JPH01309081A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate necessity for interrupting operation for image forming while replacing supplies by providing an opening for loading and unloading supplies in the main body of an image forming device on the outer part thereof and providing an opening cover on this opening which does not interrupt the operation for image forming when opened. CONSTITUTION:A front door cover 23 forming a part of the outer part of a copying machine main body 100 has a hinge part 24 for a supporting point and can be opened and closed. The opening and closing cover 25 is attached to the door cover 23 so as to be opened and closed. When a toner cartridge is replaced, the cover 25 in the erect position is pressed once and opened in the horizontal position. That is, the door cover 23 needs not to be opened. Then, a used toner cartridge 27 is pulled out from a cartridge loading and unloading path 28 and removed out of the device. At this time, the operation for image forming is continued in parallel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that is used by loading supplies into the main body of the apparatus.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art In image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and printers, it has been common practice to operate the apparatus by loading supplies into the main body of the apparatus.

For example, in an image forming apparatus that visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier using a developer in a developing device,
A developer cartridge is used for replenishing the developer, and is loaded inside the main body of the apparatus to replenish the developer. Such a developer cartridge is an example of a supply item. In addition, a silicone oil tank is loaded into the main body of the apparatus to replenish the silicone oil used in the fixing device, and this tank is also an example of a supply item.

The various supplies mentioned above are used, replacing them with new supplies as needed. Conventionally, when replacing them, the large door cover of the image forming apparatus body was opened, the old supplies were taken out, and the new supplies were replaced. I was setting things up.

However, when the above-mentioned door cover is opened, moving parts such as the paper feed roller and timing belt, and energized parts such as the motor and solenoids are exposed to the outside and can be directly touched by the operator, which is extremely dangerous. It is.

Therefore, when the door cover is opened, the interlock device automatically interrupts the image forming operation and activates the device, which may pose a danger to the operator.
The structure is such that the supply of electricity can be stopped and supplies can be replaced safely.

However, if the image forming operation is interrupted every time supplies are replaced, image formation cannot be performed during that time, and productivity (the number of sheets that can be imaged per unit time) inevitably decreases. do not have.

It would be possible to continue image forming operations while ensuring the safety of workers even when replacing supplies.

This is most desirable because it can improve productivity, but conventional image forming apparatuses have not been able to accommodate this.

In addition, inside the door cover, there are many knobs and other parts that are used to remove jammed paper, for example, which creates a sense of confusion for workers who are replacing supplies and makes it difficult to carry out work. There was also the fear that efficiency would decrease.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can safely and easily replace supplies without stopping one image forming operation.

By the way, in the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, which uses a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a powder developer, conventionally, the developer on the developing device side is The image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, is automatically stopped as soon as it is nearly exhausted, or when a predetermined number of copies have been made. If the developer is, for example, a two-component developer, the toner is replenished until the amount of toner in the developing device exceeds a certain amount, or until the amount of toner in the developer exceeds a certain value. , copying is prohibited.

If this type of control is used, the machine will be in a down state unless toner is replenished, which not only becomes a hindrance when you want to make an emergency copy, but also forces you to give up on copying after one or two copies are left. , copy productivity (
This results in a decrease in the number of copies that can be made per grasping time.

It is known that this type of developing device replenishes developer using a developer cartridge, which is an example of the supplies mentioned above. If the cartridge is configured to be inserted and removed through the provided opening, if a used cartridge is removed and the user carelessly puts his or her hand into the cartridge insertion/removal path through the opening, it is possible to touch movable parts around the used cartridge. sexual and extremely dangerous.

Therefore, unless such risks are eliminated, it is difficult to adopt a system in which one machine is operated while replacing cartridges.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can address the above points.

By the way, in an image forming apparatus that uses a developing device that forms an electrostatic latent image on a latent image carrier and develops this electrostatic latent image with a developer, a replenishment chamber for replenishing the developer to the main body of the developing device is used. In order to prevent blocking of the developer or the developer within the main body of the developing device, a developer stirring member such as an agitator is rotated to stir the developer.

As mentioned earlier, this type of developing device is configured to replenish developer using a developer cartridge, and is configured to take in and out the developer cartridge through an opening provided in the exterior of the device main body. In this case, if you carelessly put your hand into the cartridge insertion/removal path through the opening with the used cartridge taken out, it is extremely dangerous if your hand touches the rotating developer stirring member.

