 46 (see FIG. 2). This is for removing only the toner cartridge 42, leaving it in the receiving portion 46).
[0056]
On the other hand, the claw 62 of the cover-shaped member 63 engages the cover-shaped member 63 in the receiving portion 46 of the developing housing portion 41, and when the toner cartridge 42 is pulled out after using the toner, only the cover-shaped member 63 is removed from the developing housing. This is to keep it in the part 41.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 4C, in the outer frame 63A attached to the first toner cartridge 42A, a pair of claws 62A are provided on the wall surface 65A of the cover-shaped member 63A. Is arranged on the corresponding wall surface (one end wall surface) 46B of the developing housing portion 41 at an arrangement interval (pitch) P.₁ The cover-shaped member 63A is locked in the receiving portion 46 of the developing housing portion 41 by fitting and engaging with two slot-like small holes 64A provided in accordance with the above. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the fitting latching portion viewed from above the developing housing portion 41. FIG.
[0058]
Here, the total number of toner cartridges 42 used in one new developing unit 4 is set in advance, and when the set number of toner cartridges 42 is used, the developing device 47 provided in the developing housing portion 41 is used. Is reached, and it is determined that the developing unit 4 is in a replacement period.
[0059]
The toner cartridge 42 used last in one developing unit 4 does not have the cover-shaped member 63, and only the toner cartridge 42 is inserted into the developing housing portion 41.
[0060]
In the above description, the toner cartridge 42 and the cover-shaped member 63 are combined. However, FIG. 5A shows a state where the independent toner cartridge 42 and the cover-shaped member 63 are combined together. ) And (b), the individual structure becomes more apparent.
[0061]
That is, FIGS. 5A and 5B show a process in which the toner cartridge 42 is combined with the cover-shaped member 63 before the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the developing unit 4. As shown in FIG. The toner cartridge 42 may be fitted through the opening 66 of the cover-shaped member 63 by holding the handle portion 61 of the cartridge 42 and integrated as shown in FIGS.
[0062]
FIGS. 6A and 6B show how the claw 62B is locked when the second toner cartridge 42B is inserted. An arrangement interval (pitch) P of the claws 62A provided on the wall surface 65A of the outer frame 63A of the toner cartridge 42A inserted in the first time is provided on one end wall surface 46B of the developing housing portion 41.₁ And the arrangement interval (pitch) P of the claws 62B provided on the wall surface 65B of the outer frame 63B of the toner cartridge 42B inserted for the second time.₂ 2 pairs of slot-like small holes 64A and 64B are provided (see FIG. 4C).
[0063]
Of these two pairs of slot-like small holes 64A and 64B, the outer small hole pair 64A remains fitted when the first toner cartridge 42A is inserted (FIG. 4 ( c)), the claw 62B is fitted into the inner small hole pair 64B when the second toner cartridge 42B is inserted.
[0064]
Note that an arrangement interval (pitch) P of the claws 62B provided on the outer frame 63B of the toner cartridge 42B inserted the second time is provided on the wall surface 65A of the outer frame 63A of the toner cartridge 42A inserted the first time.₂ A pair of slot-shaped small holes 64B 'are provided in accordance with the above.
[0065]
Therefore, when the second toner cartridge 42B is inserted, the claw 62B provided on the wall surface 65B of the outer frame 63B of the toner cartridge 42B is connected to the slot-like small hole 64B on the one end wall surface 46B of the developing housing portion 41, To be fitted through a slot-like small hole 64B ′ provided on one side wall surface 65A of the outer frame 63A (that is, the claw 62B is fitted through two wall surfaces which are overlapped in close contact with each other). (See FIG. 6B), the tip of the hook-shaped claw 62B is hooked on one end wall surface 46B, and the outer frame 63B is locked.
[0066]
Therefore, even if the outer frame 63A is inserted in a state associated with the first toner cartridge 42A and is retained by being locked to the one end wall surface 46B of the developing housing portion 41 as the toner cartridge 42A is removed. The wall surface 65A of the outer frame 63A does not hinder the insertion operation of the second toner cartridge 42B. In the third toner cartridge 42C, only the toner cartridge main body (having the same shape as the second toner cartridge main body) is inserted without the outer frame 63.
[0067]
If the order of the cartridges to be inserted into the developing housing 41 is incorrect, the cartridges are not properly positioned in the receiving portion 46, so that there is a problem that the toner cannot be properly supplied (the first toner cartridge 42A has a problem). Since it can be shipped in a state where it is mounted on the developing housing, this mounting order is unlikely to be erroneous).
[0068]
However, when the second toner cartridge 42B is to be mounted, if the third toner cartridge 42C is mounted, it is mounted along with the first toner cartridge 42A and retained in the developing housing 41. Since the cross-sectional shape of the third toner cartridge 42C is too small with respect to the cross-sectional shape of the outer frame 63A, excessive backlash occurs, and the operator recognizes that the cartridge mounting order is incorrect at this point. It will be.
