JPH02197866A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To stably and smoothly carry a developing unit all the time by disposing a guide member for moving the developing unit between the developing unit and a developing unit carrying path. CONSTITUTION:Plural rollers 40,... are pivotarily supported to the lower part of both side walls 13a and 13a of the developing unit carrying path 13 for a device main body A and to the lower part of the side walls 21a and 21a of each housing chamber 21 of a developing unit housing part 20 for a developing unit housing device B, slightly projecting from side walls 13a, 21a,...around a vertical axis. These rollers 40 are a guide member to prevent the corners of the developing unit 10 from becoming unable to move because they are caught by the side walls 13a and 13a of the developing unit carrying path 13 and by the housing side walls 21a and 21a of the developing unit housing part 20, due to the inclination of the developing unit 10 when the developing unit 10 moves on the developing unit carrying path 13 for the device main body A or in the developing unit housing part 20 for the developing unit housing device B.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, and particularly to an image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device storage device.

(Prior Art) The developing unit of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method such as a copying machine, a laser printer, or a printing machine is installed detachably from the main body of the apparatus, or the developing unit is installed inside the main body of the apparatus. A device that is transported between a developing position and a standby position has been put into practical use. Particularly in the latter case, the developing device is supported by guide rails and conveyed, or a cam mechanism or the like is used as the conveying means.

On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a strong demand for color images, and an image forming apparatus has become required to have a plurality of developing devices. For this reason, the plurality of developing devices are housed in a developing device storage device outside the main body, and the necessary developing devices are moved from the developing device storage device to a developing position within the device main body.

Therefore, the conveyance path for conveying the developing device is longer than that of the conventional one, and it has become impossible to carry out sufficient conveyance using the pressurizing means using the cam mechanism or the two-manual system. So 1
For example, a rack is engraved on the top and both sides of the developer, and a gear that meshes with the rack is rotated by a motor or the like to transport the developer from a predetermined position in the developer storage device to a standby position in the device body. There are suggestions for what to do.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in an image forming apparatus in which the developing device must be transported over a long distance as described above, as shown in FIG. The corner of the developing device lOO is the side wall 10 of the conveyance path lot.
There was a problem in that the developing device 100 stopped during transportation because it got caught in the developing device 1a.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a developing device can be transported stably and smoothly at all times.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a developing device storage for storing a plurality of developing devices! Equipped with an S position to store the developing device! An image forming apparatus including a developing device conveying path and a conveying means between a predetermined position in Itl and a standby position of the developing device around an image carrier in an image forming apparatus main body, wherein the developing device and the developing device conveying path are provided. The invention is characterized in that a guide member for moving the developing device is disposed between the developing device and the developing device.

(Function) Even if the developing device moves diagonally while moving in the developing device transport path, a guide member for moving the developing device is provided between the developing device and the developing device transport path. It is possible to stably and smoothly transport the developer through the transport path in the oblique state or in the proper state.

(Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking copying as an example.

Figure 1 is a sectional view of the area around the developing unit of the copying machine, and Figure 2 is t5.
Figure 1 is the ■-■ arrow view in Figure 1, Figure 3 is the ■-m arrow view in Figure 2,
FIG. 4 is a diagram relating to a modified embodiment.

First, an overview of the copying apparatus will be explained with reference to FIG.

The copying apparatus is composed of an apparatus main body A that performs image forming work, and a developer housing MB that houses a plurality of developers IO having different color developers (toners), and is capable of forming color images using multiple colors. It is possible. A photosensitive drum 11, which is an image carrier, is disposed within the apparatus main body A. When an electrostatic latent image corresponding to a document image of a predetermined color is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, which is charged in a negative manner, the photosensitive drum A developing device 10 (for example, a green developing base 10A containing green toner) disposed at a standby position A around 11 is pressed by the photosensitive tram 11, and the electrostatic charge formed on the green developing device 10A or the photosensitive drum 11 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 11. The latent image is visualized in green.

Next, when the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged again and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to a document image of a different color is formed on the photosensitive drum 11, the waiting position around the photosensitive drum 11 is moved from the developing device storage device B. Another developing device 10 (for example, a black developing device 10B containing black toner) moved to A is pressed by the photosensitive drum 11, and this black developing device 10B transfers the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11. When one or more images of each color corresponding to the original image are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 11, such as one or more images that are developed into black, the multicolor images are transferred from the photosensitive drum 11 via a transfer charger (not shown). Transferred onto transfer paper.

On the other hand, in the developing device storage device B, a developing device storage section 2 is moved vertically by a driving means (not shown) and has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) developing device storage chambers 21, 21, 21 located above and below.
0 is arranged, and the storage chamber 21 of the developing device storage section 20...
Therein are green, black, and red developing devices 10A containing green, black, and red toners.