Therefore, it is safe to keep the developer agitation member inactive from the time a used developer cartridge is taken out until the time a new developer cartridge is loaded. Even if it doesn't, just load a new cartridge.

It will quickly return to the stirring state, so there will not be much trouble.
Even during such times, if you can continue to operate for copying, the machine will not go down.
Copying can be continued without interruption.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can address the above points.

By the way, after the electrostatic latent image is formed on the latent image carrier, as a developing device for developing this electrostatic latent image, for example,
In a device using a two-component developer, toner is replenished into the developer as the toner concentration in the developer decreases.

Also, when using a -component developer, toner needs to be replenished. In an image forming apparatus that performs such replenishment using a cartridge containing toner, a cartridge insertion/removal opening is provided in the exterior of the apparatus body, and old and new cartridges are inserted and removed through this opening to replace the cartridge. When a used cartridge is removed, there is a risk that toner adhering to the bottom surface of the cartridge may scatter or fall from the opening due to vibration or the like, contaminating the outside of the device with toner.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which there is no risk of contaminating the outside of the apparatus with TFI developer even if the developer cartridge is replaced. .

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides an opening for inserting and removing supplies for loading supplies into the image forming apparatus main body in the exterior part of the image forming apparatus main body, and a An image forming apparatus is proposed which is characterized by being provided with an opening/closing lid that does not interrupt operation for image formation.

At that time, the door cover of the image forming apparatus main body whose operation for image forming operation is interrupted when opened.

It is advantageous to provide an opening for inserting and removing the supplies and an opening/closing lid.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention also provides a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer, and a developer for supplying the developer to the developing device. a cartridge; and a cartridge insertion/removal opening provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus main body for loading the developer cartridge from the outside into the @corporate supply position inside the apparatus main body.

and a developer near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of developer in the developing device has become less than a certain amount while the image forming apparatus continues to be able to continue to perform image formation.

While the operation continues, in order to replace the developer cartridge upon detection by the detection means, do not touch the cartridge insertion/removal path through the opening with the used developer cartridge taken out of the apparatus main body. The present invention proposes an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a protective member that prevents hands from entering around the insertion/ejection path when the image forming apparatus is inserted.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the third object, the following steps are provided: a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer; a developer stirring device that stirs the developer in the developing device; and image formation. A developer cartridge is loaded into a developer supply position inside the apparatus main body through an opening provided in an exterior part of the apparatus main body, and supplies developer to the developing device at this position.

It is detected whether or not the developer cartridge is loaded in a developer supply position in a state where the image forming apparatus can operate for image formation. An image forming apparatus is proposed, which is characterized by being equipped with a cartridge loading detection device for disabling a agent stirring device.

In order to achieve the fourth object, a development #L device develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer.

a developer cartridge for supplying developer to the developing device;

A car 1 to cartridge insertion/ejection opening is provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus main body and is used to load a developer cartridge from the outside to a developer supply position inside the apparatus main body.

an opening/closing lid that is swingably provided in the exterior part so that the opening can be opened and closed, and that guides the developer cartridge when the cartridge is inserted or removed in an open position;

a cartridge guide member connected to the opening/closing lid in the cartridge insertion/removal path with a gap between the opening/closing lid and the proximal end side of the opening/closing lid when the opening/closing lid is opened; The present invention proposes an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a developer receptacle that moves along the cartridge guide member and receives developer that falls from the gap.

In this case, it is advantageous to provide the door cover of the image forming apparatus main body, in which the opening/closing lid forms a part of the exterior part, with a developer receptacle, respectively.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, and the effects of the configurations described in each claim will be made clear through this description.

Figure 1 is an electronic copy of one embodiment of the present invention! I: This is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine. Note that the present invention is also applicable to those using a one-component developer that does not contain a carrier, but hereinafter, a two-component developer consisting of a carrier and a toner will be used as the developer for convenience. If necessary, the member to which the RFL toner is applied will be coated with toner.

In FIG. 1, an ADF (automatic document feeder) 1 mounted on the top of a copying machine main body 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus main body, sends sheets [original documents such as manuscripts and computer printouts] to a contact glass 2. After passing through the contact glass area, the contact glass is returned to the ADF1 or discharged onto the trays 3 and 4.

