WO2002101472A1

WO2002101472A1 - Print unit and toner cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2002101472A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/004765
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katsumi Sugimoto; Nobuo Kuwabara
Original assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-06-06
Filing date: 2001-06-06
Publication date: 2002-12-19

Abstract

In mounting a toner cartridge, the user or operator slides the toner cartridge on the unit main body. A pinion (62) on the toner cartridge side meshes with a rack (64) on the unit main body side. When the toner cartridge advances, the rotary motion of the pinions (62, 63) is converted into the linear motion of a rack (65). An open/close member (58) connected to the rack (65) is retracted from the opening (56) in the toner cartridge. Thus the opening (56) in the toner cartridge is opened. The toner is fed through the opening (56) to a photoconductor drum in the unit main body. Thus the simple slide movement of the toner cartridge results in realizing the open/close operation of the open/close member (58). The operator is freed from operation of the open/close member.

Description

Description Print Units and Tigers

The present invention relates to a unit main body, a developing drum which rotates around a central axis on the unit main body and forms an image based on a toner, and a longitudinal direction defined by a central axis of the developing drum connected to the unit main body. And a toner cartridge extending to the print unit. In particular, the present invention relates to a cartridge housing which extends in an arbitrary longitudinal direction to define a toner storage space and an opening communicating with the storage space, and an opening / closing opening / closing opening / closing opening supported by the force cartridge housing. And a toner cartridge having the same. Background art

Print units using a so-called toner cartridge are widely known. In this print unit, toner is supplied from a toner cartridge to a developing drum such as a photosensitive drum. The toner cartridge is detachably connected to a unit main body including the photosensitive drum. In such a print unit, the toner can be replenished simply by replacing the toner cartridge without replacing the photosensitive drum. The replacement of the toner cartridge is performed by a so-called user's hand. Therefore, it is desired to simplify the operation procedure when attaching and detaching the toner cartridge. In addition, it is desirable that the user's hand be kept clean when attaching and detaching the cartridge. The scattering of toner must be prevented. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a print unit and a toner cartridge that can open and close an opening / closing member without bothering a worker when attaching / detaching a toner cartridge. Aim. In addition, the present invention provides a printer that can reliably prevent toner from scattering when a toner cartridge is attached or detached. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cartridge unit and a toner cartridge.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect, a frame, a developing drum that rotates around a central axis on the frame and forms an image based on toner, and a longitudinal axis defined by the central axis of the developing drum And a cartridge extending in the longitudinal direction and sliding on the frame along the longitudinal direction, and a cartridge extending in the longitudinal direction in the toner cartridge and defining a toner storage space and an opening communicating with the storage space. A housing, an opening and closing member supported by the cartridge housing to open and close an opening, and a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force generated by the sliding operation of the toner force to the opening and closing member. Print unit is provided.

Generally, in a print unit, when the toner cartridge is separated from the frame, that is, the unit body, the opening of the cartridge housing is closed by an opening / closing member. Don't let the toner spill out of the storage space inside the cartridge housing. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the frame, the opening of the cartridge housing must be opened. If the opening is not opened in this way, the toner in the storage space cannot be supplied to the developing drum, for example.

In attaching and detaching the toner cartridge, a user, that is, an operator, slides the toner cartridge on the frame. A relative movement is caused between the frame and the toner cartridge. This relative movement generates driving energy, that is, driving force. The driving force thus generated is transmitted to the opening / closing member. That is, in this print unit, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member can be realized only by performing the sliding operation of the toner cartridge. The user, that is, the worker, does not need to perform the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member again after the installation of the toner cartridge or the removal of the toner cartridge. The operator is released from operating the opening / closing member. In this way, the operation procedure for attaching and detaching the toner can be simplified.

The driving force transmission mechanism includes, for example, a pinion that fits into a first rack that is arranged so as to be immovable relative to the frame and a second pinion that is fixed to an opening / closing member and moves on a cartridge housing in accordance with the rotation of the pinion. It is sufficient to have two racks. When the toner cartridge slides against the frame, the pinion rotates with respect to the fixed first rack. The pivots move relatively. That is, the pinion engaging with the first rack rotates. The rotation of the pinion can be converted to a linear movement of the second rack. If the second rack achieves a linear motion on the cartridge housing in this way, the opening / closing member can move relatively to the opening. Based on this movement, the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member can be realized.

In realizing the print unit as described above, according to the second invention, a cartridge housing extending in an arbitrary longitudinal direction to define a storage space for the toner and an opening communicating with the storage space, and an outer surface of the cartridge housing A slide guide formed on the predetermined fixing member along the longitudinal direction to cause a sliding operation of the force cartridge housing; an opening / closing member supported by the force cartridge housing to open and close an opening; A driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force generated by the sliding operation of the ridge housing to the opening / closing member is provided.

When such a toner cartridge is incorporated into, for example, any electrophotographic apparatus, a user or worker slides the toner cartridge into the electrophotographic apparatus. A relative movement occurs between the electrophotographic apparatus and the toner cartridge. This relative movement generates driving energy, that is, driving force. The generated driving force is transmitted to the opening / closing member. That is, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member can be realized only by performing the sliding operation of the toner cartridge. As before, the operator is released from operating the opening / closing member. Thus, the operation procedure for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge can be simplified.

