KR20060026662A - Spacer between photosensitive medium and intermediate transfer belt, and method for safekeeping electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is to space the photosensitive medium of the photosensitive medium unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer belt unit, and to be fitted to the protrusion of the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, and to be placed on the upper end of the frame of the photosensitive medium unit. It provides a spacer member having a spacer portion which is placed and supported.

In addition, the present invention includes the steps of mounting a photosensitive medium unit inside the case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; Fitting spacer parts of the spacer to protrusion parts of the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit; And mounting the intermediate transfer belt unit equipped with the spacer inside the case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus such that the spacer of the spacer is placed on the upper end of the frame of the photosensitive medium unit. A storage method of a photographic image forming apparatus is provided.

Description

Spacer between photosensitive medium and intermediate transfer belt, and method for safekeeping electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same

1 is a front view showing a photosensitive medium unit and an intermediate transfer belt unit disposed in a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

3 is a perspective view illustrating a spacer and an intermediate transfer belt unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a front view illustrating a state in which the intermediate transfer belt unit in which the spacer of FIG. 3 is mounted, is placed on the photosensitive medium unit.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100 ... Electrophotographic image forming apparatus 105 ... Optical scanning unit

110 ... Photosensitive media unit 111 ... Photosensitive media

114 ... shock absorber 150 ... intermediate transfer belt unit

151 ... Medium Warrior Belt 160 ...

200 ... spacer 203 ... handle                 

205 ... insertion protrusion 210 ... spacer

The present invention relates to a spacer member spaced apart from the photosensitive medium unit and the intermediate transfer belt unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a method of storing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same.

In general, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is configured to form an electrostatic latent image by scanning light onto a photosensitive medium charged at a constant potential, and developing the electrostatic latent image with a toner as a developer using a developing machine, and transferring the resultant onto a paper. It refers to an apparatus for fixing a single color image or a color image.

An electrophotographic color image forming apparatus capable of printing a color image includes a light scanning unit for scanning light corresponding to image information, and a photosensitive medium on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by light scanned from the light scanning unit. A photosensitive medium unit and a toner of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors are respectively accommodated and transferred to an electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive member to develop a visible image. And an intermediate transfer belt unit including an intermediate transfer belt to which a visible image of the photosensitive medium is transferred.

1 is a front view showing a photosensitive medium unit and an intermediate transfer belt unit disposed in a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus.                         

Referring to FIG. 1, the photosensitive medium unit 10 is positioned below the intermediate transfer belt unit 20 in a case (not shown) of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. An intermediate transfer belt that moves in an upper outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive medium 11 rotatably installed in the frame 11 of the photosensitive medium unit 10 and inside the frame 21 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 20 for transferring a visible image. 25 are in contact with each other. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer belt unit 20 and the photosensitive medium unit 10 may collide or rub against each other.

Such collision and friction cause scratches or damage of the photosensitive medium unit 10 and the intermediate transfer belt unit 20. Therefore, the photosensitive medium unit 10 and the intermediate transfer belt unit 20 are electrophotographed. It was separated from the case of the anti-corrosive image forming apparatus and packed in a box, and transported. Accordingly, there is a problem that the volume of the packing box is increased, the logistics efficiency is reduced, and the logistics cost is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and a spacer for preventing a collision or friction between the two units even when the photosensitive medium unit and the intermediate transfer belt unit are mounted in a case of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an electron using the same. It is a technical problem to provide a storage method of a photographic image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, the present invention is to space the photosensitive medium of the photosensitive medium unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer belt unit,

The spacer member is inserted into the protrusion of the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit and has a spacer portion which is placed on and supported by the upper end of the frame of the photosensitive medium unit.

Preferably, the spacer member further includes an insertion protrusion inserted into the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, and the insertion protrusion may be configured to press the pulley supporting the intermediate transfer belt to relax the intermediate transfer belt.

Preferably, the spacer may further include a handle portion to be easily gripped by hand.

In addition, the present invention includes the steps of mounting a photosensitive medium unit inside the case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

Fitting spacer parts of the spacer to protrusion parts of the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit; And,

And mounting the intermediate transfer belt unit equipped with the spacer inside the case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus such that the spacer of the spacer is placed on the upper end of the frame of the photosensitive medium unit. A storage method of an image forming apparatus is provided.

Preferably, the spacer further comprises an insertion protrusion inserted into the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit,

The storage method of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes inserting the insertion protrusion into the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, and pressing the pulley supporting the intermediate transfer belt to relax the intermediate transfer belt. It may further include.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a storage member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a storage method of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a spacer and an intermediate transfer belt unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a spacer of FIG. Is a front view showing a state in which the intermediate transfer belt unit equipped with the above is placed on the photosensitive medium unit.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a photosensitive medium 111, a charging roller 115, a photoreceptor unit 105, A developing unit 160 including four developing devices 161C, 161M, 161Y, and 161K, and an intermediate transfer belt 151 are provided.

