JPH04147272A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily carry out trouble processing and the exchange of a cartridge by retreating a process cartridge from an image forming position by means of interlocking to a prescribed signal, and simultaneously, releasing a cover. CONSTITUTION:A button for taking out the cartridge is depressed and a taking out signal is inputted into a control part when trouble occurs and the process cartridge 15 is inspected. When an image forming process signal is not emitted, the control part emits the releasing signal of an external cover to release it, then, a signal to a motor and an electromagnetic clutch to rotate a pinion P, and moves the cartridge 15 along a guiding member 37. When the cartridge 15 is moved and a microswitch MS2 is turned off, its signal is sent to the control part, the control part releases the electromagnetic clutch, and simultaneously, stops the rotation of the motor. Thus, the cartridge 15 is stopped at a retreating position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on an image carrier using an electrophotographic method and transfers it onto a transfer material to obtain an image. . In particular, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a 7-inch printer, etc., which is provided with a removably attachable process cartridge that integrates an image carrier and at least one of a developing means and a cleaning means.

[Prior art]

2. Description of the Related Art As image forming apparatuses such as printers and copying machines become smaller, lighter, and more sophisticated, image forming apparatuses are becoming more dense and complex. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus having a process cartridge in which an image carrier and at least one of a developing means and a cleaning means are integrated has been developed so that maintenance and management can be easily performed by an operator who is a general user.

In image forming apparatuses such as printers and copying machines equipped with this process cartridge, when the image bearing member inside the process cartridge becomes worn out or deteriorated, the process cartridge itself can be replaced, allowing operators without specialized knowledge to image the image by themselves. It is difficult to maintain and manage the forming apparatus easily. Part I: A guide member for the process cartridge is provided in the main body of the device.
Just by inserting the process cartridge along this guide member, it can be loaded to obtain the optimum image.

In such cases, in conventional devices, the insertion direction of the process cartridge and the loading direction of the transfer material were perpendicular to lj, so the handling direction of the process cartridge and the handling direction of the transfer material were different, which made these operations troublesome. Therefore, there was no choice but to increase the spatial constraints in which the image forming apparatus could be installed. Furthermore, in the case of maintenance, it was necessary to take up a large work space.

In order to solve these drawbacks, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-279870 was proposed. In other words, by matching the loading direction of the transfer material with the loading/unloading direction of the process cartridge provided in the upper housing, it is possible to make handling and operation of consumables easier and to reduce work space constraints. An image forming apparatus has been proposed.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-279870, when replacing the process cartridge, the operator opens the upper housing and pulls out the process cartridge from the upper housing. I have to take it out. Therefore, the operation is not only extremely troublesome, but also requires considerable force from the operator if the process cartridge is heavy or large.

Furthermore, if a jam occurs, it is necessary to reach into a narrow space and remove the transfer material, and no matter how much the upper housing is opened, it is not possible to secure enough work space, and the jam cannot be cleared. The work was difficult, and children often came into direct contact with areas contaminated with toner or the image carrier. In addition, in order to secure the work space, even if the process cartridge is moved or removed, the operator must pull the process cartridge out from the upper housing, and such removal and loading operations do not damage the surrounding area. As such, careful handling is required, and these operations are troublesome and require careful attention.Therefore, there is a drawback that only an experienced person can safely handle the jam.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable the process cartridge to be moved and replaced with simple operations, and to avoid malfunctions such as poor transportation. To provide an image forming apparatus which has excellent maintainability and can be easily and reliably handled by a beginner.

[Failure to solve the problem]

This purpose is any one of the following (a), (b), or (c).
This is accomplished by the technical means described in Section 1.

(a) A process cartridge that includes an image bearing member that is slidably installed on the frame of the main body of the image cedar bark apparatus has a one-piece structure, and is fixed in response to a signal that is generated when a transfer trouble occurs or during a maintenance inspection of the cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the release of the amount of water and the opening of an exterior cover provided in the release direction are linked.

(b) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exterior cover is a part of the process cartridge.

(c) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opened exterior cover serves as a guide means for the process cartridge.

〔Example〕

Next, the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a main cross section of a color printer to which the present invention is applied, viewed from the left side. The apparatus main body IO is surrounded by an operation panel 11, an openable/closeable upper cover 12, a toner supply cover 13, a front cover 14, etc. on the front side, and a removable process cartridge 15 and a paper feed cassette I6 are housed inside. There is.

In FIG. 1, the photoreceptor belt 17, which is an image carrier, is
A photosensitive layer is coated on the surface of a contactable belt, and the belt is stretched between a driving roller 18 and a driven roller 19. The drive roller 18 rotates (described later) via a drive gear meshing with a gear provided on the apparatus main body 10 and conveys the photoreceptor belt 17 in a clockwise direction. Further, the distance maintaining member 20 allows the developing devices 23a to 23d to be connected to the photoreceptor belt 1.
7, it is possible to maintain a constant distance and form a stable and good image. In this embodiment, the photoreceptor bell 1-17 is used as the image carrier, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to existing image carriers having a photosensitive layer such as a photoreceptor drum.