The driving force transmission mechanism includes a pinion that at least partially protrudes the meshing teeth from the outer surface of the cartridge housing, and a rack that is coupled to the opening / closing member and converts the rotational driving force of the pinion into a linear driving force of the opening / closing member. Should be provided. When the relative movement between the toner cartridge and the electrophotographic apparatus is caused, the pinion can receive an arbitrary driving force based on the protruding engagement teeth. That is, the pinion rotates. The rotational movement of the pinion can be converted to a linear movement of the rack. If the rack achieves a linear motion on the force cartridge housing in this way, the opening / closing member can move relative to the opening. Based on this movement, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member can be realized. According to the third aspect, the unit main body, the developing drum that rotates around the central axis on the unit main body, and forms an image based on toner, are connected to the unit main body, and are defined by the central axis of the developing drum. A toner cartridge extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, a cartridge housing extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge and defining a toner storage space and an opening communicating with the storage space, and an opening supported by the cartridge housing to open and close the opening. A print unit, comprising: an opening / closing member that closes the opening; and an external force bar that moves from a retracted position that opens the opening to a covering position that covers the opening.

In general, even when the opening of the storage space is closed by an optional opening / closing member, adhesion of toner is observed around the opening. It is feared that such toner adhesion may stain the hands of workers. The attached toner may be scattered from the cartridge housing when the toner cartridge is attached or detached. For example, even if a toner cartridge is removed from the unit main body, scattering of the toner can be prevented if the external force bar covers the opening and its periphery. Therefore, the user, that is, the operator's hand can be reliably kept clean when the toner cartridge is attached or detached.

Such a print unit is connected to the outer cover and engages with a swing lever that swings between the first and second positions, and engages with the swing lever to control the linear movement of the toner cartridge. A drive cam for converting the swing motion into a swing motion may be further provided. In this print unit, the retracting position of the cover is established at the first position of the swing lever, and the covering position of the outer cover is established at the second position of the swing lever.

For example, when the toner cartridge is attached / detached, the toner cartridge can establish an arbitrary linear motion with respect to the unit body. That is, relative movement is caused between the toner cartridge and the unit body. Such relative movement can generate driving energy, that is, driving force. The drive cam causes the swing lever to swing based on the generated drive force. Therefore, the user, that is, the worker does not need to operate the external force bar again when attaching or detaching the toner cartridge. The operator is released from the operation of the external force bar. The work procedure does not become complicated despite the addition of the external force bar.

-In realizing the knit, according to the fourth invention, any A cartridge housing that extends in the longitudinal direction and defines a housing space for the toner and an opening communicating with the housing space, an opening / closing member that is supported by the force cartridge housing to open and close the opening, and covers the opening. An external force bar that moves from the covering position to a retracted position that opens the opening.

According to such a toner cartridge, even when the toner cartridge is handled independently, scattering of the toner can be prevented if the outer cover covers the opening and the periphery thereof. Therefore, the hands of the user, that is, the worker, can be surely kept clean.

The toner cartridge includes, for example, a slide guide formed on an outer surface of the force cartridge housing and causing a slide operation of the force cartridge housing on a predetermined fixing member along the longitudinal direction; A driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force generated by the sliding operation of the housing to the external force bar may be further provided.

When attaching or detaching the toner cartridge, a user, that is, an operator slides the toner cartridge on the fixing member. A relative movement is caused between the fixing member and the toner cartridge. This relative movement generates driving energy, that is, driving force. The driving force thus generated can be transmitted to the external force bar. That is, the movement of the external force bar can be realized only by performing the sliding operation of the toner force cartridge. As before, the operator is released from operating the external force bar. The work procedure is not complicated.

Moreover, in the toner cartridge as described above, an opening can be formed over the entire length of the storage space along the longitudinal direction. Even if such a large opening is formed, scattering of toner can be reliably prevented by the action of the external force bar. Once the large opening is established, toner can flow out of the cartridge housing over the entire length of the storage space. Therefore, the structure of the toner cartridge can be simplified. Generally, when the opening of the storage space is narrow, the toner must be collected toward the opening. For example, a skew-shaped agitate has been widely used for such gatherings.

Further, according to the fifth invention, a unit main body defining a toner supply chamber for receiving toner from the inlet is provided, and the toner supply unit is rotated around a central axis on the unit main body to supply toner. A developing drum that forms an image based on the toner supplied from the chamber; and a guide member that guides a sliding operation of the toner cartridge along a longitudinal direction defined by a central axis of the developing drum. A first guideway for maintaining the toner cartridge on a moving plane separated by a predetermined distance from the inlet, and a second guideway connected to the first guideway for moving the toner cartridge from the moving plane toward the inlet. There is provided a print unit characterized in that a guideway is defined.

When attaching or detaching the toner cartridge, a user, that is, an operator slides the toner cartridge on the guide member. At this time, if the toner cartridge is maintained on the moving plane, a sufficient interval can be secured between the toner cartridge and the introduction port. Therefore, the toner cartridge does not come into contact with the unit body. The toner cartridge can move smoothly. On the other hand, for example, when toner is supplied from the toner cartridge storage space to the toner supply chamber on the unit main body side, the toner guide can be brought as close as possible to the inlet port by the function of the second guide path. it can. Therefore, the toner flowing out of the opening of the storage space can surely flow into the toner supply chamber from the inlet. In particular, it is desirable that the above-described unit main body be used in combination with a toner cartridge having an outer cover that moves between the covering position and the retracted position as described above. According to such a print unit, the toner cartridge can be maintained on the moving plane during the movement of the external force bar. A sufficient space is secured between the toner cartridge and the unit. The outer cover can move smoothly without contacting the unit body.

The print unit and toner cartridge as described above can be used, for example, in a monochromatic laser printer, a color laser printer, a laser print fax machine, a copying machine, and other electrophotographic devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a color laser printer according to a specific example of the electrophotographic apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the color laser printer. FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the print unit. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge incorporated in the print unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the mechanism of the driving force transmission mechanism.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the state of the door plate positioned at the forefront position.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a state of the first pinion that starts to engage with the drive side rack.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a state of the door plate positioned at the rearmost position.

FIG. 9 is a partially cut perspective view of a unit main body incorporated in the print unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing the cut surface of FIG.

FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of a toner cartridge incorporated in a print unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view schematically showing the state of the driving force transmission mechanism connected to the external force bar. .

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view schematically showing a driving force transmission mechanism established when the outer cover is positioned at the covering position.

FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing a state of the first and second guide projections passing through the first guide recess when the toner cartridge is inserted into the unit main body. FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing a state of the first and second guide protrusions received in the first and second guide recesses.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the mutual relationship between the cam member and the swing lever when the swing lever is positioned at the second position.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a mutual relationship between the cam member and the swing lever when the swing lever is positioned at the first position. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a color laser printer 11 according to a specific example of an electrophotographic apparatus. The housing 12 of the color laser printer 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and has a housing body 12 a defining an accommodation space inside, and a housing body 12 a connected to the housing body 12 a. Opening / closing cover that opens and closes the opening on one side. The housing main body 12 a is installed on, for example, a paper cassette 13. The paper cassette 13 stores a print medium such as a plurality of print papers. A paper discharge tray 14 is formed on the upper surface of the housing body 12a. The print paper after printing is discharged from the paper discharge roller 15 toward the paper discharge receiver 14. Such a color laser printer 11 can be used by being connected to, for example, a computer terminal (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, the print units 16a to 16d of the machine 4 are installed in the accommodation space in the housing body 12a. The print units 16a to 16d may have the same structure. Each of the print units 16a to 16d includes a developing drum, that is, a photosensitive drum 18, which is incorporated in a frame, that is, a unit body 17, and rotates around a central axis. The central axes of the photosensitive drums 18 are arranged parallel to each other in one horizontal plane. The four photosensitive drums 18 can rotate in synchronization. The unit main body 17 is supported by an immovable support member 21 arranged in the accommodation space. The unit main body 17 can move on the support member 21 along a longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18, for example. The printing units 16a to 16d can be inserted into and removed from the housing body 12a based on such a movement, that is, a sliding operation. In this manner, the exchange of the print units 16 a to 16 d, that is, the exchange of the photosensitive drum 18 is realized. At the time of such replacement, the above-mentioned opening is opened at the opening position of the opening / closing cover 12b.

An elongated toner cartridge 22 extending in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18 is connected to the unit main body 17. Each toner cartridge 22 can move on the unit body 17 along a longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18, for example. The toner cartridge 22 can be inserted and removed with respect to the housing body 12a based on such a movement or sliding operation. You. Thus, the replacement of the toner cartridge 22 is realized. In addition, the photosensitive drum 18 is held in the accommodation space during such replacement. The toner cartridge 22 can be replaced alone. When such a toner cartridge 22 is replaced, the above-mentioned opening is opened at the opening position of the opening / closing cover 12b. In the color laser printer 11, cyan toner (:, magenta toner M, yellow toner Y, and black toner K are individually stored in the toner cartridges 22 of the print units 16a to 16d.

The optical unit 23 is fixed above the four print units 16a to 16d in the accommodation space in the housing body 12a. The optical unit 23 irradiates a laser beam individually to the cylindrical surface of each photosensitive drum 18 as is well known. The laser beam draws an electrostatic latent image on the cylindrical surface of each photosensitive drum 18. When the cylindrical surface is exposed by the laser beam in this way, the toner (:, M, Y, Κ) is supplied to each photosensitive drum 18 from the corresponding toner cartridge 22. The toner (:, Μ) of each color , Υ, Κ visualize the electrostatic latent image on the cylindrical surface of each photosensitive drum 18.

Further, in the accommodation space in the housing body 12a, the transfer unit 24 is arranged below the four print units 16a to 16d. The transfer unit 24 includes a front rotating roller 25 rotating around a central axis parallel to the central axis of each photosensitive drum 18, and a rotating unit 25 rotating around a central axis parallel to the central axis of the front rotating roller 25. And a side rotation roller 26. The intermediate transfer belt 27 circulating between the two rotating rollers 25 and 26 is wound around the front and rear i-law rotating rollers 25 and 26. The intermediate transfer belt 27 defines one horizontal plane from the front rotation roller 25 to the rear rotation roller 26.

Between the front and rear rotating rollers 25, 26, four primary transfer rollers 28, which face each photosensitive drum 18, are arranged. Each primary transfer roller 28 can rotate around a central axis parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. Moreover, each primary transfer roller 28 can move upward and downward along a vertical plane including the central axis of each rotating roller. As is apparent from FIG. 2, each primary transfer port roller 28 is pressed against the corresponding cylindrical surface of the photosensitive drum 18 at the upper limit position. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 27 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 18 and the primary transfer roller 28. When the front and rear rotating rollers 25 and 26 rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the four photosensitive drums 18, the toners C, M, Y, and の of each color drawn on the cylindrical surface of each photosensitive drum 18. Can be transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 27. Based on the toners C, M, and Y, for example, a multicolor visible image is drawn on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 27 that comes into contact with the four photosensitive drums 18 one after another. On the other hand, when each primary transfer roller 28 is positioned at the lower limit position, a predetermined space is created between the intermediate transfer belt 27 and the four photosensitive drums 18. When the intermediate transfer belt 27 is separated from each photosensitive drum 18 in this way, the print units 16a to 16d are inserted into and removed from the housing body 12a without contacting the intermediate transfer belt 27. be able to. The tension of the intermediate transfer belt 27 can be adjusted by, for example, the function of the tension roller 29.

