JPH0363666A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily exchange a member and easily remove jammed paper by performing an exchanging mode and a jamming processing mode by operating respective operation levers. CONSTITUTION:The operation lever 19A for exchanging and the operation lever for processing for jamming are provided on the upper cover 15 of a laser printer. When the cover 15 is opened by operating and turning the lever 19A in the case of exchanging the member, a photosensitive body 1 is left in a lower cover 14 in a state where it is received by a photosensitive body receiver 21 and a process cartridge 100 is lifted with the cover 15. When the cover 15 is opened by turning the lever for processing for jamming, the photosensitive body 1 and the cartridge 100 are lifted with the cover 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a laser printer and an electrophotographic apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus applicable to a cover opening/closing means.

(Prior Art) In recent small laser printers and small copying machines, there is a tendency for users to replace the main components used in the image forming process as consumables by themselves.

The main parts to be replaced include a drum-shaped photoreceptor, a charger, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit. These replacement members are assembled into a cartridge called a process cartridge, and the process cartridge as a whole is configured to be detachable from the main body (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-43166).

However, among the parts built into the process cartridge, the cleaning unit and developing unit come to be replaced relatively early, while the photoconductor replacement period is relatively slow, so the photoconductor still has sufficient capacity to withstand use. up to and including the process cartridge will be replaced and discarded together with the process cartridge. Because of these inconveniences, instead of the above-mentioned conventional technology, a technology has been proposed in which only the photoreceptor can be freely separated from the process cartridge (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 170978/1983). The process cartridge containing the photoconductor is housed in a housing consisting of a top cover and a bottom cover, and the top cover can be opened and closed in a crocodile-like shape.When the top cover is opened or closed, the photoconductor is always lifted up along with the process cartridge, and then the photoconductor is removed. Only the body is attached or detached in its coaxial direction.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) In the conventional technology, when replacing either the photoreceptor or the process cartridge, the process cartridge is lifted together with the upper cover, and then the process cartridge is removed.
Furthermore, a step of removing the photoreceptor is required, and therefore, even when only the process cartridge is replaced, the photoreceptor must be replaced, which is complicated.

To deal with this, it is conceivable to lift only the process cartridge together with the upper cover and leave the photoreceptor on the lower cover side.

However, if this is done, it becomes difficult to remove paper jams that occur below the photoreceptor, so-called jammed paper.

According to the present invention, it is easy to replace parts according to the replacement period,
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which jammed paper can be easily removed.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the upper cover is opened, the process cartridge is attached to the upper cover while the photoreceptor remains on the lower cover side. It is possible to select a replacement mode in which the process cartridge is lifted together with the top cover, or a jam clearing mode in which the process cartridge is lifted together with the photoconductor when the top cover is opened. Each mode is provided correspondingly, and each mode is selected by selecting each of the operating levers.

In addition, in order to respond to the occurrence of an error in the image forming means formed in the case consisting of the upper cover and lower cover, we have installed multiple operating levers that are operated when opening the upper cover, depending on the type of error. It is preferable that an indicator is provided on or near each of these operating levers to notify the occurrence of an error, and when an error occurs, the indicator of the corresponding operating lever is activated depending on the type of error.

Further, a mode switching means for switching to either a replacement mode or a jam clearing mode, and a detection means for detecting the time to replace the photoconductor and process members in the process cartridge are provided, and when the upper cover is opened, the detection means If the detection means detects that it is time to replace the part, the mode is set to replacement mode, and if the detection means does not detect that it is time to replace the part, the jam processing mode is selected, and the mode switching means selects the mode. You can also do it.

(Function) Switching to the jam processing mode or the replacement mode is performed by operating an operating lever prepared corresponding to each of these modes.

Further, a display prompting the user to operate the operating lever that is at a certain timing to be operated is displayed.

Furthermore, mode selection is performed automatically without operator intervention.

(Embodiment) In FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a laser printer, reference numeral 1 indicates a drum-shaped photoreceptor, around which are a developing unit 2 having a developing roller 3 and a cleaning unit having a cleaning blade 5. 4. A charging charger 6, an optical writing unit 7, a transfer charger 8, and the like are arranged.

Among these, developing unit 2 and cleaning unit 4
and the electrification charger 6 are integrated into a process cartridge 100. This process cartridge 100 is attached to a bracket 1 attached to an upper cover 15.
01 in a detachable manner. The photoreceptor 1 is supported on the lower cover 14 side, and is lifted together with the upper cover 15 depending on the mode.

