JPS5825650A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To relieve maintenance work by making the three; an image carrying body, a storage means of a replenishing developer for a developing means and a containing means for the scraped remaining developer exchangeable simultaneously. CONSTITUTION:The inside circumference of a guide 20 of a copying kit is inserted onto the outside circumference of a photoreceptor guide 2, the outside circumference of a guide 21 of the copying kit K into the inside circumference of a guide 3 for the developing device of a body, and the outside circumference of a guide 23 of the kit K into the inside circumference of a cleaner guide 4 of the body in such a way as to contact respectively, thereby the position of the kit K with respect to the body is determined. Here, the guides 20, 21, 23 are made respectively of resins such as ABS and permit mounting of the kit K smoothly along the guides 2, 3, 4 on the body side by light friction with the guides 2, 3, 4. Since the guides 2, 3, 4 are provided roughly over the entire width of a photosensitive drum 1, a developing device 6 and a cleaner 14 respectively, the kit K is held and positioned surely.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Hereinafter, an explanation will be given using an electrophotographic copying machine as an example.

Conventionally, in electrophotographic copying machines, service personnel have been responsible for replacing the photoreceptor as an image carrier, replenishing developer, and disposing of waste toner. Therefore, a service person had to come each time, which was extremely troublesome.

Therefore, the present invention solves the problems of the conventional device, and
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce maintenance work. That is, the present invention provides an image carrier as a consumable hIS material and a storage means for storing developer to be supplied to the image means, or an image carrier and a cleaning means.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a storage means for storing residual developer that has been scraped off, or an image forming apparatus that can simultaneously replace these components.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 (Al is a side view of the main parts of an electrophotographic copying machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the figure, G is a document mounting table made of a transparent member such as glass, which reciprocates in the direction of arrow A. The moving OL is a short-focus small-diameter imaging element array, and the original image 0 placed on the original platen G is slit-exposed onto the photosensitive drum 1. Also, 11 is a W electric device, and the photosensitive drum l The drum 1, which is uniformly charged by this charging 511, is subjected to image exposure by the element array L to form an electrostatic image.This electrostatic latent image is The image on the photosensitive drum 1 and the image on the photosensitive drum 1 are then visualized by the developing device 6. They are fed onto the drum 1 by registration rollers 13 that rotate at the same timing.The developed image on the photosensitive drum 1 is then transferred onto the sheet P by the transfer charger 12.

Thereafter, the sheet P separated from the drum 1 by a separating means (not shown) is guided to a fixing device (not shown) by a guide (not shown), and after the developed image on the sheet P is fixed, a discharge roller (not shown) and is discharged onto a 6 tray (not shown).

The developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer is cleaned by the cleaning blade 10 of the cleaner 14 and stored and accumulated in the waste developer tank 24 as waste developer.

Here, in FIG. 1, the developing device 6's developing device 6 is activated and needs to be placed close to the photoreceptor 1 at a certain distance (2P).
However, the cleaning blade 10 of the cleaner 14 still needs to be brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with a constant pressure. Therefore, an abutment roller 18 which is coaxial with the developing sleeve 7 of the developing device 6 and has a slightly larger diameter than the sleeve 7 is installed at both ends of the developing sleeve 7, and a roller 9sj fS (() is installed coaxially with the developer conveying roll 9 of the cleaner 14). 9. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 (1)), a metal cylindrical photoreceptor guide 2 and a metal hollow are provided on the stationary side plate C of the apparatus main body. A semi-cylindrical developer guide 3 and a hollow semi-cylindrical cleaner guide 4 made of polymetal are fixed at predetermined heights (FIG. 1(C)).
And the cleaner 14 is loaded into the main body of the device so as to be rotatable around these guides 3 and 4 (Fig. 1(a)).
.

Then, a pressure means (not shown) applies pressure until the parts 17 and 18 that abut the developing device 6 and the cleaner 14, respectively, abut against the photosensitive drum 1. are guaranteed to have the correct positional relationship. As shown in FIG. 1C, a semi-cylindrical developing device guide 3 and a semi-cylindrical cleaner guide 4 are provided above and below a cylindrical photoreceptor guide 2, respectively.

The opening 3a of the developing device guide 3 faces downward 9,
Further, the opening 4a of the cleaner guide 4 faces upward.

