JPS63129356A - Image forming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To securely prevent a photosensitive body from deteriorating owing to the entry of external light and from damaging when detached from a support structure by inhibiting a cover means from being detached from a unit from when a process unit is detached from the support structure. CONSTITUTION:When the cover means 116 is mounted or demounted, both end parts of a 1st coating part 120 are moved along a couple of guide grooves 124 and a coating part 122 is moved along a step part 106 and a recessed part 108, and a lock means is provided so as to prevent the cover means 116 from being detached from the unit frame 20 while the process unit 14 is demounted from an upper support frame body. Consequently, an opening formed in the unit frame 20 is covered with the cover means 116 nearly completely, so the photosensitive body neither deteriorates owing to external light nor damages even when touched with a hand, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to an image generating machine, and more particularly to an image generating machine equipped with a cover means for covering a part of a movable photoreceptor supporting means.

PRIOR ART As is well known to those skilled in the art, electrostatic copying machines or electrostatic printing machines, which form an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatographic photoreceptor and then develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Image generating machines such as the machine are in widespread practical use. An electrostatic copying machine, which is an example of such an image generating machine, includes a support structure, a unit frame detachably attached to the support structure, and a rotating drum rotatably attached to the unit frame. Some devices include a process unit including a movable photoreceptor support means. The unit frame of the process unit is provided with a transfer opening for allowing copy paper to be brought into close contact with the photoreceptor present on the surface of the movable photoreceptor support means.

However, such an electrostatic copying machine has the following problems. That is, when the unit frame is removed from the support structure, since the transfer opening is opened,
Light from the outside is projected through the transfer opening onto the photoreceptor present on the surface of the movable photoreceptor support means. Therefore, if the process unit is removed from the support structure and left in a bright place, the photoreceptor will deteriorate due to the light projected from the outside, and if the deterioration of the photoreceptor is significant, the movable photoreceptor support means will be replaced. I had to. Also,
In connection with the foregoing, when the unit frame is attached to or removed from the support structure, some part of the image generator or the operator's hand may come into contact with the photoreceptor surface of the movable photoreceptor support means through the transfer opening. There was a risk that the photoreceptor would be damaged.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages, an image generating machine has been proposed in which a cover means is disposed over the transfer opening. However, even in such an improved image generator, after the unit frame is detached from the support structure, the cover means is removably attached to cover the transfer opening. In addition, if you forget to cover the transfer opening after removing the unit frame, or if you remove the cover means from the unit frame, the photoreceptor will deteriorate as in the past. .

<Object of the Invention> The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and its main purpose is to reduce the deterioration of the photoreceptor due to the penetration of light from the outside and the deterioration of the photoreceptor that occurs when the photoreceptor is separated from the support structure. An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent image generator that can reliably prevent damage to the image generator.

<Summary of the Invention> According to the present invention, there is provided a support Z structure, a unit frame detachably attached to the support structure, and a movable unit having a photoreceptor on its surface and movably attached to the unit frame. In an image generator comprising a process unit including a window light support means and a cover means for covering an opening formed in the unit frame; the cover means is detachably attached to the unit frame; The process unit is configured such that it cannot be substantially removed from the unit frame when the process unit is detached from the support structure, and the unit frame is configured such that the cover means is attached to the unit frame. An image generator is provided, characterized in that it is configured such that it cannot be removed from the support structure unless it is detachably attached.

<Preferred specific examples of the invention> A more detailed explanation will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an electrostatic copying machine as an example of an image generating machine constructed according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated electrostatographic copying machine is generally designated by the number 2.
The housing has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. In a specific example, the housing 2 is constituted by a so-called shell-type support structure consisting of a lower support frame 4 and an upper support frame 6 attached to the lower support frame 4. In the illustrated example, the upper support frame 6 has a shaft 8 extending at the lower left end thereof in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1).
It is rotatably connected to the lower support frame 4 via a pivot point (constituting a pivot center axis), and the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the second
It can be pivoted between the open position shown in the figures.

On the upper surface of the housing 2, ie, the upper surface of the upper support frame 6, a document mounting means 10 is mounted so as to be able to reciprocate in the left-right direction. The document placing means 10 includes a transparent plate 12 on which a document to be copied is placed, and a document cover (not shown) that can be opened and closed to cover the transparent plate 12 and the document placed thereon. ).

A so-called process unit, which is located approximately in the middle of the housing 2 and is generally designated by numeral 14, is removably attached to the upper support frame 6. A pair of support rails 16 and 18 are fixed to the upper support frame 6 at intervals in the left-right direction and extend in the fore-aft direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. On the other hand, the process unit 14 has a process unit frame 20
Supported parts 22 and 24 are provided at both left and right ends of the unit frame 20, extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The supported parts 22 and 24 of the unit frame 20 are positioned on the support rails 16 and 18 of the upper support frame 6, respectively, and the unit frame 20 is slid in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The process unit 4 is attached and detached.

A rotating drum 26 constituting a movable window light support means is rotatably mounted approximately at the center of the unit frame 20.