Around the photoreceptor belt 17, charging means 2L, H tip means 22, developing means 23a to 23d, transfer means 24, and cleaning means 25 are arranged.

The charging means is provided to uniformly charge the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 with a predetermined polarity, and can be used with existing belts such as a corona charger or a scorotron charger. @21, and a scorotron charger is preferably used for the OPC photoreceptor.

The exposure means is a semiconductor laser writing system unit 22, which exposes the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 charged by the charger 21 to form an electrostatic latent image.

The developing means includes a plurality of developing devices 23a to 23d each containing different color developers, for example, yellow magenta, cyan, and black toners (developer). Each of the developing devices 23a to 23d includes a developing sleeve 231a to 231d that maintains a predetermined gap with the photoreceptor belt 17, and a stirring screw 232a to 232d that stirs the toner of each color, and the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor belt 17. It has the function of making a toner image visible using a non-contact development method. Unlike the contact development method, this non-contact development method does not damage the toner image previously formed on the photoreceptor belt 17 and does not hinder the movement of the photoreceptor belt 17, so that it is possible to obtain a good color image. I can do it. The developing means is not suitable for color development using four different toner colors as in this embodiment, but for monochromatic and two-color toner.
Color or three-color toner may be used, and in this case, the developing means includes as many developing units as there are toner colors (photoreceptor bell) 1
It may be arranged around 7.

The transfer means transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor belt 17 onto a transfer material using a transfer pole 24 such as a transfer corona discharger. As this transfer means, an existing transfer member such as a transfer drum may be used instead of the transfer pole 24.

The cleaning means 25 includes a cleaning blade 251
During the image forming process, the photoreceptor belt 17
It is maintained at a position spaced apart from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17, and is provided so as to come into pressure contact with the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 to clean the photoreceptor belt 17 only during cleaning after transferring the toner image to the transfer material.

The collection box 26 is for collecting and storing the residual toner on the photoreceptor belt 17 removed by the cleaning means 25 through a toner collection pipe 262 by a waste toner screw 261.

In this embodiment, the image forming section of the printer described above includes a photoconductor bell (17), a charger 21, developing devices 23a to 23d1 containing toner of each color, and a cleaning means 25.
Each process section of the toner collection box 26 is housed in the integrated process cartridge 15 to form a unit, and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 10 all at once. However, the process section unitized in the process cartridge 15 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least the photoreceptor belt 17 and the developing units 23a to 23d or the photoreceptor belt 17 and the cleaning means 25 are integrated into a unit. , and other process sections may be combined into a unit.

The process of forming a color image using the color image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration is performed as follows.

First, the process cartridge 15 is loaded in the first position and is ready for image formation.

When an image signal of the first color output from an image reading device separate from the main body lO of the apparatus is input to the laser writing system unit 22, a semiconductor laser (not shown) in the laser writing system unit 22 is used. A laser beam is generated. Then, the polygon mirror 221 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown).
The light is rotated and scanned by the fθ lens 222, the cylindrical lens 224, and three mirrors 223, and is projected onto the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor belt 17, which has been uniformly charged to a predetermined charge by the charger 21, to form a bright line. do.

On the other hand, regarding the sub-scanning direction, a belt index (not shown) corresponding to a specific position of the photoreceptor belt 17 is detected, or a print command signal is received, and the image signal is determined based on this detection or command signal. A main scanning line on which modulation of the semiconductor laser starts is determined. When scanning is started, in the main scanning direction, the laser beam is detected by an index sensor (not shown), and based on this detected signal, modulation of the semiconductor laser by the image signal of the first color is started. , a modulated laser beam scans over the surface of photoreceptor belt 17. Therefore, a latent image corresponding to the first color is formed on the uniformly charged surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 by the main scanning by the laser beam and the sub-scanning by the conveyance of the photoreceptor belt 17. This latent image is developed by a developing device 23 a containing yellow toner corresponding to the first color among the developing means, and a yellow toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 . Thereafter, the photoreceptor belt 17 passes under the cleaning blade 251 which is spaced apart from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 while holding the yellow toner image on its surface, and then begins to form an image of the second color.

(i.e., a photoreceptor bell on which a yellow toner image is formed)
17 is uniformly charged again by the charger 21, and then the image signal of the second color is sent to the laser writing system unit 2.
2, and as in the case of the first color image signal described above, writing is performed on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 to form a latent image. The latent image is developed by a developer 23b containing magenta toner as the second color. A magenta toner image is formed in the presence of a previously formed yellow toner image.