Now, FIG. 2 shows a kit for supplying consumables to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

This small size) K is a hollow cylindrical photoreceptor rotating shaft 20.
The photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably provided in the photosensitive drum 11, the hollow semi-cylindrical developer T storage container 22 is rotatably provided in the hollow semi-cylindrical guide 21, and the developer Tst stored in the container 22. A waste developer storage container 24 is rotatably provided in a hollow semi-cylindrical guide 23.
The photoreceptor rotation shaft 20 and guides 21 and 23 are fixed to the copy kit side plate 5.

The copy kit illustrated in FIG. 2 is attached to and removed from the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as follows.

First, the inner circumference of the guide 20 of the copy kit is placed on the outer circumference of the photoreceptor guide 2 of the main body, the outer circumference of the guide 21 of the copy kit is placed on the inner circumference of the developer guide 3 of the main body, and the outer circumference of the guide 21 of the copy kit is placed on the inner circumference of the developer guide 3 of the main body.
By inserting the guides 23 of the copy kit so that the outer circumferences of the guides 23 are in contact with the inner circumference of the guide 4,
Copy Killer) The position of K with respect to the main body is determined. By rubbing against the guide, you can smoothly return to guides 2, 3, and 11 and load the kit. Further, since the guides 2, 3, and 4 are provided over almost the entire width of the drum developing device 6 and the cleaner 14, the guides 2, 3, and 4 can be held and positioned with certainty. Please note that guide 2 is not compatible with other kites 3 and 3.
It is slightly shorter than 4, but this is to make it easier to load Kira)K.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the photosensitive dome developer T storage container 22 and the waste developer container 4 can be integrally attached to the main body of the apparatus. Then, the killer (K) loaded in the main body in a predetermined position is locked by a stopper (not shown).

Here, when the above-mentioned copy killer) K is inserted or when the copy killer) K is removed from the main body, the abutting roller 18 of the developing unit 6, the abutting roller 17 of the cleaner + 14, or the cleaning blade 10 is in the operating position during the copying operation. If this remains, there is a risk that the photoconductor may be damaged due to contact with the photoconductor drum 1. Therefore, when installing or removing the copy kit (
It is desirable to separate the C developing device 6 and the cleaner 14 from the photoreceptor 1, and also remove the copy kit K for the developer T and 'I' in the developer container 22 and waste developer tank 24 of the copy kit. It is desirable that the Pc layer be scattered to the outside when the Pc layer is removed. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which one part is formed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram when the developing device 6L and the cleaner 14 are separated by the action of the springs 29 and 32 on the surface of the optical drum 1 when the copy killer (K) is attached and detached. If the copy kit K is removed in this state, the photosensitive drum 1 will not be damaged because there is no member close to or in contact with the photosensitive drum 1. Here, the springs 29 and 32 are connected to the frames 6a and 14a of the developing device 6 and the cleaner 14 and the main body side bin 29, respectively.
a and 32a, and exerts a tensile force in the directions of arrows F2 and F3. Then, when handles 25 and 26, which will be described later, are released, the developing device 6 and cleaner 14 are separated from the photosensitive drum 1 as shown in the figure.

On the other hand, the developer T is still in the closed space surrounded by the developer container 22 and the guide 21.
Developer handles 25 and 7 and a handle 26 are provided at the ends of the waste developer tank 24, and the developer handles 25 and 7 are closed in a closed space surrounded by the guides 23 and 23.
In order to separate the cleaner 14 from the drum 1, the handles 25 and 26 are rotated counterclockwise to engage the recesses with the bins 33 and 34.
This is because the container 22 and the tank 24 also rotate in conjunction with each other, and their respective closed openings 22a and 24a face the non-closed portions of the guides 21 and 23.

