JPH04229877A - Image former - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide such a image former that is capable of maintenance service, especially routine maintenance work such as toner supplying or the like very easily and infallibly. CONSTITUTION:An electrostatic photo processor such as a developing machine 16, a cleaning device 23, an electric charger 15, etc., installed in and around a sensitizer 1 is formed split into two units U1, U2 detachable form the sensitizer 1, while these units U1, U2 are rotatable together with the sensitizer 1 as one body, and at time of installing and operating each box body in these units U1, U2, such a current-energizing sensor as discriminating type of each box body in these units U1, U2 is installed, and a guide display guiding the installing and operation according to type of the units U1, U2 discriminated by this current-energizing sensor is made so as to be displayed on a display part.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine that forms a desired image on recording paper using a unitized process device according to an electrostatic photographic process.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, electrostatic photographic processing devices such as a charger and a developing device surround a rotating photoreceptor, taking into consideration the mutual spacing according to the process order. Each was attached to the frame of the device itself. While the number and size of the above-mentioned process devices has increased in accordance with the demand for higher functionality in copying machines, there has also been a demand for miniaturization of the entire device, making it difficult to layout the inside of the device. In addition, for copying machines, for example, daily maintenance work that is necessary for the operation of the device, such as toner replenishment and discharge of waste toner due to toner consumption, paper jams in the paper conveyance path, and dirt on each process device. , maintenance inspections, repair work, or periodic inspections are required in the event of an abnormal stop due to deterioration, etc. These operations are usually carried out by dividing and releasing the main parts of the equipment, but although such equipment is convenient for removing jammed paper in the event of an abnormal paper jam, it is not necessarily suitable for maintenance and inspection work of each process equipment. do not have. Therefore, for example, JP-A-60-140
Japanese Patent No. 264 discloses an electrophotographic copying apparatus that is provided with a process unit that holds a photoreceptor and a process device integrally, that is detachable from the main body of the device, and that the photoreceptor and the process device are mutually movable. has been done.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the mounting position of the process unit to the apparatus main body is fixed, the work of installing and removing the process unit is complicated, and when performing maintenance and inspection work, etc. Toner adhering to process equipment or the like may stain the body or clothes of a worker, or the worker may accidentally touch a photoreceptor and damage it. Furthermore, even routine maintenance work such as toner replenishment involves disassembling a part of the device body, so it is necessary to rely on the on-site work of service personnel who have acquired specialized knowledge. Furthermore, when the copying machine is not used for a long period of time, the contact parts of the photoconductor and the process equipment that press against the photoconductor may deteriorate due to long-term pressure, or the toner may solidify in these pressure contact parts, causing the copying machine to malfunction. When the machine restarted, problems such as striped patterns appeared on the copied images. The present invention has been made in view of such problems in the prior art, and includes maintenance work,
Especially, it makes daily maintenance work such as toner replenishment extremely easy.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform image forming without error.

0004

[Means for Solving the Problems] A first means of the present invention to solve the above problems is that at least some of a plurality of electrostatic photographic process means disposed around an image carrier are
An image forming apparatus that is divided into at least two units that are detachably attachable to the image carrier, and in which the unit is rotatable integrally with the image carrier,
The casings of the units having the same external shape each have notches at different positions, and the image forming apparatus main body has an attachment/detachment opening in a part of the case and an engagement member that engages with the notch. However, when the casing is attached or detached, only a single casing can pass through the attachment/detachment opening. Further, the second means is configured to divide at least a portion of the plurality of electrophotographic process means disposed around the image carrier into at least two units that are detachably attachable to the image carrier. In an image forming apparatus in which the unit is rotatable integrally with the image carrier, a display means;
At the time of the mounting operation of the unit, there is a discriminating means for discriminating the type of the unit to be mounted, and the display means displays a guide display for guiding the mounting operation according to the type of the unit discriminated by the discriminating means. This is how it was done. In the second means, the determining means determines the type of the unit by contacting a part of the unit, and the unit and the image forming apparatus body each include a transmitting means and a receiving means,
The transmitting means operates, for example, when an operator closes a switch, and transmits a different signal for each type of unit;
The receiving means may be a transmitting/receiving system that receives the signal. Alternatively, the units may be colored in different colors for each type, and the display means may display the type of the unit using the same color as the colored color. Furthermore, during a unit mounting operation, if the discriminating means determines that the newly mounted unit is the same as the already mounted unit, the discriminating means is installed near the unit mounting/dismounting port of the main body of the image forming apparatus, for example. The display means may display an erroneous attachment warning, or display the type of unit that the discriminating means has determined is not yet attached.

[0005]

[Operation] In the first means, when an appropriate unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body through the attachment/detachment port during maintenance work, the engaging member engages with the notch of the unit, When the unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, the engagement member does not engage with the notch of the unit, so attachment of the unit is prevented. In the second means, when the unit is installed, the discriminating means may come into contact with a part of the unit,
For example, the display means may display a guide display to guide the mounting operation depending on the type of the unit determined by receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the unit when the operator closes the switch. For example, the type of unit is displayed by the color of the unit. Furthermore, when the discriminating means determines that the newly installed unit is the same as the already installed unit, or when it determines that it has not yet been installed, the display means will issue an erroneous installation alarm or the type of uninstalled unit. Display.