The entire surface of the document sent onto the contact glass 2 is instantaneously illuminated by the light source 5 via the mirror 6, and the reflected light image accompanying this illumination is reflected by the mirror 7° lens 8. mirror 9
The images are projected onto a belt photoreceptor 11, which is an example of a latent image carrier.

The belt photoreceptor 11 is driven to run in the direction of the arrow, and its surface is uniformly charged in advance by a charging charger 12, after which the above-described image projection is performed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the same surface. This electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by a developer 13, and the toner image is transferred by corona discharge by a transfer charger 10 onto a transfer paper fed from a paper feed section 14 via a pair of registration rollers 15. After this transfer, the transfer paper passes through the fixing device 16 and passes through the tray 17 at the top of the copying machine main body 100.
is discharged. On the other hand, the surface of the photoreceptor 11 is cleaned! ! 20 to remove residual toner and the like on the surface.

The copying machine main body 100 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a sorter section 101, a paper unfeeding device, etc. as shown in FIG. You can also collect and store them.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the developer container 18 of the developing device 13 contains a developer consisting of carrier and toner. The electrostatic latent image is developed.

As development continues, the developer volume V! The toner in It18 is gradually consumed, and the concentration of toner in the developer gradually decreases. In order to cope with this, this developing device 13 includes a toner supply chamber 2 divided by a toner hopper 36.
1, from which toner is supplied to the developer container 18 by rotation of the 1-toner replenishing roller 32a.

Toner replenishment is performed in this manner. Note that the toner concentration is detected by a toner concentration detection sensor (not shown) provided in the container 18.

As the toner is being replenished, the amount of toner in the toner replenishing chamber 21 gradually decreases, but during this process, when the remaining amount of toner in the replenishing chamber becomes less than a certain amount, this causes the amount of toner in the toner replenishing chamber 21 to decrease. It is detected by a 1-ner near-end detection sensor 22, which is an example of developer near-end detection means, provided near the bottom. Incidentally, examples of the sensor 22 include a piezoelectric sensor and a light transmission type sensor.

Along with the above detection, a toner replenishment instruction "Please replenish toner" is displayed on the display panel 102 (see FIG. 2) provided at the front of the first side of the copying machine main body 100. It looks like this.

Regardless of this display, if toner is not replenished, after a predetermined number of copies (for example, 3,000 copies) have been made, a toner out signal will be output, a message to that effect will be displayed, and the machine will stop. (See the flowchart in Figure 8).

In this way, when the toner near-end signal is generated, a predetermined amount of toner remains, and a predetermined number of copies can be made using the toner, even if toner is not replenished. Note that when copying is continued without toner replenishment, the toner density remains low and does not recover.

The above-mentioned no-toner signal may be output.
In any case, copying can be continued even without replenishing toner after the toner near-end signal is output.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the copying machine of this embodiment.

The front door cover 23, which forms part of the exterior of the copying machine main body 100, can be opened and closed using a hinge 24 as a fulcrum. An opening/closing lid 25 is attached to the door cover 23 so as to be openable and closable.

The door cover 23 can be opened to perform work such as removing jammed paper.

A protrusion (not shown) is provided on the inner wall surface of the door cover 23, and an interlock switch (also not shown) is provided in a portion of the main body 100 that corresponds to the protrusion when the cover 23 is closed. ing. When the door cover 23 is opened, the interlock switch is turned off, and the image forming operation, that is, the copying operation of the copying machine is interrupted.

Conversely, when the door cover 23 is closed, the interlock switch is turned on and the copying operation is resumed.
The state becomes copyable. As described above, in this example, the protrusion of the door cover 23 and the interlock switch constitute an interlock device, and safety for the operator is ensured when the door cover 23 is opened.

The opening/closing lid 25 is pivotally attached to the door cover 23 by a lower shaft 26, as shown in FIG. In other words, the lower side of the opening/closing lid is the pivot point.

FIG. 5 shows a toner cartridge, and this cartridge 27 contains toner for replenishment. 4 and 6 show the loaded toner cartridge 27. FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the door cover 23 is provided with an opening 23a for cartridge insertion/removal, and connected to this opening 23a, as shown in FIG. A passage 28 is provided.