When the copy killer) K is attached to the main body, the handle 25 fixed to the developer container 22 and the waste developer container 24
The handles 26 fixed to the handles 26 are rotated clockwise (in the direction of arrows B-C) and hooked onto protrusions 27 provided on the main body of the apparatus to be fixed. During this rotation of the handle 25,
Since the protrusion 25a of the handle 25 pushes the protrusion 28 provided on the developer device 6, the abutting roller 18 of the developer device 6 abuts against the photosensitive drum 1, and the developer device 6 performs a copying operation against the elastic force of the spring 29. is fixed in its normal operating position. -! ,Ta,
As the handle 25 rotates, the developer container 22 also rotates, and its opening 22a matches the copy kit guide 21 and the openings 21a and 3a of the developer guide 3. When it falls into 6 due to gravity, it is replenished by the door (Figure 4). Here, the function of the handle 26 fixed to the waste developer container 24 is almost the same as above,
By locking the handle 26 to the protrusion 30 of the main body of the apparatus, the protrusion 26a of the nozzle 26 pushes the protrusion 31, and the IJ-shape 14 is fixed at the normal operating position during the copying operation. Since the closed portions 24a, 4a, and 23a of the tank 24 and the guides 4 and 23 coincide with each other, the waste developer T is accumulated in the waste developer container 24. By doing this, the operation of replacing the copy kit can be significantly simplified. Further, at this time, scattering of the developed f-image does not occur. However, in one embodiment of this embodiment, when replacing the photoreceptor and replenishing the developer at the same time, the kit is equipped with the same amount of developer as will be used during the life of the photoreceptor. It is desirable to keep it.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5(al) and (b).

FIG. 5(a) is a plan view when the copy kit K is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus. Note that the same members as those in the previous embodiment are given the same drawing numbers.In this embodiment, when the copy killer (K) is detached from the main body of the apparatus, the spring 35 wound around the photoreceptor guide 2 as shown in the figure The truncated conical member 36 pops out due to the force F4, and pushes one abutting roller 018 of the developing device 6 and one abutting roller 17 of the cleaner 4 D2.
The developer 6 and cleaner 4 are separated from the photoreceptor 1 by pushing them out with a diameter of . Here, an enlarged view of the truncated conical member 36 is shown in FIG. 5(b).

Further, the developing device 6 and the cleaner 4 are applied with forces F5 and F6, that is, an urging force to approach the drum 1, by means of pressure means 50 and 51 using springs, respectively. Therefore, when the copy kit K is completely pushed into the main body of the apparatus, the truncated conical member 36 is pushed by the end of the photosensitive drum l.
It hits and comes off the rollers 17 and 18, and the butt hits the rollers 17 and 18.
The photosensitive drum 1 is abutted at the position of the diameter D1, and the developing unit 6 and cleaner 4 are fixed in their normal operating positions. In addition, the lock at the predetermined loading position of the main body of Kira) K is,
This is done by the dowel 37 on the K side engaging with the closing opening 38 on the main body side.

With this method, the developing unit 6 and cleaner 14 can be easily moved between the operating position and the non-operating position simply by pushing the copy kit K into a predetermined loading position of the main body of the apparatus.

Furthermore, in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment, opening and closing of the closing portion 24 of the developer container 22 and the waste developer tank 24 was performed by rotating the handles 25 and 26 as shown in FIG. An example is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, the developer guide 3 of the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus is provided with a groove 41 in a spiral direction, as indicated by 41. On the other hand, the developer container 22 of the copy killer) K is provided with a protrusion 42 . Therefore, when attaching and detaching the Chicobee Kit K to the main body using the method shown in Fig. 5(a),
The developer container 22 is inserted into the groove 41 according to the attachment/detachment operation to the kit.
Then, it rotates as shown in Figure 4.

Although FIG. 4 shows a state in which the developer container 22 is not opened, the container 22 is closed when the kit K is removed.

When it is inserted into the copy kit, it can be in the state CB), and when it is removed from the copy kit, it can be in the state [l] (Figure 4).

The same applies to the waste toner tank of the Naori Reete 14, so the explanation will be omitted.

If you use this method, you can replace the photoconductor.

The troublesome operations of replenishing developer and collecting waste developer can be performed with a single operation of attaching and detaching the main body of the copy kit.

Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, a developer container 22 and a waste developer tank 24 are provided in the front part of the copy killer (K),
Toner moving means 43 and 44, such as screws, are provided in the developing device 6 and cleaner 14 of the main body shown in FIG.
It is also possible to replenish developer and collect waste developer.

According to this embodiment, the copy kit K can be constructed only by the photoreceptor 1, the developer container 22, the waste developer tank 24, the side plate 5 that integrates them, etc., and the copy kit K can be constructed easily and inexpensively. has advantages.