[0069]
In the above description, the arrangement interval P1 of the claws 62A provided on the wall surface 65A of the outer frame 63A associated with the toner cartridge 42A inserted the first time and the outer frame 63B associated with the toner cartridge 42B inserted the second time. With respect to the arrangement interval P2 of the claws 62B provided on the wall surface 65B, the opposed spaces (pitch) in the horizontal direction of the pairs of claws are made different, and small holes 64A and 64B on the wall surface of the developing housing are provided in accordance with the opposed spaces. However, it can also be dealt with by making the magnitude relationship between the arrangement intervals P1 and P2 opposite to that in the above description.
[0070]
Further, in addition to the method of changing the facing interval of the claws 62, as different embodiments, the attachment positions in the height direction of the claws 62A on the wall surface 65A of the outer frame 63A and the wall surfaces 65A of the outer frame 63B are different, Correspondingly, small holes 64A and 64B on the wall surface of the developing housing can be provided in accordance with the claw mounting position.
[0071]
See FIGS. 7 and 8 for this case. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the fitting portion viewed from the side of the developing housing portion 41. FIG. For example, regarding the mounting position H in the height direction of the claw 62 with the lower surface of the flange portion 53 of the cartridge 42 as a reference in the height direction, the outer frame 63A of the toner cartridge 42A to be mounted first is set to H1, and the second mounting is performed. The outer frame 63B of the toner cartridge 42B to be used may be set to H2, and a magnitude relationship may be given to H1 and H2.
[0072]
Furthermore, when the above description is combined, it is clear that the arrangement of the claws 62 on the wall surface 65 may be set so that the facing interval (pitch) P and the mounting height H from the reference surface are different at the same time. .
[0073]
[Flow until development unit 4 reaches replacement time]
Next, the flow until the plurality of toner cartridges 42 used in one new developing unit 4 are replaced and the developing unit 4 reaches the replacement time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A shows the developing housing 41 before the first toner cartridge 42a is mounted, and FIG. 9B shows the toner cartridge before use having a cover-shaped member 63a dedicated to the first toner cartridge. 42a is shown.
[0074]
FIG. 9C shows the developing housing portion 41 before the second toner cartridge 42b is mounted, and FIG. 9D shows the used toner cartridge 42a and the cover shape member 63b dedicated to the second toner cartridge. 2 shows a toner cartridge 42b before use.
[0075]
FIG. 9E shows the developing housing 41 before the third toner cartridge 42c is mounted, and FIG. 9F shows the used toner cartridge 42b and the third toner cartridge 42c before use. . FIG. 9G shows the developing housing portion 41 in which the toner cartridge 42c is mounted.
[0076]
Here, the number of toner cartridges 42 used in one new developing unit 4 is set to three, and when the set number of toner cartridges 42 is used, a developing device provided in the developing housing portion 41 is used. Assume that 47 reaches the end of its life and it is determined that the developing unit 4 is in the replacement period. In this case, for example, one new developing housing part 41 and three unused toner cartridges 42 are shipped as one set.
[0077]
The first toner cartridge 42a and the second toner cartridge 42b have a cover-shaped member 63a and a cover-shaped member 63b, respectively, when they are not used, that is, before being attached to the developing housing portion 41. On the other hand, the third toner cartridge 42c that is finally attached to the developing housing portion 41 does not have the cover-shaped member 63 even when it is not used.
[0078]
Here, the widths of the upper surfaces of the cover-shaped member 63a provided on the toner cartridge 42a, the cover-shaped member 63b provided on the toner cartridge 42b, and the toner cartridge 42c are set to W0, W1, and W2, respectively. Assuming that the widths of the lower surfaces of H0, H1, and H2 are B0, B1, and B2, the respective cross-sectional shapes are formed to have the following relationship.
[0079]
W0> W1> W2, H0> H1> H2, B0> B1> B2
That is, the cross-sectional shape of the cover-shaped member 63a provided in the toner cartridge 42a is maximized, and thereafter, the cross-sectional shape is gradually reduced.
[0080]
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the cover-shaped member 63a is the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 and the insertion opening 45 in the new developing housing portion 41 in which the toner cartridge 42 has never been mounted (hereinafter simply referred to as the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46). The cover-shaped member 63a is formed so as to substantially coincide with the description. Strictly speaking, however, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 is set to be slightly larger and the cross-sectional shape of the cover-shaped member 63a is set to be slightly smaller in order to smoothly perform the fitting operation between them.
