JPH09244362A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an optical system part from staining with the developer to be scattered when a developing device is fitted by opening/closing a shielding member in a synchronous manner with the prescribed action after the developing device is fitted to a recording device body. SOLUTION: When a printer is in the waiting mode or a stop mode, a solenoid is not excited, and a shutter 1 is at the position indicated by the solid line. In this condition, an optical system is separated, and the optical system is not stained with the toner or the like. As soon as the print signal is inputted, the printing operation is started, and a main motor as a driving means to drive a photosensitive body drum 10 is started, the shutter 1 is opened. During the printing operation, the shutter 1 is kept open, and when every printing is completed, and the main motor is stopped, the shutter 1 is also shut. Staining of the optical system with the toner, etc., is limited only during the printing. A returning mirror 4 and the optical system can be more prevented from staining than the conventional system.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus using an electrophotographic process such as a laser beam printer, an LED printer, a copying machine or the like, which records information by exposing a medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In these recording devices, measures are taken against contamination of the optical system. Generally, a method of increasing the distance between the photoconductor and the optical system, or a dustproof glass and an electrophotographic section and an optical system are used. A method of separating the system parts is used.

The former cannot prevent toner and dust from entering the optical system through the electrophotographic section or the air holes, but the length of the optical path can reduce the degree of contamination and adversely affect the image quality of the contamination. Keep it to a minimum. However, there are drawbacks in that the length of the optical path lengthens the size of the apparatus main body and the internal structure is largely restricted.

FIG. 11 shows the structure of a general LBP. Reference numeral 4 is a folding mirror, 5 is a scanner, 6 is a cartridge, 7 is dustproof glass, 9 is a paper cassette, and 10 is a photosensitive drum. In the figure, the folding mirror 4, which is the optical component closest to the photosensitive drum 10, is soiled with the toner that is the developer.

To cope with this problem, a method has been used in which a dustproof glass 7 is provided between the photosensitive drum 10 and the optical member to prevent the optical member from being easily cleaned or maintained unclean.

To protect the dust-proof glass 7 from dirt, it has been cleaned with a brush, a face stick, a lens cleaning paper, or the like, which is included in the cartridge or the main body of the apparatus.

As means for preventing the dust-proof glass 7 itself from becoming dirty, an air passage is provided between the photosensitive drum 10 and the dust-proof glass 7 as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-317951. Proposals have been made to form curtains.

Another method for preventing contamination is to use a laser shutter as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, 1 is a laser shutter, 4 is a folding mirror, 5 is a scanner, 6 is a cartridge, 9 is a paper cassette, and 10 is a photosensitive drum.

The laser shutter 1 is a member provided for safety so that the laser beam does not directly or indirectly enter the eyes of the user of the printer in the case of some accident in the laser beam printer. It is mandatory in the safety standard to make the structure that cannot be opened or cannot be opened. The opening and closing of the cartridge 6 and the like are generally linked with opening and closing of the exterior cover. For example, in the former case, when the cartridge 6 is inserted, the cartridge pushes down the laser beam extending from the shutter 1 and the shutter 1
Is opened, and when the cartridge 6 is removed, the shutter 1 is closed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent dirt from entering and adhering to the optical system during jam processing, cartridge replacement, and the like.

[0011]

However, the conventional configuration has the following problems.

First, in the method using the dustproof glass as shown in FIG. 11, when cleaning dirt, it is necessary to use a cleaning member made of a different material or an organic solvent which should not be used, without reading the instruction manual. There was a possibility that it would get damaged and damage the machine itself.

Further, the method of providing the air curtain between the photosensitive drum and the dustproof glass has a drawback that the apparatus becomes large in size because the space for guiding the air must be taken, and the cleaning air can be further removed. If it is not sprayed, it will stain it.

On the other hand, in the method using the laser shutter, the opening and closing of the cartridge is interlocked with the attachment and detachment of the cartridge, so that there is little effect on the contamination due to the scattering of toner due to the shock at the time of attachment.

Further, since the shutter is opaque when the stain is generated, it is difficult to specify the position where the stain is generated, and as described above, the shutter is arranged so as not to be easily touched, so that the cleaning itself is difficult.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The purpose of the present invention is to prevent contamination of the optical system portion more effectively and to simplify maintenance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus that can be made compact and can prevent the apparatus from increasing in size.