The photosensitive medium 111 is a photoconductive material layer formed on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical metal drum by vapor deposition or the like. The charging roller 115 is an example of a charger for charging the photosensitive medium 111 to a uniform potential. The charging roller 115 supplies electric charge while rotating in contact or non-contact state with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 so that the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 has a uniform potential. The photowangsa unit 105 is installed below the photosensitive medium 111, and forms an electrostatic latent image by scanning the light corresponding to the image information to the photosensitive medium 111 charged to have a uniform potential. Generally, the optical scanning unit 105 uses a laser scanning unit (LSU) using a laser diode as a light source.                     

The four developing units 161C, 161M, 161Y, and 161K of the developing unit 160 accommodate toners in solid powder tones of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) colors, respectively. Each of these toners is provided with developing rollers 162K, 162Y, 162M, and 162C, which transfer to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive medium 111 to form a visible image. The four developing devices 161C, 161M, 161Y, and 161K are installed such that the developing rollers 162K, 162Y, 162M, and 162C are spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 by the developing gap Dg. The development gap Dg is on the order of tens to hundreds of microns.

In the intermediate transfer belt 151, a visual image of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) colors sequentially formed on the photosensitive medium 111 is sequentially transferred and overlapped to form a color image. do. Typically, the length of the intermediate transfer belt 151 is equal to or at least longer than the length of the paper S to which the color toner image is finally transferred.

The transfer roller 171 is installed to face the intermediate transfer belt 151. The transfer roller 171 is spaced apart from the transfer belt 151 while the color transfer image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 151, and then transferred to the paper S when the intact color image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 151. In order to contact the intermediate transfer belt 151 at a predetermined pressure.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a pre-transfer eraser. The electrostatic transfer unit 107 removes the charge in the non-image area, which is an area where an image on the photosensitive medium 111 is not formed, before the visible image on the photosensitive medium 111 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 151. As a result, the transfer efficiency from the photosensitive medium 111 to the intermediate transfer belt 151 can be improved.                     

Reference numeral 117 denotes an antistatic lamp. The antistatic lamp 117 is an example of a static eliminator that removes electric charge remaining on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 in the pre-charging step. The antistatic lamp 117 irradiates a predetermined amount of light to the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 to remove charges remaining on the surface of the photosensitive medium 111.

Reference numeral 108 is a power supply. The power supply 108 transfers the toner from the developing units 161C, 161M, 161Y, and 161K to the photosensitive medium 111, and develops a developing bias for developing the toner image, the developing units 161C, 161M, 161Y, and 161K. From the first transfer bias and the intermediate transfer belt 151 for transferring the visible image from the photosensitive medium 111 to the intermediate transfer belt 151, to prevent the toner from adhering to the photosensitive medium 111). A second transfer bias for transferring the visible image onto the paper S and a charging bias provided to the charging roller 115 are provided.

The fixing unit 175 fixes the visible image transferred to the sheet S on the sheet S. FIG. The fixing unit 175 is configured such that the pair of rollers 176 and 177 rotate by engaging with each other at a predetermined pressure. The pair of rollers 176 and 177 are provided with heating means for heating the visible image. When the sheet S on which the visible image is transferred passes through the fixing unit 175, the visible image is fixed to the sheet S by heat and pressure, thereby completing printing of the image.

Reference numeral 180a denotes a first paper cassette, which is an example of a stacking means on which paper S is loaded. The loading means may include a second paper cassette 180b and a multi-purpose feeder 180c, which may be additionally mounted. The MPF 180c is mainly used for conveying OHP paper or non-standard paper S.                     

The feed roller 183 conveys the paper S drawn out from the paper cassettes 180a, 180b, 180c by the pickup rollers 181a, 181b, 181c. Reference numeral 185 denotes a discharge roller for discharging the paper S out of the housing 101. In the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2, the paper S for both sides printing, as well as the paper feed path 185 for guiding the paper S upward between the feed roller 183 and the fixing unit 175. It includes a duplex path (186) to guide the down.

The paper S having an image printed on one surface through the fixing unit 175 is discharged out of the housing 101 by the discharge roller 185. However, for double-sided printing, the discharge roller 185 is reversely rotated, and the paper S is conveyed along the reverse path 186. Then, the paper S is reversed so that the image can be printed on the side where the image is not printed, and the reversed paper S is conveyed through the paper feed path 185 by the feed roller 183 again. The image is printed on the other side.