The transfer unit 24 further includes a secondary transfer roller 31 facing the front rotating roller 25. The secondary transfer roller 31 sandwiches print paper between the secondary transfer roller 31 and the front rotation roller 25. When the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer roller 31 rotate synchronously, the multi-color on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is applied to the print paper passing between the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer roller 31. Is transferred. The secondary transfer roller 31 may be rotated around a central axis parallel to the central axis of the front rotating roller 25. A fixing unit 32 is further fixed above the front rotating roller 25 and the secondary transfer port roller 31 in the housing space in the housing body 12a. The fixing unit 32 includes a pair of heat rollers 33, 33 rotating around a central axis parallel to the central axes of the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer roller 31. The heat rollers 33, 33 sandwich the print paper fed from the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer roller 31. The heat of the heat rollers 33, 33 melts the toner (:, M, Y, Κ) on the print paper. As a result, the toner C, M, Y, Κ seeps into the print paper. , M, Y, and 可視 can be fixed on the surface of the print paper.The print paper sent out from the fixing unit 32 is guided toward the paper output roller 15.

Below the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer roller 31, a paper feed mechanism 34 is disposed. The paper feed mechanism 3 4 is preloaded one by one from the paper cassette 13. Pickup roller 35 that feeds out the transfer paper, and feed rollers 3 6 and 3 6 that feed the print paper delivered from the pickup roller 35 between the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer port 31. And The pickup opening roller 35 and the feed roller 36 may be rotated around a central axis parallel to the central axes of the front rotation roller 25 and the secondary transfer roller 31.

Here, the structure of the print unit 16a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. A toner supply chamber 41 for receiving the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 22 is defined in the unit body 1 #. The toner supply chamber 41 is elongated in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. The toner received in the toner supply chamber 41 is delivered to the cylindrical surface of the photosensitive drum 18 by the operation of the developer port 42. The toner uniformly adheres to the cylindrical surface of the developing roller 42 by the action of the developing blade 43. The toner that has failed to adhere to the photosensitive drum 18 is collected in the toner supply chamber 41 by the action of the collection roller 44. The developing port 42 and the collecting port 44 may be rotated about a central axis parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18.

The unit body 17 also incorporates a charging port roller 45 that rotates about a central axis parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. When the photosensitive drum 18 rotates, the cylindrical surface of the photosensitive drum 18 contacts the charging roller 45 prior to contact with the developing roller 42. The charging port 45 charges the cylindrical surface of the photosensitive drum 18. The laser beam emitted from the optical unit 23 establishes an electrostatic latent image on the charged cylindrical surface. The toner adheres to the cylindrical surface of the photosensitive drum 18 based on the electrostatic latent image thus established.

On the ceiling wall 41 a of the toner supply chamber 41, a pedestal 46 is formed to receive the toner force cartridge 22. The pedestal 46 includes first and second walls 46a and 46b that rise vertically from the upper surface of the ceiling wall 41a. The first and second walls 46 a and 46 b extend in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. A receiving space 47 for receiving the toner cartridge 22 is defined between the first and second walls 46 a and 46 b. The receiving space 47 is elongated in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18.

The toner cartridge 22 includes a cartridge housing 51 extending in the longitudinal direction and defining an elongated toner storage space 50. The cartridge housing 51 has toner power When the cartridge 22 is received by the pedestal 46, the slide guide or the first guide protruding piece 52 formed on the outer wall surface facing the first wall 46a of the pedestal 46 is also similar to the toner. When the carriage 22 is received by the pedestal 46, a slide guide, that is, a second guide projection 53 formed on the outer wall surface facing the second wall 46b of the pedestal 46 is formed. The first and second guide projections 52, 53 extend on one straight line in the longitudinal direction of the force cartridge housing 51, respectively. The first guide projection 52 is received in the first guide groove 54 formed in the first wall 46 a of the pedestal 46. Similarly, the second guide protrusion 53 is received in the second guide groove 55 formed in the second wall 46 b of the pedestal 46. The first and second guide projections 52, 53 and the first and second guide grooves 54, 55 work to fix the cartridge member 51 to the fixing member, ie, the unit body 17. Is performed.

As is apparent from FIG. 4, the bottom plate of the cartridge housing 51 is formed with an opening 56 that communicates with the toner storage space 50. When the toner cartridge 22 is received by the pedestal 46, the opening 56 faces the inlet 41 b formed in the ceiling wall 41 a of the toner supply chamber 41. The toner filled in the storage space 50 can be introduced into the toner supply chamber 41 through the opening 56 and the introduction port 41b.

An attachment member 57 is attached to the bottom plate of the cartridge housing 51. The mounting member 57 includes a flat plate 57a facing the bottom plate of the cartridge housing 51, and a pair of guide rails 57b, 57b rising from the flat plate 57a. The guide rails 57 b and 57 b extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 51.

An opening / closing member, that is, one door plate 58 is received on the flat plate 57a. The door plate 58 can be reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the force cartridge housing 51 while being guided by the guide rails 57 b and 57 b. Based on this reciprocation, the door plate 58 can open and close the opening 56 of the cartridge housing 51.

In the toner cartridge 22, as is known, a screw-type agitator (not shown) is incorporated in the toner storage space 50. The agitate rotates around a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing 51. Agitate spinning The toner in the storage space 50 can be gathered toward the opening 56 by the action of the screw blade. As shown in FIG. 4, a rotational driving force can be applied from the gear 59 protruding from the cartridge housing 51 as shown in FIG. The driving force transmission mechanism 61 for transmitting the driving force generated by the sliding operation of the toner cartridge 22 to the door plate 58 is incorporated in the toner cartridge 22 as described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the driving force transmission mechanism 61 includes first and second pinions 62 and 63 rotatably attached to the bottom plate of the cartridge housing 51. The pinions 62, 63 engage one another. The first pinion 62 partially projects the engagement teeth 62 a from the outer surface of the cartridge housing 51. When the toner cartridge 22 is received by the pedestal 46 on the unit body 17, the engaging teeth 62 a of the first pinion 62 are arranged so as not to move relative to the unit body 17. Engage with drive side rack 64. The drive side rack 64 extends in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18.