A suitable electrostatic photoreceptor is disposed on the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26. The unit frame 20 further includes an arrow 28
A charging corona discharger 30, a phenomenon device generally designated by numeral 32, and a cleaning device generally designated by numeral 34 are also installed around the rotating drum 26, which is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by . The phenomenon device 32 is placed on one side (right side) of the unit frame 20, and the cleaning device 34 is placed on the other side (left side) of the unit frame 20. The developing device 32 includes a magnetic brush mechanism 36 that applies developer to the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26, and the cleaning device 34 includes an elastic blade 38 that comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26 and a toner recovery chamber 40. ing.

This process unit I4 will be further explained later.

The upper support frame 6 further includes the process unit) 14.
Irradiation lamp 42 and reflection plate 44 located above
and an optical system 46 are also installed.

The optical system 46 is composed of a large number of elongated optical elements extending in the vertical direction (for example, a rond-shaped lens sold under the trade name "Selfoc Micro Lens" by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.). Therefore, the light from the irradiation lamp 42 passes through the transparent plate 12 and irradiates the document placed thereon, as shown by the dashed line, and the light reflected from the document is reflected by the optical system 4.
6 and is projected onto the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26 in an exposure area 52 through an exposure opening 50 formed in the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20.

Approximately at the center of the lower support frame 4, there is a transfer corona discharger 56 located opposite to the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26 in the transfer area 54, and a transfer corona discharger 56 adjacent to and downstream of the transfer corona discharger 56. A stripping static eliminator 58 located at is provided.

Further, at the right end of the lower support frame 4, a copy paper supply means, which is indicated by the number 60 as a whole, is provided, and the lower support frame pair 4
A copy paper tray 62 is disposed at the left end of the tray. Between the copy paper supply means 60 and the copy paper tray 62, there is provided a copy paper conveyance system, generally designated by numeral 64, for conveying the copy paper through the transfer area 54. The copy paper supply means 60 includes a paper feed tray 66 and a pair of paper feed rollers 68 disposed downstream of the paper feed tray 66. Therefore, when copy paper is placed on the paper feed table 66 and inserted through the open lower roller 2 formed on the right wall 70 of the housing 2 to the paper feed roller pair 68, it will be rotated in the direction shown by the arrow. The copy paper is moved to the guide plate 74 by the action of the paper feed roller pair 68.
The copy paper is supplied to the copy paper conveying system 64 through the paper. The copy paper transport system 64 includes a transport roller pair 76, a lower guide plate 78, a guide member 80, a heat fixing roller pair 82, and a discharge roller pair 84.
A copy paper transport path 86 is defined that guides the copy paper fed from 0 to the copy paper receiving tray 62. Appropriate heating means 90 is disposed within the upper heating roller 88 of the heating fixing roller pair 82 .

In the electrostatic copying machine described above, while the rotating drum 26 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 28, the charging corona discharger 30 charges the photoreceptor on the rotating drum 26 substantially uniformly to a specific polarity. , then in the exposure area 52,
The image of the original on the transparent plate 12 is projected onto the photoreceptor, thus forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of the original on the photoreceptor. During scanning exposure of an original, the original placing means 10 is moved from left to right in FIG. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor is developed into a toner image by the developing device 32. Next, the copy paper supplied from the copy paper supply means 60 and conveyed by the copy paper conveyance system 64 is transferred to the transfer area 54. The toner image on the photoreceptor is transferred onto copy paper by the action of a transfer corona discharger 56 which is brought into close contact with the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26. Thereafter, the copy paper is peeled off from the rotating drum 26 by the action of the peeling static eliminator 58. The peeled copy paper is conveyed through a heat-fixing roller lamp 82, during which time the toner image on the copy paper is heat-fixed. Then, the copy paper with the toner image fixed thereon is transported to a pair of discharge rollers 8.
4, the copy paper is discharged into the copy paper tray 62 through the opening 94 formed in the left wall 92 of the housing 2. Meanwhile, the rotating drum 26 continues to rotate, and the toner remaining on the photoreceptor after the transfer is removed from the photoreceptor by the action of the elastic blade 38 of the cleaning device 34.

The removed toner is collected in the toner collection chamber 40.

Next, the process unit 14 and related elements in a specific example will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 2 to 4.

The unit frames 20 in the illustrated process unit 14 are arranged at intervals in the above-mentioned front-back direction (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 2, in the direction from the lower right to the upper left in FIG. 3, and in the left-right direction in FIG. 4). front wall 96 and rear wall 98
(see especially FIG. 4), the front wall 96 and the rear wall 98.
A bottom wall 100, a left side wall 102, a right side wall 104, and the earthen wall 48 mentioned above are provided between them (see especially FIG. 1). A step portion 106 is provided approximately at the center in the width direction of the earthen wall 48, and a first recess 10 is further provided at approximately the center of the step portion 106.
8, and the exposure opening 50, which is elongated in the front-rear direction, is formed in the center of the first recess 108. Further, a second recess 109 is formed at the right end of the mark 106. Approximately at the center of the bottom wall 100 of the unit frame 20 in the width direction,
A transfer opening 110 extending in the front-rear direction is formed, and the lower part of the rotating drum 26 is exposed to the outside through the transfer opening 110. (See Figures 1 and 4). Therefore, the copy paper conveyed by the action of the copy paper conveyance system 64 is brought into close contact with the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26 through the transfer opening 110. Between the front wall 96 and rear wall 9B of the unit frame 20, the rotating drum 26, the developing device 32, and the cleaning device 34 are arranged as required. Mainly referring to FIG. 4, the rotating drum 26 has shaft portions 11 at both ends.
2a and 112b, and the shaft portions 112a and 112b are rotatably supported by the front wall 96 and the rear wall 98.