[0081]
Accordingly, only the toner cartridge 42a having the cover-shaped member 63a can be attached to the new developing housing portion 41. That is, the other toner cartridges are too small in cross-sectional shape, so that proper positioning within the developing housing portion 41 cannot be performed. Accordingly, it is recognized that the backlash of the toner cartridge with respect to the developing housing portion is excessive, and it is possible to prevent the operator from mounting the toner cartridge out of the normal mounting order by mistake.
[0082]
When the unused toner cartridge 42a is attached to the developing housing portion 41 and pushed into a predetermined position, the cover-shaped member 63a is locked by the claw 62. When all of the toner filled in the toner cartridge 42a is consumed during the image forming operation, for example, the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 14 displays that the toner cartridge 42b is replaced with the next unused toner cartridge 42b. Instruct the operator.
[0083]
In order to replace the toner cartridge 42a with the toner cartridge 42b, first, the used toner cartridge 42a is removed from the developing housing 41. Here, since the cover-shaped member 63 a is in the locked state with the developing housing portion 41, it remains in the developing housing portion 41. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 is reduced by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the cover-shaped member 63a than the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 before the toner cartridge 42a is mounted.
[0084]
Next, the second toner cartridge 42 b is inserted into the developing housing portion 41. Here, the cross-sectional shape of the cover-shaped member 63b that covers the toner cartridge 42b containing the toner, and the reception in a state where the toner cartridge 42a is removed from the developing housing portion 41 and the cover-shaped member 63a remains in the developing housing portion 41. The cover-shaped member 63b is formed so as to substantially match the cross-sectional shape of the portion 46. As a result, the toner cartridge 42 b is fitted into the developing housing portion 41. Strictly speaking, the cross-sectional area of the receiving portion 46 is set to be slightly large and the cross-sectional shape of the cover-shaped member 63b is set to be slightly small in order to smoothly fit the two.
[0085]
The used toner cartridge 42a can also be attached to the developing housing 41 at this point, but can be easily recognized as a used toner cartridge. That is, even if the used toner cartridge 42a is mounted, for example, the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 14 is output as an error message or instructed to replace the toner cartridge.
[0086]
On the other hand, since the unused third toner cartridge 42c has a smaller cross-sectional shape than the toner cartridge 42b, it cannot be attached to the developing housing portion 41 at this point (dimensionally passing through the opening). Although it is possible, proper positioning of the cartridge in the developing housing portion 41 cannot be performed).
[0087]
When the unused toner cartridge 42b is pushed into a predetermined position of the receiving portion 46, the cover-shaped member 63b is locked by the claw 62, and the toner cartridge 42b is attached to the developing housing portion 41. The claw 62 of the cover-shaped member 63b is narrower than the mounting interval (pitch) of the claw 62 of the cover-shaped member 63a, and the mounting position is set closer to the center of the toner cartridge 42b. Slot-shaped small holes provided on the end wall surface of the developing unit with which the claw 62 of the cover-shaped member 63b is fitted are also provided so as to match the mounting interval of the claw 62 of the cover-shaped member 63b.
[0088]
When all of the toner filled in the toner cartridge 42b is consumed during the image forming operation, for example, the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 14 displays that the toner cartridge 42c should be replaced with the next unused toner cartridge 42c. Instruct the operator.
[0089]
In order to replace the toner cartridge 42b with the toner cartridge 42c, first, the used toner cartridge 42b is removed from the developing housing 41. Here, the cover-shaped member 63 b remains in the developing housing portion 41 because it is locked to the developing housing portion 41. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 is reduced by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the cover-shaped member 63b than the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 before the toner cartridge 42b is mounted.
[0090]
Next, the third toner cartridge 42 c is inserted into the developing housing portion 41. The third toner cartridge 42c does not have the cover-shaped member 63 like the toner cartridges 42a and 42b, but the cross-sectional shape of the toner cartridge 42c and the toner cartridge 42b are removed from the developing housing portion 41, The toner cartridge 42c is formed so as to substantially match the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 46 in a state where the cover-shaped member 63b remains in the developing housing portion 41.
[0091]
As a result, the toner cartridge 42 c is fitted into the developing housing portion 41. Strictly speaking, the cross-sectional area of the receiving portion 46 is set to be slightly large and the cross-sectional shape of the cover-shaped member 63b is set to be slightly small in order to smoothly fit the two.
[0092]
On the other hand, the used toner cartridge 42b can be attached to the developing housing 41 at this point, but can be easily recognized as a used toner cartridge. That is, even if the used toner cartridge 42b is mounted, for example, the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 14 is output as an error message or instructed to replace the toner cartridge.
[0093]
When the unused toner cartridge 42 c is pushed to a predetermined position of the receiving portion 46, the toner cartridge 42 b is mounted on the developing housing portion 41. The toner cartridge 42c is configured such that the cover-shaped member 63b is removed from the toner cartridge 42b in order to be attached to the developing housing portion 41.