In the driving force transmission mechanism 61, the driven rack 65 is fixed to the door plate 58. The driven rack 65 is combined with the second pinion 63. The driven rack 65 extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 51. When the toner cartridge 22 realizes the sliding operation on the unit body 17, the driven rack 65 continues to be held in a position parallel to the driving rack 64.

Now, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 22 is incorporated into the housing body 12a independently. The unit body 17 of the print unit 16a is previously installed in the housing body 12a. The opening / closing cover 1 2b is maintained in the open position. Thus, the user, that is, the worker, can visually recognize the pedestal 46 on the unit body 17 and the receiving space 47 defined by the pedestal 46. At this time, in the transfer unit 24, all the primary transfer rollers 28 are positioned at the lower limit position.

In the toner cartridge 22, as shown in FIG. 6, the door plate 58 is positioned at the frontmost position. In this foremost position, the door plate 58 completely closes the opening 56 of the cartridge housing 51. Therefore, the toner does not spill out of the storage space 50 in the cartridge housing 51.

The toner cartridge 22 is inserted into the receiving space 47 in the base 46. Good. The operator moves the toner cartridge 22 in parallel with the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. The toner cartridge 22 is guided along the first and second walls 46 a and 46 b of the pedestal 46, and moves along the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. 7Slide on top.

When the front end of the opening 56 reaches the inlet 41b of the toner supply chamber 41, as shown in FIG. 7, the first pinion 62 starts to engage with the driving rack 64. When the first pinion 62 is engaged with the driving rack 64 in this way, the driving rack 64 generates a driving force for the first pinion 62 based on the sliding operation of the cartridge housing 51. The first pinion 62 rotates as the cartridge housing 51 moves.

The rotation driving force of the first pinion 62 is transmitted to the second pinions 6, 3. The second pinion 63 rotates. The rotational driving force of the second pieon 63 is converted into a linear driving force of the driven rack 65. The linear movement of the driven rack 65 causes the door 扳 58 to move. The door plate 58 starts to retreat from the opening 56 as the cartridge housing 51 moves by S. Openings 5 6 are gradually opened. As the opening 56 is opened, the toner in the storage space 50 flows into the toner supply chamber 41 in the unit main body 17.

When the setting of the toner cartridge 22 is completed, the door plate 58 is positioned at the rearmost position as shown in FIG. In this last retracted position, the door plate 58 fully opens the opening 56 of the cartridge housing 51. The opening 56 faces the inlet 41 b of the toner supply chamber 41. By simply inserting the toner cartridge 22 into the housing body 1 2a in this way, the toner chamber 22 on the side of the toner cartridge 22 and the toner supply chamber 41 on the unit body 17 are connected. Mutual connections can be established. The operator's hands are not bothered.

In the toner cartridge 22 described above, the linear driving force applied to the first pinion 62 from the driving rack 64 and the linear driving force generated by the driven rack 65 based on the second pinion 63 And are balanced. According to such a balance, the relative position between the driving side rack 64 and the driven side rack 65 can be maintained constant regardless of the movement of the cartridge housing 51. Therefore, the front end of the door plate 5 8 Can be held at the edge of the inlet 41 b regardless of the opening / closing operation of the opening 56.

Conversely, suppose that the toner cartridge 22 is detached from the housing main body 12a by the force alone while the unit main body 17 is held in the housing main body 12a. The open / close cover 1 2b is maintained in the open position as described above. The user, that is, the worker, can put his hand on the toner cartridge 22 through the opening of the housing body 12a. At this time, in the transfer unit 24, all the primary transfer rollers 28 are positioned at the lower limit position as described above.

The toner cartridge 22 is drawn out of the receiving space 47 in the pedestal 46. The toner cartridge 22 is guided along the first and second walls 46 a and 46 b of the pedestal 46, and along the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. Slide on the main unit 17. The driving rack 64 generates a driving force for the first pinion 62 based on the sliding operation of the force cartridge housing 51. The first pinion 62 rotates as the cartridge housing 51 moves. The first pinion 62 rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction described above.

The rotation driving force of the first pinion 62 is transmitted to the second pinion 63. The second pinion 63 rotates. The rotational driving force of the second pinion 63 is converted into a linear driving force of the driven rack 65. The linear movement of the driven rack 65 causes the door plate 58 to move. As the cartridge housing 51 moves, the door plate 58 starts to advance toward the opening 56 from the last retracted position (see FIG. 8). Openings 56 are gradually closed. As the openings 56 are closed, the toner supply is throttled.

When the contact between the opening 5 6 of the force cartridge housing 5 1 and the inlet 4 1 b of the toner supply chamber 4 1 is completely eliminated, as shown in FIG. It is positioned at the forefront position. In this foremost position, the door plate 58 completely closes the opening 56 of the cartridge housing 51. When the cartridge housing 51 further retreats, the engagement between the first pinion 62 and the drive side rack 64 is released (for example, see FIG. 6). The rotation of the first pinion 62 is stopped. The door plate 58 is kept at the frontmost position.

Then, remove the toner cartridge 2 2 completely from the housing body 1 2a. Then, the removal of the toner cartridge 22 is completed. In this way, the opening 56 of the cartridge housing 51 is closed only by pulling out the cartridge 22 from the housing main body 12a. The operator's hands are not bothered. When the opening 56 leading to the storage space 50 is closed by the door plate 58 in this way, toner does not spill out of the storage space 50 in the cartridge housing 51.