The photoreceptor 1 and the process cartridge 100 are housed in a housing made up of an upper cover 15 and a lower cover 14.

When forming an image, the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 9 is fed out by a paper feed roller 10, and the paper is fed out by a pair of registration rollers 11.
The image is transferred to the transfer charger 8, then fixed by a pair of fixing rollers 12, and then delivered to the paper discharge tray 13.

Now, the upper cover 15 can be opened and closed about the fulcrum 16. When closed, latches 18A and 18B rotatably supported by the upper cover 15 about a shaft 20 engage with a lock pin 17 fixed to the lower cover 14, so that the upper cover 15 is maintained in the closed state.

A photoreceptor receiver 21 is fixed to the lower cover 14,
Both ends of the shaft portion of the photoreceptor 1 are received and supported.

Reference numeral 22 indicates a hook for lifting the photoreceptor 1 together with the upper cover 15, and a fulcrum shaft 2 fixed to the upper cover 15.
3 and is connected to a lever 25 via a pin that engages in an elongated hole 24.

The other end of this lever 25 is connected to a replacement operating lever 19A that is operated when replacing the process cartridge.

The external appearance of this laser printer is as shown in FIG. 2, and is located adjacent to the replacement operating lever 19A.

Jam removal operation lever 19 operated during jam removal
B are arranged.

Each of these operating levers 19A, 19B is provided with an appropriate display means, for example, indicators 27A, 27B such as an LED. Further, an operation panel 26 is provided on the front of the laser printer, and displays error conditions such as occurrence of jam or lack of toner, and other information.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, each operating lever 19A, 1
9B and the motion transmission mechanism from these operating levers to the hook 22 will be explained.

In FIG. 3, the shaft 20 is connected to each operating lever 19A, 19.
It passes through B and is pivotally supported at both ends by the upper cover 15. Moreover, each operating lever 19A is on the shaft 20.

A latch 18 is provided on each side of 19B. These latches 18 and the jam removal operation lever 19B are connected to the shaft 2.
0↓This is fixed, and the replacement operating lever 19A is attached to shaft 2.
It is pivoted to 0.

'As shown in Fig. 4, the protrusion 3 of the replacement operating lever 19A
2 is engaged with the concave portion 33 of the jam removal operation lever 19B so as to cover it from above. With this configuration, when the jam removal operation lever 19B is rotated, the replacement operation lever 19A is also automatically operated, but when only the replacement operation lever 19A is rotated, the jam removal operation lever 19A is rotated. 19B will not be affected.

Next, the central part of the shaft 28 that fixedly supports the base end of the hook 22 is bent upward into a crank shape, as shown in FIG. 3, to avoid interference with the process cartridge. is pivotally supported by the upper cover 15.

One end of a lever 25 is pivotally attached to the free end side of the replacement operating lever 19A around a shaft J. A pin 30 implanted in the other end of the lever fits into an elongated hole 24 formed in the upper part of the hook 22, whereby the replacement operating lever 1
9A and the hook 22 are in a connected state.

A compressible spring 29 is placed between the upper part of the hook 22 and the upper cover 15, and urges the hook 22 in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the hook 22 by this spring 29 is
A stopper (not shown) prevents the photoreceptor from being in the position shown in FIG.

When the hook 22 is in the above position, each operating lever 19
The upper surfaces of A and 19B are aligned with the upper surface of the upper cover 15, as shown in FIG. In order to maintain this state, the convex portion of each operating lever is compressed by the tension force of the springs 31A and 31B, as shown in FIG.
5.

The elongated hole 24 provided in the hook 22 and the inclined portion at the bottom of the hook are escape means for automatically bringing the photoreceptor 1 into the latched state when the upper cover 15 is closed.

Further, the inclined portion formed at the lower part of the latch 18 is also an escape means for automatically bringing the lock pin 17 into the latched state when the upper cover 15 is closed.

With the above configuration, when the jam clearing operation lever 19B is rotated in the upward direction, the jam clearing mode is realized and only the latch 18 is rotated to release the lock pin 17, and the upper cover 15 is the fulcrum 16
It can be opened mainly. and.

In response to this, the photoreceptor 1 is also lifted while being hung on the hook 22.