The opening/closing lid 25 has an opening 2 connected to such an insertion/removal path 28.
Open or close 3a. A magnetic body 25a is attached to the tip of the opening/closing lid 25, and a corresponding body 10
On the 0 side, there is provided a so-called bump-type magnet catch 29 that attracts the magnetic material 25a, so that the opening/closing lid 25 can be held in the closed position or opened. For example, if the lid 25 is pressed once, it will be in the open state, and if pressed again, it will be in the closed state. In any case, when replacing the toner cartridge, the opening/closing lid 25 is rotated from the upright position shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 to the horizontal position shown by the chain line to open the opening 23a.

Here, when the near-end of toner is detected by the toner near-end detection sensor 22 (Fig. 1), the message "Please replenish toner" is displayed on the display panel as described above.
is displayed. Seeing this, a worker such as a copying person or service person should replace the toner cartridge.
In FIG.

Push the opening/closing rt25 in the standing position shown by the solid line once to open it to the horizontal position shown by the imaginary line. In other words, the door cover 23 does not have to be opened. In this state, insert the used toner cartridge 27 into the cartridge insertion/removal path 28.
Then, pull it out to the left in FIG. 6 and take it out of the device. Of course, at this time, if the operation 1 for image formation is, for example, a copying machine.

Operations for copying can continue to be performed in parallel. That is, for opening/closing M25, the door cover 23
There is no interlock device like that attached to the printer, and even if the opening/closing lid 25 is opened, the image forming operation is not interrupted and the copying operation can be continued as is.

After opening the opening/closing lid 25 and taking out the used toner cartridge, leave the opening/closing lid 25 open and insert a new toner cartridge into the opening/closing lid 25 in the horizontal position.
Using as a guide, insert the cartridge through the opening 23a toward the cartridge insertion/removal path 28 in the main body of the copying machine.

Two guide protrusions 25b (FIG. 3) are provided on the surface of the opening/closing M25 on the insertion/removal path 28 side, and the toner cartridge 27 is inserted side by side inside the guide protrusions 25b (FIG. 3).

The opening/closing 125 configured in this manner is also used as a guide when removing the toner cartridge, and achieves the guide function and the function of 1M for JN.

For this reason, the opening/closing lid 25 is pivoted on the lower side.

The toner cartridge 27 is provided with a slide lid 27A on the bottom side, and after loading a new toner cartridge in the position shown in FIG. 6, pull out the slide M27A, leaving the main body of the toner cartridge 27. and the sticker 31 affixed to the bottom of the toner cartridge.
(Fig. 4) is automatically peeled off, and the opening 27b at the bottom of the cartridge is opened.

Accordingly, the toner in the toner cartridge falls into the toner supply chamber 21 in which the toner stirring member 32 and the like are provided, and the toner is replenished.

This replenishment allows copying to continue for a long time. The cartridge 27 is loaded into the toner supply position in the copying machine main body 100 through the opening 23a.

After the toner in the toner cartridge is dropped, the pulled out slide 127A is pushed in to return to its original state, and then the opening/closing lid 25 is closed.

As mentioned above, the toner cartridge 27 as a supply item
can be replaced by simply opening the opening/closing lid 25 to which the interlock device is not attached, without opening the door cover 23 to which the interlock device is attached. The toner cartridge 27 can be replaced while continuing. This makes it possible to further improve copy productivity. Moreover, since the door cover 23 remains closed, elements inside the copying machine main body are not exposed to a large extent, and safety for the operator can be ensured. Furthermore, since the door cover 23 is not opened, one worker does not feel confused and can work efficiently.

The opening 23a and the opening/closing lid 25 for opening and closing the opening 23a may be provided on an exterior part of the copying machine body other than the door cover 23, for example, on a fixed cover of the copying machine body.
If the toner cartridge 27 is attached to the cover 23, the toner cartridge 27 will be exposed to the outside when the cover 23 is opened.
The toner cartridge 27 can also be replaced by opening 3. As a result, the door cover 23
When it is necessary to open the copying machine and perform maintenance and inspection inside the copying machine main body, the toner cartridge can be replaced at the same time, making it possible to improve work efficiency.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, there is a shaft 35 and a toner stirring member 32 in the toner supply chamber 21 of the developing device.
A toner agitating device is provided. A toner stirring member drive motor 44 is connected to the shaft 35 via a joint 43 . The rotation of the motor causes the toner stirring member 32 to rotate turbulently, and with this rotation, the toner in the toner supply chamber 21 is stirred so as not to cause blocking.