A gear 114 is rotatably mounted on the inner surface of the rear substrate 113 of the upper support frame 6 via a shaft member, and the shaft portion 112b
When the unit frame 20 is removably attached to the upper support frame 6 and placed in the operating position (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 4), it is drivingly connected to the gear 114 via a connecting means (not shown). Therefore, the gear 11 is driven by an electric motor (not shown).
4 is rotated, the rotating drum 26 is rotated in the direction shown by arrow 28 (FIG. 1) via the coupling means.

Such an electrostatographic copying machine further includes cover means 116 in connection with which the process unit 14 is removably attached to the support structure, in particular the upper support frame 6 . 3, the illustrated cover means 116 includes a base 118 having a rectangular upper portion and a semicircular lower portion. In the specific example, an arc-shaped first covering part 120 is provided at the lower end of the base 118, and a rectangular second covering part 12 is provided at the upper end of the base 11B.
2 is provided. In the specific example, the base 118, the first sheath 120, and the second sheath 122 are integrally formed, and the first sheath 120 and the second sheath 122 are connected to the base 1.
It extends rearward from the rear surface of 1B. First covering part 120
is the transfer opening 1 formed in the bottom wall 100 of the unit frame 20.
10, and when the cover means 116 is removably attached to the unit frame 20 as required, it covers the transfer opening 110 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8). In the specific example, in relation to the first covering part 120, the bottom wall 1
A pair of guide grooves 124 extending in the front-rear direction are formed in the opening defining the transfer opening 110 of 00, and both ends of the first covering part 120 are positioned within the pair of guide grooves 124. When the cover means 116 is installed and removed, both ends of the first covering part 120 are moved along the pair of guide grooves 124. In addition, the second covering portion 12
2 is an exposure opening 5 formed in the upper wall 48 of the unit frame 20.
0, and when the cover means 116 is removably attached to the unit frame 20 as required, the exposure opening 5
0 (see Figures 6, 7 and 8). In the specific example, the width of the second covering portion 122 corresponds to the width of the stepped portion 106 provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, and the width of the second covering portion 122 corresponds to the width of the stepped portion 106 provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, and the width of the second covering portion 122 corresponds to the width of the stepped portion 106 provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, and the width of the second covering portion 122 corresponds to the width of the stepped portion 106 provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, and the width of the second covering portion 122 corresponds to the width of the stepped portion 106 provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, and the width of the second covering portion 122 corresponds to the width of the stepped portion 106 provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20. An inward protrusion 126 is provided corresponding to the first recess 108 , so that when the cover means 116 is attached and removed, the second covering part 122 is disposed between the stepped part 106 and the first recess 10 .
8.

In the specific example, a first lock is provided in connection with the cover means 116 to prevent the cover means 116 from being removed from the unit frame 20 when the process unit 14 is removed from the upper support frame 6. Means 127 (
7, 8 and 9) are provided in connection with the process unit 14 to prevent removal of the process unit 14 from the support structure without the cover means 116 being installed. , second locking means 128 (FIG. 1,
2, 4, 8 and 9) are provided. Furthermore, in conjunction with the cover means 116, a third locking means 130 (FIGS. 3 to 9) is also provided for releasably locking the cover means 116 in the covering position of the unit frame 20. There is.

