JP4382582B2 - Image forming process cartridge, print unit, developer cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming process cartridge, a print unit, a developer cartridge, and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a configuration for preventing a spare toner cartridge whose toner life has been exhausted from being erroneously attached to the print unit. The present invention relates to an image forming process cartridge, a print unit, a developer cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer that prints data from an electronic device to paper, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic page printer has been dominant due to a request for recording on plain paper.

In such electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by performing image exposure with laser irradiation or the like mixture was allowed to charge the photosensitive drum, developing the electrostatic latent image from the developing device The electrostatic latent image is developed by adhering toner as an agent, and the developed toner image is transferred onto a recording medium such as plain paper to obtain a recording medium on which data or an image is printed.

  In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, if the image forming process is repeated, wear of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, contamination of the charger, etc. occur, and the life of the image forming unit is reduced. Need to be replaced.

  With the spread of personal computers in recent years, there has been a demand for downsizing and cost reduction in electrophotographic page printers and the like, and it is necessary to make the image forming unit inexpensive in order to meet the price reduction. There is a problem that the life of these components is short.

  There is a problem that it is troublesome for the end user to replace such components individually, and adjustment after the replacement is troublesome. Therefore, the components constituting these image forming units are integrated. Image forming process cartridges are widespread.

  When such an image forming process cartridge is mounted on the printer, the image forming process cartridge can be replaced when the image forming process unit reaches the end of its life, and maintenance is free and the usability is improved.

  However, as the manufacturing technology has improved, the life of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller constituting the image forming process cartridge has been extended, whereas the amount of toner taken into the image forming process cartridge has decreased with the miniaturization. For this reason, the toner is consumed before the lifetime of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is reached.

  Therefore, an electrophotographic page printer having an image forming unit of a type in which a toner cartridge is detachably attached to a print unit using a slide mechanism, a fitting mechanism, etc., and only the toner cartridge is replaced when the toner runs out. Is also widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such an image forming process cartridge, the expiry date is indicated by a label or the like on the packing box and unit, and the expiry date is also indicated on the spare toner cartridge. A spare toner cartridge is installed.

In order to manage the expiration date such as the toner life, a nonvolatile memory is mounted in the image forming process unit, the expiration date information is written in the nonvolatile memory, and the expiration date information is read out on the image forming apparatus main body side to obtain an image. It has also been proposed to manage the life of the forming process unit, and to replace the image forming process unit by displaying that the expiration date has been displayed on the image forming apparatus main body when the life has come (for example, patent document) 2).
JP 2003-345130 A JP 2001-282060 A

  However, when the end user replaces the toner cartridge, there is a problem that the label display may be overlooked, and a toner cartridge that has expired may be mounted to perform useless printing.

  When an expired toner cartridge is used, the toner is locally solidified in the cartridge and the toner is not supplied smoothly to the developing roller, or the charging characteristics and fluidity are deteriorated to lower the print quality. Will do.

  In addition, such a problem also occurs on the side of the print unit including the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. When a new toner cartridge is installed in a print unit that has expired, the print quality is improved even though the toner is new. Will be reduced and wasteful printing will occur.

  Further, even when the configuration in which the non-volatile memory is mounted in the image forming process unit itself as in Patent Document 2 is applied to the image forming process unit in which the toner cartridge is replaceable, a new one is added to the print unit whose expiration date has passed. It is possible to mount the toner cartridge by mistake, and the mounting of the toner cartridge cannot be fundamentally solved.

  In addition, when an electromagnetic characteristic component such as a non-volatile memory is used, there is a possibility that the content of the non-volatile memory may be rewritten due to the influence of an electromagnetic wave generated when the image forming apparatus is driven. However, there is a problem that accurate deadline management is not always possible.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent misuse of a toner cartridge or print unit that has expired.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic configuration of the present invention. Means for solving the problems in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides an image forming process cartridge 1 in which a print unit 2 including at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier and a developer cartridge 3 are integrated. and with the position of the convex portion is provided with engagement control mechanism 4 for moving over time includes a protrusion for engaging in one of the developer cartridge 3, the convex on the other printing unit 2 and the developer cartridge 3 The engagement control mechanism 4 engages the convex portion with the concave portion within a preset expiration date of the print unit 2 or developer cartridge 3 provided with the convex portion. Move within a range to match, and move the convex part to a position where it can no longer be engaged with the concave part when the expiration date has passed It is provided with a mechanism .