[0006]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 2, a contact glass 2 is disposed on the upper surface of a case C of the main body of the copying machine, and an original O to be imaged is placed on this contact glass 2. A scanning section S is arranged below the contact glass 2. The scanning unit S includes a first scanning optical system 5 that includes a light source 3 for illuminating the document and a mirror 4 that moves along with reading scanning, and a mirror 6.
, 7, a fixed lens 9, and an image reading element 10. When a print switch on an operation panel (not shown) of the main body of the copying machine is pressed, the first and second scanning optical systems 5 and 8 move in the directions of the arrows, and the original O is read and scanned. The scanned image of the original O is read by the image reading element 10 through the first and second scanning optical systems 5 and 8 and the lens 9, converted into an image electric signal, and further digitized and image-processed. Ru. An image forming section D is arranged below the scanning section S. Image forming section D includes a laser diode (LD) 11
, LD drive plate 12, polygon mirror 13, mirror 14,
Photoreceptor belt 1, developing device 16, cleaning device 23
, an electrostatic photographic process device such as a charging charger 15, a transfer charger 18, a separation charger 19, and a conveyor belt 21.
and a fixing roller 22. Transfer paper is stored in a paper feed unit 17 disposed upstream of the transfer unit, and the transfer paper is taken out one by one by a conveying roller and transferred between the photoreceptor belt 1 and the transfer charger 18. transported to the department. On the other hand, a signal read by the image reading element 10 and subjected to image processing is input to the LD driving plate 12 as described above. A drive signal is applied to the LD 11 from the LD drive plate 12, and modulated laser light is emitted from the LD 11 in accordance with this drive signal. The laser beam is reflected by the polygon mirror 13 and the mirror 14 and is directed to the photoreceptor belt 1.
reach the exposed part of. The surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 is uniformly charged in advance by a charger 15, and when exposed to laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on that portion. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 16 and becomes a visible image using toner. The obtained visible image is further conveyed as the photoreceptor belt 1 moves, and is transferred from the paper feed section 17 by the corona discharge of the transfer charger 18 at the exposed portion of the lower end where the photoreceptor belt 1 reverses its moving direction vertically. transferred to paper. The transfer paper on which the image has been transferred is neutralized by a separation charger 19 and separated from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1. The transfer paper separated in this way is sent to the fixing roller 22 by the conveyor belt 21, and after the transfer image is fixed by the fixing roller 22, the copy paper is transferred to the case C.
Expelled outside. On the other hand, toner still remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 after the transfer operation is removed by a cleaning device 23.

In this embodiment, the photoreceptor belt 1 is an endless belt stretched between rollers spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the longitudinal section has a flat oval shape. Further, main electrostatic photographic process devices for image formation such as a developing device 16 and a cleaning device 23 arranged around the photoreceptor belt 1 are divided and housed in two substantially semi-cylindrical units having substantially the same shape. ing. These two units (developing unit U1 and cleaning unit U2) are removably attached to the photoreceptor belt 1 with the parallel plane portion sandwiched therebetween, as will be described later, and the electrostatic photographic process unit composed of these units as a whole is front and back. It has a cylindrical shape with a central axis in the direction, and can rotate integrally around the central axis as a rotation axis. These units U1 and U2 are rotated together with the photoreceptor belt 1 so that they face the approximately semicircular mounting opening 25 formed on the side surface of the case C shown in FIG. It can be removed and a unit for maintenance and replacement can be attached to the main body of the device. In this copying machine, during the image forming operation, the photoreceptor belt 1 is arranged in a vertically elongated manner, and opposing moving parts that move parallel to each other and in opposite directions are sandwiched between these units U1 and U2. However, since the curved surfaces that reverse the moving direction of the upper and lower ends are exposed to serve as the photosensitive section and the transfer section, there is no need to provide openings for image formation in the units U1 and U2, and the photoconductor belt 1 is The housings of the units U1 and U2 can be completely covered with the casings of the units U1 and U2, which have an approximately semi-cylindrical outer shape except for the curved surface portions. Further, when the copying machine is not in operation or during maintenance work, the pressure contact state between the electrostatic photographic processing devices of the two units U1 and U2 and the photoreceptor belt 1 is released. For example, when the toner in the developing device is almost consumed while the copying machine is in operation, or when the recovery tank of the cleaning device is full, the copying operation is interrupted and the toner is replenished or the waste toner is discharged. Maintenance work must be carried out. In such a case, in this embodiment, an alarm display and guidance are displayed on the operation/display section of the copying machine main body, which will be described later.