First, the third locking means 130 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, mainly FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.
It includes an engaging member 132 provided on the unit frame 16 and a receiving portion provided on the unit frame 20. Base 1 of cover means 116
A support shaft 136 is rotatably mounted approximately in the center of the support shaft 136, the engaging member 132 is provided at one end (inner end) of the support shaft 136, and the gripping member 13 is provided at the other end (outer end).
8 is provided. In the specific example, one end of the support shaft 136 has a larger diameter than the other end;
A central portion of an elongated rectangular engagement member 132 is fixed to one end of the engagement member 6 . On the other hand, a hole 140 is provided in the base 118 of the cover means 116, and the other end of the support shaft 136 is inserted into the hole 140. A male threaded portion 136a is connected to the other end of the support shaft 136. Further, a boss member 144 is fixed to the inner wall portion 138a of the gripping member 138 in which the gripping opening 142 for holding the hand is formed, and a female threaded hole 146 is provided through the boss member 144 and the inner wall portion 138a. There is. Since it is configured like this,
The other end of the support shaft 136 is connected to the base 118 of the cover means 116.
The gripping member 138 and the engaging member 132 are rotatably attached to the base 118 by protruding from the inside of the gripping member 138 through the hole 140 and screwing the female screw hole 146 of the gripping member 138 into the male threaded portion 136a of the other end of the projection. be done. In a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the gripping member 13B and the engaging member 132 are mounted on the support shaft 136 so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. On the other hand, the illustrated receiving portion is provided on the front surface of the front wall 96 of the unit frame 20. In the specific example, a pair of abbreviated members 134 are fixed to the front surface of the front wall 96 at intervals in the lateral direction, and a pair of receiving portions are formed by the front wall 96 and the pair of L-shaped members 134. stipulated. As can be understood from FIGS. 3 and 6, since the engaging member 132 is rotatable, in the specific example, one (left) receiving part is pushed downward and the other (
The receiving part on the right side is open upward. Therefore, with the cover means 116 mounted on the unit frame 20, the gripping member 138 is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow 148 (FIG. 6) to the first angular position (the angular position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). Therefore, the gripping member 1 is
38 is substantially vertical), the sixth
As shown in solid lines in the figure, both ends of the engagement member 132 are received in each of the receptacles defined by the pair of L-shaped members 134, and, in contrast, the gripping member 138 is moved from the first angular position. The gripping member 138 is rotated substantially 90 degrees in the opposite direction to the arrow 148 to a second angular position (the angular position shown in FIG. 9 in which the gripping member 138 is substantially horizontal with respect to the process unit 14). As shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 6, both ends of the engaging member 132 are separated from each of the engaged receiving parts. As shown in FIG. 3, in order to prevent both ends of the engaging member 132 from coming off from the receiving part very easily, a protrusion that projects somewhat inward is provided at the free end of each L-shaped member 134. It is preferable to provide a portion 134a.

In the specific example, a gripping member holding means 150 is attached in relation to this gripping member 138 . Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the illustrated holding means 150 includes two recesses 152a and 152b formed in the support shaft 136, and each recess 1.
52a and 152b are provided. In the specific example, the recesses 152a and 152b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion of the support shaft 136 with an interval of substantially 90 degrees, and one recess 152a corresponds to the first angular position of the gripping member 138. , the other recess 152b corresponds to the second angular position of the gripping member 13B. On the other hand, a retaining member 154, which may for example consist of a leaf spring, is attached to the base 118 of the cover means 116. The holding member 154 has a mounting portion 158 in which a hole 156 is formed and an engaging portion 160 extending toward the support shaft 136, and the mounting portion 158 inserts a threaded member 162 through the hole 156 into the base 118.
By screwing into the female screw hole 164 of the base 11
It is attached to the inner surface of 8. Therefore, when the gripping member 138 is in the first angular position, the free end of the engaging portion 160 of the holding member 154 is elastically engaged with the recess 152a on one side of the support shaft 136, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the gripping member 138 is in the second angular position, the free end of the engaging portion 160 of the holding member 154 engages with the other recess 152b of the support shaft 136, as is easily understood.

Next, the second locking means 128 will be explained mainly with reference to FIG. 4. The illustrated second locking means 128 is comprised of an engaging means provided on the support structure, specifically the upper support frame 6, and an engaged means provided on the unit frame 20. The coupling means has an engagement member 170 rotatably attached to a predetermined portion of the upper support frame 6 via a pin 168, and a triangular claw portion 172 is provided at the tip of the engagement member 170. There is. This claw part 1
The surface 172a of 72 acts as a blocking surface for preventing movement of the unit frame 20, and the surface 172b of the cover means 116
Acts as a contact surface against which the tip of the contact surface comes into contact. The engagement member 170 is arranged in the engagement position shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 and in the eighth position.
It is pivotable between the non-engaged positions shown in the figure. In the specific example, although not shown, biasing means for biasing the engagement member 170 toward the engagement position is provided. Also,
At a predetermined portion of the upper support frame 6, a stop piece 174 (fourth
) is provided. On the other hand, the engaged means is constituted by an engaged recess 176 provided in the upper wall 48 of the unit frame 20. In the specific example, the engaged recess 176 is provided at the rear end of the second recess 109 formed in the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, and the engaged recess 176 is a portion that defines the upper rear end of the engaged recess 176. can come into contact with a surface 172a of the engagement member 170. Accordingly, the engagement member 170 is typically held in the engagement position by the action of biasing means (not shown) (the engagement member 172 is held in the engagement position by abutting the stop piece 174); As will be described later, when the cover means 116 is attached to the unit frame 20, the tip of the second covering portion 122 of the cover means 116 will be attached to the engaging member 17.
4, against the biasing action of a biasing means (not shown), and is brought to the above-mentioned disengaged position. The second locking means 128 is, for example, disclosed by the present applicant on August 29, 1986.
It is also possible to use what is disclosed in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 61-201500 (named 2 Image Generator) filed on the date.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, it mainly consists of an engaging means and an engaged means provided on the unit frame 20. The illustrated engaging means is an L-shaped engaging member that is rotatably attached to the support portion 178 provided on the inner surface of the second covering portion 122 via a pin 180 on the inside of the cover means 116. Arm is doing lsm. A claw portion 182a is provided at one end of this engagement arm 182, and the other end projects somewhat upward through an opening 184 formed in the second covering portion 122 (see also FIG. 3). The engagement arm 182 is shown in FIG. 7 and is rotatable between an engagement position shown in two-dot chain lines in FIG. 8 and a non-engagement position shown in solid lines in FIG. Also associated with the engagement arm 182 is biasing means (not shown), such as a torsional recoil spring, for biasing the engagement arm 182 toward the engaged position. On the other hand, similarly to the second locking means 128, the engaged means includes an engaged recess 186 provided in the upper wall 48 of the unit frame 20. In the specific example, the engaged recess 186 is provided at the front end of the second recess 109 formed in the earth wall 48 of the unit frame 20,
The claw portion 182a of the engagement arm 182 is adapted to engage with a portion defining the upper front end of the engaged recess 186. In connection with the first locking means 127, a lock releasing means is also provided. The illustrated lock release means is composed of a lock release member 190 provided at the lower end of the front substrate 188 of the upper support frame 6.
One end portion 90 protrudes forward from the front surface of the front board 188,
The other end protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the front board 188. Accordingly, the locking arm 182 is normally held in the engaged position by the action of the biasing means (the other end of the locking arm 182 defines the rear end of the opening 184 in the second covering section 122 of the cover means 116). On the other hand, as will be described later, when the unit frame 20 is attached to the upper support frame 6 with the cover means 116 attached, the lower surface of the lock release member 190 is held in the engagement position by contacting the retaining arm 182. 7 and 8 against the biasing force of the biasing means (not shown).
In the figure, it is turned counterclockwise to the above-mentioned disengaged position.