On the other hand, when the exchange operation lever 19A is rotated in the direction of lifting, the exchange mode is realized and the jam removal operation lever 19B is also lifted at the same time due to the configuration shown in FIG. At the same time as the hook 22 is removed, the hook 22 is also rotated via the lever 25 and removed from the axis of the photoreceptor 1.

As a result, the photoreceptor 1 is maintained in a state where it is received by the photoreceptor receiver 21, and the upper cover 15 is opened while the photoreceptor 1 remains in the lower cover 14.

6 and 7 show the upper cover 15 in an open state.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the exchange operation lever 19A is operated and opened, and the photoreceptor l remains inside the lower cover 14 as described above. In this state, the process cartridge 10
0 is removable in the direction of the arrow C, and the photoreceptor 1 is removable in the direction of the arrow E, making it easy to replace any of these members.

FIG. 7 shows the state in which the jam removal operation lever 19B is operated and opened, and the photoreceptor l is lifted together with the upper cover 15 while being hung on the hook 22, so that the remaining paper on the lower cover 14 is removed. Jammed paper on the conveyance path 34 can be easily removed in the direction of arrow F.

Indicator 2 provided on each operating lever 19A, 19B
Regarding 7A and 27B, when the laser printer main body is stopped due to a jam, the indicator 27B on the side of the jam removal operation lever 19B lights up or flashes, and the process cartridge 100 or photoreceptor 1 has reached the end of its life. If it stops due to this, replace the operating lever 1.
The display 27A on the 9A side lights up or blinks to clearly indicate the operation target.

In the illustrated example, the display is provided on the operating lever, but the display is not limited to this example, and may be provided near the operating lever as long as it is possible to display selection of the operating lever.

Furthermore, at the same time as the display on the control lever shows,
It would be even more convenient if the status of the error that has occurred is also displayed on the operation panel 26.

As is clear from the above examples, when replacing the process cartridge in the prior art, it was necessary to perform a secondary disassembly work of removing the photoreceptor from the process cartridge, but in this example, mode selection eliminates the need for this, making the work more complicated. The problem has been resolved. Also, jam handling can be easily done by selecting a mode.

Furthermore, conventionally, an error mode is always displayed on the operation panel, but if there are many operation levers, it may be difficult to know which lever to operate.

In this regard, this embodiment has the advantage that by providing a display in association with the lever to be operated, the display can be operated using the display as a guide, and there is no risk of damaging the device due to erroneous operation.

Next, other embodiments will be described.

In this example, mode selection is automated.

FIG. 8 shows a case in which the present invention is applied to a laser printer. Components common to those in FIG. 1 in the embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 8, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 8, a hook 220 for receiving the photoreceptor 1 is pivotally attached to a shaft 230 that is integral with the upper cover 15. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper part of the hook 220 is branched to form an armature 250. On the other hand, an electromagnet 240 is provided on the upper cover 15 opposite to the armature 250. When the electromagnet 240 is excited, the armature 250 is attracted and the hook 220 is rotated clockwise and retreated from the photoreceptor 1. Electromagnet 2
When the excitation of the hook 40 is released, the hook 220 is pulled by the spring 140 and returns to a state in which it can lift the photoreceptor 1 shown in FIG. Although a stopper is provided to restrict the movement of the hook 220 in each of the above positions, illustration thereof is omitted to avoid complexity. These hook 220, armature 250° electromagnet 240 are an example of mode switching means.

In FIGS. 8 and 10, reference numeral 190 indicates an operating lever, which has the function of holding the upper cover 15 in the closed state or releasing the held state. This operating lever 190 is provided in constant relation to a shaft 290 pivotally connected to the upper cover 15, and further includes a latch 180A and a shaft 290 integrally connected to the lever.
A latch 180B is provided integrally with each other. These latches are detachable from the lock pins 17, and when lifted by the operator, they are disengaged from the lock pins to release the upper cover 15, and when the operator releases the latches, they are pulled by the springs 150 and engaged with the lock pins. The upper cover 15 is held closed. A microswitch 260 is attached to the upper cover 15 and is provided below the latch 180A.
80 operating states are detected.

In addition, 7 t') 220, latch 180A, 180
B(7) The sloped portion provided at the lower part functions as a relief when the upper cover 15 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 11, there is an operating lever 190 in a part of the upper cover 15, and when the upper cover is unlocked by lifting one end of this lever, the upper cover opens.