The first cleaning device 119 scrapes off the waste toner remaining on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 without being transferred to the transfer belt 151 from the photosensitive medium 111. In addition, the second cleaning device 159 scrapes off the waste toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 151 without being transferred to the paper S from the intermediate transfer belt 151 to remove it. The waste toners removed by the first and second cleaning devices 119 and 159 are respectively accommodated in the waste toner storage containers (not shown) through a predetermined transport path (not shown).

Now, the image forming process of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 having such a configuration will be described.                     

The color image information is a mixture of information corresponding to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) colors, respectively. In this embodiment, the toner images of each color are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 151 in the order of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and then transferred to the paper (S). By fixing, a color image is formed.

The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 is charged to a uniform electric potential by the charging roller 115. When the optical signal corresponding to the image information of cyan (C) color is scanned by the optical fiber unit 105 on the rotating photosensitive medium 111, the portion where the light is scanned is reduced on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 with decreasing resistance. The attached charge is released. Therefore, a potential difference is generated between the portion where the light is scanned and the portion that is not, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111.

When the electrostatic latent image approaches the cyan developer 161C while the photosensitive medium 111 rotates, the developing roller 162C of the cyan developer 161C starts to rotate. The developing bias is applied from the power supply 108 to the developing roller 162C of the cyan developer 161C. Then, the development preventing bias is applied to the developing rollers 162M, 162Y, and 162K of the other developing devices 161M, 161Y, and 161K. Then, only the toner of the cyan (C) color is attached to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive medium 111 across the developing gap Dg to form a visible image of the cyan (C) color.

When the visible image of cyan (C) color approaches the intermediate transfer belt 151 by the rotation of the photosensitive medium 111, the first transfer bias or the contact pressure between the photosensitive medium 111 and the intermediate transfer belt 151 is visualized. The image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 151.                     

When the visible image of the cyan (C) color is completely transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 151, the visible image of the magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) color is also subjected to the above-described steps. It is formed to overlap.

The transfer roller 171 is spaced apart from the intermediate transfer belt 151 during the process. When the visible images of four colors are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 151 in a superimposed manner, and a color visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 151, the transfer roller 171 to transfer the color visible image to the paper S. ) And the intermediate transfer belt 151 are in contact with each other.

When the front end of the color visible image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 151 reaches the point where the intermediate transfer belt 151 and the transfer roller 171 come into contact with each other, the front end of the paper S transfers with the intermediate transfer belt 151. The paper S is supplied from the paper feed cassettes 180a, 180b, and 180c so as to reach the point where the roller 171 is in contact with. When the paper S passes between the intermediate transfer belt 151 and the transfer roller 171, the color visible image is transferred to the paper S by the second transfer bias, and subsequently by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 175. The color image formation is completed by fixing the color visible image to the paper S and discharging it.

For the next printing, the first and second cleaning devices 119 and 159 remove waste toner remaining in the photosensitive medium 111 and the intermediate transfer belt 151, respectively, and the antistatic lamp 117 is used as the photosensitive medium 111. ) To remove residual charge on the photosensitive medium 111.

The photosensitive medium 111 and the intermediate transfer belt 151 are consumables that have to be replaced when their respective service lifespan expires, and the case 101 is similar to the four developing devices 161C, 161M, 161Y, and 161K. Each unit is provided so that it can be easily removed. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photosensitive medium unit and the intermediate transfer belt unit are placed in the case of the image forming apparatus 100 even when the image forming apparatus 100 is packaged and transported or left unprinted for a long time. It can be stored without being separated from the 101, and does not cause damage to both units due to the inside of the case 101.

3 and 4, the photosensitive medium unit 110 may rotatably support the photosensitive medium 111 and surround the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive medium unit 110 so as to selectively expose the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive medium unit 110. The handle 113 is gripped by hand at the time of detachment or transportation. The upper end of the frame 112 is provided with a buffer projection 114 in contact with the intermediate transfer belt unit 150. The buffer protrusion 114 is for cushioning the shock applied to the photosensitive medium 111 when the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 is placed on the photosensitive medium unit 110 inside the case 101 (see FIG. 2). It is elastically supported by a spring (not shown). The buffer protrusions 114 are provided in pairs, one on both outer sides in the axial direction of the photosensitive medium 111.