Next, the structure of the print unit 16a according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 9, in the unit main body 17, an inlet 41b is defined in the ceiling wall 41a of the toner supply chamber 41, as in the first embodiment. The inlet 41 b extends along the entire length of the toner supply chamber 41 along the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Referring also to FIG. 10, the first and second walls 46 a and 46 b of the pedestal 46 are arranged along the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18, and the toner cartridge 22 slides. It functions as a guide member for guiding the ride operation. The first and second guide grooves 54, 55 of the first and second walls 46a, 46b extend on one straight line parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18, respectively. These guide grooves 54, 55 are formed at entrances 54a, 55a formed at one end in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18, and at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Guide stops 54b and 55b.

As is clear from FIG. 10, the first and second guide grooves 54, 55 have first guide recesses 72, which are arranged adjacent to the entrances 54, 55, and guide stops. Second guide recesses 73 arranged adjacent to 54b are formed. The first and second alternative inner recesses 72, 73 fall at a specified depth from the first and second guide grooves 54, 55 toward the inlet 41b. The first and second guide recesses 72, 73 are parallel to the center axis of the photosensitive drum 18 at a position closer to the inlet 41b than the first and second guide grooves 54, 55. Is defined. At this time, the flat path of the second guide recess 73 is defined by a length L2 larger than the total length L1 of the first guide recess 72. The first and second guide grooves 54, 55 may be connected to the flat roads of the first and second guide recesses 72, 73 by, for example, a ramp. The distance between the first and second guide recesses 72, 73 formed in the first guide groove 54 is the first and second guide recesses 72, 73 formed in the second guide groove 55. It is set equal to the interval between the two guide recesses 72, 73.

At the entrance of the receiving space 47 defined between the first and second walls 46a and 46b, the driving force member 74 rises from the second wall 46b. The driving force member 74 may be formed integrally with the second wall 46b. A cam groove 75 is formed in the driving force member 74 so as to approach the second guide groove 55 toward the guide stop 55 b of the second guide groove 55.

As shown in FIG. 11, the toner cartridge 22 includes a cartridge housing 76 that extends in the longitudinal direction and defines an elongated toner storage space. An opening 77 is formed in the bottom plate of the power cartridge housing 76 to communicate with the storage space for the toner. The opening 77 extends along the entire length of the storage space along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 76. When the toner cartridge 22 is received by the pedestal 46, the opening 77 is opposed to the inlet 41b of the unit main body 17 over substantially the entire length of the storage space along the longitudinal direction. The toner filled in the storage space can be introduced into the toner supply chamber 41 through the opening 77 and the introduction port 41b.

In the cartridge housing 76, when the toner cartridge 22 is received by the pedestal 46, a pair of slide guides, i.e., first guide projections, is provided on the outer wall facing the first wall 46a of the pedestal 46. 78 a and 78 b are formed. The two first guide protrusions 78 a and 78 b are arranged on one straight line extending parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18 when the toner cartridge 22 is received on the pedestal 46. The distance between the first guide projections 7 8a and 7 8b is between the flat path of the first guide recess 72 divided by the first guide groove 54 and the flat path of the second inner recess 73. Is set equal to the interval measured in.

Similarly, in the cartridge housing 76, when the toner cartridge 22 is received by the pedestal 46, a pair of slide guides, ie, a second slide guide, is provided on the outer wall surface facing the second wall 46 b of the pedestal 46. Guide projections 79a and 79b are formed. The two second guide projections 79 and 7913 are arranged on one straight line extending parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18 when the toner cartridge 22 is received on the pedestal 46. The interval between the second guide projections 79a and 79b is determined by the distance between the flat path of the first guide recess 72 and the flat path of the second guide recess 73 divided by the second guide groove 55. Set equal to the measured interval.

Here, the first and second guide protrusions 78 a and 79 a on the distal end side are Along the longitudinal direction of the body 76, it extends with a first width Wl. The first width W1 is set to be larger than the overall length L1 of the above-described first guide recess 72, and is set to be smaller than the length L2 of the flat path of the second guide recess 73. On the other hand, the first and second guide projecting pieces 78 b and 79 b on the distal side extend in the second width W 2 along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 76. The second width W2 is set smaller than the length of the flat path of the first guide recess 72 described above.

The cartridge housing 76 supports an opening / closing member 81 that opens and closes an opening 77 that communicates with the storage space. The opening / closing member 81 is accommodated in the toner accommodating space. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 81 can be realized through rotation of an operation knob 82 attached to the distal end face of the cartridge housing 76. When the operation knob 82 is rotated, for example, in the forward direction, the opening / closing member 81 opens the opening 77. Conversely, when the operation knob 8 2 is rotated in the opposite direction, the opening / closing member 81 closes the opening 77.

An outer cover 83 that extends over the entire length of the cartridge housing 76 in its longitudinal direction is attached to the force cartridge housing 76. The external force bar 83 can move between a retracted position where the opening 77 is opened and a covering position where the opening 77 is covered.

As shown in FIG. 12, the external force bar 83 is rotatably supported around one rotation axis 84 extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge housing 76. A swing lever 86 that swings around a central axis 85 parallel to the rotation axis 84 is connected to the external force bar 83. The swing lever 86 has a drive arm 88 that extends while bending from the central shaft 85 and is connected at its tip to a support shaft 87 of the external force bar 83. When the drive arm 88 swings around the central axis 85, the outer cover 83 can rotate around the rotation axis 84. The drive arm 88 has a drive projection 89 that extends in a direction away from the central axis 85 on the body.

The swing lever 86 is provided with a bias for urging the drive lever 88 toward a first position for establishing a retracting position of the external force bar 83 and a second position for establishing a covering position of the outer cover 83. The power 9 1 is connected. The biasing spring 91 exerts a force in a direction in which a pair of tips 91a and 91a are separated from each other.