  In this way, by providing the engagement control mechanism 4 whose position changes with time in either one of the print unit 2 and the developer cartridge 3, the new developer cartridge 3 is erroneously attached to the expired print unit 2 or effective. Incorrect mounting of the expired developer cartridge 3 to the print unit 2 can be reliably prevented.

  In this case, the engagement control mechanism 4 may be provided with a function of displaying time lapse information. For example, the engagement control mechanism 4 is color-coded at a predetermined interval so that the time lapses depending on the color located on the scale portion. Therefore, it is sufficient to prepare a new print unit 2 or developer cartridge 3 and avoid spare breakage.

  The engagement control mechanism 4 is preferably composed of non-electromagnetic characteristic parts such as an air spring or a dashpot, so that it is not affected by electromagnetic waves generated during driving.

  Further, by providing such an engagement control mechanism 4 in the print unit 2 provided with at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier, it is possible to avoid excessive use of a print unit whose expiration date has expired due to wear or the like. it can.

  Further, by providing such an engagement control mechanism 4 in the developer cartridge 3, it is possible to prevent the developer cartridge 3 whose use period has expired from being erroneously attached to the print unit 2.

  In addition, by mounting the image forming process cartridge 1 in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to always perform high quality printing and eliminate unnecessary printing.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, an engagement control mechanism 4 is provided in which at least a print unit 2 including a latent image carrier and a developer carrier is provided with a projection for engagement, and the position of the projection moves as time passes. In addition, a concave portion extending in the moving direction of the convex portion with time is provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus to which the print unit 2 is mounted, and the engagement control mechanism 4 is configured so that the convex portion is within the preset expiration date of the print unit 2. May be provided within the range of engagement with the recess, and a movement mechanism may be provided to move the projection to a position where the projection cannot be engaged with the recess when the expiration date has passed. it is possible to prevent the erroneous mounting of the printing unit 2 has expired parts is deteriorated and expiration date by the printing unit 2, or aging incorporating the developer off the.

  According to the present invention, by providing an engagement control mechanism on the toner cartridge side, a toner cartridge whose toner life has expired is not erroneously attached to the print unit, and printing becomes impossible, thereby eliminating wasted printing. it can.

  In addition, by providing an engagement control mechanism on the print unit side, a new toner cartridge is not erroneously attached to a print unit equipped with a photosensitive drum or developing roller whose use period has expired due to wear or the like, and printing becomes impossible. Therefore, useless printing can be eliminated.

  According to the present invention, a non-electromagnetic characteristic engagement control mechanism having an air spring or a dashpot whose position changes with the passage of time is provided in one of the print unit and the toner cartridge, and the other is within a preset elapsed time. Only a recess having a positional relationship capable of accommodating the engagement control mechanism is provided.

  Further, it is possible to visually determine the life of the toner based on the position of the engagement control mechanism. In particular, the engagement control mechanism is color-coded at a predetermined interval, so that the life of the toner can be easily made depending on the color located at the scale. Can be determined.

Here, the image forming process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
See Figure 2
FIG. 2 is an external view of the laser printer apparatus equipped with the image forming process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming process cartridge is detachably accommodated in the laser printer apparatus 10.

See Figure 3
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of the image forming process cartridge according to the first embodiment. An upper view is an external view thereof, and a lower view is an exploded view thereof.
In the image forming process cartridge 11, the print unit 20 and the toner cartridge 30 are detachably attached to a fitting opening 21 provided in the print unit 20 by a fitting mechanism (not shown).

  The print unit 20 in this case is provided with a photosensitive drum 22, a developing roller 23, a charger, a cleaning blade, a toner recovery / recirculation mechanism, a toner chamber, and the like in the same manner as a conventional print unit. The engagement control mechanism 12 is provided at a part of the contact portion between the toner cartridge 30 and the print unit, for example, at the center.

See Figure 4
FIG. 4 is a conceptual perspective view of a main part of the engagement control mechanism 12 and shows a state at the time of fitting.
In this case, the engagement control mechanism 12 includes a recess 24 provided on the print unit 20 side and a key moving mechanism 31 provided on the toner cartridge 30 side.

