JPS61180252A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify a machine and reduce its size, and to improve the operativity of replacement by providing a means for guiding and supporting a developing device in the top-surface direction of the machine and allowing the developing device to be attached to and detached from the top surface of the machine. CONSTITUTION:A cover 20 provided on the top surface of the machine is rotatable around a hinge part 21. Walls 23 and 24 are formed at the periphery of the developing device 6 to prevent a hand from touching other parts when the developing device 6 is removed and also to prevent other parts from being stained even when toner scatters from the developing device 6. A cover 26 for covering a developing sleeve 25 when the developing device is taken out of the machine is provided, and a window 27 is formed in the lid 20 and a transparent body 26 is fitted therein, so that the color of the developing device is confirmed. A handle 29 is provided to the developing device 6 to obtain easy-to-hold constitution.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and particularly to an apparatus in which developing devices for each of a plurality of colors can be replaced with respect to images. For this reason, it is not practical to incorporate a developing device that can handle multiple colors into the main body of the machine because it increases the size and complexity of the device, and it is not practical to replace the developing device. Many changes have been proposed. In particular, as an example of an image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a copying machine) will be described using a subzero copying machine, which is widely used because of its ease of operation.

In conventionally proposed developing devices configured to be replaceable, the developing device is often replaced by pulling it out toward the front with respect to the machine body. In this case the developing device has to be moved along its longitudinal direction, which requires long distances and requires long guiding means;
In addition, in a device that pulls out the θ father image device, which simulates time, in many cases the developing device must be moved along the photoreceptor, and in order to prevent damage to the photoreceptor, In this case, it is necessary to move the photoreceptor away from the five photosensitive members, which requires a means to do so, which complicates the mechanism and requires extra space, resulting in an increase in the size of the device. In addition, in order to pull out the developing device toward the front, a space above the developing device is required on the front side of the machine, which limits the installation location of the machine.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, and proposes a system in which the developing device can be replaced from the top of the machine, thereby simplifying and downsizing the machine and improving the operability of replacement. It is something to do.

Note that "replaceable" here does not mean that it must be replaced during assembly or service of the machine, but rather that it can be easily installed and removed by the user, and requires special tools for replacement. An opening means that is not necessary and can be easily operated by normal users so that the replacement operation can be performed correctly, a means for supporting and guiding the developing device in a movable manner, and a means that prevents the user from getting dirty or getting injured when the developing device is removed. This refers to a device that has protective means to prevent the developing device from being damaged or damaged, and holding means such as a handle to make it easier to hold the developing device for replacement.

A description will be given below according to examples. In the following embodiments, two developing units are shown, but the same applies to the case of one developing unit.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a copying machine for explaining the present invention, and is of a type in which an original is moved. A document table 2 consisting of a body etc., a photoconductor 3 that forms a latent image corresponding to the document, a small-diameter imaging element array (trade name SELFOC) 4 that projects the document onto the photoconductor 3, and a projection section that irradiates the document. An irradiation means 5 consisting of a lamp and a condensing shade, two developing devices 6 and 7 arranged around the photoreceptor 3 that turn the latent image on the photoreceptor 3 into a toner image, and storage of paper as the final image carrier. A box 8, a paper feeder 9 that feeds out sheets of paper one by one from the storage box 8, a pair of rollers 10 that transports the fed paper to the photoreceptor 3 in synchronization with the image corresponding to the original on the photoreceptor 3, and the photoreceptor 3. A charger 11 that transfers the upper toner image, a charger 1 that peels the paper from the photoreceptor
2. Cleaner 13 for removing residual toner on photoreceptor 3
, a charger 14 that uniformly charges the photoreceptor 3, a means 15 for conveying the paper peeled off from the photoreceptor 3, a fixing means 16 for fixing the toner image on the paper, a pair of ejection rollers 17, and a pair of ejection rollers 17 for transporting the paper after ejection. The position on the photoreceptor on which the document is projected on the photoreceptor, which is made up of the stacking table 18, is placed above the cylindrical imager 3, and is in line with the photoreceptor of the paper onto which the toner image is transferred. The contact point is located below the photoreceptor. The two developing devices that form the toner image must be placed between the two above, so they are placed next to the photoreceptor 3 as shown in Figure 1. A hierarchical relationship occurs at that position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the developing device 6 is a color developing device, and the developing device 7 is a frequently used black developing device. The black developing device 7 is provided with a toner replenishing means 19. As shown in FIG. 1, the color developing device 6 is located above the black developing device 7 and in contact with the top of the machine, making it possible to replace it from above the machine. It has become. In a type of copying machine in which the document table 2 is movable, when replacing the developing device, it is necessary to keep the document table evacuated from the loading/unloading port of the developing device to be replaced.In the embodiment shown in FIG. It has been moved to the left.

