JPS63298268A - Image producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain high accuracy of a position relation of a transfer charger and a photosensitive body by providing a replacement unit holding means being slidable relatively against a machine body, and a transfer charger unit holding means. CONSTITUTION:The titled device is provided with a replacement unit holding means 2 for containing the replacement units 4-7 so as to be attachable and detachable and being slidable relatively against a machine body 1 in order to draw them out as one body from the machine body 1, and a transfer charger unit holding means 60 which is coupled to the lower part of the replacement unit holding means 2 so as to be openable downward, and holds a transfer charger unit 8 so as to be slidable back and forth. A photosensitive body unit and a transfer charger are attached to the same image forming case, and move as one body even at the time of taking in and out the image forming case, and the mutual position relation is constant, therefore, the position accuracy of the photosensitive body unit and the transfer charger is obtained easily.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an image forming device of a device having a recording section using an electrophotographic method, such as a non-impact printer, facsimile machine, or copier. This is used to arrange a transfer charger (including a light charger in which a transfer charger and a separate charger are integrated) for transferring the above toner image onto a transfer paper.

(Prior art) Printers, facsimile machines, and copying machines that use electrophotography have almost the same processes except for the optical system, and require toner replenishment, as well as photoconductor, development, cleaning, charger, etc. It has a unit that needs to be replaced.

Now, recently, machines have been commercialized in which not only toner replenishment but also the photoconductor unit, cleaning unit charger, and transfer charger can be replaced by the user. Particularly in the case of printers, there is a strong demand for user maintenance, and it is becoming a necessary condition that each replaceable unit can be easily replaced by the user.

In an example of a conventional device of this kind, image forming units that need to be replaced, such as a photoconductor unit, developing unit, cleaning unit, and transfer charger, are removed from the machine body and replaced individually or as a cartridge containing several units. Or it was configured to replenish toner. Alternatively, in order to facilitate replacement, it is conceivable to set the image forming unit in one case so that it can be pulled out from the main body, pull out the entire case from the machine main body, and replace each unit individually. In either case, the transfer charger is set in the main body, making it easy to position each unit.However, replacing units is troublesome, and as unit replacement is generally done by service personnel, user maintenance is required. could not meet the request.

The methods of exchange can be roughly divided into two types.

One method is to pull out each unit individually from the main body of the machine and replace it, in which each VV unit related to image formation is
It consists of two cartridges, and each cartridge is replaced.

In the other type, the image forming unit is housed in one case, but the units are replaced individually.

In all of these conventional examples, the transfer charger is set within the main body of the machine in order to facilitate handling of a paper jam when it occurs.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) In recording units of electrophotographic non-impact printers, facsimile machines, copying machines, etc., the positional relationship between the charge wire position of the transfer charger and the photoreceptor is extremely accurate. However, in the conventional configuration in which the image forming units such as the photoreceptor, developing unit, cleaning unit, etc. are removably attached to one removable image forming case, and the transfer charger is provided in the main body, the transfer charger is It was difficult to improve the accuracy of the positional relationship with the charge wire position.

Also, when pulling out the image forming case, when pulling out the developing unit and cleaning unit, if toner spills from the opening of the photoconductor set part of the image forming case, there is no tray to catch the toner, so Spills fall on the floor and make a mess.

The present invention eliminates these conventional problems, and provides an image forming apparatus that can achieve high precision in the positional relationship between the transfer charger and the photoreceptor, is easy to maintain for the user, and is less likely to cause toner to spill on the floor. The purpose is to provide the following.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a replacement unit that is slidable relative to the machine body in order to removably accommodate the replacement unit and pull it out from the machine body as a unit. a holding means (2); and a transfer charger unit holding means (51) which is detachably coupled to the lower part of the replacement unit holding means and holds the transfer charger unit so as to be slidable back and forth.
It is characterized by having the following.