In such a configuration, if a used toner cartridge is taken out as described above and one's hand is carelessly inserted into the cartridge insertion/removal path 28 through the opening 23a, the copying operation may occur. If so, it is very dangerous because movable members such as the toner stirring member 32 are moving in the area around the insertion/removal path.

In addition, hands may come into contact with the photoconductor 11 and the pair of registration rollers 15 during operation, as shown in FIG. 1, which is dangerous and may even damage the photoconductor. Even if there are electrical parts such as lead wires, motors, solenoids, connector terminals, etc. around 28, these are energized, so it is necessary to avoid touching them with your hands.

Unless these problems are solved, it is virtually impossible to replace cartridges while copying is being performed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a protective member is provided to prevent hands from entering around the cartridge insertion/removal path.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, an inner cover 3 as a protective member is installed below the entrance side of the cartridge insertion/removal path 28.
4 are provided. This cover 34 attaches the base end of the toner stirring member 32 and prevents hands from touching the end side shown in FIG. 6 of the shaft 35 driven by the motor 44 (FIG. 7). In addition, inner cover 3
4 also serves as a guide when inserting and removing the cartridge.

Note that when replacing the toner cartridge 27 with the door cover 23 open for reasons such as removing jammed paper, the 1-nurker 1-ridge 27 is placed directly on the inner cover 34 and moved to the back. It is inserted and loaded into the section.

On the other hand, a cartridge cover portion 36A is provided around the cartridge insertion/removal path 28 as a protective member. This cover portion 36A is integrally provided with the toner hopper 36 forming the toner supply chamber 21, as shown in FIG.

Further, a wall portion 36 is provided on the lower side of the cartridge cover portion 36A.
A1 is provided on this wall portion 36A1.

For example, a slit 37 is provided parallel to the axis 35, through which the toner falls. This wall portion 36A allows one worker to move the shaft 35 and the toner agitating member 33 inside the toner replenishment chamber.
This constitutes a protective member that prevents fingers from entering the area. That is, the width of the slit 37 is set to a size that does not allow a finger to enter.

The cartridge cover portion 36A performs a guiding function for the toner cartridge 27, and also prevents hands from entering around the insertion/removal path 28, as described above. In other words, it is possible to prevent one hand from touching the movable members or electrical components around it, and it is safe even if the opening/closing 125 is open, and the operation for copying can be performed without any trouble. Therefore, the cartridge 1 can be replaced while copying, and as a result, downtime of the machine can be reduced.

By providing the above-mentioned protective member, the safety for the worker can be increased.
As shown in Fig. a, if the hole 37 of the lii section 36A is made large, when the operator puts his/her hand into the cartridge insertion/ejection path 28 during copy operation, the opening 37 opens wide.
This makes it possible to insert a finger into the toner supply chamber 21.

There remain questions about its safety.

Therefore, in this example, in order to ensure safety even in the case shown in FIG. 4a, a cartridge loading detection device 46 is installed at the upper end of one side plate 40 of the hopper 36, as shown in FIG.
is provided. This detection device 46 includes an actuator 47, a spring 48 that biases the actuator, and a switch 49.
It is composed of etc.

When the toner cartridge 27 is loaded in the toner supply position shown in FIG.
The actuator 47 is pushed in against the tight elasticity of the toner agitating member 32 , and in this state, the switch 49 does not perform any switching operation, but the motor 44 is turned on and the toner stirring member 32 is turned on.
is rotating.

On the other hand, when the cartridge 27 is extracted, the actuator 47 is pulled by the spring 48 and rotates, causing the switch 49 to perform a switching operation and stopping the motor 44. Then, the rotation of the toner stirring member 32 stops. That is, the toner stirring device becomes inoperative (see FIG. 9).

On the other hand, while this toner stirring device is inoperative,
Operation 1 for image formation by the image forming apparatus, for example, 1w
If it is a photocopying machine, it is possible to continue its operation without interruption for copying.

Since the toner agitation device is inoperative, it is safe even if one's hand is accidentally put into the cartridge insertion/removal path 28.

In this way, safety for workers during toner replenishment is more reliably guaranteed.