The key moving mechanism 31 includes an engagement key 33 having a protrusion 34 corresponding to the depth of the recess 24 provided on the print unit 20 side, and one side end surface of the engagement key 33 and the recess 32 provided in the toner cartridge 30. And an air spring 36 inserted and fixed between the engagement key 33 and the other side end surface of the recess 32.
The bottom of the engagement key 33 is configured to be slidable with respect to the bottom surface of the recess 32 or opposed to the gap 33 with a gap.

  The engagement key 33 is always urged by the spring 35 and pressed toward the air spring 36, and the air spring 36 pressed by the spring 35 via the engagement key 33 is compressed and the internal air is compressed. As the time elapses, the engagement key 33 gradually moves to the right in the figure by the urging force of the spring 35.

See Figure 5
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the change over time of the spring load of the spring 35. The spring 35 has a slight decrease in the spring load with the passage of time, thereby reducing the urging force. The engagement key 33 is further moved to the right side because it is removed with a change exceeding the change of the spring load.

See FIG.
FIG. 6 schematically shows such movement of the engagement key 33, and shows that the position of the engagement key 33 comes to the end position after 2 years when the life of the toner is 2 years. For this purpose, it is necessary to adjust the spring load of the spring 35 and the compression characteristics of the air spring 36.
The compression characteristic of the air spring 36 is adjusted by the number of air holes or the diameter of the holes.

See FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the engagement becomes impossible due to a change over time. In the figure, the position at the right end of the protrusion 34 at the tip of the engagement key 33 exceeds the right end of the recess 24 provided in the print unit 20. In this case, the protrusion 34 at the tip of the engagement key 33 hits the shoulder at the right end of the recess 24 provided in the print unit 20, so that the engagement by a not-shown engagement mechanism becomes impossible and the toner cartridge 30 is mounted. It becomes impossible.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the expired toner cartridge is erroneously mounted when the toner cartridge is replaced by the key moving mechanism 31 combining the spring (elastic characteristic) and the air spring (compression characteristic). There is no.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a toner cartridge constituting the image forming process cartridge of Example 2 of the present invention will be described.
See FIG.
FIG. 8 is a main part configuration diagram of the toner cartridge constituting the image forming process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The basic mechanism is the same as that of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. The display portion 37 is color-coded on the surface of the engagement key 33 at a predetermined interval, and a scale 38 is provided on the bottom side of the recess 32.

  In the second embodiment, the time until the lifetime can be easily grasped visually by the color of the display unit 37 located at the position of the scale 38.

Next, an image forming process cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
See FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an essential part of the image forming process cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, a key moving mechanism including an engagement key 42, a spring 43, and an air spring 44 on the print unit 20 side. 41 and a recess 45 corresponding to the height of the engagement key 42 is provided on the toner cartridge 30 side.

  In this third embodiment, when the toner cartridge is replaced after the toner has been used up, if the expiration date of the print unit 20 has expired, it becomes impossible to mount the replacement toner cartridge, and the deteriorated print unit 20 prevents printing from being continued.

  That is, recent print units are often of excessive quality, and it is possible to obtain a certain level of quality even after the expiration date, but there is a problem with continuing use until the toner cartridge is replaced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use beyond the expiration date.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a printer apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
See FIG.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a printer apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, a key moving mechanism 52 including an engagement key 53, a spring 54, and an air spring 55 is provided on the print unit 50 side. In addition, a recess 61 corresponding to the height of the engagement key 53 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 60 side, and the engagement control mechanism 51 is provided.

  In the fourth embodiment, a replacement image forming process cartridge whose built-in toner has expired or a replacement print unit whose expiration date has expired due to deterioration over time of the elastic body constituting the developing roller is mounted. The printing cannot be continued by the deteriorated image forming process cartridge or the print unit.

Each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the conditions and configuration described in each embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in each embodiment, a key is used. Although the compression characteristic member constituting the moving mechanism is constituted by an air spring, it is not limited to the air spring, and a dashpot may be used and joined by leaking oil in the dashpot by pressing. The key can be moved in a predetermined direction over time.
In addition, when using a dashpot, the movement time according to a lifetime can be set by adjusting the viscosity of oil, the number of holes, the diameter of a hole, etc.

