JP4120760B2 - Rotating developer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rotary type developing apparatus in which a plurality of developing cartridges are detachably attached to a developing cartridge rotation support provided rotatably about a rotation axis.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the rotary type developing device, a developing cartridge rotation support (rotary) is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft arranged in parallel with the rotation shaft of the photosensitive member, and each color material is arranged in the axial direction of the development cartridge rotation support. A plurality of developing cartridges are made detachable.
[0003]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional rotary developing device in which a device cartridge cover (not shown) for exchanging a developing cartridge is opened, and FIG. 5 is a state in which the developing cartridge replacement lid is opened from the state of FIG. FIG. In the figure, 21 is an in-cover, 22 is a developer cartridge replacement lid, 23 is a hook, 24 is a window, 25 is a rotary rotation drive ON switch, 31 is an interlock switch, 32 is a developer cartridge, 33 is a handle, and 34 is a lock. The lever 35 is a developing cartridge rotation support, and 36 is the center of rotation.
[0004]
In the conventional rotary developing device, as shown in FIG. 4, a developing cartridge replacement lid 22 having a hook 23 and a transparent window 24 is provided inside an outer cover (not shown) on the in-cover 21 of the device. . When the user replaces the developing cartridge, first, the exterior cover is opened, and the rotary rotation driving ON switch 25 is pushed in the state shown in FIG. 4 to move the developing cartridge to be replaced to the position of the developing cartridge replacement lid 22. .
[0005]
The rotary (developing cartridge rotating support) is rotated by a predetermined angle (120 ° for three colors, 90 ° for four colors) by pressing the rotary rotation driving ON switch 25. The rotary rotation drive ON switch 25 is repeatedly pressed until the cartridge is moved to the replacement position. At this time, the color of the developing cartridge is visually confirmed through the window 24 because the developing cartridge replacement lid 22 is provided with a transparent window 24.
[0006]
Next, the hook 23 is removed and the developing cartridge replacement lid 22 is opened as shown in FIG. The interlock switch 31 is in the apparatus and is pushed by the protrusion of the developing cartridge replacement lid 22. When the developer cartridge replacement lid 22 is opened and the protrusion of the developer cartridge replacement lid 22 does not press the interlock switch 31, the rotation of the developer cartridge rotation support (rotary) 35 is prohibited.
[0007]
Here, the lock lever 34 of the developing cartridge 32 is rotated rightward as viewed in the figure, and the locking of the developing cartridge 32 in the axial direction is released. By releasing the lock, the handle 33 of the developing cartridge 32 can be put on and pulled out to the front side. Installation of a new developing cartridge 32 after pulling out the developing cartridge 32 to be replaced is performed in reverse to the above procedure.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By making the developing cartridge 32 attachable and detachable in the axial direction as described above, a lock lever 34 is required as an axial lock mechanism, and this lock lever 34 is a rotatable developing cartridge rotation support. Since the rotary which is the body 35 is supported between the side plates of the apparatus main body, it is provided on the front end surface portion of the developing cartridge rotation support 35.
[0009]
However, even if the user forgets to apply the lock lever 34, if the developer cartridge replacement cover 22 is closed, the interlock switch 31 is pushed and the developer cartridge rotation support 35 rotates. As a result, the developing cartridge 32 is displaced from the predetermined position in the axial direction, and not only cannot be positioned at the normal developing position, but also the apparatus may be damaged.
[0010]
As a countermeasure, a lock detection means is provided in the vicinity of the lock lever 34. When an electrical component such as a sensor or a switch is used as the lock detection means, the developing cartridge rotation support 35 itself to which the lock lever 34 is attached is used. Makes a rotational movement, so an electrical contact with the apparatus body is required. In recent years, there has been a demand for an increase in color printing speed, and high-speed rotation of a rotary is inevitable. It is not easy to provide the above-mentioned contacts as technical problems such as contact reliability and durability.