1 or the cleaning unit U2 rotates and moves to a position facing the mounting opening 25. Therefore, maintenance and replacement work can be completed by simply opening the mounting opening 25, pulling out the unit to be replaced, and loading the new unit, so that anyone can easily perform the maintenance and replacement work. Furthermore, since the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are arranged rotationally symmetrically, when loading a new unit, the two units U1 and U2 can be loaded in any order from the installation opening 25 of the copying machine main body without distinguishing between the new units. It may be inserted and loaded, and even users who are unfamiliar with mechanical devices can load the unit without error. As mentioned above, replenishment of new toner and discharge of waste toner, which are necessary due to the mechanical operation of the copying machine, can be carried out through the same installation opening 25 without opening the front panel of case C as in the conventional example. Since all you have to do is pull out the two units U1 and U2 from the holder and load them, there is no need to request a service person to come and wait for maintenance work.You can perform the maintenance work yourself, and you can save on labor. The burden is light, and work efficiency is improved because the time required to stop and stand by the copying machine is saved.

The configuration and operation of the main parts of the embodiment will be explained in detail below. 3 and 4 are front views showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the first embodiment in a fixed state and a fixed release state. A photoreceptor belt 1, which is an image carrier made of an organic photoreceptor (OPC), is stretched between rollers 100 and 101 of the same diameter, which are supporting and driving members. It moves in circles by rotating clockwise. As described above, the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are disposed close to and opposite to the opposing moving parts 1a and 1b between the rollers 100 and 101 of the photoreceptor belt 1, which run parallel to each other and in opposite directions. Both are semicircular in shape and rotationally symmetrical. Further, the photoreceptor belt 1, the developing unit U1, and the cleaning unit U2 are connected to a rotating shaft R1.
It is constructed so that it can rotate freely around the center. This makes it possible to load the two units into the main body of the apparatus regardless of the order of the two units. A curved surface portion of the photoreceptor belt 1 supported by the rollers 100 and 101 is exposed in the cylindrical gap formed by the outer periphery of the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2, and this exposed portion serves as the laser light sensitive portion. It serves as a transfer section for toner images. A developing device 16 is housed and supported in the housing 102 of the developing unit U1. The developing device 16 includes a developing roller 160 containing a magnet, a toner tank 167, an agitator 162 that stirs the toner, and the like. Toner tank 16
An opening 167a is formed in the vicinity of one end of the flat part of 7, and a developing roller 160 is rotatably mounted with a part of its circumferential surface facing outside through this opening 167a. An opening 1 is provided inside the toner tank 167 facing the developing roller 160.
A static eliminating brush 163 and an agitator 1 are placed near the 67a.
62 and a developing blade 161 are provided along the rotational direction of the developing roller 160, respectively. The space inside the toner tank 167 is filled with toner. In the developing device 16, the toner in the toner tank 167 is agitated by the rotation of the agitator 162, and the toner in the toner tank 167 is further agitated by the rotation of the agitator 162.
61, and a toner layer of a constant thickness is formed on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 160 by the developing blade 161. As the developing roller 160 rotates, this toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor belt 1 that is in contact with the developing roller 160, and is attracted to the charges on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 to form a visible image. The toner that has not been adsorbed to the photoreceptor belt 1 is attached to the developing roller 160 and conveyed.
After the static electricity is removed by the static elimination brush 163, the toner tank 16
7 and is regulated by a developing blade 161. The entire developing device 16 is rotatable around a positioning pin 164 that supports one end of the developing device 16.
The hook 166 of the toner tank 167 and the hook 1 of the free end of the toner tank 167
A spring 159 is stretched between 67b. The developing device 16 has a spring 1 centered around a positioning pin 164.
The elastic force 59 urges the developing roller 160 in a counterclockwise direction, that is, in a direction in which the developing roller 160 is separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 . In the image forming state, the developing device 16 is driven by a solenoid (not shown), and the cam 165 rotates.
The outer circumferential surface of the toner tank 167 is pressed against the photoreceptor belt 1 side by the protrusion against the elastic force of the spring 159, and the free end of the toner tank 167 is pressed against the inwardly bent stopper piece 102a at one end of the housing 102. They are abutted and positioned. As a result, the developing roller 160 presses and contacts the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1 with a predetermined pressure. Further, the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are fixed by a fixing means (not shown) so as not to rotate about the rotation shaft.

[0009] The cleaning unit U2 has a flat surface facing the opposing moving portion 1b on the opposite side of the photoreceptor belt 1;
A cleaning device 23 including a charger 15 and an eraser 24 is housed and supported within the flat surface of the housing 103 . A collection tank 236 of the cleaning device 23 has an opening 23 located along with the charger 15 and the eraser 24 at a position facing the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1.