(Function) The present invention provides that, when the units that need to be replaced and are arranged on the replacement unit holding means are in the machine body, they are placed in exact mutual positions, that is, in reference positions necessary for operation. When the replacement unit holding means is pulled out of the machine body, the units move relative to each other in a direction away from the reference position. Therefore, since there is a margin in the unit jump, it becomes easy to replace the unit, and when replacing each unit, the replacement unit can be taken out without damaging adjacent units that are easily damaged.

In addition, in the present invention, instead of fixing the transfer charger unit to the printer main body side as in the conventional case, the transfer charger unit holding means is attached to the replacement unit holding means so as to be rotatable downward, and the transfer charger unit holding means is slidably attached to the transfer charger holding means. to hold the transfer charger unit so that it can be pulled out. Therefore, when the replacement unit holding means is pulled out from the printer main body together with each replacement unit, the transfer charger also moves together with the replacement unit, so that it functions as a falling toner receiver and can prevent staining due to toner. Further, by pulling out the replacement unit holding means from the printer body and then opening the transfer charger unit downward, it becomes easier to handle paper jams and the like. Further, since the photoreceptor unit and the transfer charger unit are supported by the same exchangeable unit holding means, high positional accuracy of both can be maintained.

(Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an image forming case (trolley) in which an image forming unit including a transfer charger is set is pulled out from the laser printer main body. It shows the condition. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laser printer of this embodiment has an image forming case 2 slidably attached to one side of the main body 1 by support guide rails 3, 3''. ing.

The image forming case 2 includes a photoreceptor unit 4 and a developing unit 6.
, a cleaning unit 6, a toner cartridge 7, and other image forming units are removably housed. Furthermore, a light charger unit 8 is removably attached to the lower part of the image forming case 2. When the image forming case 2 is pushed into the main body 1, each of these units can perform the electrophotographic recording operation correctly. The optical writing unit 21, charger 22, registration roller 23, etc. provided on the main body 1 side are also positioned so as to maintain appropriate positional relationships. has been done.

By pulling the image forming case 2 out of the main body 1, the developing unit 5 and toner cartridge 7 are automatically pulled away from the photoreceptor unit 4 to the right in FIG. 2, and the cleaning unit 6 is automatically moved to the left. be separated. By separating the units from each other in this manner, when it is time to replace one of the units and it is removed, there is some space between it and the adjacent units, which simplifies the work and prevents damage to the adjacent units.

A handle 9 for pulling out the image forming case 2 is attached to the front surface of the image forming case 2. Further, the developing unit 5, the cleaning unit 6, and the toner cartridge 7 are each provided with a handle. However, the handle is omitted and not shown in FIG. 2. The attachment/detachment mechanism of the light charger unit, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described in detail later.

In addition to the image forming case 2 equipped with the above-mentioned image forming unit, the optical writing unit 21 that optically scans the photoreceptor unit, and other components, the printer main body l includes a first feeder that supplies recording paper. a paper cassette 11 and a second paper feed cassette 12; a fixing unit 27 that fixes the toner image on the recording paper developed by the image forming unit by heating and pressurizing;
It is equipped with a transport unit 26 and the like. Furthermore, a first stray paper tray 15 and a second paper discharge tray 16 are provided at the top of the printer main body 1 to receive recorded recording paper discharged through the transport path.

The printer main body 1 also includes a separate mass paper feed unit 14 that is used as an option as needed.
It is placed on an optional unit (18) consisting of a reversing unit (13) for reversing the recording paper recorded on one side after exiting the fixing unit (27) and supplying it again to the image forming unit.

By raising and covering the cover plate 10 with the image forming case 2 housed in the main body, it is possible to prevent dust from entering and improve the appearance.

3 and 4 show an example of a mechanism for separating the cleaning unit 6 from the photoreceptor unit 4 by pulling out the image forming case 2. FIG.

Slide hole 31, cleaning unit holding notch 3
2. A pair of sliders 35 and 35' consisting of a spring support protrusion 33 and a cam contact portion 34 are arranged at the front and rear in the drawing direction of the imaging case 2, and are slidably fixed to the imaging case 2 by a guide pin 36. do. and slider 35
A spring 39 is stretched between the spring support protrusion 33 and the spring support bottle 3 fixed to the bottom of the image forming case 2.