FIG. 2 illustrates a means for providing an opening on the top surface of the machine for replacing the developing device 6. A cover 20 (hereinafter referred to as a lid) provided on the top surface of the machine and capable of being opened and closed is configured to be rotatable around a hinge portion 21.
In the case of a movable document table as shown in the figure, it is impossible for the document table to move during replacement of the developer, and for this purpose, a means 22 for detecting opening/closing of the lid 20 is provided. Walls 23 and 24 are provided around the developing device 6 to prevent the hand from touching other barrels when the developing device 6 is removed, and to prevent the developing device 6 from touching other barrels.
This prevents the scattered toner from contaminating other tube locations even if the toner is scattered from the cylinder. Cover 2 of the developing sleeve 25 that appears when the developing device is removed from the machine.
6 is provided and is opened and closed by a mechanism that will be explained later. The lid 20 is provided with a window 27 and a transparent body 28
It is constructed so that the color of the developing device inside can be confirmed. There is a handle 29 on the developing device 6.
Although not shown, the upper surface 30 of the hand, which is configured to be able to be lifted by hand and is configured to be easy to hold, is the same as the toner in the developing device. The color is determined so that the color can be recognized even when the lid 20 is closed. Also, a means (micro switch) for detecting the presence or absence of the developing device 6.
41 is provided to display the figure on the operating section or to signal a warning or the like in case of erroneous operation. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of switches, it is also possible to determine the color of the developer in the loaded developing device.

FIG. 3 shows the opening/closing mechanism of the developing sleeve cover and the guide for attaching and detaching the developing unit. There is a bottle 31 on the side of the developing device.
-+ and - are provided, and by engaging with a substantially vertical guide groove 33 provided in the machine body, the developing device is correctly guided and loaded into the machine. In this way, when the developing device is replaced from above, there is a very low risk of damaging the photoconductor by moving it vertically away from the photoconductor. The cover 26 is rotatably supported coaxially with the center of the sleeve 25 and is supported by a spring 34.
The cover 26 is biased in the closing direction by the stopper 35, and when loading the O-developing device 6, which is stopped by the stopper 35, into the machine, the convex portion 36 provided on the cover 26 is pressed against the fixing portion provided on the main body. The cover 26 is engaged with the member 37 and rotates in the direction of the sign A as the developing device is pushed down.
The sleeve 25 is brought into direct proximity to the photoreceptor 3. When the developing device is pulled up, the cover is closed in the opposite manner to the above, thereby preventing the user from touching the sleeve.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a mechanism for pressing the developing device 6 against the photoreceptor 3.
A lever 38 is provided on the main body, and a spring 40 is stretched between a fixing portion 39 of the main body and the lever 38 to press the developing device 6 against the photoreceptor 6. Note that the developing device 6 should be kept away from the photoreceptor when not in use.
In the case of a method in which the developing device is brought close to the photoreceptor only when it is selected, it is also possible to provide selectively acting pressure contact means such as a solenoid. It also has means for detecting the amount of developer in the developing device, and if an electrical connection between the developing device and the main body of the machine is required, it has a connector that is connected when the developing device is loaded. Of course it is possible.

The other developing device 7 does not need to be easily replaced by the user, and it is only necessary that it can be attached and detached from the machine during assembly and maintenance, and the opening for attachment and detachment is formed by simply opening and closing a cover. There is no need for it, and screws or the like may be used to fix it to the machine, and there is no need for reliable guide means for attachment and detachment.

FIG. 5 is another diagram for explaining the opening and closing of the cover 26.
5 is rotatably supported via bearings 5 Lt and -s, and rotation is transmitted by a gear 51 fixed to the sleeve. When the continuous developing device 6 described in the embodiment of FIG. Rotation is sometimes transmitted, and it is usually separated from the photoreceptor, but in cases where it is pressed against the photoreceptor by pressure means when necessary, it engages with a gear that rotates integrally with the photoreceptor. Rotation may be transmitted by each rotation. Alternatively, the developing device may have a driving source and the sleeve may be rotated when necessary by electrical connection. Further, rollers 52-, . . . are provided next to the sleeve to keep the distance between the sleeve and the photoreceptor at a constant distance during pressure contact. A magnet 53 is supported inside the sleeve 25 via a bearing 54-1-*, and its angle with respect to the side wall 49-1 is fixed by a fixing member 55 to maintain the correct direction of the magnetic pole. . The cover 26 is rotatably supported at both ends of the magnet 53, and covers the opening of the sleeve 25 when closed.