In this electrostatic copying machine, a front cover 192 (FIGS. 2 and 4) is provided on the front surface of the housing 2. As shown in FIGS. The illustrated front cover 192 has its lower end rotatably attached to the front lower end of the lower support frame 4, and has an open position (position shown in FIG. 2) where the front surface of the housing 2 is opened and a cover that covers the front surface of the housing 2. It can freely pivot between positions (positions shown in FIG. 4).

Next, referring mainly to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIGS. 6 to 9, the attachment and detachment operations of the process unit 14 will be described.

When the process unit 14 is separated from the support structure, in the specific example the upper support frame 6, the cover means 116 is attached to the unit frame 20 as required. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover means 1
16 is positioned in the covering position of the unit frame 20 (the position shown in FIGS. 6 to 8), and is locked in the covering position by the action of the third locking means 130. When the cover means 116 is in the covering position, the engaging member 132 attached to the base 118 engages the front wall 96 of the unit frame 20.
7 and 8), the first covering portion 120 is in contact with the transfer opening 110 defined in the bottom wall 100 of the unit frame 20.
The second covering portion 122 also covers the exposure opening 50 defined in the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20 (FIGS. 6 and 7).

Therefore, substantially all of the openings formed in the unit frame 20 are covered by the cover means 116, and the photoreceptor present on the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 26 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, the photoreceptor is not deteriorated by external light, and the photoreceptor is not damaged by touching it with hands or the like. Also, in such a situation,
The first locking means 127 is held in a locked state. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the retaining arm 182 is held in the engaging position by the action of the biasing means (not shown), and the claw portion 182a of the engaging arm 182 is provided on the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20. The four engaged portions 186 are engaged with each other. Therefore, the action of the engaging arm 182 and the engaged recess 186 reliably prevents the cover means 116 from moving in the detachment direction shown by the arrow 194 (FIGS. 7 and 9) with respect to the unit frame 20, and the cover means 116 It becomes virtually impossible for the photoreceptor to separate from the unit frame 20, and the photoreceptor can be reliably protected. Note that when the third locking means 130 is in the locked state, the gripping member 138 is
(The first angular position is held by the holding member 154 of the holding member holding means 150 engaging one of the recesses 152a formed in the support shaft 136). Both ends of member 132 are received in receivers defined by L-shaped member 134 (
Figures 6 and 7). Therefore, the action of the third locking means 130 also prevents the cover means 116 from being separated from the unit frame 20 (as easily understood,
When the third locking means 130 prevents the cover means 116 from detaching, the cover means 116 can be detached from the unit frame 20 by detaching the engaging member 132 from the receiving portion. If the first locking means 127 is also provided as in the specific example, it becomes virtually impossible to remove the cover means from the unit frame 20 even if the engaging member is removed from the receiving portion.)
.

To attach the process unit 14 to the support structure, the front cover 192 is first pivoted to the left in FIG. 4 to the open position shown in FIG. In this way, the front surface of the housing 2 is opened.

Next, unlock the locking means (not shown) and
The upper support frame 6 is pivoted counterclockwise in FIG. 1 about the axis 8 to the open position shown in FIG.

In this way, the space between the lower support frame 4 and the upper support frame 6 is opened.