10B and IOc are stored respectively. The developing device storage section 20 moves up and down to the developing device entrance 1 of the apparatus main body A.
A desired developing device 10 can be positioned at a position opposite to the developing device 2, that is, at the developing device delivery position opening of the developing device storage device B.

In FIG. 1, the green developing device 10A is not located in the developing device storage section 20 in the developing device storage IB.

As mentioned above, it is in the standby position A around the photosensitive drum 11.

Next, a description will be given of a means for transporting the developing device 10 between the standby position A in the apparatus main body A and the developing device delivery position 1 in the developing device storage device B.

A developer transport path 13 is formed from the developer entrance/exit 12 of the apparatus main body A to the photosensitive tram 11, and the lower surface of the transport path 13 is connected to the developer delivery position opening in the developer storage device B, as shown in FIG. It is on the same level as the lower surface of the storage chamber 21 in the developing device storage section 20 located at
As shown in FIG. 2, 3a and 13a are also substantially the same as both side surfaces 21a and 21a of the storage chamber 21 in the developing device storage section 20.
Positioned to be in position. Both sides 13a, 13 of the developing device transport path 13 and the developing device storage chamber 21
a, 21a, and 21a also serve as guide surfaces for moving the developing device IO. Note that the developing device transport path 13 and the developing device storage chamber 21 located at the developer delivery position opening constitute a transport path for the developing device IO.

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing device IO has IRI racks 10a, 10a on both sides thereof for transporting the developing device 10.
It is also engraved with a w for transportation on both sides of the top surface.
S2 racks 10b, 10b are engraved. Further, each storage chamber 21 of the developer storage section 20 of the developer storage device B. ...
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is a drive gear 30.30 that meshes with the first rack 10a, loa of the developing device.
The developing device 10 in the developing device storage device B is connected to the device main body A.
or into the developing device transport path 13 of the developing device transport path 1
The first step is to transfer the developing device 10 in No. 3 into the developing device storage device B.
Transport means Ml are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of left and right drive gears 30.30 of the first transfer means Ml are connected to the i of the developing unit IO via a swingable arm 31.31.
It is possible to approach and separate from the racks 10a and 10a, and the driving force for moving the developing device 10 can be released if necessary.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the developing device transport path 13 of the apparatus main body A, the second rack fo of the developing device 10 is located
It has a drive gear 32, 32 that meshes with the drive gears 32 and 10b, and transports the developing device IO transported by the first transport means Ml to a standby position A around the photosensitive drum 11 of the apparatus main body A, and A second transporting means M2 is provided for transporting the developing device 10 located at position A to a position near the developing device storage device B where the developing device 10 can be transported by the first transporting means Ml.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, near the developer entrance/exit 12 of the *at main body A, there is a third transport means M for pressing and transporting the developer lO in the standby position A to the developing position with the photosensitive drum 11.
3 is provided. The third transfer means M3 is connected to the apparatus main body A.
A pressurizing arm 33 whose lower end is pivotally supported and whose upper end is elastically biased to the right in FIG. tilt,
It consists of a cam 34 and the like that press the developing device IO against the photosensitive tram 11.

The developing device lO, which has been released from being suppressed by the third transporting means M3 against the photosensitive drum 11, is transported toward the developing device storage tItIB via the drive gears 32, 32 of the second transporting means M2. and the drive gear 32.32 and the second rack iob of the developer lO.

When the engagement of the fob is nearing completion, the drive gear 30.
10a, and this developer lO is placed in the developer storage device lB.
The developer is transported and stored in the storage chamber 21 located at the developer delivery position opening of the developer storage section 20 inside.

Next, the drive gear 30.30 of the first conveying means M or the arm 3
After moving to the evacuation position due to 1.31.

When the developer storage section 20 in the developer storage device B is moved up and down by a drive source (not shown) and a desired developer lO is positioned at the developer delivery position opening, the first rack loa of the developer 10 is moved up and down.
, 10a of the first transfer means Ml meshing with the drive gear 30.
30 moves again toward the first racks 10a and 10a of the developing device 10 and rotates, thereby moving the developing device 10 into the developing device transport path 13 of the apparatus main body A. Then, when the second rack 10b and the fob of the developing device 10 start to mesh with the drive gear 32.32 of the second conveying means M2, the developing device 10 is moved to the standby state of the apparatus main body A by the driving gear 32.32 of the second conveying means M2. It is transported to position A. The developing device l stopped at the standby position A
O is pressed against the photosensitive drum 11 by the pressure arm 33 of the third transfer means M3, and the developing operation is started. Thereafter, similar operations are repeated for each developing device IO.

Now, both side walls 13a of the developing device conveyance path 13 of the apparatus main body A,
13a lower part and developing device storage section 20 of developing device storage unit alB
Both side walls 21a of each storage chamber 21.