The intermediate transfer belt unit 150 includes an intermediate transfer belt 151 and a frame 152 having an open lower side so that the intermediate transfer belt 151 faces the photosensitive medium 111. Inside the frame 152, a pair of main pulleys 157a and 157b for moving the intermediate transfer belt 151 and an intermediate transfer belt 151 between the main pulleys 157a and 157b. Sub pulleys 158a, 158b, 158c (see FIG. 2) are provided to support the non-relaxed. A pair of protrusions 153 are provided on both side surfaces of the frame 152. When the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 is mounted inside the case 101 (see FIG. 2) for image printing, the protrusion 153 is positioned to rest on the buffer protrusion 114 of the photosensitive medium unit 110. A pair of slits 154 are formed on both side surfaces of the frame 152, and the slits 154 are positioned one on both outer sides of the upper sub pulley 158a (see FIG. 2).

In the case 101 (see FIG. 2), the spacer 200 for maintaining the photosensitive medium unit 110 and the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 spaced apart from each other is a bent bar-shaped body 201. And a handle 203 and an insertion protrusion 205 provided at the upper end thereof, and a spacer part 210 provided at the lower end thereof.

The spacer portion 210 is fitted to the protrusion 153 of the intermediate transfer belt unit frame 152, and the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 is placed on the photosensitive medium unit 110 when the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 is placed on the photosensitive medium unit 110. The buffer protrusion 114 and the protrusion 153 are spaced apart by the bottom width t of the spacer portion 210.

The insertion protrusion 205 is inserted into the slit 154 of the intermediate transfer belt unit frame 152 and is dimensioned such that its tip 205a reaches the upper sub pulley 158a (see FIG. 2). The tip 205a of the insertion protrusion 205 is formed to be inclined obliquely. Accordingly, when the insertion protrusion 205 is inserted through the slit 154, the inclined tip 205a pushes the upper sub pulley 158a (see FIG. 2) downward to lower the upper sub pulley 158a. , The intermediate transfer belt 151 is relaxed. Since the upper sub pulley 158a is elastically supported by a spring (not shown), when the insertion protrusion 205 is removed, the upper sub pulley 158a is restored to its original position and the intermediate transfer belt 151 maintains tension again. On the other hand, the handle 203 is a portion that is gripped to facilitate the operation when mounting or separating the spacer member 200 in the intermediate transfer belt unit 150.

A method of storing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 using the spacer 200 is as follows. First, the photosensitive medium unit 110 is mounted inside the case 101 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus. In addition, the spacer 210 of the spacer 200 is fitted to the protrusion 153 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 150, and the spacer 200 is inserted into the slit 154. ) Is attached to the intermediate transfer belt unit (150). The spacer 200 is provided with a pair of one on both sides of the intermediate transfer belt unit 150. The mounting of the spacer 200 on the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 may be performed before the mounting of the photosensitive medium unit 110 inside the case 101 of the image forming apparatus. Next, the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 in which the spacer 200 is mounted is mounted in the case 101. Then, the spacer portion 210 of the spacer 200 is placed on the buffer protrusion 114 of the photosensitive medium unit 110 so that the photosensitive medium unit 110 and the intermediate transfer belt unit 150 do not directly contact each other. In addition, the photosensitive medium 111 and the intermediate transfer belt 151 are not in contact with each other.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

The storage member of the spacer and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention have the following effects.

First, even if the photosensitive medium unit and the intermediate transfer belt unit are left inside the case without being transported or image printed for a long time, friction or damage of both units does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the poor quality of the print image due to careless transportation or storage.

Second, since the image forming apparatus can be transported in a packaging box while the photosensitive medium unit and the intermediate transfer belt unit are mounted in a case, the size of the packaging box can be reduced. Therefore, the logistics efficiency is improved, and the logistics cost is reduced.

Third, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate transfer belt can be relaxed and tensioned at the time of printing during transportation or storage of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, permanent sagging of the intermediate transfer belt can be suppressed, and a good print image can be printed for a long time.

Claims (5)

By separating the photosensitive medium of the photosensitive medium unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer belt unit, Spacer member characterized in that it comprises a spacer portion which is fitted to the projection of the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, and is supported on the upper end of the frame of the photosensitive medium unit. According to claim 1, Further provided with an insertion protrusion inserted into the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, Spacer member characterized in that the insertion protrusion is configured to press the pulley for supporting the intermediate transfer belt to relax the intermediate transfer belt. According to claim 1, Spacer member characterized in that it further comprises a handle for easy grip by hand. Mounting a photosensitive medium unit inside a case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; Fitting spacer parts of the spacer to protrusion parts of the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit; And, And mounting the intermediate transfer belt unit equipped with the spacer inside the case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus such that the spacer of the spacer is placed on the upper end of the frame of the photosensitive medium unit. Storage method of the image forming apparatus. The method of claim 4, wherein The spacer further includes an insertion protrusion inserted into the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, And inserting the insertion protrusion into the frame of the intermediate transfer belt unit, and pressing the pulley supporting the intermediate transfer belt to relax the intermediate transfer belt. How to store the forming device.

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