[0017]

A first aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus for recording an image by an electrophotographic process, which is an electrophotographic section having a photosensitive rotating body and an optical unit for exposing the photosensitive rotating body. A developing device that has a system part and an openable / closable shield member that separates the optical system part and the electrophotographic part from each other to prevent contamination of the optical system part, and supplies a developer to the photosensitive rotating body. In the recording apparatus detachably attached to the recording apparatus main body, the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with a predetermined operation after the developing device is attached to the recording apparatus main body.

A second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the developing device is housed in a cartridge detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body.

A third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotation of a drive means for rotationally driving the photosensitive rotating body.

A fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, a transmission mechanism is provided for converting the rotational movement of the drive means into the opening / closing movement of the shielding member.

A fifth invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with a conveyance state of a recording material on which an image is to be recorded.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, a cooling device for cooling the inside of the recording device is provided, and the shield member is opened and closed in synchronization with the control of the cooling device. Characterize.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein an outer cover is provided on the housing of the recording apparatus so as to be openable and closable.
The shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with opening and closing of the exterior cover.

An eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with opening and closing of the exterior cover.

A ninth invention is characterized in that, in the eighth invention, a link mechanism for converting the opening / closing movement of the exterior cover into the opening / closing movement of the shielding member is provided.

A tenth invention is characterized in that, in the first to ninth inventions, the shielding member is formed of a transparent member.

An eleventh invention is a recording apparatus for recording an image by an electrophotographic process, the electrophotographic section having a photoconductor, an optical system section for exposing the photoconductor, and the optical system section. And the electrophotographic part are separated from each other to prevent the optical system part from being soiled, and a fixed shield member that is fixed and supported to prevent the optical system part from being soiled, and the optical system part and the electrophotographic part are separated from each other to prevent the optical system part from being soiled. In the recording apparatus having an openable / closable blocking member for opening / closing, a cleaning member that slidably contacts the fixed blocking member is provided on the opening / closing blocking member, and the cleaning member is fixed by the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing blocking member. It is characterized in that the surface of the shielding member is slid to be cleaned.

The twelfth invention is the eleventh invention, wherein
A developing device for supplying a developer to the photosensitive rotating body is detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body, and the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in association with attachment / detachment of the developing device.

In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, a developing device for supplying a developer to the photosensitive rotary member is housed in a cartridge detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body, and the opening / closing shield member is provided in the cartridge. It is characterized by opening and closing in conjunction with attachment and detachment.

A fourteenth invention is the eleventh invention, wherein
A recording material stacking unit for storing a recording material to record an image in the recording apparatus main body is detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body, and the opening / closing shield member is provided in the recording material stacking unit. It is characterized by opening and closing in conjunction with attachment and detachment.

The fifteenth invention is the fourteenth invention, wherein
It is characterized in that the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in conjunction with the recording material stacking means with a delay in attachment / detachment.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiment.

(First Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, the shutter 1 as a shielding member is opened and closed electrically by the solenoid 22 shown in FIG. 2 and its operation timing is set after the cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a printer as a recording apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a sequence showing the opening / closing timing of a shutter.

In the figure, 1 is a laser shutter, 3 is a main body cover, 4 is a folding mirror, 5 is a scanner, and 6 is a mirror.
Is a cartridge, 7 is a paper feed roller, 8 is a registration roller, 9 is a cassette for storing paper, 10 is a photosensitive drum, and 11 is a fixing device. Reference numerals 12 and 12 'are stays having a function of separating the electrophotographic section including the cartridge 6, the transfer roller 10, the fixing device 11 and the like and the optical system section including the folding mirror 4, the scanner 5 and the like. A registration lever for detecting whether the process is executed without any problem, 14 is a paper discharge lever for confirming the end of paper conveyance, and 22 is a solenoid.

Next, the operation will be described. When the printer is in the standby state or the stopped state, the solenoid is not excited and the shutter 1 is in the position shown by the solid line. In this case, because the optics are separated for the electrophotographic process area,
The optical system will not be contaminated by toner or the like as a developer during standby. A print signal is input to start a printing operation, and a shutter 1 is opened at the same time when a main motor (not shown) as a driving unit for driving the photosensitive drum 10 as a photosensitive rotating body starts to rotate. Shutter 1 during printing operation
Is held open, and the shutter 1 is closed when all the printing is completed and the main motor is stopped.