[0011]
In the case of a normal full-color printing device, the developing cartridge 32 requires four colors of yellow, magenta, sheacin, and black. Therefore, when four colors are mounted as a rotary developing device, the lock detecting means also corresponds to each color. 4 pieces are required, which greatly increases the cost.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to ensure safety by preventing abnormal operation of a rotary developing device in which a developing cartridge is detachable and preventing unexpected rotation.
[0013]
To this end, the present invention relates to a rotary developing device in which a plurality of developing cartridges are detachable in the axial direction on a developing cartridge rotating support provided rotatably around a rotating shaft.
A developing cartridge positioning hole is provided in the developing cartridge attaching / detaching end surface portion of the developing cartridge rotating support, a developing cartridge positioning pin is provided in the developing cartridge so as to face the developing cartridge positioning hole,
On the developing cartridge attachment / detachment side end surface of the developing cartridge rotation support, for each chamber into which the developing cartridge is inserted, the rotation center side of the chamber is provided on the outer peripheral side of the developing cartridge. Covering a part of the detachable side end surface part so as to block a part where a finger is put into the grip , and providing a developer cartridge replacement lid that is pivotable to the front side around a hinge part provided at the lower part,
The developer cartridge replacement lid has a center of gravity in front of the hinge portion and has a contact portion that contacts the developer cartridge when the developer cartridge is inserted at a substantially predetermined position. Having a hook for locking to the support, a spring for urging the hook, and a knob for sliding the hook against the spring, and by releasing the lock, it fell to the near side by its own weight It is characterized by.
[0014]
An end surface portion of the developing cartridge that is not covered with the developing cartridge replacement cover is a notation portion for maintenance information.
[0015]
Further, the hinge part or the developing cartridge replacement lid has a guide guide for guiding insertion of the developing cartridge, and the developing cartridge replacement lid is supported by the main body side cover in a state of being opened 90 °, It is characterized in that the insertion of the developing cartridge is guided.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a rotary developing device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge replacement lid, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the developing cartridge replacement lid is opened. In the figure, 1 is an in-cover opening, 2 is a developing cartridge, 3 is a knob, 4 is a developing cartridge replacement lid, 5 is a hook, 6 is a developing cartridge rotating support, 7 is a hinge portion, and 8 is when the lid is open. Support portion, 9 is a rotation center, 11 is a main body frame, 12 is an in-cover, 14 is a handle, 15 is a developing cartridge positioning pin, 16 is a guide for guiding, 17 is a developing cartridge positioning hole, and 18 is a hook engaging portion. .
[0017]
In FIG. 1, a developer cartridge replacement lid 4 covers a part of each developing cartridge attaching / detaching side end surface portion of the developing cartridge rotating support 6 that partitions each developing cartridge 2 into each chamber into which each developing cartridge 2 is to be inserted. The hinge part 7 is provided so as to be pivotable so as to be opened approximately 90 ° by being tilted toward the front side. The hinge portion 7 is provided at the lower end of the developing cartridge replacement lid 4 so that the position of the center of gravity of the developing cartridge replacement lid 4 is tilted to the near side by its own weight, that is, from the upper side of the hinge portion 7 to the near side. To do. Each developing cartridge replacement lid 4 is provided with a slidable hook 5, an urging spring (not shown), and a knob 3 for sliding the hook 5 against the urging spring. On the other hand, the developing cartridge 2 is locked by the hook 5 urged by the urging spring, and the lock is released by sliding the hook 5 with the knob 3.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3, a developing cartridge positioning hole 17 is provided on the end surface of the developing cartridge rotation support 6 on the developing cartridge attaching / detaching side, and a developing cartridge positioning hole 17 faces the developing cartridge positioning hole 17 as shown in FIG. A cartridge positioning pin 15 is provided. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a handle 14 for attaching and detaching the developing cartridge 2 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the cover portion of the developing cartridge 2.