Similarly, a cyan toner image is formed in the developing device 23C that accommodates cyan toner after forming a latent image based on the image signal of the third color, and further contains black toner after forming the latent image based on the image signal of the fourth color. At step 1i123d, the black toner image is superimposed on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17, and a color toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17.

Developing sleeve 231a of each of these developing devices 23a to 23d
A direct current or even an alternating current bias is applied to 231d, and non-contact development (jumping development) is performed on the photoreceptor bell 17 whose base is grounded. Note that this non-contact development requires l-component developer or 2-component developer.
Any component developer can be used. l
When a component developer is used, the size can be reduced, but a development method using a two-component developer is superior in terms of development stability and is therefore preferable in terms of color reproduction.

The color toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 as described above is transferred from the paper feed cassette 16 to the paper feed roller 27.
The color toner image is supplied by the timing roller 28 and transferred onto a transfer material (transfer paper) in synchronization with the color toner image. The transfer device 24 performs transfer by applying a high-voltage power output having a polarity opposite to that of the toner.

The color toner image is thus transferred; the transfer material is reliably separated by the photoreceptor belt 17, which changes direction rapidly (with a small diameter curvature) along the drive roller 18, and is transported upward by the transport belt 29. Note that this conveyor belt 29 is equipped with a suction means 291 to reliably convey upward while sucking. Then, the transfer material is the fixing roller 30
After the toner is melted and fixed by the paper discharging roller 31, the toner is discharged onto the upper surface of the upper cover 12 which also serves as a paper discharging tray.

On the other hand, the photoreceptor belt 17 that has finished transferring the color toner image to the transfer material is further conveyed in a clockwise direction, and a static elimination device or exposure means consisting of a static elimination lamp or electrode is provided on the main body frame. After passing through block +02 of the action member, the surface of the photoreceptor belt 17 is neutralized, and the remaining toner is removed and cleaned by the cleaning means 25 with the cleaning blade 251 in pressure contact.

After cleaning is completed, use the cleaning blade 25 again.
1 is separated from the photoreceptor belt 17 and begins a new image forming process.

Next, a drive system for the process cartridge 15 and a drive system for moving the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the drive system for the process cartridge 15 and the drive system for moving the process cartridge from the right side. The drive system for the process cartridge 15 and the drive system for moving the process cartridge shown in this embodiment include two motors Ml.

It is designed to be driven using M2.

First, a driving force from a motor Ml is used for the driving system of the photoreceptor bell (17). Gear G12 is arranged to mesh with gear Gll of the shaft of motor M1. Furthermore, when the process cartridge 15 is in a position where image formation is possible, the drive gear G14, which is provided coaxially with the drive roller 18 that conveys the photoreceptor belt 17, meshes with the gear GI3 that rotates together with the gear G12. . That is, motor M
The rotation of the drive roller 18 is transmitted to the drive gear G14 through the gear GIL, the gear GI2, and the gear G13, and adjusted to an appropriate rotational speed. The photoreceptor belt 17 is rotated and conveyed.

Next, the developing units 23a to 23d, the waste toner screw 26
1.) The drive system for the inner hopper 35 and the process cartridge moving means will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

A motor M2 is used in this drive system. The rotational force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the gear G2 via the gear G21 of the shaft of the motor M2.
2. Furthermore, coaxially with gear G22, and
The signal is transmitted to the integrally provided gear G23, and the developing device 23a
~23d drive system is driven.

First, the drive system of the developing devices 23a to 23cl will be explained.

The rotational force of motor M2 transmitted to gear G23 is
24b and gear G24c, and is also transmitted to gear G2
5a and gear G25b to gear G24a and gear G24d. Furthermore, an open type spring clutch C21a is used to transmit rotation in only one direction.
``Gear G is coaxially connected to gears G24a to G24d via C21d and meshes with developing device drive gears G27a to G27d provided on the process cartridge 15 when the process cartridge 15 is in a position where image formation is possible. 26a-G 26d are arranged.And,
The rotational force transmitted to the developing unit drive gears G27a to G27d is transmitted to the developing sleeves 231a to 231d and the stirring screw 2 through gears provided in the process cartridge 15.
32a to 232d to drive the developing devices. That is, the rotation of motor M2 is caused by gear G21, gear G22,
It is transmitted to gear G24b and gear G24c via gear G23, and further transmitted to gear G24a and gear G24b via gear G25a and gear G25b, and then, if necessary, a clutch is connected to connect the developing unit drive gear G27a.
-G 27d to drive the developing devices 23a to 23d. Note that the developing devices 23a to 23d are driven during image formation by driving only the developing devices corresponding to each color of image formation, and not driving the developing devices 23a to 23d when moving the process cartridge 15, which will be described later. It is better to do this.