  In each of the above embodiments, the key moving mechanism side is convex, and the concave member is provided in the opposing member. However, the key moving mechanism is provided in the concave portion, and the convex member is provided in the opposing member. In other words, it is only necessary to move the bonding key in the direction of narrowing the effective interval between the recesses over time.

  In the second embodiment, the display unit is configured by color coding. However, the display unit is not necessarily color-coded, and numbers or characters may be written at predetermined intervals.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the engagement control mechanism is provided at a specific position, but the position at which the engagement control mechanism is provided is arbitrary, and when one target member is mounted on the other Any position that can be engaged is acceptable.

  In each of the above embodiments, since the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is assumed, the engagement structure between the print unit and the toner cartridge or the engagement structure between the print unit and the image forming apparatus main body is described. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to various devices in which spare parts have an expiration date.

  For example, the present invention is also applied to an ink cartridge in an inkjet printer. In the case of an ink cartridge with an integrated head, an engagement mechanism whose position changes according to the life of the built-in ink is provided. What is necessary is just to comprise so that mounting | wearing may be restrict | limited.

  In the case of the head-ink cartridge separation type, an engagement mechanism whose position changes according to the life of the ink may be provided on the ink cartridge side so as to limit the mounting to the head.

  Alternatively, an engagement mechanism whose position changes according to the expiration date due to clogging of the head or the like may be provided on the head side so as to limit the mounting of the ink cartridge.

Here, the detailed features of the present invention will be described again with reference to FIG.
1 reference (Appendix 1) the image forming process cartridge 1 that is integrated at least the latent image carrier and the printing unit 2 provided with a developer carrying member and the developer cartridge 3, any of the printing unit 2 and the developer cartridge 3 An engagement control mechanism 4 is provided which has a projection for engagement on one side and moves the position of the projection over time, and the other of the print unit 2 and the developer cartridge 3 is moved in the direction of movement of the projection over time. An extending concave portion is provided, and the engagement control mechanism 4 moves the convex portion within a range for engaging the concave portion within a preset expiration date of the print unit 2 or the developer cartridge 3 provided with the convex portion, JP, further comprising a moving mechanism for moving the protrusions upon expiration of the expiration date until engagement can not be located with the recesses Image forming process cartridge according to.
(Supplementary note 2) The image forming process cartridge according to supplementary note 1, wherein the engagement control mechanism 4 has a function of displaying time-lapse information.
(Additional remark 3) The image formation process cartridge of Additional remark 1 or 2 characterized by comprising the said engagement control mechanism 4 with the components of a nonelectromagnetic characteristic.
(Supplementary Note 4) The image forming process cartridge according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the engagement control mechanism 4 includes an air spring or a dashpot.
(Supplementary Note 5) The print unit 2 for an image forming process cartridge having at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier has a convex portion that engages with a concave portion for engagement provided in the developer cartridge 3, and the passage of time. Is provided with an engagement control mechanism 4 in which the position of the convex portion moves in the extending direction of the concave portion, and the engagement control mechanism 4 engages the convex portion with the concave portion within a preset expiration date of the print unit 2. A printing unit comprising: a moving mechanism that moves within a range to be combined and moves the convex portion to a position where the convex portion cannot be engaged with the concave portion when the expiration date has passed .
(Supplementary Note 6) The developer cartridge attached to the image forming process cartridge includes a convex portion that engages with a concave portion for engagement provided at least in the print unit 2 including the latent image carrier and the developer carrier. Is provided with an engagement control mechanism 4 in which the position of the convex portion moves in the extending direction of the concave portion, and the engagement control mechanism 4 moves the convex portion into the concave portion within a preset expiration date of the developer cartridge 3. And a moving mechanism for moving the convex part to a position where the convex part cannot be engaged with the concave part when the expiration date has passed .
(Supplementary Note 7) An image forming apparatus including the image forming process cartridge 1 according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 4.
Provided with an engagement control mechanism 4 the position of the convex portion is moved by the course of the (Supplementary Note 8) comprises at least a convex portion for engaging the printing unit 2 provided with a latent image bearing member and the developer carrying member time, the A concave portion that extends in the direction of movement of the convex portion over time is provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus to which the print unit 2 is mounted, and the engagement control mechanism 4 is configured so that the convex portion is within the preset expiration date of the print unit 2. And a moving mechanism for moving the convex portion to a position where the convex portion cannot be engaged with the concave portion when the expiration date has passed. apparatus.