At the bottom of 21a, there are a plurality of rotatable rollers 40. as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. ... is each side wall 13g, 21a
,... It protrudes a little more and is pivoted around the vertical axis. The roller 40 is installed when the developing device 10 is in the developing device conveying path 13 of the apparatus main body A or in the developing device storage! When moving in the developing device storage section 20 of B, the corner (corner) of the developing device 10 due to the oblique movement of the developing device 10 is the side wall 13a of the developing device transport path 13.

13a and the storage chamber side wall 21a of the developing device storage section zO.

This is a guide member that prevents the guide member 21a from becoming damaged and becoming unable to move. Incidentally, the skew movement of the developing device 1 is carried out by each pair of drive gears 30, 30, 32 of the first and second conveying means Ml, M2.
．． If there is a difference in the rotation speed of 32, or if there is a difference in the rotation speed of
This problem occurs when the developing device 10 is initially placed in the developing device accommodating section 2 in an oblique state.

Thus, both side walls 13a of the developing device conveyance path B of the apparatus main body A,
13a and developer storage t of developer storage device B! A plurality of rotatable rollers 40 are installed on both sides of the storage chamber 21a, 21a of &20.
Because of this arrangement, there is a difference in rotational speed between the left and right pair of drive gears 30, 30, 32, 32 of the first and second conveying means Ml, M2, and the developing device 10 runs diagonally. Even if the corners etc. come into contact with the side walls 13a, 13a of the developing device conveyance path 13, etc.
Corresponding contact part or roller 40. ... is pushed back to its normal position, or even if it is not pushed back, the roller 40.・
The rotation of the developer 310 allows the developer 310 to move without receiving significant resistance from the side walls 13a, 13a. Therefore, the inconvenience that the developing device 1O skews and stops during transportation does not occur.

In addition, the above-mentioned rollers 40 are attached to the developing device conveyance path 13 of the apparatus main body A.
Rather than being attached to the side walls 13a, 13a of the developer container 10 or the storage chamber side walls 21a, 21a of the developer container 3B, at least four rollers 40 are installed at or near the four corners of the developer container 10, as shown in FIG. , --... may be attached to the roller 4.
0 is rotatably supported by the developing device 10 with its vertical axis, and is mounted in a state that projects slightly outward from the developing device 1.

In this case as well, the developer JIIO runs diagonally, and the rollers 40. Even if the rollers 40 . . . rotates, the developing device IO is pushed back to its normal position, or the side 11!13a, 13
This means that the developing device 10 can be moved in an oblique state without receiving large resistance from the objects such as a, and the problem that the developing device 10 stops midway does not occur.

The above modified embodiment has the advantage that the aluminum of the roller 40 can be reduced compared to the previous embodiment.

In the above embodiments, rollers are used as guide members for the developing device, but the guide member is not limited to this, and any roller that can prevent the developing device from running diagonally or reduce the conveyance resistance of the developing device even if the developing device runs diagonally is used. Of course, any means that can lower the amount may be used.

Furthermore, in the embodiments and modified embodiments of the present invention, a copying apparatus of a type in which a multicolor image formed on a photosensitive tram 11 is transferred onto a transfer paper has been described, or the copying apparatus is transferred onto a transfer paper for each developed color. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to devices.

(Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a developing device transport path formed between a waiting position of the developing device in the apparatus main body and a predetermined position of the developing device storage device, Since a guide member for moving the developing device is disposed between the developing device and the developing device, even if the developing device moves diagonally in the developing device conveying path, the developing device can be stably and smoothly moved along the developing device conveying path. Can be transported.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the area around the developing device of the copying machine, and Figure 2 is the
3 is a diagram indicated by the m--■ arrow in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a conventional technique. 10, IOA, IOB, IOC...Developer. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11... Photosensitive tram (image carrier), 13... (Developing device conveyance path), 21... Developer storage chamber (Developing device conveyance path), 40... Roller (guiding member), A...Standby position, mouth...Developer delivery position M (prescribed position, A...
Apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body), B...Developer storage device, Ml, M2. M3... 1st. Second. Third conveyance means (conveyance means of the developing device). Patent Applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Ryo Yamashita Figure 4 Figure 5

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Equipped with a developer storage device that stores multiple developers,
An image forming apparatus comprising a developing device conveying path and a conveying means between a predetermined position in the developing device storage device and a waiting position of the developing device around an image carrier in an image forming apparatus main body, wherein the developing device An image forming apparatus characterized in that a guide member for moving the developing device is disposed between the developing device transport path and the developing device conveyance path. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is a plurality of rollers rotatably supported at at least four corners of the developing device. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is a plurality of rollers rotatably supported on the developing device conveyance path.