[0094]
When all of the toner filled in the toner cartridge 42c is consumed during the image forming operation, the operator replaces the next unused developing unit 4 with the display means provided in the image forming apparatus 14, for example. To instruct.
[0095]
If one new developing housing portion 41 and three unused toner cartridges 42 are set as one set, the toner cartridge is mounted three times in sequence. As a result, the operator can recognize that the developing unit 47 provided in the developing housing portion 41 in use has reached the end of its life, and troubles caused by using the developing unit 4 exceeding the life limit of the developing unit 47 can be prevented. Can be prevented.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.
[0097]
(1) Each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the shape of the receiving part is updated, and only the consumable part that can be fitted into the updated shape of the receiving part can be mounted. As a result, only the predetermined consumable part can be reliably mounted.
[0098]
In addition, the conventional re-mounting prevention means is no longer necessary, and the shape of the receiving part is updated each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, so that only the corresponding predetermined consumable part is definitely mounted. can do.
[0099]
For example, when it is set that one functional component reaches the end of life when a plurality of consumable components each having a different shape is replaced, according to the above configuration, an error in the functional component exceeding the usage limit can be obtained. Use can be reliably prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the lifetime of the functional parts by inserting the consumable parts in the wrong order.
[0100]
(2) Each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving part and the insertion opening for inserting the consumable part into the receiving part is updated, and the insertion opening part having the updated cross-sectional shape is updated. Since only the consumable parts that can be fitted to can be mounted, only the corresponding predetermined consumable parts can be mounted without a doubt.
[0101]
Also, for example, when it is set that one functional component will reach the end of its life when a plurality of consumable components each having a different shape is replaced, the above configuration may cause a functional component error exceeding the usage limit. Use can be reliably prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the lifetime of the functional component by misordering the consumable components.
[0102]
(3) Since the shape of the receiving part or the cross-sectional shape of the receiving part and the insertion opening is reduced with the replacement of the consumable parts, only the corresponding predetermined consumable parts can be surely replaced. Can be installed.
[0103]
(4) When the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the specific member constituting the consumable part is partially separated and remains on the functional part side, so that the shape of the receiving part or the receiving part and the receiving part The cross-sectional shape of the insertion opening for inserting consumable parts into the receiving part is updated, and consumable parts that can be fitted into these updated shapes are installed, so that only the corresponding predetermined consumable parts are surely mistaken. Can be installed without.
[0104]
(5) Since the specific member is locked to the functional component side, when the consumable component is removed from the functional component, the specific member is separated from the consumable component and remains on the functional component side. Only consumable parts can be securely mounted.
[0105]
(6) Since the image forming apparatus includes the apparatus unit according to any one of (1) to (5), each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the shape of the receiving part or the receiving part and Only the consumable parts that are updated to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion opening and can be fitted to these updated shapes can be mounted.
[0106]
Also, for example, when it is set that one functional component reaches the end of life when a plurality of consumable components each having a different shape is replaced, according to the above configuration, the functional component exceeding the use limit Misuse can be reliably prevented, and image quality can be maintained at a predetermined level. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction that erroneously recognizes the lifetime of the functional component by mistakenly inserting the consumable components.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view and a sectional view of the toner cartridge.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a main part sectional view of a toner cartridge integrated with the specific member.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a process of combining a toner cartridge with the specific member.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram when the toner cartridge is inserted.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the same different embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram when the toner cartridge is inserted.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a flow until the development unit replacement time is reached.
[Explanation of symbols]
4-device unit
41-Functional parts
42-Consumable parts
46-Receptor
63-specific member

Claims (3)

A plurality of replaceable consumable parts, a plurality of specific members configured to cover the plurality of consumable parts and having different sizes, and a receiving portion for the consumable parts, and at least the consumable parts In the device unit with functional parts that can be used for a longer period of time,
Each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the shape of the receiving part is updated, and only the consumable part that can be fitted to the updated shape of the receiving part can be mounted .
When the consumable part is removed from the functional part, only the specific member covering it remains on the functional part side by locking to the functional part side, and the specific member separated from the consumable part and remains A device unit characterized in that the shape of the receiving part is defined . A plurality of replaceable consumable parts, a plurality of specific members configured to cover the plurality of consumable parts and having different sizes, and a receiving portion for the consumable parts, and at least the consumable parts In the device unit with functional parts that can be used for a longer period of time,
Each time the consumable part is removed from the functional part, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving opening and the insertion opening for inserting the consumable part into the receiving part is updated, and the insertion opening having the updated cross-sectional shape is updated. It is configured so that only consumable parts that can be fitted can be mounted ,
When the consumable part is removed from the functional part, only the specific member covering it remains on the functional part side by locking to the functional part side, and the specific member separated from the consumable part and remains A device unit characterized in that the shape of the receiving part is defined . An image forming apparatus comprising the apparatus unit according to claim 1 .

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