6a, and a cleaning blade 230 and a rotatable fur brush 231 are disposed in contact with the photoreceptor belt 1 near the opening 236a. Further, a flicker bar 234 integrally formed with the recovery tank 236 is provided in the opening 236a and is in contact with the fur brush 231. A toner peeling plate 233 extending from the case 236 and a toner collecting rod 232 whose tip is pressed against the toner peeling plate 233 are rotatably provided at a position opposite to the flicker bar 234 of the opening 236a, and these block the opening 236a. Further, a fullness detection sensor 239 is installed in the recovery tank 236 near the eraser 24, and issues an alarm signal when the recovery tank 236 is filled with waste toner. In the cleaning device 23, one end of the collection tank 236 is rotatably supported by a positioning pin 235 provided at a position rotationally symmetrical to the positioning pin 164 of the developing device 16 and the rotation axis R1. A spring 237 is stretched between the hook portion 236b provided on the outer edge and the hook portion 158 of the housing 103. In the image forming operation state, the cam 238 rotates, and its protrusion presses the back surface of the recovery tank 236 toward the photoreceptor belt 1 side against the elastic force of the spring 237, so that the free end of the recovery tank 236 moves toward the end of the housing 103. The cleaning device 23 is positioned and fixed by coming into contact with the stopper piece 103a formed by the inner bending of the edge. Due to this fixed positioning, the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 are pressed into contact with the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1 with a predetermined pressure. In the cleaning device 23, a fur brush 231 scrapes off residual toner on the photoreceptor belt 1, and a flicker bar 234 scrapes off residual toner on the photoreceptor belt 1.
Knock off the residual toner scraped off from 1. The remaining toner that could not be scraped off by the fur brush 231 is removed by the cleaning blade 230. The residual toner scraped off in this manner is sequentially taken into the collection tank 236 by the rotation of the toner collection rod 232 and the inhibiting action of the toner peeling plate 233. Also, charger 1
5 charges the photoreceptor belt 1 after cleaning, the eraser 24 erases the charge on unnecessary parts so that an electrostatic latent image is created only in the required image area, and the mirror 1
4 to prepare for a new exposure scan on the photoreceptor belt 1 by the reflected light from the photoreceptor belt 1. In this way, the developing device 16, cleaning device 23, charger 15 and eraser 24
A process of forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor belt 1 is performed.

By the way, when the toner in the toner tank 167 runs out, a toner end sensor (not shown) which detects a decrease in the rotational load of the agitator 162 and outputs a signal detects this and issues a toner end signal. Further, as mentioned above, even when the collection tank 236 is full of waste toner, the full tank sensor 239 detects this and
It emits a toner full detection signal and displays an alarm on the operation/display unit. Based on this information, the user
1 or the cleaning unit U2 can be maintained and replaced. When the user performs this maintenance/replacement work himself/herself, when the user presses the replacement switch 52 (see FIG. 15) on the operation panel, the fixation of the photoreceptor belt 1, developing unit U1, and cleaning unit U2 is released and they are centered around the rotation axis R1. The unit to be replaced is rotated to a position facing the mounting opening 25. That is, when the drive of the solenoid (not shown) is released, the cam 165 or the cam 238 rotates to release the lock, and as shown in FIG. Cleaning device 2
3 is released, the toner tank 167 or the collection tank 236 is rotated in the direction away from the photoreceptor belt 1 around the positioning pin 164 or 235 by the tension of the springs 159 and 237, and the toner tank 167 Alternatively, the collection tank 236 can be removed from the mounting opening 25. Toner tank 167 to be replaced
Alternatively, the recovery tank 236 is configured as a cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a process pack) that can be attached and detached with one touch, and after removing it, a new toner tank 1
67 or the recovery tank 236 is inserted into the case C through the mounting opening 25 and mounted on the housing 102 or the housing 103, and the button for completing the mounting is pressed on the operation panel. As a result, the cam 165 or cam 238 rotates to lock the process pack, and the developing unit U1 and cleaning unit U2 rotate around the rotation axis R1 and are oriented in a predetermined vertical direction. The maintenance and replacement work is completed and the copying machine is ready for operation. Unit U1,
Since the housing 102 and the housing 103 of U2 are formed in the same shape, during the process pack loading operation,
The two types of process packs can be attached to either side of the opposing moving parts 1a and 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1. As described above, in this embodiment, the toner tank 167 and the recovery tank 236 have the same and symmetrical substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and are configured to be able to rotate integrally. When performing maintenance and replacement work on the process pack when the exhaust toner of the 167 is full, all that is required is a simple installation and removal of the process pack from the installation opening 25 on the front of the case C, making it easy for the user to do it himself without having to ask for help from a service person. can be processed. Further, the main parts of the photoreceptor belt 1 and the main electrostatic photographic processing equipment are always kept in the housings 102 and 103.
This prevents accidents such as an operator accidentally touching the photoreceptor belt 1 and the like and staining or damaging the photoreceptor belt 1, etc., when inspecting the apparatus main body for abnormal paper jams or removing paper, for example. Furthermore, since it is possible to unlock the electrostatic photographic process unit and release the contact between the electrostatic photographic process apparatus and the photoreceptor belt 1 except during the image forming operation, for example, the photoreceptor belt 1 and the cleaning blade 2 can be released from each other.