The spring 34 biases the cover 26 in the closing direction as explained in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the cover 26 is opened and closed by being coaxially aligned with the sleeve 25, but other opening and closing operations can also be performed by attaching and detaching the developing unit 6. It is clear that this is possible.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is an example of a copying machine using a fixed document table. Differences from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be explained. The document on the fixed document table 2 is projected onto the photoreceptor 3 by a scanning optical means 43 consisting of a mirror lens.

In addition, a plurality of paper storage means and paper feeding means are arranged in a plurality of tubes, and the selected paper size is fed out. Further, a path deflecting means 45 is arranged in the conveying path after the fixing means 16, and when forming images on the same side of paper multiple times, the deflecting means is placed at the solid line position in the figure. It is deflected downward and guided again to the pair of conveying rollers 10 by the conveying belt means 47 and the pair of conveying rollers 48. In other cases, the deflection means 45 is in a position where the path is closed and the paper is guided to a pair of discharge rollers 46. When images are to be formed on both sides of a sheet of paper, a pair of ejection rollers 46 rotate in opposite directions while gripping the trailing edge of the paper, and feed the paper onto the conveyor belt 47 with the trailing edge leading. It's something I'll do. When simply discharging paper, the pair of discharge rollers 46 discharge the paper onto the tray 18 by continuing to rotate once.

Even in the above-described apparatus, the two developing units 6' and 7' are arranged in a vertical relationship on the sides of one photoreceptor 3, as shown in the figure. Even in such an apparatus, the upper developing device 6' can be replaced from the top of the machine, and in this case there is no need to retract the document table. In such an embodiment, a cover that can be opened and closed similar to that shown in FIG.
(It goes without saying that a guide for attaching and detaching is necessary.) Also, in machines where the developer is replaced from the top of the machine, there is a risk of foreign objects falling into the machine when the developer is removed, resulting in damage to the photoreceptor. It is easy to cause damage to the product.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the cover operation by attaching and removing the developing device. FIG. 7(a) shows the state with the developing device present, and FIG. 7(b) shows the state without the developing device. Bin 5 installed in the developer
6 rotates the lever swingably supported on the main body side in the direction of arrow B. The rotation of this lever is controlled by the wire 58
is transmitted to the cover member 59, causing the cover 59 to rotate in the direction of arrow C by enlarging its rotation angle. The force bar 59 is rotatably supported around a rotation center 60, and a force in the closing direction is applied by a biasing member (spring) 61. When the developing device is not loaded, the lever 62 is applied with a force in the υ counterclockwise direction by the spring 62, and is stopped by the stopper 63. On the other hand, the force bar 61 is rotated clockwise by the spring 61 due to the direction in which the wire 58 is loosened by the lever 57.
Stops when it comes into contact with. This prevents damage to the photoreceptor due to foreign matter falling into the machine.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment showing the operation of the cover, in which a cover 65 is rotatably supported about a center 66, and a counterclockwise force is applied by a biasing means (spring) 66. It is given. When loading the developing device, the cover 65 is rotated counterclockwise by pushing down on the developing device to create an opening that allows the developing device to be brought directly close to the photoreceptor. The cover 65 rotates clockwise and stops when it comes into contact with the cover 68 of the machine body, thereby closing the opening.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily replace the developing device, and the present invention is applicable not only to the examples explained in the embodiments but also to cases where the present invention is applied to, for example, a bell-shaped photoreceptor. In addition, the developing device does not have a cover that can be opened and closed to provide an opening on the top surface of the machine for replacing the developing device, but the developing device has a cover, and when loaded, the top surface is similar to the cover of the main body. It may be something that has a similar function.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the copying machine, Figure 2 is a sectional view of the developing device,
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the opening/closing mechanism of the sleeve cover and the developing unit attachment/detaching guide, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the mechanism for pressing the developing unit against the photoreceptor, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the opening/closing of the sleeve cover.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 (=),
(b) is a diagram showing an example of cover operation due to attachment and detachment of the developing device, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment showing the operation of the cover. In the figure, 3 represents a photoreceptor, 6 and 7 a developing device, 20 a lid, and 33 a guide. I6 /, f 12 II / (/ 8th 4th n and τ child 57 ni 86 quiet 70th (b) ′°ν

Claims (1)

[Claims] In an image formatting apparatus having a developing device installed around an image carrier and for visualizing a latent image on the image carrier, the device has means for guiding and supporting the developing device toward the top of the machine. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the developing device is configured to be detachable from the top surface of the machine.