On the other hand, even when the toner stirring device is inactive, it can be operated for copying, so the 4161 does not go down.

Note that when a new toner cartridge is loaded, the detection device M46 detects the presence of the cartridge, the motor 44 is turned on, and the operation starts again! - The stirrer stirring member 32 begins to rotate and returns to the stirring state. Although the toner stirring member 32 is stopped until a used cartridge is taken out and a new cartridge is loaded, this stoppage is relatively short and does not cause much trouble.

Note that when the detection device 46 detects that there is no toner cartridge, displaying this information on the display panel or the like makes it possible to notify the toner replenishment operator and prompt him or her to load a new cartridge. (9th
figure).

By the way, the surface of the photoreceptor 11 shown in FIG.

The cleaning device 120 cleans the surface and removes the remaining toner from the surface.If this removed toner is collected into the toner cartridge 27 that has been emptied by toner replenishment, a dedicated collection device is used. A container can be made unnecessary.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a new toner cartridge is loaded, the tip end of the toner discharge pipe 51 enters into the toner cartridge 27. When the slide M27A is pulled out in this state, the replenishment toner inside falls and the inside of the cartridge becomes empty. After the slide lid 27A is closed, the waste toner from the cleaning device is conveyed through the toner discharge pipe 51 at an appropriate time, and accordingly, the waste toner is collected into the cartridge 27. If such collection is performed without a cartridge, the new toner in the toner supply chamber 21 will be mixed with the collected waste toner,
This may cause background stains or toner scattering from the imaging device.

As mentioned earlier, this message is displayed when there is no cartridge.

It is also useful to warn the person replenishing toner in advance to prevent waste toner from entering the toner replenishing chamber 21.

Incidentally, in addition to such a display, an ff warning sound may be emitted.

Furthermore, if a toner cartridge is not inserted after copying has been performed for a certain period of time or a certain number of times, the operation of the copying machine is stopped to prevent waste toner from being sent into the toner discharge pipe 51. It is advantageous that a large amount of waste toner can be prevented from entering the toner supply chamber 21 by controlling the amount of waste toner.

By the way, as described above, the inner cover 34 provided below the entrance side portion of the cartridge insertion/removal path 28
The inner cover 34 also functions to guide the car 1-ridge, and the inner cover 34 is in a state where the opening/closing lid 25 is opened to the horizontal position as shown in FIG.

The opening/closing lid 25 is connected to the base end 25c side of the opening/closing lid 25 with a gap 52 in between, and in this connected state, the cartridge to be inserted or removed can be opened/closed. It is guided by the guide protrusion 25b of the lid 25 and both guide protrusions 34a on the upper part of the guide member 34. At this time, toner tends to adhere to the bottom surface of the slide lid 27A of the toner cartridge 27 shown in FIG. 6, and when the cartridge is pulled out, there is a risk that the toner adhering to the bottom surface may fall and scatter outside. There is.

Therefore, a wiping member 41 made of a sponge or the like is fixed to the upper end of the hopper side plate 39 which rotatably supports one end side of the shaft 35 supporting the toner stirring member 32 via a bearing 38, and the wiping member 41 made of a sponge or the like is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 35 that supports the toner stirring member 32, and slides the cartridge 27 along with the slide M27A. When the toner is removed, the toner adhering to the bottom surface is scraped off by the wiping member 41. At this time, the splattered toner is put into a groove 42 provided close to the wiping member 41, so that this portion is not noticeable from the outside.

However, even with this configuration, if toner accumulates in the groove 42 or if toner scatters from the wiping member 41 toward the inner cover 34 as a cartridge guide member, the cover 34 Toner adheres to the inner cover 34, and when the cartridge is removed, the toner on the inner cover 34 may scatter to the outside and stain the outside of the machine with toner.

Therefore, a box-shaped toner receptacle 53 is fixedly provided on the door cover 23 so as to be located below the above-mentioned gap 52. When the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 27 rubs against the upper part of the inner cover 34 as the toner cartridge 27 is pulled out, the toner present between them falls through the gap 52.

The toner is collected in the toner receiver 53. Therefore, there is no possibility that the toner will scatter to the outside, and the outside of the machine will not be contaminated with toner.

By the way, when you take out the toner cartridge.