30 will not deteriorate due to long-term pressure, and the toner will not solidify at the contact area, which will not adversely affect the formed image.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing the main parts of the energization sensor provided at the rear of the process pack and the rear mounting plate (not shown) of the main body of the copying machine. (a) shows the back of the process pack, (b) shows the energization sensor on the rear mounting plate facing the process pack, and (c) and (d) show the toner tank 167 and collection tank 236 in (a). (e) is an enlarged view of the energization sensor in (b). As shown in the figure, the rear surface of the process pack has a short-circuit part that shorts between two contact parts 411 and 412 separated by a predetermined distance, and a U-shaped detected part made of a conductive film such as aluminum. 41 is provided. On the other hand, the detected part 41
The detection unit 40 on the side of the copying machine main body opposite to the main body of the copying machine has three contact terminals having spring elasticity on a resin substrate 405 attached to the rear mounting plate, that is, a common terminal 401 and a developing unit terminal 4.
02 and a cleaning unit terminal 403, and the other end of the lead wire connected to each is connected to the control device of the main body of the copying machine. The distance between the two contact portions 411a and 412a of the detected portion 41a of the toner tank 167 is the same as the distance between the common terminal 401 and the developing unit terminal 402, and the distance between the two contact portions 411a and 412a of the detected portion 41a of the recovery tank 236 is equal to the distance between the two contact portions 411a and 412a of the detected portion 41a of the recovery tank 236.
The distance between the contact parts 411b and 412b at the common terminal 4
01 and the cleaning unit terminal 403, and is configured such that when the process pack is attached, the contact portion of each detected portion 41 and the corresponding terminal of the detection portion 40 on the copying machine main body come into conductive contact. . Further, when the process pack is attached, the process pack is urged toward the detection section 40 by a biasing means (not shown). Therefore, the contact part 411 of the process pack is connected to the common terminal 401 of the detection part 40, and the contact part 412 is connected to the remaining developing unit terminal 4.
02 or the cleaning unit terminal 403. in this way,
The detection unit 40 and the detected unit 41 are a selection switch with a common terminal 401 as a common terminal, and the common terminal 401 and the
The type of attached process pack can be determined based on the energization state of either the developing unit terminal 402 or the cleaning unit terminal 403. The detection signal from the energization sensor is sent to the control device of the main body of the copying machine, and the control device displays the type on the process pack display on the operation/display section. 15 and 16 show display examples of the operation/display section. When both process packs are removed, the current sensor is in a non-conducting state, so
The controller detects that the electrostatographic process unit is empty and causes a message display 50 to display a message prompting the user to install a process pack, as shown in FIG. According to this message, for example, when the operator first installs the recovery tank 236, a message prompting the operator to install the process pack to be installed next, that is, the toner tank 167, is displayed on the message display 50, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the process pack display 51 (see FIG. 2) disposed near the mounting opening 25 also displays that the next process pack to be mounted is the toner tank 167. Thereafter, when the toner tank 167 is correctly installed, after the electrostatic photographic process unit is fixed and rotated a predetermined amount, a similar message is displayed indicating that the copying machine main body is in an image forming standby state. In addition, when the process pack installed later is the recovery tank 236, the control device displays a warning message on the operation/display section to the effect that it has been installed incorrectly in accordance with the detection signal from the energization sensor (40, 41). At the same time, an alarm buzzer (not shown) emits an alarm sound to notify the operator.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the second embodiment in a fixed state and in an unfixed state, respectively. The mechanical feature of this embodiment is the first
In this embodiment, when taking out the electrophotographic process unit from the copying machine main body, the cams 165, 238 are rotated to separate each unit U using the positioning pins 165, 235 as fulcrums.
1. The opening of each process pack is closed by a shutter mechanism as U2 rotates to release the lock. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to parts that are the same or can be considered to be the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the developing device 1
A single-sheet shutter 168 is provided concentrically with the developing roller 160 of No. 6, and a torsion coil spring 169 is concentrically attached to the shaft of the developing roller 160. One end of the torsion coil spring 169 is engaged with the toner tank 167, and the other end is engaged with the shutter 168. Shutter 1
68 is the opening 1 of the toner tank 167 in the unlocked state.
67a is biased in the direction of closing, but in the locked state by the cam 165 shown in FIG. 5, that is, in the image forming operation state, the opening 167
Part a is left open. Similarly, a torsion coil spring 2 is installed near the toner peeling plate 233 of the cleaning device 23.
41, one end of the torsion coil spring 241 is engaged with the recovery tank 236, and the other end is engaged with one shutter of a two-piece shutter 240 that is rotatable around the axis of the torsion coil spring 241. has been done. This shutter 2
40 is also biased in the direction of closing the opening 236a by the torsion coil spring 241 in the unlocked state. Figure 6
As shown in the figure, the cam 165 is rotated and each unit U1
, U2, the toner tank 167 of the developing unit U1 rotates in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1 due to the tension of the spring 159. Along with this rotation, the shutter 168 is rotated by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 169 to close the opening 167a. The shutter 168 and the toner tank 167 are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other via a gear mechanism (not shown). In this way, when taking out the developing device 16,
Since the opening 167a is closed, when the toner tank 167 is taken out, toner does not leak through the opening 167a and contaminate the operator's body or the room. Similarly, cam 2
38 rotates to unlock the cleaning unit U2, the recovery tank 236 rotates in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1, and the shutter 240 is recovered by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 241. The opening 236a of the tank 236 is closed to prevent waste toner from leaking to the outside.