For this purpose, the respective cams (not shown) having claws that come into contact with the ratchets (not shown) of the clutches C21a to C21d are set at different phases, and five positions are set, including a position where no clutch is engaged. Preferably, selection positions are provided and controlled by a stepper motor (not shown). For example, by providing four cam claws corresponding to each clutch on the same axis with a phase difference of 72 degrees and rotating the step motor 72 degrees at a time, only one of the developing devices 23a to 23d is driven or It can be controlled so that neither of them is driven.

Next, the means for moving the process cartridge 15 will be explained.

The rotational force of motor M2 transmitted to gear G22 is
The signal is transmitted to the pulley P22 via the timing belt TBI and the pulley P21 which rotates together with the timing belt TBI, and drives the drive system of the process cartridge moving means.

Regarding the drive system of the process cartridge moving means, the rotational force transmitted to the pulley 22 is transmitted to a gear G29 that meshes with a gear G28 that rotates together with the pulley P22, and further meshes with the gear G29. The signal is transmitted to gear G30. The rotational force is then transmitted to gear G31 via electromagnetic clutch C22 as necessary. Gear G31 and gear G32 have intersecting shaft teeth, and gear G31
The rotational force transmitted to the pinion P is transmitted to the pinion P (see Fig. 4). This pinion P can mesh with a letter rack R provided on the side surface of the process cartridge 15, and the rotation of the pinion P and the sliding of the rack R move the process cartridge 15 in the left-right direction.

The movement of the process cartridge 15 will be explained in detail later.

Next, a drive system for collecting waste toner will be explained.

The rotational force of the motor M2 transmitted to the pulley P22 is transmitted to the pulley P23 via an open type spring clutch C22A as necessary, and the rotational force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the waste toner screw 26.
1 drive system is driven.

Regarding the drive system of the waste toner screw 261, the gear G33 that rotates together with the pulley P23 and the waste toner screw drive gear G34 provided on the side surface of the process cartridge 15 mesh with each other, and the rotation transmitted to the pulley P23. The force drives waste toner screw 261. The waste toner screw 261 conveys the residual toner on the photoreceptor belt 7 removed by the cleaning means 25 to the toner collection box 26 through a toner collection pipe 262 incorporating a rotating coil spring.

Next, the drive system of the toner hoppers 35a to 35d will be explained.

The rotational force of motor M2 transmitted to pulley P23 is transmitted to pulley P24 via timing belt TB2,
If necessary, the signal is transmitted to gear G35 via spring clutch C24, and further to gear G36 meshing with gear G35. Then, if necessary, spring clutch C25a
-C25a are connected and gears G38a-G38d meshing with gears G37a-G37d, which rotate together with gears C and 36, rotate. The toner hopper stirring members 351a to 351d are connected to the gear G38.
Rotate together with a-G38d and toner hopper 35a~
While stirring the toner to be supplied in 35d, the gear G,
38a-G Gear G39a-G meshing with 38d
Supply toner screw 352 provided coaxially with 39d
a to 352d rotate to convey the supply toner to the developing devices 23a to 23d in the process cartridge I5.

Note that the toner hoppers 35a to 35d are connected to the developing device 2.
It is driven in correspondence with the driving of 3a to 23d. That is,
If the developing device corresponding to the color during image formation is being driven, only the toner hopper containing supply toner of the same color is driven. To control this drive, a spring clutch C25a is used.
-C25d is used, and it can be performed using a step motor and a cam (both not shown) in the same way as the control of the developing device drive.

In this embodiment, the drive system for the photoreceptor belt 17, the development units 23a to 23d1, the waste toner screw 261, the toner hopper 35, and the process cartridge moving means are driven using two motors Ml and M2. However, these drives may be performed by one motor.
Alternatively, it goes without saying that a dedicated motor may be provided for the process cartridge moving means.

Next, move the process cartridge 15 to AA in FIG.
FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows, and process cartridge 1
The movement of 5 will be explained using FIG. 6 which schematically shows the movement.

The process cartridge 15 is provided with a protruding member 36 for movement and a ridge R on its side, and also includes a drive gear CI4 for image formation, and a developer drive gear G27a.
G27d and a waste toner screw drive gear G34 are provided.