In addition, the shaft rod 40 is passed between the front and rear side plates of the imaging case 20,
A cam 41 is fixed at a location corresponding to the position of the cam contact portion 34 of the slider 35, and a spring 37 is attached that biases the shaft rod 40 to rotate in the axial direction. Although such a cam and spring are not shown in FIG. 3, they are of course provided corresponding to the slider 35'. A bin 42 is provided to engage with 43.

The cleaning unit 6 has four bins installed at both its front and rear ends, two of which are $4.
As shown in the figure, the remaining two bottles 45 and 45' are fitted into the notches 32 and 32' of the slider 35 and held by the slider 35, and as shown in FIG. It is held by bearings 46, 46'. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottle support parts 4B and 46' have a bottle slide elongated hole 47 for slidably supporting the bottle in the sliding direction, and a notch 4 above which serves as a bottle insertion opening.
It has 8.

In the imaging case 2 holding the imaging unit configured as described above, in the operating position where it is housed in the main body l, the bin 42 at the end of the shaft 40 is located at the back of the main body side cam 43. The spring 37 prevents the cam 41 from rotating.

Therefore, only the elastic force of the spring 39 acts effectively on the slider 35, 35', and the cleaning unit 6 supported by the slider 36°35'' is positioned close to the photoconductor unit 4, which is the original operating position. That is, the cleaning unit 6 is pulled to the right in FIG. 3 by the spring 39 (reference position).

On the other hand, when the imaging case 2 is pulled out, the bin 42 at the end of the shaft rod 40 extending from the front and back of the imaging case 2
is removed from the cam 43 on the main body side, and the cam 41 receives the rotational force of the spring 37 and pushes the contact portion 34 of the slider 35, 35'. Since the spring force used is stronger in the spring 37 than in the spring 39, the slider 35 moves to the left in the figure, and as a result, by pulling the bins 44 and 44' of the cleaning unit 4, the cleaning unit 6 is separated from the photoreceptor unit 4.

Although only the cleaning unit 6 has been described above, the developing unit 5 can also be separated from the photoreceptor unit 4 by a similar mechanism when the image forming case 2 is pulled out.

In the above embodiment, in order to automatically separate the units set in the imaging case 2 when the imaging case 2 is pulled out from the main body 1, the position of the imaging case 2 is detected;
The sliding operation of a predetermined unit in response to the detection is performed by a combination of a plurality of cam mechanisms, but the present invention is not limited to such a cam mechanism, but can also be performed by other means, such as electric control at the position of the imaging case. It can also be realized by a combination of detection and an electromagnetic mechanism driven by it.

FIG. 7 shows a mechanism for attaching the transfer charger unit 8 to the image forming case. The transfer charger unit 8 includes a light charger 50 and a light charger holder 60.
Consisting of The light charger 50 includes a transfer charger section 5
2. Separate charger section 53, ribs 54 for smooth paper feeding
, an electrical connection portion 55 with the main body, and a handle 56. This light charger 50 includes a light charger holding body 6
It is detachably held at 0. Light charger holder 60
The image forming case 2 has rails 61 formed on both sides so that the light charger 60 can be slid into or pulled out from the front and held.
An engaging protrusion 64 having a hole 63 for a bottle holder is provided at the bottom of the lower part where the photoreceptor unit 4 is located. A bottle 6 is attached to one end of the light charger holder 60 at the back.
2 is provided, and when this pin 62 is engaged with the hole 63 of the engagement protrusion 64, the pin 62 is used as a rotation axis,
The light charger holder 60 is pivoted so as to be pivotable downward.

The front end 66 of the light charger holder 60 is bent into an L shape, and an elastic member 6 such as rubber or soft resin is attached to the end.
7 is attached to prevent the front end from colliding with and damaging the outer wall surface of the printer main body when the light charger holder 60 rotates downward. Further, a lock lever 70 having a handle 68 and an engaging portion 69 is rotatably coupled to the front end 66 of the light charger holder 60 via a pin 71.