With the above arrangement, the optical system is contaminated with toner as a developer only during printing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust and cigarette smoke floating in the room from entering and adhering to the optical unit during standby. Further, during the printing, the toner scattered from the cartridge 6 enters the optical unit, but since the electrophotographic portion is separated from the mirror 4 at the time of folding back, the stain is small and the influence of the stain is small. Further, the toner may be scattered when the cartridge 6 is attached or detached, especially when the cartridge 6 is attached. However, since the shutter 1 is closed when the cartridge 6 is attached and detached, the optical system is not contaminated with the toner. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the folding mirror 4 from becoming dirty even if the toner or the like is scattered from the cartridge 6 due to the impact due to the violent replacement, and in the design of the cartridge 6, too, there is an excessive scattering countermeasure in consideration of a rough operation. You don't even have to do it.

With the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to prevent the folding mirror 4 and the optical system from being soiled better than before.

In the present embodiment, the so-called upper surface conveying system for irradiating the recording light from the lower side of the process cartridge has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a generally used general mechanical structure, that is, irradiating the recording light from the upper side. The same effect can be obtained for a system or a system for lateral irradiation.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the shutter opening / closing timing is synchronized with the rotation of the main motor, whereas in the second embodiment it is synchronized with the conveying state of paper as a recording material. It is a thing.

FIG. 3 shows a flow of operation.

When a print signal instructing the printer to print is input from the host computer to which the printer is connected, the main motor rotates, and then the paper feeding operation is performed. Paper feeding is performed without problems, and when the leading edge of the sheet reaches the registration lever 13, the lever rotates, and the presence of the leading edge of the sheet is detected by a registration sensor (not shown). While the paper is tilting the registration lever 13, the signal is ON as shown in the figure. When the paper is fed, the image signal is input from the host computer. The leading edge of the paper reaches the paper ejection lever 14, and the signal of a paper ejection sensor (not shown) is turned on. Then, when the paper is ejected, this signal is O
It becomes FF, the completion of printing operation is confirmed, and the main motor stops.

According to the above flow, the paper feed / conveyance is performed without any problem, the shutter 1 is opened, and the shutter is closed immediately after the printing operation is completed. Therefore, while the first embodiment synchronizes with the rotation of the main motor, the shutter is not opened during the pre-rotation and the post-rotation that the printer normally performs before and after the printing operation. In addition, the shutter does not open even when a jam occurs between the registration rollers 8 due to the paper feeding or the paper feeding. Therefore, the contamination of the optical system can be prevented more reliably than in the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) In the second embodiment, even if the timing for opening the shutter is synchronized with the paper feed signal for instructing the start of the paper feed operation, the shutter open time becomes slightly long, but The same effect as the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, even if the opening / closing of the shutter 1 is synchronized with the signal instructing the rotation of the scanner motor, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, a solenoid is used to open and close the shutter 1, but a transmission mechanism is used.

Members having the same shape and function as those in FIG. In the figure, 41 is a shutter gear, 41a is an output shaft 1 and 42 integrally provided on the rotation center axis of the shutter 1, 42 is a control gear, 42a is an output gear, 42b is a torque limiter, and 42c is an input shaft, which is a main motor ( Drive from (not shown) is transmitted. Reference numeral 43 is a shutter spring stretched between the shutter 1 and a main body member (not shown) in the direction of closing the shutter 1, and 44 is a stopper for restricting the rotation of the shutter 1. The torque limiter 42b transmits the drive in the direction of the arrow B up to a predetermined torque, and idles when a higher torque is applied. Further, it is a one-way torque limiter that idles in the direction opposite to the arrow B.