On the other hand, in the process cartridge storage chamber of the apparatus main body IO, there are a guide member 37 that suspends the process cartridge 15 by fitting the protrusion member 36 of the process cartridge 15 therein, a drive gear G14, and a developer drive gear G.
27a-G 27d and gear G13 corresponding to waste toner screw drive gear G34, gears G26a to G26d
and a gear G33. Also, pinion P
is provided so as to be able to mesh with the rank R provided on the process cartridge 15. In this way, the process cartridge 15 can be moved horizontally or in a diagonal direction close to the horizontal direction. Such a moving direction is extremely safe and easy to operate when attaching and detaching the process cartridge 15, and also allows the toner hopper 35 to be moved in the same direction as described later.
Even when the joint between the developing device 23 and the developing device 23 is separated, there is an advantage that toner does not spill and scatter from the developing device of the process cartridge. Furthermore, this guide member 3
7 includes first and second microswitches MSI, MS
2 is provided. The first and second microswitches MSI and MS2 are detection means for detecting the position of the process cartridge 15. Here, the first and second microswitches MSI and MS2 are connected to the drive gear G14 provided in the process cartridge 15, the developer drive gears G27a to G27d, the waste toner screw drive gear G34, and the apparatus main body 10. a first position where the gear G13, the gears G26a-C; 26d, and the gear G33 mesh with each other to enable image formation;
The first position is further away from the transfer device 24 compared to the position , that is, in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the process cartridge 15
A second position evacuated from the position is detected, and a position signal thereof is output to the control unit. However, the second position is preferably such that the center of gravity of the process cartridge 15 is not outside the apparatus 10. This is because if the center of gravity of the process cartridge 15 is outside the apparatus, the rack R and pinion P will not mesh well, making it difficult to remove and insert the process cartridge 15. The position detection sensors for detecting these first and second positions are not limited to microswitches, and various existing sensors using photoelectric switches, magnetic switches, etc. may be used. Also, the first
The second microswitch MSI%MS2 does not need to be provided on the guide member 37 and may be provided on the main body 10 of the device as long as it can detect the calculation l and the second position.

First, when removing the process cartridge 15, the sixth
As shown in Figure (a), the process cartridge 15 is
The drive roller 18 and the transfer pole 24 are located at a desired distance (if the transfer member is a transfer drum, have an appropriate pressure force), and the drive gear G14 provided in the process cartridge 15 and the developing device Drive gear G27a-G27
d, waste toner screw drive gear G34 and device main body 1
gear G13 for driving each provided at 0;
Gears G26a to G26d and gear G33 are in mesh with each other, and are in a state where image formation can be performed optimally. Further, the rank R and the pinion P are meshed with each other.

When a problem occurs with the transfer body, a warning lamp will automatically light up and the operator will receive the alert and proceed to the main unit 10 of the device.
When the process cartridge eject button on the operation panel 11 provided on the front side of the printer is pressed, an eject signal is input to the control section. Also, when it is desired to take out the process cartridge 15 for maintenance inspection, the same signal is input by pressing the eject button. At this time, a print signal from the print button on the operation panel 11, a photoconductor belt drive signal, a fixing drive signal indicating that the image forming process such as the photoconductor belt drive section, fixing section, paper ejecting section, paper feeding section, etc. are operating. , if the image forming process signals such as the paper ejection drive signal and the paper feed drive signal are not output, the control unit first performs the following steps.
A signal is issued to open the front exterior cover 14 to open it, and a signal is also issued to the motor M28 and electromagnetic clutch C22, which are the drive parts of the process cartridge moving means, to move the process cartridge 15 from the wcl position to the 1g2 position. Rotate the pinion P to insert the guide member 3
7 in the direction of the second position of the process cartridge 1
5 (see Figure 6(b)). At this time, the process cartridge 15 moves while being guided by a precise path as described above, and therefore moves without damaging the surrounding area. Further, the front exterior cover 14 may be opened automatically in response to a signal to start moving the process cartridge 15.

Then, when the process cartridge 15 moves as shown in FIG. 6(c), the second microswitch MS2 is turned OFF, detecting that the process cartridge 15 has moved to the second position, and controlling the control unit. send that signal to. When the control section receives the signal, it releases the electromagnetic clutch C22 and stops the rotation of the motor M2.

That is, the process cartridge 15 stops at the second position with the rack R and pinion P engaged, and retreats from the first position to the second position.

Therefore, in this position, a large work space can be secured for jam removal, etc. In this state, the distance between each member is also greatly isolated, and the opened front exterior cover 14 can also be manually removed from the second position. This forms a guide for removing the process cartridge 15, and the process cartridge 15 can be easily removed from the apparatus main body 10 by slightly pulling it out from the second position and then moving it further without requiring any skill. It becomes possible.

Conversely, when inserting the process cartridge 15 into the apparatus main body 10, the protrusion 36 of the process cartridge 15 is guided by the inner surface of the open front exterior cover 14 of the process cartridge 15, and the protrusion 36 of the process cartridge 15 is inserted into the guide member 37 inside the process cartridge storage chamber. The process cartridge 15 is inserted and placed side by side, the rack R and the pinion P are engaged, and the process cartridge 15
It is extremely easy to reach the second position shown in FIG. 6(C) and further move slightly past that position to the position where the second microswitch MS2 is turned on as shown in FIG. 6(b). You can operate the machine without worrying about disturbing the surrounding area, and it can be completed safely and reliably in a short period of time.