Next, the supported parts 22 and 24 of the unit frame 20 are positioned on the support rails 16 and 18 of the upper support frame 6, and the unit frame 20 is moved rearward as indicated by arrow 196 (FIG. 8). Position it at the active position shown by the solid line. When positioning the unit frame 20 in the operating position, in the specific example, the engagement arm 1 of the first locking means 127
82 and the engagement member 17 in the second locking means 128
0 are shown in FIG. 8, respectively. That is, when the unit frame 20 is moved in the mounting direction shown by the arrow 196, the cover means 116 also moves together with the unit frame 20, and the engagement arm 18 mounted on the cover means 116 moves together with the unit frame 20.
The other end of 2 contacts the lock release member 190 provided on the upper support frame 6, is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 8, and is held at the above-mentioned non-engaged position. In this way, the engagement between the engagement arm 182 and the engaged recess 186 is released, and the cover means 116, which will be described later, is allowed to separate from the unit frame 20. Further, when the unit frame 20 is moved in this manner, the tip of the second covering portion 122 of the cover means 116 comes into contact with the surface 172b of the engagement member 170 attached to the upper support frame 6, causing the engagement member 70 to move into the second position. 8, the engaging member 170 is also held in the non-engaging position. When installed in this manner, the process unit 14 is positioned at a desired position within the housing 2, and the cover means 1
16 is removed, then the upper support frame 6 is placed in the closed position, and the front cover 192 is placed in the covering position, thereby making it possible to copy.

After that, the cover means 116 is removed from the unit frame 20. When detaching, grip the gripping member 138 and move it substantially 9 in the direction opposite to the arrow 148 in FIG.
Rotate 0 degrees to the second angular position (Figure 9).

In this way, the support shaft 136 and the engagement member 132 are also rotated together with the gripping member 138, and both ends of the engagement member 132 are detached from the receiving portion, allowing the cover means 116 to be detached from the unit frame 20. (The holding member 13B is held in the second angular position by holding the holding member 154 of the holding member holding means 150 in the other recess 154 formed in the support shaft 136.
b). Then, the gripping member 138 is gripped and moved in the front and back direction shown by the arrow 194 (FIG. 9) to remove the cover means 116.

When the cover means 116 is moved somewhat in the direction indicated by arrow 194, the first locking means 127 is moved as shown in FIG.
engagement arm 182 and second locking means 128 in
The engaging members 170 in are respectively brought to the above-mentioned engaging position. That is, when the cover means 116 is moved in the direction shown by the arrow 194, the second covering portion 1 of the cover means 116
22 is separated from the surface 172b of the engagement member 170, whereby the engagement member 170 is pivoted clockwise in FIG. 9 by the action of the biasing means (not shown) and held in the engagement position ( A part of the engaging member 170 is the stop piece 1
74).

As a result, the claw portion 172 of the engaging member 170 engages with the engaged recess 176 provided in the unit frame 20, and the second locking means 128 becomes locked. In this way, the process unit 14 is locked in the operating position, and a portion of the unit frame 20 that defines the engaged recess 176 is engaged with the engaging member 1.
By coming into contact with the surface 172a of the unit frame 70, movement of the unit frame 20 in the detachment direction shown by the arrow 194 with respect to the upper support frame body 6 is reliably prevented. In addition, the cover means 1
16, the other end of the engagement arm 182 separates from the unlocking member 190 provided on the support structure, in the example the upper support frame 6, thereby causing the retention arm 182 to move away from the biasing means (not shown). 9 and held in the above-mentioned engagement position (the other end of the engagement arm 182 defines the opening 184 of the second covering portion 122 of the cover means 116). (held in the engaged position by abutting the part). Holding arm 1
In conjunction with 82 being held in this engaged position, it becomes virtually impossible to remove cover means 116 from unit frame 20 when process unit 14 is removed from the support structure as described below.

When the cover means 116 is removed from the unit frame 20, the exposure opening 50 and the transfer opening 110 in the unit frame 20 are opened, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and the exposure opening 50 and the transfer opening 110 are opened to prevent light reflected from the original document during the copying process. Projection through the aperture 50 and close contact of the copy paper to the photoreceptor through the transfer aperture 110 are permitted.

Next, the upper support frame 6 in the open position is rotated clockwise in FIG. 2 about the shaft 8 to the closed position shown in FIG. (held in the closed position), the rear and front covers 192 are pivoted to the covering position shown in FIG. In this way, the various structural elements are held in the positional relationships shown in FIG. 1, and the above-described copying process can be performed.

On the other hand, in order to separate the process unit 14 from the support structure, in the specific example the upper support frame 6, first, in the same manner as described above, the front cover 192 is pivoted to the open position, and then the upper support frame 6 as required to position it in the open position (as can be easily understood from FIG. 2, when the upper support frame 6 is placed in the open position, most of the copy paper conveyance path 86 is opened, Therefore, if the copy paper becomes jammed in the copy paper transport path 86,
(This paper can be easily removed.)

After that, the cover means 116 is detachably attached to the unit frame 20. When attaching the cover means 116, the gripping member 138 is held at the second angular position, and the gripping member 138 is attached to the unit frame 20 and positioned at the covering position (the gripping member 138 is held at the first angular position). When it is attached, the engaging member 132 abuts the front surface of the L-shaped member 134, and therefore the covering means 116 cannot be positioned in the covering position). When the cover means 116 is placed in the covered position, the lock release member 190 acts on the other end of the engagement arm 182 so that the locking arm 182 is The claw portion 182a of the engagement arm 182 is held in the non-engaged position.
is retreated above the earthen wall 48 of the unit frame 20, allowing the cover means 116 to be positioned in the covering position. Further, the tip of the second covering portion 122 of the cover means 116 acts on the surface 172b of the engaging member 170, so that the engaging member 17
0 is held in the disengaged position, and the second locking means 12
8 is in the unlocked state, and movement of the process unit 14 in the direction of separation from the upper support frame 6 is permitted.