Next, the operation will be described. When the main motor (not shown) is stopped, the shutter spring 43 applies a rotational force to the shutter gear 41 in the direction opposite to the arrow A direction. This force is transmitted to the control gear 42, but the torque limiter 42b idles in the direction opposite to the arrow B, so that the shutter 1 is held in the state shown by the solid line in the figure, that is, in the closed state.
When a main motor (not shown) rotates, the rotational force in the direction of arrow B is transmitted to the input shaft 42c, the torque limiter 42b, and the output gear 42a. Further, the rotational force in the direction of arrow A is transmitted to the shutter gear 41, and the shutter 1 rotates until a part thereof contacts the stopper 44. Rotation load torque increases when abutting, but the torque limiter 42 is provided in the transmission path.
b is interposed, the input shaft 42c and the output gear 42a
Slip between. Therefore, while the main motor (not shown) is rotating, the shutter 1 is held in the state shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, that is, in the open state.

In this embodiment, since the shutter 1 is opened and closed by a mechanical transmission mechanism as compared with the first embodiment in which an electric signal is used for solenoid control for driving the shutter, the structure is simple and there are few failures. There is also an effect.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the drive from the main motor is directly transmitted, but the drive of the registration roller which rotates only when the paper is conveyed may be used.

(Fifth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the shutter is opened and closed in synchronization with the control of a printer exhaust heat fan as a cooling device. FIG. 5 shows a flow of operations.

When a print signal instructing the printer to print is input from the host computer to which the printer is connected, the main motor rotates and the control temperature of the fixing device 11 rises from the standby temperature to the printing temperature. The rotation of the exhaust heat fan (not shown) is also changed from half speed or stopped state to full speed, and the shutter 1 is opened in synchronization with this. When the printer is completed without any problem, the control temperature of the fixing device 11 is changed to the standby temperature again, and then the main motor is stopped. Even if the fixing temperature drops to the standby temperature, if the rotation of the exhaust heat fan (not shown) is stopped from full speed to half speed or stopped in synchronization with this timing, the temperature inside the printer rises. Therefore, the rotation speed of the exhaust heat fan is reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the shutter is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotation control timing of the exhaust heat fan. The optical system is a precision component, and a scanner motor (not shown) that rotates a polygon mirror (not shown) incorporated therein is a heat generation source. Therefore, the optical unit must be designed to be heat resistant, and the temperature of the unit must not rise above a predetermined temperature. The exhaust heat fan is controlled so as to continue to rotate at full speed for a predetermined time during printing and after printing until the temperature inside the machine falls. Also, when the printer is on standby, the fixing device may be controlled at a standby temperature slightly lower than the fixing temperature or may not be heated.In the former case, the exhaust heat fan is at half speed, in the latter case the exhaust heat fan is stopped. It is generally controlled.

In this embodiment, the shutter is opened only when the exhaust heat fan is rotating at full speed in synchronization with the control timing of the exhaust heat fan, so that there is an effect on the temperature rise of the scanner. In addition, the shutter is closed during standby, which is particularly effective when the exhaust heat fan is rotated at half speed during standby.

(Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the laser shutter is synchronized with the opening and closing of the exterior cover. In the figure, members having the same shape and function as those in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 2 is an arm that moves up and down in conjunction with the body cover 3.

In this embodiment, the replacement of the cartridge 6 is performed with the exterior cover 3 open. When the exterior cover 3 is open, the arm 2 is raised and the shutter 1 is in the form of covering the folding mirror 4. It prevents foreign matter such as toner from falling on the folding mirror 4 and becoming dirty. Even if the cartridge 6 is replaced in this state, the folding mirror 4 is protected. Therefore, even if the toner is scattered from the cartridge 6 due to the impact by exchanging the replacement somewhat violently, the folding mirror 4 is not contaminated. It can be prevented. After the replacement work of the cartridge 6 is completed in this way, when the exterior cover 3 is closed, the arm 2 pushes down the rear end side of the shutter 1 to open the shutter 1.

With the simple link mechanism as described above, it is possible to more effectively prevent the folding mirror 4 from being contaminated particularly when the cartridge is attached or detached.

(Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the laser shutter is linked with the opening and closing operation of the main body cover with a time difference. In the figure, members having the same shape and function as those in FIG.

In the figure, 71 is a viscoelastic damper, 72 is a cam, and 73 is a connecting spring stretched between the arm 2 and the cam 72. Viscoelastic damper 71, cam 72, shutter 1
The rotation center of the rotation shaft 1a is coaxial, and the rotational movement of the cam 72 and the shutter 1 is performed via the viscoelastic damper 71.