[0019]
The developer cartridge replacement cover 4 covers a part of the end surface portion of the developer cartridge rotation support 6 on the developer cartridge attachment / detachment side, and at least a portion where a finger is inserted into the handle 14 of the developer cartridge 2 is for developer cartridge replacement. If the cover 4 is closed and the developing cartridge replacement cover 4 is not opened, the finger cannot enter the handle 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a developing cartridge replacement lid 4 is provided on the rotation center 9 side so as to be substantially flush with the cover portion of the developing cartridge 2. That is, the developer cartridge replacement lid 4 covers a part of the end surface portion of the developer cartridge rotation support 6 on the developer cartridge attachment / detachment side except for the handle 14 of the developer cartridge 2.
[0020]
A main body frame 11 and an in-cover 12 that cover the upper surfaces of the developing cartridge 2 and the developing cartridge replacement lid 4 are arranged as shown in FIG. 2, and an in-cover for attaching / detaching the developing cartridge 2 to / from the in-cover 12 is provided. An opening 1 is provided as shown in FIG.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, a guide 16 is provided on the hinge portion or the developer cartridge replacement lid 4, and the developer cartridge replacement lid 4 is located at the position of the in-cover opening 1 as shown in FIG. 3. The guide becomes a guide for inserting the developing cartridge 2 when opened to the front side. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the developer cartridge replacement lid 4 is supported in a state of being opened 90 ° by the support portion 8 provided at the in-cover opening 1 when the lid is opened. In this state, the exterior cover (not shown) attached to the main body frame 11 is not closed.
[0022]
In the rotary type developing apparatus having the above configuration, first, when the developing cartridge 2 is inserted into the apparatus main body, the knob 3 of the developing cartridge replacement cover 4 provided at the front end of the developing cartridge rotating support 6 is pushed and hooked. 5 is slid against the spring force to release the locked state, and the developing cartridge replacement cover 4 is rotated so as to be tilted forward. The developer cartridge replacement lid 4 is supported by a support portion 8 at the time of opening the lid in the outer portion of the in-cover opening portion 1 and is opened by about 90 ° as shown in FIG. In the state of facing, it jumps out to the near side from the in-cover opening 1 of the main body side plate.
[0023]
In this state, the developing cartridge 2 insertion side is placed on the guiding guide 16 of the developing cartridge replacement lid 4, and the developing cartridge 2 is inserted to the back along the guiding guide 16. The developer cartridge replacement lid 4 may be destroyed if it is held by the hinge portion 7, but is supported by the in-cover so that it can withstand the weight even when the developer cartridge 2 is placed. After the developing cartridge positioning pin 15 of the developing cartridge 2 is aligned with the developing cartridge positioning hole 17 and inserted into a substantially predetermined position, the developing cartridge replacement lid 4 is rotated to the original position, and the developing cartridge partitions the hooks 5 into the respective chambers. The hook is engaged with the hook engaging portion 18 (the lower side of the adjacent hinge portion 7: FIG. 3) of the rotary support 6 and locked.
[0024]
At this time, when the developer cartridge replacement lid 4 is closed without the user completely pushing the developer cartridge 2 to a predetermined position, the developer cartridge replacement lid 4 pushes the developer cartridge 2 as shown in FIG. . Therefore, the developing cartridge 2 is positioned at a predetermined position by closing the developing cartridge replacement lid 4. Further, when the user forgets to close the developing cartridge replacement lid 4, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge replacement lid 4 protrudes toward the front side from the in-cover opening 1 (main body side plate). The cover (not shown) is not closed. Therefore, the interlock switch off state is maintained, and the apparatus can be prevented from starting by mistake, and safety can be ensured.
[0025]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the developer cartridge replacement cover, the hook, the biasing spring of the hook, and the button (knob) for sliding the hook are configured. It is also possible to provide a latch function with the elastic force. Further, when the developing cartridge positioning pin is not engaged with the developing cartridge positioning hole, a contact portion is provided so that the developing cartridge replacement cover is not closed, or the hatched portion in FIG. It is also possible to make a fool.