In order to move the process cartridge 15 from this state to the first position where image formation is possible, the process cartridge 15 in the second position can be further inserted or the set button on the operation panel 11 can be pressed. Input the set signal to the section. When this set signal is input, the control unit sends a signal to the motor M2 and the electromagnetic clutch C22, and rotates the pinion P (in case of taking out the process cartridge 15) in order to move the process cartridge 15 from the second position to the first position. (rotate in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation), and then rotate the guide member 3.
7 in the direction of the first position of the process cartridge 1
5 in an extremely sophisticated and safe manner (Fig. 6(b)
)).

Furthermore, when the process cartridge 15 moves, the sixth
As shown in Figure (a), the first micro-sinch MSI detects that the process cartridge 15 has moved to the first position and sends a signal thereof to the control unit. When the control section receives the signal, it releases the electromagnetic clutch C22 and stops the rotation of the motor M2. That is, the process cartridge 15 is stopped at the first position, and the drive gear G14 provided on the process cartridge 15, the developer drive gears G27a to G27d, the waste toner screw drive gear G34, and the gear G13 provided on the apparatus main body IO are connected. , gears G26a to G26d, and gear G33, and image formation is possible. At this time, process cartridge 1
Toner replenishment ports 38a to 38a of each developing device 23a to 23d in 5
38d, the joints at the ends of the toner conveying pipes 353a to 353d of the corresponding toner hoppers 35a to 35d are automatically connected to supply toner. Although not shown, the joint section is automatically removed and the shutter is closed during movement. However, since the opening on the developing device side has the cartridge in a horizontal or nearly horizontal state, there is an advantage that toner will not spill out even if the opening is left open upward. Therefore, after replacing the process cartridge 15 or clearing a jam, the process cartridge 15 is automatically inserted with a simple operation, which not only greatly reduces the operator's hassle but also ensures reliable image formation. The process cartridge 15 can be set in the position.

On the other hand, the upper cover opening means will be explained using FIG. 7.

The upper cover 12 is pivotally supported by an upper cover shaft 39. Further, the upper cover 12 is opened by means of a coiled spring 40 wound around the upper cover shaft 39 and a pin 41 attached to the apparatus main body IO on one side and the upper cover on the other, that is, in a counterclockwise direction in the figure. is spring-loaded. In addition, the solenoid 42 is connected to the upper cover ~1
2 is arranged so that its upper cover 12 can be latched when it is closed.

With the upper cover opening means having the above-described configuration, the upper cover 12 is in a closed state during the image forming process,
The upper cover 12 also serves as a discharge device for the transferred transfer material discharged by the discharge roller 31 (see Fig. 7(a).
)). In case of jam processing, etc., the device main body 10
If the eject button on the operation panel 11 provided on the front side of the is pressed, and no image forming process signal is output, the control section causes the process cartridge moving means to move the process cartridge 15 as described above. A movement signal is issued, and an opening signal is also issued to the solenoid 42, which is the upper cover opening means. When the solenoid 42 receives the release signal, it moves its axis backward, that is, it stops locking the upper cover 12 . Then, the upper cover 12, which had been biased by the spring, is opened by the biasing force (tJg7).
Figure (b)). The upper cover 12 opened in this way
The transfer material that caused the jam can be easily found and removed through the open opening. Note that the upper cover opening means is not limited to this embodiment, and a member that can be hooked on the side opposite to the upper cover shaft 39 may be provided. Alternatively, the upper cover shaft 39 may be provided with a gear and a motor that meshes with the gear, and when an opening signal from the control section is output, the motor rotates to open the upper cover 12. In this case, when a set signal is input to the control section, the motor may rotate in the opposite direction to close the upper cover 12.

The opening/closing mechanism of the front exterior cover 14 is also the same as the above-mentioned upper cover 1.
Since the configuration is exactly the same as that of 2, a more detailed explanation will be omitted since it would be repetitive.

The movement control of the process cartridge 15 and the opening control of the upper cover 12 and the front exterior cover 14 described above are as shown in FIG. That is, a take-out signal is input to the control section and displayed on the operation panel 11. At this time, in conjunction with the display, a print signal from the operation unit, a photoconductor belt drive signal that drives each of the photoconductor belt drive unit, fixing/paper ejection unit, and paper feed unit, and the fusing/paper discharge drive If the signal and paper feed drive signal are not being output, the control unit issues a movement signal to the process cartridge movement means. The process cartridge moving unit controls a process cartridge moving drive system to move the process cartridge 15 from the first position to the second position,
When a position detection signal detecting that the process cartridge 15 has moved to the second position is obtained, the process cartridge moving drive system is stopped. On the other hand, the control section issues a movement signal to the process cartridge moving means and also issues an opening signal to the opening means for the upper cover 12 and the front exterior cover 14, thereby opening the upper cover 12 and the exterior cover 14. In other words, when a jam occurs or a trouble is detected when replacing the process cartridge 15, the image forming operation is stopped. Then, the content is displayed as a message on the operation panel 11 and blinks, and in conjunction with this, the front exterior cover 14 is opened as shown in FIG. 9, the process cartridge 15 is retracted to the $2 position, and the upper cover is removed. 12 is opened, and the status of the unit member where the jam occurred is shown in the main body 10 of the device.
It can be observed in detail from above, allowing you to easily check and remove jammed transfer material, and also provides a sign when the photoreceptor belt has reached the end of its service life or requires intermediate maintenance inspection. The process cartridge 15, which is displayed on the operation panel 11 and is in the second position for maintenance inspection and replacement work, is further pulled out slightly by the operator and slid on the inner guide surface 14A of the opened front exterior cover 14. Since the process cartridge 15 can be removed in parallel, maintenance inspection and parts replacement of the process cartridge 15 are facilitated.