In the second embodiment as well, the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 have the same cross-sectional shape. 1a, 1
It can also be attached to b. In this embodiment, the process packs are color-coded, and the toner tank 1
67 is colored red, and the recovery tank 236 is colored blue. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 17, the operation/display section is provided with a process pack display 511 that displays the type of process pack in red and blue. Process packs can be identified by the colors displayed on the process pack display 511. Note that in the above embodiment, the developing unit U1 is
Although both the process packs of the cleaning unit U2 and the cleaning unit U2 are separated from the photoreceptor belt 1, only the unit that is taken out from the mounting opening 25 may be separated from the photoreceptor belt 1. 7 and 8 are front views showing a state in which the copying machine is unlocked by such an unlocking mechanism, and FIG. 7 is a front view showing the state in which the copying machine is unlocked by such an unlocking mechanism. FIG. belt 1
The cleaning unit U2 shown in FIG.
The cleaning unit U2 is positioned opposite to the opening 25.
A state in which only the process pack 1 is separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 is shown. Configuration of other parts of this embodiment,
The operation and effects are no different from the second embodiment already described.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are front views showing the electrostatographic processing unit of the third embodiment in a locked state and an unlocked state. The mechanical feature of this embodiment is that the positioning pins 164 and 235 are omitted in the first embodiment,
The rotational movement of the cams 165, 238 causes the housings 102, 1 to
03, developing unit U1 and cleaning unit U
2 is configured to rotate integrally around rollers 100 and 101 to release the lock. That is, the developing unit U1 includes the toner tank 167 and the toner tank 16.
The housing 102 that houses and supports the roller 1 is integrated with the housing 102 that accommodates and supports the roller 1.
A torsion coil spring 201 is rotatably supported with the same axis as 01 and is attached concentrically to the axis of the roller 101.
Due to this, the photoreceptor belt 1 is subjected to an elastic force in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a. The cam 165 presses the housing 102 against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 168 so that the developing roller 160 comes into pressure contact with the opposing moving portion 1a. Similarly, the cleaning unit U2 is the recovery tank 2.
36 and a housing 103 that accommodates and supports the collection tank 236 are integrally supported and are rotatably supported with the same axis as the roller 100, and the photoreceptor belt 1 is supported by a torsion coil spring 202 concentrically attached to the axis of the roller 100. is subjected to an elastic force in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1b. The cam 238 presses the housing 103 against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 202 so that the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 come into pressure contact with the opposing moving portion 1b. As shown in FIG. 10, when the cam 165 rotates to unlock the developing unit U1, the toner tank 167
The housing 102 housing the toner tank 167 is rotated in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 201, and the toner tank 167 can be taken out from the mounting opening 25. Similarly, when the cam 238 is rotated to unlock the cleaning unit U2, the housing 103 housing the recovery tank 236 is rotated in a direction away from the belt surface by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 202.
The recovery tank 236 can now be taken out from the mounting opening 25. As described in the above embodiment, by rotating the developing unit U1, the cleaning unit U2, and the photoreceptor belt 1 together and positioning the developing unit U1 or the cleaning unit U2 in the mounting opening 25, a desired process pack is installed. , and a new process pack can be inserted into each housing 102, 103 and installed. In the third embodiment as well, the portion of the photoreceptor belt 1 sandwiched between the units U1 and U2 is covered, and the supporting portions of the rollers 100 and 101 at both ends are exposed, and this exposed portion is used for exposure or Transcription takes place. In this embodiment, the process pack includes a built-in oscillator (not shown) that oscillates high frequencies of different frequencies, and is configured to be able to transmit the high frequencies. Furthermore, a microswitch is provided on the handle (not shown) of the process pack, and when the operator grips the process pack, the microswitch closes and the power supply voltage is applied to the built-in oscillator. There is. On the other hand, a receiver (not shown) capable of receiving these high frequencies is arranged near the mounting opening 25 of the main body of the copying machine. During process pack replacement work, when an operator picks up a process pack, a high-frequency wave is transmitted from an oscillator.In the copier main body, the controller identifies the type of process pack based on the frequency of the high-frequency wave received by the receiver, and the first A guidance message is displayed on the message display 50 as in the embodiment. The configuration, operation, and effects of other parts of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment already described.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the locked state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fourth embodiment, and the mechanical feature of this embodiment is that the eraser 24 is recovered from the cleaning unit U2 in the first embodiment. The structure is such that it is not attached to the tank 236 but is attached outside the electrostatic photographic processing unit, and the electrostatic photographic processing apparatus, which is less susceptible to deterioration over time, is removed from the process pack, thereby reducing the cost of the process pack and reducing waste. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a locked state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 are arranged away from the developing roller 160 and closer to the free end of the collection tank 236, and in addition to the purpose of the fourth embodiment, the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 are arranged to improve the collection function of waste toner and the cleaning. This is intended to increase the moving distance of the blade 230 and the fur brush 231 when they rotate. In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the eraser 24 or the charger 15, the eraser 24 and the transfer charger 18 are disposed outside the rotational circumference of the electrostatic photographic process unit, and are easily accessible for maintenance and replacement or installation of the process pack. Rotation of the electrostatographic processing unit during the process can be carried out without any problem. Further, the configurations, operations, and effects of other parts of the fourth and fifth embodiments are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic processing unit of the sixth embodiment in a locked state. The mechanical feature of this embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, it is provided with two engaging bodies that rotate around the rotation axis R1, and the rotating movement of the engaging bodies that accompanies the process pack mounting operation of the electrostatic photographic process unit. This prevents incorrect installation of the process pack. In this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the developing unit U1 that accommodates and supports the developing device 16, the cleaning unit U2 that accommodates and supports the cleaning device 23, and the photoreceptor belt 1 are configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis R1. It becomes. Furthermore, the housing 102 of the developing unit U1
is rotatably supported around a positioning pin 164 as a fulcrum, and is subjected to an elastic force by a torsion coil spring 159 in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1. The cam 165 rotates torsion coil spring 1 due to its rotational action.