Now, as described above, the toner cartridge 22 is used alone as the housing body 12a. Assume a scene that is incorporated into In the toner cartridge 22, the opening / closing member 81 is positioned at the closed position. Opening 7 7 is closed. Therefore, the toner does not spill out of the storage space in the cartridge housing 76.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, the external force bar 83 is held at the covering position. The opening 77 and its surroundings are covered with an external force par 83. Even if the toner is attached near the opening 77, the scattering of the toner can be reliably prevented. The hands of the user, ie the worker, are not soiled. The biasing spring 91 exerts elasticity for holding the swing lever 86 in the second position. The external force bar 83 can be held in the covering position with high stability.

The toner cartridge 22 is inserted into the receiving space 47 in the pedestal 46. The entrances 54 and 55 of the first and second guide grooves 54 and 55 are provided with the first and second guide projections 78 and 79 at the distal end of the cartridge housing 76. Are approaching each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the first width W1 of the first and second guide projections 78a, 79a is divided into the first and second guide grooves 54, 55. The first and second guide projections 78 a and 79 a pass through the first guide recess 72 because the first guide recess 72 is set to be longer than the total length L 1 of the first guide recess 72. Thus, the first and second guide projections 78 a and 79 a move in the corresponding first and second guide grooves 54 and 55. The toner cartridge 22 is kept on a moving plane 92 separated from the inlet 41b by a predetermined distance. The moving plane 92 extends parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 18. Subsequently, the first and second guide projections 78a, 79a on the distal end enter the first and second guide grooves 54, 55 from the respective entrances 54a, 55a.

When the toner force cartridge 22 slides on the unit body 17 in this manner, the first and second guide projections 78a and 79a on the distal end enter the corresponding second guide recesses 73, respectively. At the same time, the first and second guide projections 78b, 79b on the distal end enter the corresponding first guide recesses 72, respectively. As a result, the toner cartridge 22 falls from the moving plane 92. The opening 77 of the cartridge housing 76 approaches the inlet 41b. As shown in FIG. 15, when the first and second guide projections 78 a and 79 a on the distal end are abutted against the corresponding guide stops 54 b and 55 b, the toner cartridge 22 is removed. The slide operation is stopped. First and second guide projections 7 8a, 78 b, 79 a, and 79 b are received on the flat roads of the first and second guide recesses 72, 73. The toner cartridge 22 is disposed on a close plane 93 parallel to the moving plane 92 and closer to the inlet 41b than the moving plane 92. The opening 77 of the cartridge housing 76 is opposed to the inlet 41b.

Before each of the first and second guide projections 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b reach the corresponding first and second guide recesses 72, 73, see FIG. As shown, the swing lever 86 of the toner cartridge 22 engages the driving force member 74. The drive projection 89 of the swing lever 86 enters the cam groove 75. Subsequently, when the toner cartridge 22 slides on the moving plane 92 described above, the cam groove 75 forcibly pushes down the driving projection 89. The drive arm 88 swings forward around the central axis 85 against the elasticity of the biasing spring 91. In this way, the linear motion of the toner 22 is converted into the rocking motion of the rocking lever 86.

When the toner cartridge 22 further slides, the drive projection 89 reaches the lowermost end of the cam groove 75 as shown in FIG. The swing lever 86 reaches the first position. When the swing lever 86 reaches the first position in this way, the external force bar 83 is positioned at the retracted position. Thus the opening of the power cartridge housing 7 6 ^ 7 cover at ^ 7

83 The cover of 3 is removed. The swing lever 86 has a function of transmitting the driving force generated by the sliding operation of the cartridge housing 76 to the external force bar 83.

Thereafter, the operation knob 82 is rotated in the forward direction. The opening / closing member 81 retreats from the opening 77. The opening 77 of the cartridge housing 76 is opened. The toner in the storage space flows into the toner supply chamber 41 through the opening 77 and the inlet 41b.

During the movement of the external force bar 83, the toner cartridge 22 continues to be maintained on the movement plane 92 separated by a predetermined distance from the introduction port 4lb. A sufficient space is secured between the toner cartridge 22 and the ceiling wall 41a. Therefore, the external force bar 83 can move smoothly without contacting the unit body 17.

Conversely, assume that the toner cartridge 22 is detached from the housing body 12a alone while the unit body 17 is held in the housing body 12a. The open / close cover 1 2b is maintained in the open position as described above. The user, or the operator, places a hand on the toner cartridge 22 through the opening of the housing body 12a. Can be At this time, in the transfer unit 24, all the primary transfer rollers 28 are positioned at the lower limit position as described above.

First, the operator rotates the operation knob 82 in the reverse direction. The opening / closing member 81 closes the opening 77. As a result, the flow of toner from the storage space of the force cartridge housing 76 to the toner supply chamber 41 is cut off.

The toner cartridge 22 is drawn out of the receiving space 47 in the pedestal 46. The first and second guide projections 78a, 78b, 79a, and 79b extend from the first and second guide recesses 72, 73 to the first and second guide grooves 54, 55. break away. The toner cartridge 22 rises from the proximity plane 93 to the movement plane 92. The opening 77 of the cartridge housing 76 is kept away from the inlet 41b of the toner supply chamber 41, that is, the ceiling wall 41a. Thereafter, the toner cartridge 22 may be completely pulled out of the housing body 12a. The sliding operation of the toner cartridge 22 is guided by the first and second guide grooves 54, 55.

When the toner cartridge 22 moves on the moving plane 92 described above, the drive projection 89 of the swing lever 86 gradually moves from the lowermost end of the cam groove 75 as shown in FIG. Follow the cam groove 7 5 The cam groove 75 forcibly pushes up the driving projection 89 according to the sliding operation of the toner cartridge 22. The drive arm 88 swings in the opposite direction around the central axis 85 against the elasticity of the biasing spring 91. In this way, the linear motion of the toner cartridge 22 is converted into the oscillating motion of the oscillating lever 86.