In addition, there may be trouble with the transfer material jam or process cartridge 1.
When a release movement from the first position to the second position, that is, a release command is issued for maintenance, inspection, repair, or replacement, etc. in step 5, the front exterior cover 14 is opened or the upper cover 12 is opened.
The opening of the process cartridge 15 and the release of the process cartridge 15 may be performed at the same time, or the release is started first,
The respective covers 12, 14 may be opened upon detection of the activation.

In addition, a portion of the process cartridge 15 can serve as the front exterior, allowing a smart image forming apparatus to be configured. However, in this case, it becomes impossible to provide the function of an exterior cover that serves as a guide when removing the process cartridge 15, and naturally, it becomes somewhat difficult to remove the process cartridge 15.

In addition, a toner replenishment sign, a waste toner full sign, and a paper-out sign in the supply cassette are displayed on the operation panel 11, making processing operations intuitive and easy to perform. Here, the waste toner collection box 26 located at the rear of the process cartridge 15 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body lO when the process cartridge is retracted to the second position, so that the waste toner is collected in a bag inside the box 26. You can easily remove the entire bag of waste toner.

In this embodiment, as an image forming process, an image forming method was described in which a color toner image is formed on a photoreceptor belt and then transferred to a transfer material. A color imaging method may also be used.

It is also applicable to ordinary monochrome printers using monochrome processes. Furthermore, although a non-contact development method has been described as a developing method, the present invention is not limited to this non-contact development, but can also be applied to contact development.

Further, the drive system shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the drive system is not limited to combinations of gears, clutches, belts, etc.

FIG. 1O shows a transfer drum type image forming apparatus as another embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The process cartridge 15 is roughly the same as the previous embodiment, except that the toner hopper 35a is integrated into the process cartridge 15. The transfer drum type image forming apparatus has a transfer drum 50 in contact with the transfer portion of the photoreceptor belt 17, and the transfer drum 50 rotates counterclockwise in synchronization with the photoreceptor belt 17. A transfer material is wrapped around the outer periphery of the transfer drum 50, and the toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor belt 17 are transferred onto the wrapped transfer material, and the toner images of each color are superimposed on the transfer material. After, transfer drum 5
0 and discharged to the upper part of the apparatus main body 10 after fixing.

A charger 5011 is provided on the peripheral edge of the transfer drum 50 to electrostatically attract the transfer material.
A winding member 502 is provided for mechanically winding the transfer material around the transfer drum 50. The winding member 502 has a roller at its tip, and comes into contact only when the transfer material first winds around the transfer drum 50. . Furthermore, a gripper 503 is provided on the surface of the transfer drum 500, and acts to hold the leading end of the transfer material that is synchronously conveyed. The transfer device 504 electrostatically transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor belt 17 onto a transfer material.

The separation/removal electrode 505 and the separation claw 506 separate the transfer material after transfer from the transfer drum 50. Further, the reach 507, which can be approached and separated, removes the adhered toner remaining on the transfer drum 50 after the transfer material is separated.

The transfer material fed from the cassette I6 enters the transfer drum 50 charged by the charger 501 while maintaining synchronization, is wound around the member 502, and the leading edge of the transfer material is held by the gripper 503. The yellow toner image formed on the photoreceptor bell 1-17 is transferred onto the transfer material by the transfer device 504 in the transfer section. After completing the first transfer, the transfer drum 50 continues to rotate, is cleaned by a cleaner 507, and transfers the next toner image. That is, a magenta toner image is transferred in the second rotation, a cyan toner image in the third rotation, and a black toner image in the fourth rotation in a superimposed manner. When the transfer of the four color toner images is completed, the transfer material is transferred to the separation electrode 5.
In step 05, static electricity is removed, and the leading edge of the transfer material is released from being held by the separation claw 506, separated, and conveyed to the fixing roller 30.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the transfer drum 50 is located on the apparatus main body 10 side, and the movable process cartridge 1
This structure is not included in 5. Therefore, the process cartridge 15 is moved in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.