A support member 62 for supporting the light charger holder 60 by engaging with the engaging portion 69 of the lock lever 70 is provided on the front side of the image forming case 2 .

In the above configuration, when replacing the unit or clearing paper jams, the image forming case 2 is pulled out from the printer main body l by pulling the handle 9 toward you as shown in FIG. Since predetermined units such as the cleaning unit 6 and the developing unit 6 are automatically moved away from the photoreceptor unit 4 according to the situation, there is more space between the units, making it easier to replace the units. In addition, when replacing each unit, the blades of adjacent units that are easily damaged, such as the photoconductor unit 4 and the cleaning unit 6, will not be damaged, and there will be less toner spilled from the cleaning unit 6 and the developing unit 5, and the replacement unit can be removed. Can be done.

Furthermore, even if toner spills from the lower opening of the photoconductor unit 4 setting position when the imaging case 2 is pulled out, the light charger is pulled out together with the imaging case 2 to catch the spilled toner. Since the toner serves to prevent the toner from spilling onto the floor from the opening when the image forming case 2 is pulled out.

In addition, even if toner spills from the cleaning unit or developing unit when the image forming case 2 is housed inside the printer main body l, the light charger 8
This prevents the inside of the main body from becoming contaminated.

When handling paper jams, etc., pull out the image forming case 2 from the printer main body l, and then pull the handle 68 toward you to disengage the lock lever 70. light weight charger 5
0 rotates downward around the bin 62 and leaves the photoreceptor unit 4, making it easy to clear paper jams.

Furthermore, when replacing the light charger 50 or collecting and discarding toner that has fallen and accumulated in the light charger, the light charger 50 can be taken out by pulling the handle 56.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, the photoreceptor unit and the transfer charger are attached to the same image forming case, move together when the image forming case is taken in and out, and their mutual positional relationship remains constant. , there is an advantage that the positional accuracy of the photoreceptor unit and the transfer charger can be easily achieved.

Further, since toner falling from the cleaning unit and the developing unit is received by the case of the transfer charger, toner staining inside the main body and toner spilling on the floor when the image forming case is pulled out can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the image forming case shown in FIG. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of a mechanism for separating the cleaning unit 6 from the photoreceptor unit 4 by pulling out the image forming case 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a mechanism for supporting the cleaning unit 6 on the image forming case 2, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a support portion of the bottle. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a mechanism for attaching the transfer charger unit to the image forming case. 1... Main body of the printer, 2... Imaging case, 3...
・Support guide rail, 4...Photoconductor unit, 5...
・Developing unit, 6...Cleaning unit, 7・
...Toner cartridge, 8...Transfer charger unit, 9...Handle, lO...Cover plate, 11.12...
・Paper feed cassette, 13...option, 14...mass paper feed unit, 15.16...paper output tray, 17.
...Display section, 18...Optional unit, 21...
- Optical writing unit, 22...Electrostatic charger, 23
...Registration roller, 26...Transport belt, 27.
...Fixing unit, 31...Slide hole, 32°32
'...Unit holding notch, 33.44.44
', 45.45'...Bin, 35...Slider,
36... Guide bin, 37, 39... Spring,
40... Shaft rod, 41. 43... Cam, 50... Light charger, 52... Transfer charger section, 53...
-Separate charger part, 54...rib, 55...electrical connection with main body, 56...handle, 60...light charger holder, 61...rail, 62...bin ,
63... Hole, 64... Engaging protrusion, 66... Front end, 67... Elastic member, 68... Handle, 69... Engaging portion, 70... Lock lever 171. ··bottle.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] Replacement unit holding means that is slidable relative to the machine body in order to removably accommodate the replacement unit and pull it out from the machine body integrally, and a lower part of the replacement unit holding means that opens downward. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer charger unit holding means which is coupled to the transfer charger unit so as to be able to slide back and forth.