When the toner cartridge 22 further slides, the driving projection 89 reaches the uppermost end of the cam groove 75 as shown in FIG. The swing lever 86 reaches the second position. When the swing lever 86 reaches the second position in this way, the outer cover 83 is positioned at the covering position. Thus, the opening 77 of the cartridge housing 76 and its surroundings are covered with the external force bar 83. Thereafter, even if the toner cartridge 22 is completely pulled out from the housing main body 12a, the scattering of the toner can be reliably prevented. The hands of the user, i.e. the worker, are not soiled. The biasing spring 91 exerts elasticity for holding the swing lever 86 in the second position. The outer cover 83 can be held in the covering position with high stability.

In the toner cartridge 22 as described above, the unit main body 17 is separated. In this case, the opening 77 of the storage space and its surroundings can always be covered with the outer cover 83. Therefore, even if the opening 77 of the storage space is pierced over the entire length of the cartridge housing 76, the scattering of the toner can be reliably prevented. In general, when only one opening / closing member is used for opening / closing the opening 77, toner adheres around the opening 77 even when the opening / closing member closes the opening 77. Moreover, if a large opening 77 can be secured in this way, there is no need to install a so-called agitator in the power cartridge housing 76. The simplification of the structure of the toner cartridge 22 can be realized.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A frame, a developing drum that rotates about a central axis on the frame and forms an image based on toner, and a longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the developing drum, and a frame extends along the longitudinal direction. A toner cartridge that slides upward, a cartridge housing that extends in the longitudinal direction within the toner cartridge, and that defines a toner storage space and an opening that communicates with the storage space; and an opening supported by the power cartridge housing. And a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a driving force generated by a sliding operation of the toner cartridge to the opening / closing member.

2. The print unit according to claim 1, wherein the driving force transmission mechanism is fixed to the opening / closing member with a pinion that engages with a first rack that is arranged so as to be relatively immovable with respect to the frame. And a second rack that moves on the cartridge housing in accordance with the rotation of the pinion.

3. A cartridge housing extending in an arbitrary longitudinal direction and defining a toner storage space and an opening communicating with the storage space, and a predetermined fixing member formed on an outer surface of the cartridge housing and extending along the longitudinal direction. A slide guide that causes the cartridge housing to slide, an opening / closing member that is supported by the cartridge housing to open and close the opening, and a driving force generated by the sliding operation of the force cartridge housing are transmitted to the opening / closing member. And a driving force transmitting mechanism.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the driving force transmission mechanism is coupled to a pinion that at least partially protrudes a mating tooth from an outer surface of the cartridge housing, and the opening / closing member. And a rack for converting a rotational driving force of the pinion into a linear driving force of the opening / closing member.

5. Rotate around the central axis on the unit body and the toner A toner cartridge connected to the unit body and extending in the longitudinal direction defined by the central axis of the developing drum; and a toner storage space extending in the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction and extending in the longitudinal direction. A force cartridge housing that defines an opening communicating with the storage space; an opening / closing member that is supported by the cartridge housing to open and close the opening; and an outer member that moves from a retracted position that opens the opening to a covering position that covers the opening. A print unit comprising a cover.

6. The print unit according to claim 7, wherein the toner cartridge is connected to the outer cover and swings between the first and second positions and engages with the swing lever to form the toner cartridge. And a drive cam for converting the linear motion of the swing lever into a swinging revolving motion of the swing lever. A retracting position of the outer cover is established at the first position of the swing lever, and an external force is applied at the second position of the swing lever. A print unit characterized by the fact that the bar coating position is established.

7. A cartridge housing that extends in an arbitrary longitudinal direction to define a toner storage space and an opening that communicates with the storage space, an opening / closing member that is supported by the cartridge housing to open and close the opening, and covers the opening. An outer cover that moves from a covering position to a retracted position that opens an opening.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the slide is formed on an outer surface of the force cartridge housing and causes the force cartridge housing to slide on a predetermined fixing member along the longitudinal direction. A toner power cartridge comprising: a guide; and a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a driving force generated by a sliding operation of a cartridge housing to an outer cover.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the opening extends along the entire length of the storage space along the longitudinal direction.

10. A unit body that defines a toner supply chamber that receives toner from the inlet, a developing drum that rotates around the central axis on the unit body and forms an image based on toner supplied from the toner supply chamber, and a developing unit. A guide member for guiding the sliding operation of the toner cartridge along the longitudinal direction defined by the center axis of the drum, and the guide member maintains the toner cartridge on a moving plane separated from the inlet by a predetermined distance. And a second guide path connected to the first guide path and allowing the toner cartridge to approach from the moving plane toward the inlet.

11. The print unit according to claim 10, wherein the toner cartridge is moved between a covering position covering an opening communicating with the toner storage space and a retracting position opening the opening. A print unit to which an external force bar is attached.

12. The print unit according to claim 11, wherein the print lever is connected to an external force bar and swings between a first position and a second position, and engages with a swing lever. A drive cam for converting a linear movement of the toner cartridge into a swing movement of the swing lever, wherein a retracting position of the external force bar is established at the first position of the swing lever, and at a second position of the swing lever. A printing unit characterized in that a covering position of an external force bar is established.

13. The print unit according to claim 12, wherein the opening extends over the entire length of the storage space along the longitudinal direction.

14. The print unit according to claim 11, wherein the toner cartridge further includes an opening / closing member disposed in the storage space to open and close the opening.

15. The print unit according to claim 14, further comprising: a swing lever coupled to the external force bar and swinging between the first and second positions; A driving cam for converting the linear movement of the force cartridge into the oscillating movement of the oscillating lever, wherein the retracted position of the outer cover is established at the first position of the oscillating lever; The print unit is characterized in that the outer cover position is established at the two positions.

16. The print unit according to claim 15, wherein the opening extends over the entire length of the storage space along the longitudinal direction.