When the process cartridge 15 is moved from the first loading position to the second loading position, the upper cover 12 is opened, and the area around the transfer device 24, conveyance path 29, and fixing device 30 is opened with a wide space. This will make troubleshooting easier, but if left as is, the exposed portion of the photoreceptor belt will suffer from optical fatigue, so a support fixed to the main body is attached to the tip of the process cartridge 15 provided in the main body 10 along the guide member 37. Photoconductor cover 372 rotating around axis 371
The cover is always urged by a torque spring to rotate counterclockwise, and when the process cartridge 15 is in the first loading position, it is pushed up by the upper surface of the outside of the tip of the cartridge, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10, the photoreceptor belt is opened facing the transfer device 24 or the transfer drum 50.

However, when the cartridge 15 is retreated to the second loading position as shown in FIG. 9, the exposed portion of the photoreceptor at the front end of the cartridge 15 is surrounded by the photoreceptor cover 372, making it light-tight.

On the other hand, windows 154 and 155 are opened at positions corresponding to the process cartridge 15 at the first loading position with respect to the operating member block 102 in which a static eliminating device or exposure means consisting of a static eliminating lamp or electrode is disposed.

After the transfer to the transfer material is completed, the charge on the photoreceptor belt 17 can be removed.

However, when the process cartridge 15 is retracted to the second position and the upper cover 12 is opened, external light enters the window 154.
155, causing optical fatigue to the photoreceptor. To prevent this, when the process cartridge 15 is retracted to the second loading position, the windows 154 and 155
The toner hopper 35 is placed along the guide member 37 in the stand 103 of the toner hopper 35 disposed in the main body IO, or is hidden behind the specially provided shielding plate 103A as shown in FIG. 10, so that it is kept light-tight. .

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described in detail above, in response to a signal such as occurrence of trouble, expiry of service life, full of waste toner, etc., the present invention works in conjunction with the detection signal to move the process cartridge away from a position where image formation is possible, and also to cover the upper cover and the front exterior cover. We were able to provide an image forming apparatus that makes it possible to easily and reliably handle troubles.

Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the process cartridge is automatically moved with a simple operation, and the upper cover is opened, so the operator can easily remove the process cartridge without hesitation and without the need for great force. can be exchanged. In addition, when clearing a jam, the process cartridge is retracted to the second position and the inside of the main body of the device can be viewed through the open opening of the top cover, which provides a large working space and greatly improves the workability of clearing a jam. This not only eliminates the risk of damaging the image carrier when taking out the jammed transfer material, but also eliminates the operator's direct contact with the image carrier.

Further, the process cartridge is mechanically moved horizontally or at a near-horizontal inclination angle, and the second
Since removal from the first position and loading into the second position can be guided by the open exterior cover, the process cartridge can be removed without causing unnecessary vibration and with almost no developer scattering. It can be replaced or jammed, and has the effect of improving maintainability. If this image forming apparatus is a color printer, it is configured so that all operations such as loading and unloading the process cartridge loading/unloading cassette, clearing jams, toner replenishment, etc. can be performed from the front of the main unit, making it easy to use and maintain, similar to the one-way operability of a monochrome printer. can be realized.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main cross section of a color printer to which the present invention is applied from the left side. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the drive system according to the present invention from the right side. FIG. 3 is a view showing the drive system for moving the process cartridge from above. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main parts of the drive system for moving the process cartridge. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing movement of the process cartridge. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the upper cover release mechanism. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the control system. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the color printer from the left side when the process cartridge is in the second position. 1st O
The figure is a main sectional view of a transfer drum type image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. 10...Device main body 11...Operation panel 12
...Top cover 14...Front exterior cover 14
A...Inner guide surface 15...Process cartridge 17...Photoreceptor belt 18...Drive roller 21...
・Charger 22...Laser writing system unit 23...Developer 24...Transfer pole 25...Cleaning means 26...Toner collection pock 36...Protruding member 27...Paper feed roller 29 . . . Conveyance means 31 . . . Paper discharge roller 40 . . . Winding spring 50 .
71... Support shaft 372... Photoconductor cover M
l, M2...Motor G14...Drive gear G27a'' G27d...Developer drive gear GI
3. G26a-G26d---Gear P...Pinion
R... Rack MSI... First micro switch MS2... Second micro switch 37... Guide member 28... Timing roller 30... Fixing roller 39... Upper cover shaft 42 ... Solenoid 35 ... Toner hopper

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) The process cartridge containing the image carrier, which is slidably installed in the frame of the main body of the image forming apparatus, has a one-piece structure, and the process cartridge, which includes the image bearing member, is configured to generate a fixed amount of image in response to a signal generated when trouble occurs in the conveyance of the transfer member or during maintenance inspection of the cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the release of the image forming apparatus is linked with the opening of an exterior cover provided in the release direction. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exterior cover is a part of the process cartridge. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opened exterior cover serves as a guide means for the process cartridge.