When the cover means 116 is positioned in the covered position, the eighth
As shown, a first covering portion 120 of the covering means 116
covers the transfer opening IIO of the unit frame 20, and its second covering portion 122 covers the exposure opening 50 of the unit frame 20. In this electrostatic copying machine, the following points should be noted. That is, if an attempt is made to remove the process unit 14 from the support structure without attaching the cover means 116, the unit frame 20 will not be removed from the support structure because the second lock means 128 is in the locked state. It is virtually impossible to force them to do so. On the other hand, when the cover means 116 is removably attached, the second lock means 128 is unlocked and the unit frame 20 is allowed to come off. Therefore, as is easily understood, when the unit frame 20 is removed from the support structure, the exposure opening 50 and the transfer opening 110 are closed to the cover means 116.
This ensures that the photoreceptor is protected from deterioration due to external light and damage to the photoreceptor due to contact with hands or the like.

Next, the gripping member 138 is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow 148 (sixth rotation) and held at the first angular position. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, both ends of the engaging member 132 are received in the receiving portion defined by the L-shaped member 134 (the third locking means 130 is in the locked state), and thus the cover means 116 At the same time, the unit frame 20 can be moved.

Next, the gripping member 138 is gripped and moved forward in the front-rear direction as indicated by the arrow 194 (shown in FIG. 9). In this way, the unit frame 20 is also moved together with the cover means 116, and the process unit 14 is detached from the support structure, ie the upper support frame 6, as required. Writing process unit 1
4, the engagement arm 182 is released as described above.
a lock release member 19 whose other end is provided on the support structure;
0 and positioned in the engagement position, the engagement arm 18
The second claw portion 182a engages with an engaged recess 186 provided in the unit frame 20. In such an electrostatic copying machine,
Particular attention should be paid to the following points. That is, when the cover means 116 is attached and the process unit 14 is removed from the support structure, the retaining arm 182 provided on the cover means 116 engages with the engaged recess 186 provided on the unit frame 20. The first locking means 127 becomes locked. Therefore, when the process unit 14 is separated from the support structure, even if the third locking means 130 is unlocked and both ends of the engagement member 132 are separated from the receiving part, the cover means 116 is removed from the unit. It is virtually impossible to remove it from the frame 20. Therefore, after the process unit 14 is separated from the support structure, the exposure aperture 50 and the transfer aperture 110 are reliably taken away by the cover means 116, which prevents deterioration of the photoreceptor due to external light and exposure to light due to contact with hands or the like. Body damage is reliably prevented.

Although an example of an electrostatic copying machine as an example of an image generating machine constructed according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such a specific example, and without departing from the scope of the present invention. (Various modifications and modifications are possible.

For example, in the specific example, the cover means 116 has a first covering part 120 and a second covering part 122, and is configured to cover the transfer opening 110 and the exposure opening 5o. A first cover means having a covering part 120 and a second cover means having a second covering part 122 are provided separately, and each of the first cover means and the second cover means is detachably attached to the unit frame 20. It can also be configured to be worn.

For example, in the specific example, the cover means 116 has a first covering part 120 and a second covering part 122 in connection with the fact that the unit frame 20 is provided with the transfer opening 110 and the exposure opening 50. However, for example, the patent application 1986-
No. 139272 (name 2 image generator, filing date: 1988)
June 17, 2016) As disclosed in the specification and drawings,
When the unit frame 20 is further provided with a static elimination opening, it is preferable that the cover means 116 further include a third covering portion that covers the static elimination opening.

Furthermore, in the specific example, the other end of the engagement arm 182 of the first long means 127 projects somewhat outwardly through the opening 184 formed in the second covering section 122 of the cover means 116; In order to prevent the other end of this engagement arm 182 from being accidentally pivoted, the other end protruding through the opening 184 is covered with a cover member, and the other end of the engagement arm 182 is mounted on the support structure through the opening formed in the cover member. Preferably, the unlocking member that is attached acts on the other end of the engagement arm 182.

Furthermore, for example, in a specific example, the lower support frame 4
Although the explanation has been made with reference to a so-called shell-type support structure consisting of an upper support frame 6 rotatably attached to a lower support frame 4, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a normal support structure. It can be similarly applied to things with bodies.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of an electrostatic copying machine as the second side of an image generating machine constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the electrostatic copying machine of FIG. 1 with the front cover in the open position and the upper support frame in the open position. FIG. 3 shows the process unit 7 in the electrostatic copying machine shown in FIG.
) and a perspective view showing the cover means. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the base of the cover means and its vicinity in the electrostatic copying machine of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially sectional view showing a state in which the cover means is attached to the unit frame. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the process unit shown in FIG. 3 with a cover means attached thereto. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which a process unit with a cover means is attached to the upper support frame of the electrostatic copying machine of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a state in which the cover means has been moved somewhat in the removal direction from the state shown in FIG. 8; 2... Housing 4... Lower support frame 6... Upper support frame 14... Process unit 20... Unit frame 26... Rotating drum 32... Developing device 34... Cleaning Apparatus 50...Exposure opening 110...Transfer opening 116...Covering means 120...First covering part 122...Second covering part 127...First locking means 12B... Second locking means 130...Third locking mechanism Fig. 6