There is a possibility that the toner on the bottom side of the cartridge may fall and adhere to the opening/closing lid 25 as well. In such a case, by positioning the toner receiver 53 in the downward extension of the opening/closing lid 25 in an upright position,
When the opening/closing lid 25 is closed or the toner cartridge 2
7 rubs the guide portion of the opening/closing lid 25, the toner adhering thereon can fall toward the toner receiver 53.

If the opening/closing 125 is provided on the door cover 23 and the toner receiver 53 is provided on the door cover 23, when the door cover 23 is opened/closed to remove jammed paper, the vibration accompanying this opening/closing will cause the opening/closing lid 25 to move. This allows the toner on the top to fall off easily.

In particular, when a foot or the like touches the door cover 23 and the door cover vibrates strongly, the toner on the opening/closing lid 25 can be actively dropped toward the toner receiver 53. In such cases.

If the toner receiver 53 were not provided, the spherical surface etc. would be contaminated by the fallen toner. By providing the toner receiver 53 on each door cover 23, such a special effect can be expected. However, even if such a toner receiver 53 is provided in the developing device, it is possible to receive the toner falling from the gap 52, and if the door cover 23 is closed, the toner falling from the upright opening 171M25 can be received. You can also receive toner.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing operations related to the toner near end and toner replenishment described above.

FIG. 9 shows respective control block diagrams.

As can be understood from the flowchart, after the toner near-end is detected, a predetermined number of copies can be made using the remaining toner.

During this time, if the cartridge is replaced and toner is replenished, the machine will not go down at all.

In the illustrated embodiment, the developer container 18 of the developing unit W13 is configured to be supplied with toner from the toner supply chamber 21, a toner cartridge is installed in the hopper 36 of this supply chamber, and the toner is supplied to the supply chamber 21. However, in the present invention, the toner is agitated by the toner agitating member 32, but the present invention is applicable to other types of developing devices, for example, a toner cartridge is directly attached to the developer container 18 and the toner is supplied to the container 18. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus in which the developer replenished in this manner is stirred by a stirring member within the container 18. Further, as described above, the present fishing agent contained in the developer container 18 may be one-component.

Although the embodiment in which the supplies are toner cartridges has been described above, the present invention can also be applied to image forming apparatuses loaded with other supplies.

10 to 12 show an embodiment showing a silicone oil tank 127 containing silicone oil to be applied to a fixing roller of a fixing device as a supply item.

The opening/closing M25 is disposed at a position corresponding to the silicone oil tank 127 set inside the copying machine main body 100, and is attached to the door cover 23 so as to be openable and closable. For the small cover opening/closing M25.

Convex portions 110 for guiding when the silicone oil tank 127 is taken in and out are formed on both sides, and a concave portion 111 is formed in the center thereof. Further, as in the previous embodiment, a convex portion (not shown) forming an interlock device is formed on the inner wall of the door cover 23.

In such a configuration, the silicone oil tank 12
When the liquid level of the silicone oil 130 in the oil sump 112 provided at the bottom of 7 becomes low.

The silicone oil 130 in the tank 127 is discharged from the discharge port 113 of the tank 127, and the liquid level is always kept constant. Silicone oil 130 is conveyed (arrow B) by pump 114 to fusing device 16 (FIG. 1) and applied to the fusing roller. Excess silicone oil overflows and is returned to the oil sump 112 (arrow C). When the liquid level in the oil sump 112 drops from a certain level, an oil change message is displayed on the 1 display panel 102 (FIG. 1). As a result, opening/closing M25
After opening the silicone oil tank 127 and taking it out by tilting it as shown by the chain line in Fig. 10 when it is empty,
Opening and closing the new silicone oil tank M25 convex part 1
10. Insert along the recess 111 and close the opening/closing lid 25 to complete the replacement work. In addition, silicone oil tank 12
7 from the bottom of the oil sump 112, the compression spring 114 presses down on the valve member 115, thereby closing the outlet 113 and preventing oil from flowing out.

As described above, in this example as well, the silicone oil tank 127 can be replaced using the opening/closing lid 25, so there is no need to open the door cover 23. Therefore, the interlock switch is not activated.

The tank 127 can be replaced without interrupting the copying operation, making it possible to significantly improve copying productivity. Of course, in this example as well, the opening/closing lid 25 is provided on the door cover 23.