[0026]
Further, the developer cartridge replacement lid covers a part of the end surface of the developer cartridge attaching / detaching side of the developer cartridge rotation support excluding the handle portion of the developer cartridge, but the handle portion is on the back side of the developer cartridge replacement lid. Alternatively, the end face of the developing cartridge that is not covered with the developing cartridge replacement lid may be used as a notation section for maintenance information relating to the developing cartridge including a color indicating the type of the developing cartridge.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to position and prevent the developing cartridge from being axially positioned with respect to the rotary (developing cartridge rotating support) with a very simple configuration. In addition, when closing the developer cartridge replacement lid, if the hook is not hooked, it automatically falls to the near side due to the position of the center of gravity of the lid member, so that the exterior cover of the apparatus is not closed and the interlock switch OFF state is maintained. Become. Therefore, a spring member that keeps the developing cartridge replacement lid open is unnecessary.
[0028]
In addition, even if the user forgets to lock it, the developer cartridge replacement lid will be open and it will be easy to see the state, preventing the rotary from rotating unexpectedly when the developer cartridge is not in place. It is possible to maintain safety and avoid damage to the apparatus. In addition, when the developing cartridge is inserted, the operability can be improved because the lock mechanism member also serves as an insertion guide.
[0029]
Furthermore, by providing a developer cartridge replacement lid on the developer cartridge attachment / detachment side end surface portion of the developer cartridge rotation support so as to cover a part thereof, the developer cartridge can be directly visually recognized even when the lid member is closed. it can. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a lid having a transparent window as in the prior art.
[0030]
In addition, when the lid member is closed, the handle of the developer cartridge is closed with the lid member, so that even if the developer cartridge is forcibly pulled out, there is no place to put a finger on it, and abnormal operation can be prevented. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a rotary developing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a developer cartridge replacement lid.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view when a developing cartridge replacement lid is opened.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional rotary developing device in which a device exterior cover (not shown) for exchanging a developing cartridge is opened.
5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a developer cartridge replacement lid is opened from the state of FIG. 4; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... In cover opening part, 2 ... Developing cartridge, 3 ... Knob, 4 ... Developing cartridge exchange cover, 5 ... Hook, 6 ... Developing cartridge rotation support body, 7 ... Hinge part, 8 ... Support part at the time of lid opening, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Center of rotation, 11 ... Main body frame, 12 ... Inner cover, 14 ... Handle, 15 ... Developer cartridge positioning pin, 16 ... Guide for guide, 17 ... Developer cartridge positioning hole, 18 ... Hook engagement part

Claims (3)

In a rotary developing device in which a plurality of developing cartridges are detachable in the axial direction on a developing cartridge rotating support provided rotatably around a rotating shaft,
A developing cartridge positioning hole is provided in the developing cartridge attaching / detaching side end surface portion of the developing cartridge rotating support, a developing cartridge positioning pin is provided in the developing cartridge so as to face the developing cartridge positioning hole,
On the developing cartridge attachment / detachment side end surface of the developing cartridge rotation support, for each chamber in which the developing cartridge is inserted, the center of rotation is closer to the center of rotation than the handle provided on the outer peripheral side of the developing cartridge. Covering a part of the detachable side end surface part so as to block a part where a finger is put into the grip , and providing a developer cartridge replacement lid that can be pivoted to the front side around a hinge part provided at the lower part,
The developer cartridge replacement lid has a center of gravity in front of the hinge portion and has a contact portion that contacts the developer cartridge when the developer cartridge is inserted at a substantially predetermined position. Having a hook for locking to the support, a spring for urging the hook, and a knob for sliding the hook against the spring, so that it can fall to the near side by its own weight by removing the lock A rotary developing device characterized by the above.   2. The rotary developing device according to claim 1, wherein an end surface portion of the developing cartridge which is not covered with the developing cartridge replacement cover is used as a notation portion for maintenance information.   The hinge portion or the developer cartridge replacement lid has a guide guide for guiding insertion of the developer cartridge, and the developer cartridge replacement lid is supported by a main body side cover in a state of being opened 90 degrees, The rotary developing device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion of the toner is guided.

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