The developing unit U1 is held by the protrusion so that the developing roller 160 is pressed against the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1 with an appropriate pressure against the elastic force of the photoreceptor belt 1. Similarly, the housing 103 of the cleaning unit U2 has a positioning pin 235.
The torsion coil spring 23 is rotatably supported using the fulcrum as a fulcrum.
7, the photoreceptor belt 1 is subjected to an elastic force in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1b. The cam 238 holds the cleaning unit U2 with its protrusion so that the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 come into pressure contact with the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1 with appropriate pressure against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 237. ing. Furthermore, the rotation axis R
Engagement bodies 500 and 501 that are rotatable around axis 1 are provided at different axial positions, and each of the engagement bodies 500 and 501 has a torsion coil spring 502 that biases the shaft portion concentrically in a clockwise direction.
503 are attached to each. Engagement body 500,
The ends of 501 are bent in opposite directions to form the engaging piece 500.
a, 500b and 501a, 501b are formed, respectively, and the overall shape is approximately Z-shaped. Engagement piece 50
The lengths l1 and l2 from 0a and 500b to the rotation axis R1 are different from each other, and the lengths from the engagement pieces 501a and 501b to the rotation axis R1 are also set to different values l2 and l1. On the other hand, the toner tank 167 of the developing device 16
Cutouts 167c and 236c that engage with the ends of the engagement pieces 500a and 500b of the recovery tank 236 of the cleaning device 23 are respectively formed at positions facing them. In the electrostatographic process unit configured as described above, when both process packs are removed during maintenance and replacement work, the engaging bodies 500 and 501 are locked by stoppers (not shown), and are shown by broken lines in FIG. 13, respectively. and has been evacuated to the position indicated by the solid line. Next, when the toner tank 167 is attached to the developing unit U1, the stopper is unlocked, the engaging body 500 rotates clockwise, and the engaging piece 500a engages with the notch 167c. Following the attachment of the toner tank 167 to the developing unit U1, the electrostatographic process unit is rotated about the rotation axis R1, and the cleaning unit U2 is positioned opposite the attachment opening 25. The position of the engaging body 500 at this time is the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 13, and the engaging piece 500b protrudes from the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1. Therefore, the process pack that is mounted through the mounting opening 25 cannot be mounted on anything other than the recovery tank 236, which has the notch 236c at a position that can be engaged with the protruding engagement piece 500b, and incorrect mounting of the process pack can be prevented. Even if the stopper is released from the other engaging body 501, the tip of the engaging piece 501a formed on the short arm remains in the toner tank 1.
67, the engagement piece 501b formed on the opposite long arm is in contact with the opposing moving part 1 of the photoreceptor belt 1.
It does not protrude from b. When the recovery tank 236 is installed first, the operations of the engaging body 500 and the engaging body 501 are reversed, and similarly, the engaging piece 501a and the notch 236c
When first engaged, the engaging piece 501b formed on the opposite long arm protrudes from the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1, making it impossible to attach anything other than the toner tank 167.

In any of the embodiments described above, when a new process pack is loaded into the main body of the copying machine, an automatic forming operation is performed to make it fit in with the photoreceptor belt. In the above embodiment, a one-component developing device is used, but a two-component or multi-component developing device can be similarly constructed. Further, in the embodiment, when the toner in the toner tank 167 runs out or when the collection tank 236 is full of exhausted toner, the toner end sensor or full tank sensor 239 detects this and issues a detection signal. operation·
We have explained the system that displays an alarm on the display, but when each sensor issues a detection signal, the developing unit U
1 or unlock the cleaning unit U2,
Alternatively, the corresponding unit may be automatically rotated and moved to a position opposite the mounting opening 25 to stand by. In the second embodiment, the shutter gradually closes the opening of the process pack as the housing moves away from the horizontal part of the photoreceptor belt. You can also
The shutter may be of either a single shutter type or a two (plural) shutter type. Further, in the above embodiment, the replaceable process pack housed in the developing unit U1 or the cleaning unit U2 is taken out from the housing C of the apparatus main body, and the process pack containing the electrostatic photographic processing device is subjected to maintenance and replacement operations, and then inserted into the housing C. The reloading operation does not require the operator's intervention as there are no restrictions on the order in which process packs stored in each unit are taken out, the order in which they are loaded, or their positions, and it can be performed with a semi-automated one-touch operation. Maintenance and replacement work of the electrostatic photographic processing device and old and new toner in a copying machine can be performed extremely easily and quickly without any hassle.