Further, in the figure, an operation panel 270 is used to display error status.

Next, the '11 magnet 240 is operated by the control means shown in FIG. Unit, charger, and developing unit that reach the end of their life earliest, such as when the developing unit runs out of toner or the photoreceptor 1.
A signal is output to the CPU when the replacement time has come.

The CPU that received this signal is the operation panel 270.
Displays that it is time to replace the Nifrocess cartridge or photoreceptor. The operator who sees this display operates the operating lever 190. Then, at the same time as the upper cover 15 is unlocked, the microswitch 260 is turned on, and the on signal from this microswitch causes the magnet energizing circuit 253 to energize the electromagnet 240, thereby releasing the hook 220 and releasing the photosensitive material. The upper cover is opened with the body 1 remaining on the lower cover 14 side, and the exchange mode is entered. This state is as shown in No. 13@, and the process cartridge 100 can be installed, removed, and replaced in the direction of arrow C, and the photoreceptor 1 can be installed and replaced in the direction of arrow E, in accordance with the exchange mode shown in FIG. 6 in the above example. While it is possible, in FIG. 12, the unit life detection circuit 252
If a jam occurs in a state where no signal is output from the printer, the occurrence of the jam is displayed on the operation panel 270.

When the operator saw this, he turned to the jam removal operation lever 190.
When operated, the photoreceptor 1 is lifted together with the upper cover 15 while being held by the hook 220, and the jam processing mode is entered. This state is as shown in FIG. 14, and the jammed paper is removed in the direction of arrow F in accordance with the jam processing mode shown in FIG. 7 in the above example.

Previously, whether the error was due to a jam or because the unit life had been detected was only displayed on the operation panel, making it unclear to the operator what operation to do. The mode is automatically selected when opening, avoiding operational errors and the risk of machine damage.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, it is easy to replace members according to the replacement period, and it is also easy to remove jammed paper.

[Brief Description of the Drawings] Figures 1 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a laser printer explaining an embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 2 and 11 are perspective views of the exterior of the laser printer corresponding to the above figures. , FIGS. 3 to 5, 9, and 10 are explanatory diagrams of the mode switching means, FIGS. 6 and 13 are diagrams that explain the exchange mode, and FIGS. 7 and 14 are diagrams that explain the state of the exchange mode. FIG. 12, which is a diagram explaining the state of the processing mode, is a block circuit diagram for switching the exchange mode. 14...Lower cover, 15...Upper cover, 19A...
・Replacement operation lever, 19B... Jam disposal operation lever 27A, 27B display, 190... Operation lever,
220... hook, 250... armature. Type 10 Type 8 mouth E 'WSZ mouth W570 Type 64 type Q mouth

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In an image forming apparatus in which at least a photoreceptor and a process cartridge are housed in a housing composed of an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover can be opened and closed in an alligator-like shape, the upper cover is opened. jam removal mode, in which the process cartridge is lifted together with the top cover while the photoconductor remains on the bottom cover side, or jam removal mode, in which the process cartridge is lifted together with the photoconductor when the top cover is opened. A mode can be selected, and operating levers operated when opening the top cover are provided corresponding to each of the above modes, and each of these modes is selected by selecting each of the operating levers. image forming device. 2. In an image forming apparatus in which an image forming means is housed in a casing consisting of an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover can be opened and closed in a crocodile-like shape, there is a method for dealing with errors in the image forming means. There are multiple operation levers that are operated when opening the top cover depending on the type of error, and there is an indicator on or near each of these operation levers to notify you of the occurrence of an error. An image forming apparatus characterized in that a display of a corresponding operation lever is activated depending on the type of error. 3. In an image forming apparatus in which at least a photoconductor and a process cartridge are housed in a housing composed of an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover can be opened and closed in an alligator-like shape, when the upper cover is opened, the photoconductor You can choose between a replacement mode in which the process cartridge is lifted together with the top cover while the process cartridge remains on the bottom cover side, or a jam clearing mode in which the process cartridge is lifted together with the photoconductor when the top cover is opened. and mode switching means for switching to any of these modes,
It has a detection means for detecting when it is time to replace the photoconductor and process members in the process cartridge, and when the top cover is opened, if the detection means detects that it is time to replace the parts, the system goes into replacement mode. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that when the detecting means does not detect that it is time to replace a member, the jam processing mode is selected by the mode switching means.