  As an application example of the present invention, a laser printer is typical, but the present invention is not limited to a laser printer, but is also applied to an electrophotographic printer using an LED as a light source. The present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic printer, but can be applied to a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like that employs an electrophotographic system.

It is explanatory drawing of the fundamental structure of this invention. 1 is an external view of a laser printer apparatus equipped with an image forming process cartridge of Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming process cartridge according to a first exemplary embodiment. It is a conceptual principal part perspective view of an engagement control mechanism. It is explanatory drawing of the time-dependent change of the spring load of a spring. It is typical explanatory drawing of the movement of the key for engagement. It is explanatory drawing of the state which became impossible to engage with a time-dependent change. FIG. 6 is a main part configuration diagram of a toner cartridge constituting an image forming process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of an image forming process cartridge according to a third embodiment of the invention. It is a principal part block diagram of the printer apparatus of Example 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image formation process cartridge 2 Print unit 3 Developer cartridge 4 Engagement control mechanism 5 Recess 10 Laser printer apparatus 11 Image formation process cartridge 12 Engagement control mechanism 20 Print unit 21 Fit opening 22 Photosensitive drum 23 Developing roller 24 Recess 30 Toner cartridge 31 Key movement mechanism 32 Recess 33 Engagement key 34 Projection 35 Spring 36 Air spring 37 Display 38 Scale 41 Key movement mechanism 42 Engagement key 43 Spring 44 Air spring 45 Recess 50 Print unit 51 Engagement control mechanism 52 Key movement mechanism 53 Combined key 54 Spring 55 Air spring 60 Printer body 61 Recess

Claims (5)

In an image forming process cartridge in which a print unit including at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier and a developer cartridge are integrated, either one of the print unit and the developer cartridge is provided with a convex portion for engagement. An engagement control mechanism that moves the position of the convex portion with the passage of time is provided, and a concave portion that extends in the movement direction of the convex portion with time is provided on the other of the print unit and the developer cartridge. Within the predetermined expiration date of the print unit or developer cartridge provided with the convex portion, the convex portion is moved within a range that engages with the concave portion, and when the expiration date has passed, the convex portion is moved to the concave portion. image forming process mosquitoes, characterized in that it comprises a moving mechanism for moving until no engagement position Cartridge.   2. The image forming process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the engagement control mechanism has a function of displaying time-lapse information. In a print unit for an image forming process cartridge having at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier, a convex portion that engages with a concave portion for engagement provided in the developer cartridge is provided, and the position of the convex portion as time passes. Is provided with an engagement control mechanism that moves in the extending direction of the concave portion, and the engagement control mechanism moves the convex portion within a range for engaging the concave portion within a preset expiration date of the print unit. A printing unit comprising: a moving mechanism that moves the convex portion to a position where the convex portion cannot be engaged with the concave portion when a time limit has passed . The developer cartridge to be mounted on the image forming process cartridge includes a convex portion that engages with a concave portion for engagement provided in a print unit that includes at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier, and the convex portion of the convex portion with the passage of time. An engagement control mechanism that moves in the extending direction of the concave portion is provided, and the engagement control mechanism moves the convex portion within a range in which the developer cartridge is engaged within a preset expiration date. A developer cartridge comprising: a moving mechanism that moves the convex portion to a position where the convex portion cannot be engaged with the concave portion when the expiration date has passed . An image forming system in which an engagement control mechanism is provided in which a projection unit for engagement is provided in a print unit including at least a latent image carrier and a developer carrier, and the position of the projection moves as time passes, and the print unit is mounted. A concave portion extending in the direction of movement of the convex portion over time is provided on the main body side of the apparatus, and the engagement control mechanism is within a range in which the convex portion is engaged with the concave portion within a preset expiration date of the print unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a moving mechanism that moves the convex portion to a position where the convex portion cannot be engaged with the concave portion when the expiration date has passed .

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