When the main body cover 3 is closed, the arm 2 is lowered, and the connecting spring 73 hooked at one end thereof is extended,
A force to rotate the cam 72 in the direction of arrow C acts. Since this rotational force is transmitted to the shutter 1 via the viscoelastic damper 71, there is a time lag in the rotational operation. Therefore, after the body cover 3 is closed, the shutter 1 opens with a slight time lag.

In this embodiment, the opening / closing of the shutter 1 is interlocked with the opening / closing operation of the main body cover 3 with a time lag, so that the folding mirror 4 is closed even if the main body cover 3 is roughly closed and toner is scattered in the printer. Does not get dirty.

(Eighth Embodiment) An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The eighth embodiment has a structure in which the dustproof glass can be moved as a shield member that can be opened and closed like a shutter. In the figure, reference numeral 81 is a dustproof shutter made of transparent glass. The opening / closing operation is similar to that of the above-described embodiment.

With such a structure, even if toner or the like falls from the cartridge 6 when the exterior cover 3 is open, the dust-proof shutter 81 receives the toner and prevents the folding mirror 4 from being soiled. Even when the main body cover 3 is opened and the shutter 81 is closed, the dust-proof glass can be seen through and the state of dirt on the folding mirror 4 can be easily investigated, and maintenance can be performed faster. Moreover, since the state of dirt can be investigated without opening the shutter 81,
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the mirror and the like will be soiled by opening it to remove foreign matter. Further, when printing is performed, since the dustproof glass 81 does not exist in the optical path of the laser shown by the dotted line, it is possible to perform exposure under favorable conditions.

In this embodiment, the dustproof shutter 81
Although glass is used as the material, it is needless to say that the material is not limited to this and any transparent material such as acrylic resin may be used.

In the present embodiment, the so-called upper surface conveying system for irradiating the recording light from the lower side of the process cartridge has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a commonly used general mechanical structure, that is, the recording light is irradiated from the upper side. The same effect can be obtained for a system or a system for lateral irradiation.

(Ninth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the cleaning member attached to the shutter automatically cleans the dustproof glass as the fixed shielding member in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the shutter as the opening / closing shielding member. Is. A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, 6 is a cartridge, 7 is a dustproof glass, and 91 is a dustproof shutter. Further, 92 is a pushing member for interlocking the dustproof shutter with attachment / detachment of the cartridge, 93 is a connecting spring for coupling the pushing member and the shutter, 94 is a viscoelastic damper, and 98 is a cleaning member attached to the dustproof shutter. The operation of this configuration is shown below.

In this embodiment, the shutter 91 opens and closes in association with the mounting of the cartridge 6. Cartridge 6
By attaching to the main body, the pushing member 92 is pushed by the cartridge 6 and the connecting spring 93 is pulled. Since the force applied to the connecting spring is applied to the shutter 1 via the viscoelastic damper, the shutter 91 is pulled with a time difference from the mounting of the cartridge. Therefore, after the cartridge is mounted, the shutter 91 opens with a slight time lag. When the shutter 91 is opened, the cleaning member 98 attached to the shutter 91 slides on the dust-proof glass 7 to clean dust, toner and the like on the dust-proof glass 7.

With the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to automatically clean the dustproof glass, which was conventionally done by hand, and it is easy to keep the dustproof glass in a clean state.
Further, by opening and closing the cartridge with a time difference with respect to the mounting, it is possible to prevent the toner scattered by the shock at the time of mounting the cartridge from adhering to the dust-proof glass. Further, by moving the shutter via the viscoelastic damper, the shutter operates gently even if the cartridge is roughly installed, so that it is possible to prevent the cleaning member from damaging the dustproof glass.

(Tenth Embodiment) A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter is interlocked with the attachment and detachment of a paper cassette as a recording material stacking means. In FIG. 10, 6 is a cartridge, 7 is a dustproof glass, 9 is a paper cassette, and 101 is a dustproof shutter. Further, 102 is a pressing member attached to the paper cassette, 103 is a rack gear that is moved by the pressing member 102, 104 is a pinion gear that rotates by the operation of the rack gear, and 109 is a pulley that is interlocked with the pinion gear. 110 is a wire connecting the pulley 109 and the shutter 7, and 98 is a cleaning member attached to the dustproof shutter. The operation of this configuration is shown below.