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A support structure, a unit frame detachably attached to the support structure, and a movable photoconductor support means having a photoconductor on its surface and movably attached to the unit frame. and a cover means for covering an opening formed in the unit frame; the cover means is detachably attached to the unit frame, and the cover means is attached to the unit frame. 1. An image generating apparatus characterized in that the cover means is configured such that when the process unit is detached from the support structure by being attached to the unit frame, the cover means cannot be substantially detached from the unit frame. 2. The support structure is composed of a lower support frame and an upper support frame attached to the lower support frame so as to be able to pivot between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending in the front-rear direction. The image generator according to claim 1, wherein the unit frame is detachably attached to the upper support frame. 3. In relation to the cover means, a first locking means is provided for releasably restraining movement of the cover means with respect to the unit frame, and the first locking means locks the cover on the unit frame. When the unit frame is attached to the support structure as required while the means is attached, the lock is released and the cover means is allowed to move in the removal direction with respect to the unit frame, while the unit frame is attached to the support structure. When the cover means is attached to the unit frame and the process unit is removed from the support structure, the process unit becomes locked and restrains movement of the cover means in the removal direction with respect to the unit frame. The image generator according to item 1 or 2. 4. The first locking means has an engaged means provided on the unit frame, an engaged position where it can engage with the engaged means, and an unengaged position where it is disengaged from the engaged means. and a biasing means for biasing the engaging means toward the engaging position, when the cover means is mounted on the unit frame. When the unit frame is attached to the support structure as required, a portion of the support structure acts on the engagement member to move the engagement means to the disengaged position against the biasing action of the biasing means. , thereby allowing movement of the cover means in the removal direction with respect to the unit frame, while attaching the cover means to the unit frame attached to the support structure to move the process unit from the support structure. When the cover means is disengaged from the unit frame, the engagement means is moved away from the portion of the support structure and brought into the engagement position by the action of the biasing means, thus restricting movement of the cover means relative to the unit frame in the disengagement direction. An image generator according to claim 3. 5. Claims 1 to 4, wherein the unit frame is configured such that it cannot be removed from the support structure unless the cover means is attached to the unit frame.
The image generator according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 6. Associated with the process unit, second locking means are provided for releasably locking the unit frame in the working position of the support structure, and the second locking means locks the unit frame in the active position. When the cover means is removed from the unit frame after being removably attached to the support structure, it becomes a locked state, while when the unit frame is detachably attached to the support structure, the cover means is removed from the unit frame. The image generator according to claim 5, which becomes in an unlocked state when detachably attached to the image generator. 7. The second locking means has an engaged means provided on the unit frame, an engaged position where it can engage with the engaged means, and an unengaged position where it is disengaged from the engaged means. and a biasing means for biasing the engaging means toward the engaging position, the unit frame being mounted on the supporting structure. When the cover means is attached to the unit frame in this state, a portion of the cover means acts on the engagement means to force the engagement means to the disengaged position against the biasing action of the biasing means. Thus, when the process unit is allowed to disengage from the support structure, while the cover means is disengaged from the unit frame after mounting the unit frame on the support structure, the engagement means engages the cover. Disengagement of said portion of said means from said engagement means causes said portion to be forced into said engaged position by the biasing action of said biasing means, thus making removal of said process unit from said support structure substantially impossible. Claim No. 6
The image generator described in Section 1. 8. The cover means includes a base and a first covering part extending from the base, and when the cover means is detachably attached to the unit frame, the first covering part of the cover means is formed on the unit frame. Claim 1 covering the transfer aperture that is
The image generator according to any one of Items 7 to 7. 9. The cover means also includes a second covering portion extending from the base, and when the cover means is removably attached to the unit frame, the second covering portion of the cover means is formed on the unit frame. 9. The image generator according to claim 8, which covers the exposure aperture. 10. The cover means further includes a third covering part extending from the base, and when the cover means is detachably attached to the unit frame, the third covering part of the cover means is attached to the unit frame. The image generator according to claim 8 or 9, which covers the formed static elimination aperture. 11. Claims 8 to 10 are provided in which a third locking means is provided in relation to the cover means to releasably lock and hold the cover means in the covering position of the unit frame. The image generator according to any one of the above. 12. The third locking means includes a receiving part provided on the unit frame and an engaging member that rotates together with a gripping member provided on the cover means and rotatably attached to the cover means. , with the cover means removably attached to the unit frame, when the gripping member is moved to the first angular position, the engaging member is received in the receiving portion, while the gripping member is moved to the second angular position. 12. The image generator according to claim 11, wherein the engaging member is disengaged from the receiving portion when the engaging member is placed in the position. 13. Image generation according to claim 12, wherein a gripping member holding means for holding the gripping member in the first angular position and the second angular position is attached in relation to the gripping member. Machine.