The tank 127 can also be replaced by opening the door cover 23.

It goes without saying that the various configurations shown in the previous embodiments can also be employed in this embodiment as needed.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it produces the following effects.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, it is possible to replace the supplies without opening the door cover, and there is no need to interrupt the operation for image formation during that time, so that the production of image formation is reduced. You can increase your sexuality. Moreover, by replacing supplies without opening the door cover, the operator can perform the work efficiently without being confused.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, since the opening/closing lid is provided on the door cover, the door cover can be opened to replace supplies.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, even if a hand is carelessly inserted into the developer cartridge insertion/removal path.

While operating the equipment, safety can be ensured.

It becomes possible to replenish developer.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, safety can be ensured even if a hand is accidentally inserted into the developer cartridge insertion/removal path, and operation for image formation can be continued without interruption. I can do it.

According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which, when replacing the developer cartridge, the developer on the member that guides the cartridge is not scattered outside the image forming apparatus. be able to.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the developer can be dropped into the developer receiver more efficiently.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 1a
This figure is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine to which a sorter is connected, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the structure of the cartridge insertion inlet section showing the opening/closing lid attached to the door cover in an open state;
The figure is a sectional view of the toner hopper section of the developing device, FIG. 4a is a sectional view of the toner hopper section partially different from FIG. 4, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the surrounding structure of the cartridge insertion inlet 7 is a sectional view of the peripheral components of the cartridge insertion inner part, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of operations related to toner near end and toner replenishment.
Fig. 9 is a control block diagram, Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing an embodiment in which the supplies are silicone oil tanks, and Fig. 1
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the main body of the copying machine when viewed from the direction of arrow A in Figure 10, and Figure 12 is a schematic view of the open/close lid when viewed from the direction of arrow 6 in Figure 10. It is an explanatory diagram. 13...Developing device 22...Near end detection means 23...Door cover 23a...Opening 25...Opening/closing lid 27...Developer cartridge 32...Stirring member 34, 36A, 36A1... - Anti-expansion member 46...Cartridge loading detection device 52...Gap 53...Developer receiver 100...Main body Haze 2a

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A supply insertion/removal opening for loading supplies into the image forming apparatus main body is provided in the exterior part of the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is provided with an opening/closing lid. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening for inserting and removing supplies and the opening/closing lid are provided on a door cover of the image forming apparatus main body whose operation for image forming operation is interrupted when opened. Device. (3) A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer, a developer cartridge for supplying the developer to the developing device, and provided in an exterior portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus. and a cartridge insertion/removal opening for loading the developer cartridge from the outside into the developer supply position inside the apparatus main body, and a cartridge insertion/removal opening for loading the developer cartridge from the outside into the developer supply position inside the apparatus main body, and an opening inside the developing apparatus that allows the image forming apparatus to continue to operate for image formation. a developer near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of developer in the cartridge has become less than a certain amount; and a protective member that prevents the hand from entering around the cartridge insertion/ejection path when a hand is carelessly inserted into the cartridge insertion/ejection path from the opening with the drug cartridge taken out of the device main body. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (4) a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the latent image carrier with a developer; a developer stirring device that stirs the developer in the developing device; and a developer stirring device that is provided on the exterior of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A developer cartridge is loaded into a developer supply position inside the apparatus main body through an opening provided in the apparatus, and supplies developer to the developing device at this position, and is in a state where the image forming apparatus can operate for image formation. , further comprising a cartridge loading detection device for detecting whether or not the developer cartridge is loaded in a developer supply position and, if not, disabling the developer stirring device regardless of the operation. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (5) A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer, a developer cartridge for supplying the developer to the developing device, and provided in an exterior part of the main body of the image forming apparatus. a cartridge insertion/removal opening for loading the developer cartridge from the outside into a developer supply position inside the apparatus main body; Connected to the opening/closing lid in the cartridge insertion/removal path with a gap between the opening/closing lid that guides the developer cartridge when it is inserted or removed, and the base end side of the opening/closing lid when the opening/closing lid is open. and a developer receiver for receiving the developer that moves along the cartridge guide member and falls from the gap when the developer cartridge is removed. Forming device. (6) The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the opening/closing lid is provided on a door cover of the image forming apparatus main body forming a part of the exterior, and a developer receptacle is provided on each door cover.