[0018]

As described above, according to the invention as set forth in claim 1, during maintenance work of an image forming apparatus, the housings of the plurality of units equipped with electrostatic photographic processing means are located at different positions. Since the image forming apparatus main body has a notch and an engagement member that engages with the notch when the casing is attached or removed, an appropriate unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body through the attachment/detachment opening. If an inappropriate unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body, the engaging member will not engage with the notch of the unit, and the unit will not be installed properly. Therefore, routine maintenance work such as toner replenishment can be performed extremely easily, quickly, and without error. According to the invention as claimed in claim 2, when the unit is being mounted, the display means displays a guide display that guides the mounting operation according to the type of unit determined by the discriminating means, so that the operator can easily mount the unit. Operations can be performed more easily and without errors. According to the invention described in claim 3 or claim 9,
Furthermore, manufacturing or maintenance costs for the device can be reduced. According to the invention set forth in claim 4, when the unit is to be mounted, the display means displays a guide display for guiding the mounting operation according to the type of the unit determined based on the signal received by the discriminating means in advance. Therefore, an appropriate unit mounting operation can be performed according to the guidance display before the unit mounting operation. According to the invention described in claim 5 or claim 8, the visibility of the display means is improved by displaying the type of the unit in a colored color or by providing the installation location near the attachment/detachment opening of the unit. Improves operability. According to the invention as set forth in claim 6 or claim 7, when a unit is installed incorrectly in the electrostatic photographic process unit during a unit installation operation, or when there is a unit that is not installed, the display means issues an alarm or a warning message indicating that the unit is not installed. Since the correct unit is displayed, the operability of the device when the unit is installed is further improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the first embodiment in a fixed state.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a fixed state of the electrophotographic process unit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an electrostatic photographic process unit according to a modification of the second embodiment in a fixed release state.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a fixed state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a fixed state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fifth embodiment in a fixed state.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the sixth embodiment in a fixed state.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing main parts of the energization sensor of the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the operation/display section.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the operation/display section.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the operation/display unit according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Photoreceptor belt 15　Charging charger 16 Developing device 23 Cleaning device 24 Eraser 25 Mounting opening 40 Detection part 41 Detected part 50 Message display 51,511 Process pack display 102, 103 Housing 160 Developing roller 167 Toner tank 167c, 236c Notch 168,240 Shutter 230 Cleaning blade 231 Fur brush 236 Recovery tank 500,501 Engagement body

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier, and a plurality of electrostatographic processing means disposed around the image carrier, at least some of the plurality of electrostatographic processing means are connected to the image carrier. In the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is divided into at least two units that are attachable to and detachable from a body, and the unit is rotatable integrally with the image carrier, wherein the units have a housing having substantially the same external shape. , each of the casings has notches at different positions, and the image forming apparatus main body is formed as a part of the case, and only a single casing can pass through when the casing is attached or removed. An image forming apparatus comprising: an attachment/detachment opening; and an engagement member that engages with the notch when the housing is attached/detached. 2. An image carrier, and a plurality of electrostatographic processing means disposed around the image carrier, at least some of the plurality of electrostatographic processing means are connected to the image carrier. In the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is divided into at least two units that are attachable to and detachable from the body, and the unit is rotatable integrally with the image carrier; The image forming apparatus has a discriminating means for discriminating the type of the unit, and the display means displays a guide display for guiding a mounting operation according to the type of the unit discriminated by the discriminating means. . 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determining means is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and determines the type of the unit by touching a part of the unit. 4. In claim 2, the determining means is provided in a unit, and includes a transmitting device that transmits a different signal for each type, and a receiving device that is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting device. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmitting/receiving means. 5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the units are colored in different colors depending on their types, and the display means displays the type of the unit in the same color as the colored color. image forming device. 6. In claim 2 or claim 4, when the determining means determines that the newly installed unit is the same as the already installed unit during the unit mounting operation, the display means An image forming apparatus characterized by displaying an incorrect attachment warning. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the display means displays the type of unit determined by the determination means as not yet attached. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display means is provided near the attachment/detachment opening of the unit in the main body of the image forming apparatus. 9. The unit according to claim 4, wherein the unit includes a switch that responds to a gripping operation of the operator when the unit is attached, and the transmitting means transmits the signal when the switch is closed. image forming device.