Furthermore, another example will be shown.

In the embodiments described above, a mechanical force is used to separate the photosensitive drum from the members that come into contact with or come into contact with the photosensitive member, such as the developing sleeve and cleaning blade of the copying machine main body, when the copy kit including the photosensitive drum is attached to and removed from the main body. Although it depends on the mechanism, etc., means such as electromagnets may be used as a modification thereof.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the electromagnets 46 and 47 are activated in response to power being turned on to the main body of the copying machine.

When the power is turned on, the developing device 6 and the cleaner 14 are moved through the arms 6b and 14b by the action of the electromagnets 46 and 47.
It is pressed against the photoreceptor 1 with the point A-B as the center of rotation.

On the other hand, when replacing the copy kit, the power is normally turned off or the power is automatically turned off by the copier's safety mechanism.
These developing device 6, cleaner 14, etc. are connected to springs 48 and 49.
Due to this action, the photosensitive drum 1 moves away from the photosensitive drum 1 in the directions of arrows a and b with the point A-B as the center of rotation.

This embodiment not only has the effect of making it easier to attach and detach the copy kit, but also allows the developing sleeve 7 and especially the cleaning blade 10 to be separated from the photosensitive drum 1 even when the copying machine is not in use, so that the blade marks of the cleaning blade are removed. It can also prevent it from sticking to the photoreceptor.

In each of the embodiments, only an example in which a photosensitive drum is used as an image carrier is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be, for example, a device that forms a magnetic latent image, an insulated drum, or the like. Alternatively, the belt is not limited to a drum, and may be an endless belt. As the developing device, a known developing method such as a cascade developing method, a magnetic brush developing method, or a magnet dry method can be used. Furthermore, as a cleaner, there are known cleaners such as a fur brush cleaner that wipes away the developer with a fur brush that rotates in contact with the photoreceptor, and a blade cleaner that wipes the developer with an elastic blade made of rubber or synthetic resin that is pressed against the photoreceptor. When applied, it can be applied.

As explained above in the embodiments, the present invention includes an image carrier, at least one of a part for introducing consumables such as developer into a developing means, and a consumables storage part for discharging consumables from a cleaning means. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which these consumables can be replaced easily and reliably by using an integral groove end body.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 (ta) is a side view of the main parts of a copying machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIG. 1 (L,) is a plan view of the guide on the main body side,
Fig. 1(C) is a side view thereof, Fig. 2(a) is a plan view of the embodiment of the pond, Fig. 5(b) is an enlarged plan view of the truncated conical member, and Fig. 6 is a plan view of the embodiment of the pond. Perspective view of still another embodiment, seventh
The figure is a perspective view of the screw, and FIG. 8 is a side view of another example of the can. . In the figure, 1... Photosensitive drum 5... Copy kit side plate 2... Photosensitive drum guide 3...
・Developer guide 4...Cleaner guide 6・
...Current ff1 B7...Phenomenon three -
10...Cleaning blade 14...
...Cleaner 20...Photoconductor rotation shaft 2
1.23...Guide 22...Developer container 24...Waste developer tank 25-2fi...Handle 36...Truncated cone shaped member.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that has an image carrier that carries a latent image and a developing means that develops the latent image, the image carrier and a storage means that stores developer to be supplied to the developing means are integrated. 1. An image forming apparatus characterized by having a kit which is installed in a main body of the apparatus and is detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus. (2) In an image forming apparatus having an image carrier carrying a latent image and a cleaning means for removing residual developer on the image carrier after developing the latent image, the image carrier and the cleaning means scrape off the latent image. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising a kit that is detachably attached to an apparatus main body and includes a storage means for storing residual developer. (3) Claim (1) further comprising means for closing the supply port of the storage means when the kit is removed from the apparatus main body.
The image forming apparatus described in . (4) The image forming apparatus according to claim (2), further comprising means for closing an opening for storing residual developer in the storage means when the kit is removed from the apparatus main body. (5) The image forming apparatus according to claim (3), wherein the supply port closing means is linked to the operation of attaching and detaching the kit to the apparatus main body. (6) The image forming apparatus according to claim (4), wherein the intake port closing means is interlocked with the attachment/detachment operation of the kit to/from the apparatus main body.