In this embodiment, the shutter 101 opens and closes in association with the mounting of the paper cassette 9. By mounting the paper cassette 9 in the main body, the rack gear 103 is pushed by the pushing member 102, and the pinion gear 104 is rotated. When the pinion gear 104 rotates, the pulley 109 that interlocks with the pinion gear 104 rotates, and the wire 110 connected to the pulley 109 pulls the shutter 101 to open the shutter 101. When the shutter 101 is opened, the cleaning member 98 attached to the shutter 101 slides on the dust-proof glass 7 and the dust-proof glass 7
Clean dust, toner, etc. on the table.

With the above-described structure, the dustproof glass, which was conventionally done by hand, can be automatically cleaned, and the dustproof glass can be easily maintained in a clean state.
Further, when interlocking with the attachment / detachment of the cartridge, the attachment / detachment of the cartridge is at the time of jam processing or the replacement of the cartridge, so that the cleaning interval is relatively long. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by interlocking with the attachment / detachment of the paper cassette, a high-speed printer generally has a large number of cassettes and a small number of low-speed printers are provided, so that the cleaning interval becomes relatively constant regardless of the printer performance, and There is also the effect of being maintained at an appropriate interval. In addition, if the pinion gear and pulley are connected via a viscoelastic damper (not shown) in this configuration, the paper cassette can be attached and the shutter can be opened / closed with a time lag, so the toner will be scattered by the shock of the paper cassette attachment. However, the dustproof glass will not get dirty. In addition, if the shutter is operated via a viscoelastic damper (not shown), the shutter moves gently even if the paper cassette is roughly installed, so that the cleaning member can be prevented from damaging the dustproof glass.

[0073]

Since the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with a predetermined operation after the developing device is attached to the main body of the recording apparatus, contamination of the optical system portion due to the developer scattered when the developing device is attached is prevented. Can be prevented. In addition, since it is possible to simplify the countermeasure against the scattering of the developer when the developing device is replaced, the size of the device is not increased.

When the developing device is housed in a cartridge detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body, it is possible to prevent the optical system section from being contaminated by the developer scattered when the cartridge is mounted. Further, since it is possible to simplify the countermeasure against the scattering of the developer when the cartridge is replaced, the size of the device is not increased.

Since the shield member is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotation of the driving means for rotationally driving the photosensitive rotating body, the optical system is contaminated with the developer or the like during the recording in which the photosensitive rotating body is rotationally driven. Since it is limited, it is possible to prevent the optical system section from becoming dirty during standby, and it is possible to more effectively prevent the optical system section from becoming dirty.

Since the transmission mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the driving means into the opening / closing movement of the shielding member is provided, there are few failures and high reliability as compared with the case where the shielding member is opened / closed by the electric means.

Since the shield member is opened and closed in synchronization with the conveyance state of the recording material on which an image is to be recorded, if the conveyance state of the recording material is abnormal, the shield member should not be opened. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the optical system section from being soiled.

Since the shield member is opened and closed in synchronization with the control of the cooling device, in addition to preventing the contamination of the optical system part,
It is also possible to prevent temperature rise.

Since the shield member is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the outer cover, if the shield member is closed when the outer cover is opened, the developer due to replacement of the developing device or the cartridge, etc. It is possible to prevent the optical system section from being contaminated due to the scattering of particles. Further, since it is possible to simplify the countermeasure against the scattering of the developer when the developing device or the cartridge is replaced, the size of the device is not increased.

Since the shielding member is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the exterior cover, it is possible to prevent contamination due to scattering of the developer when the exterior cover is closed.

Since the link mechanism for converting the opening / closing movement of the outer cover into the opening / closing movement of the shielding member is provided, there are few failures and high reliability as compared with the case of opening / closing the shielding member by electric means.

Since the shielding member is formed of a transparent member, it is possible to easily check the state of contamination of the optical system section even when the shielding member is closed, and it is possible to simplify maintenance. Further, there is no need to open the shielding member for confirmation and further contaminate the optical system section.

Since the opening / closing shield member is provided with a cleaning member slidably contacting the fixed shield member, and the cleaning member slides on the surface of the fixed shield member to clean the opening / closing shield member by the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing shield member. Since the fixed shielding member can be automatically maintained and the fixed shielding member can be maintained in a clean state, maintenance can be simplified. Further, it is possible to prevent the fixed shield member from being damaged by incorrect cleaning.

Since the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in association with the attachment / detachment of the developing device, it is possible to prevent the fixed shield member from being contaminated due to scattering of the developer when the developing device is attached.

Since the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in association with attachment / detachment of the cartridge, it is possible to prevent the fixed shield member from being contaminated due to scattering of the developer when the cartridge is mounted.

Since the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in association with the attachment / detachment of the recording material stacking means, the cleaning interval of the fixed shield member is relatively constant as compared with the case where the developing device or the cartridge is attached / detached. Yes, it can be maintained at an appropriate interval.

Since the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in synchronization with the attachment / detachment of the recording material stacking means, the fixed shield member is prevented from being contaminated due to scattering of the developer when the recording material stacking means is mounted. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a printer illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence of opening and closing a shutter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a shutter opening / closing control sequence according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a shutter unit illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence for opening and closing a shutter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a printer for explaining a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a printer for explaining a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a printer for explaining an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a printer for explaining a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a printer for explaining a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a printer for explaining a conventional example.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a printer for explaining a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 51, 61, 71 Shutter 2 Arm 3 Exterior cover 4 Folding mirror 5 Scanner 6 Cartridge 10 Photoconductor drum 22 Solenoid 68, 78 Cleaning member

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A recording device for recording an image by an electrophotographic process, comprising: an electrophotographic section provided with a photosensitive rotating body; an optical system section for exposing the photosensitive rotating body; the optical system section; A developing device that separates from the electrophotographic unit and that can be opened and closed to prevent contamination of the optical system unit and that supplies a developer to the photosensitive rotating body is detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body. The recording device, wherein the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with a predetermined operation after the developing device is attached to the recording device main body. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is housed in a cartridge detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotation of a driving unit that rotationally drives the photosensitive rotating body. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational movement of the drive means into the opening / closing movement of the shielding member. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with a conveyance state of a recording material on which an image is to be recorded. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling device for cooling the inside of the recording apparatus, wherein the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with the control of the cooling apparatus. 7. The recording according to claim 1, wherein an outer cover is provided on the casing of the recording apparatus so as to be openable and closable, and the shielding member is opened and closed in synchronization with opening and closing of the outer cover. apparatus. 8. The opening / closing of the shielding member is delayed in synchronization with opening / closing of the exterior cover, and is opened / closed.
The recording device according to any one of the preceding claims. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a link mechanism that converts the opening / closing movement of the outer cover into the opening / closing movement of the shielding member. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding member is formed of a transparent member. 11. A recording apparatus for recording an image by an electrophotographic process, comprising: an electrophotographic section provided with a photoconductor; an optical system section for exposing the photoconductor; the optical system section and the electrophotography. A fixed shielding member that is fixed and supported to prevent the optical system section from being soiled, and an opening and closing for separating the optical system section and the electrophotographic section to prevent the optical system section from being soiled. In the recording apparatus having a possible opening / closing shield member, the opening / closing shield member is provided with a cleaning member that is in sliding contact with the fixed shielding member, and the cleaning member opens and closes the surface of the fixed shielding member by the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing shield member. A recording device characterized by sliding and cleaning. 12. A developing device for supplying a developer to the photosensitive rotating body is detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body, and the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in association with attachment / detachment of the developing device. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: 13. A developing device for supplying a developer to the photosensitive rotating body is housed in a cartridge detachably provided in the recording apparatus main body, and the opening / closing shield member is interlocked with attachment / detachment of the cartridge. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the recording apparatus is opened and closed. 14. A recording material stacking means for accommodating a recording material for recording an image to the recording apparatus main body is detachably provided on the recording apparatus main body, The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the recording apparatus is opened / closed in association with attachment / detachment of the recording material stacking means. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the opening / closing shield member is opened / closed in association with the attachment / detachment of the recording material stacking unit with a delay.