JPH04107258U - process unit - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] The cover member that covers the opening of a new process unit is installed when it is not in use, such as when it is transported after leaving the factory, and is removed when it is used. Prevents erroneous operation such as activation. [Structure] A new process unit 1 includes a cover member 9 made of an insulating material when not in use until it is attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus and operated. The cover member 9 is interposed between the connector 13, which is a detection member on the main body side, and the toner concentration sensor 8, which is a detection member on the process unit side, to prevent electrical conduction, and the A seal member on one end of the bifurcated shape 9a is inserted into the gap between the developing sleeve 4 and the doctor blade 5, the B seal member 9b is inserted into the gap between the developing sleeve 4 and the developer casing 6, and the handle part 9c on the other end side.
is locked to the locking part 10. Even if the process unit 1 is attached to the apparatus main body without removing the cover member 9, it is detected that the process unit 1 is not attached, and the image forming apparatus does not operate.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This invention is an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer using electrophotographic technology. Regarding process units that can be attached and detached, especially when new units are installed and operated. A process unit that has a member that covers the opening of the unit when not in use until the related.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, members involved in image formation were integrally configured as one unit, and the upper body and An electrophotographic copying machine with a shell structure that allows the lower body to be opened and closed, using electrophotographic technology. It can be attached to and detached from an image forming device such as a printer, and it can also be attached to or removed from an image forming device such as a printer. A system is known in which the unit is replaced with a new unit.

0003 FIG. 5 shows a conventional process unit 31 as described above. process unit The inside of the developer tank 36d of No. 31 is filled with a developer 36c necessary for image formation. . The process unit 31 is a consumable item, and is discarded after a predetermined lifespan. It will be replaced with a process unit. For this reason, the process unit 31 is The product will be shipped from the factory after packaging and sold, but there may be some shaking during transportation to the retailer, etc. The developer 36c is released into the gap between the developing sleeve 34 and the casing 36, and the developing sleeve 36c. Overflowing from the gap between the blade 34 and the doctor blade 35 as shown by arrows A and B, respectively. The process unit 31 will be contaminated. Also, at this time, if the developer 36c is less than a predetermined amount, This may result in a loss of image quality.

0004 Therefore, in order to prevent this developer from overflowing, the developer is prevented from flowing into the gap. Another method is to set the seal member 39. This state is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure As shown, the A seal 39a and B seal 39b of the two members of the seal member 39 are It is inserted into the gap to prevent the developer 36c from overflowing. developer 36c When using the process unit 36 in which the above method is adopted to prevent leakage, the user After unpacking, pull out the seal member 39 in the direction of arrow C to completely remove the process unit. It was necessary to remove it from 31.

[0005] In addition to preventing the developer from flowing out, the protective sheet is also coated with light-shielding properties (not shown). For example, a black film sheet) is mounted so as to cover the exposed peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 46. It is also possible to protect the photoreceptor drum 46 from fatigue caused by exposure. It is being said. In addition, these seal members or protective sheets should be used to prevent the developer from flowing out. Some products have both the functions of drum protection and drum protection.

[0006]

[Problems with conventional technology]

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of how to attach the process unit 31 to the image forming apparatus main body 45. shows. Here, the process unit 31 controls the toner concentration in the developer 36c. A developer sensor 38 is provided to control the amount of developer 36c or to detect the amount of developer 36c. The process unit is connected to the apparatus main body 45 using the developer sensor 38. When the seat 31 is attached, a circuit (not shown) detects its electrical continuity, and the A configuration was adopted in which detection of whether or not the access unit 31 is set is simultaneously performed.

[0007] The device main body 45 includes a control circuit (not shown) provided inside the device main body 45 and a conductive circuit at the bottom. A spring-like contact portion 44a is provided for connecting to a toner concentration sensor 38 using a material. A connector 44 is provided to connect the developer sensor 38 and the connector 44. are electrically connected. This state is shown in FIG.

[0008] In this state, electrical continuity is established between the developer sensor 38 and the connector 44. Therefore, the process unit 31 is detected to be installed in the device main body 45, Image formation becomes possible. However, the above-mentioned seal member 39 is not connected to the process unit 31. The image forming device will be able to operate even if it is not removed, so if you forget to remove it When this happens, the rotation E of the photoreceptor drum 46, the rotation F of the developing sleeve 34, and even the stirring The sealing member 39 is caught inside by the rotation G of the agitation roll 33, and the There is a problem that the process unit 31 or the device main body 45 may be damaged. there were.

[0009]

[Purpose of invention]

In view of the above-mentioned problems, this invention was developed to prevent unused process units from being transported after shipment from the factory. It is installed over the opening of the unit to be installed and removed when in use. Erroneous operation of operating the image forming device without removing the cover member A process that can prevent damage to the process unit itself or the equipment itself. The purpose is to provide units.

0010

[Key points of the idea]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is designed to be able to be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The presence or absence of attachment to the device main body is detected by a detection member provided on the device main body. The part to be detected and the opening in the unit that is installed when not in use and removed when in use. In the process unit having a cover member that covers the When the cover member is attached to the main body of the device with the cover member attached, the cover member At least a part of the detected member is covered and the detection member is interposed between the detected member and the detected member. It is characterized by being equipped with

[0011]

【Example】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 shows an outline of an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a process unit according to the present invention. It is a schematic overall configuration diagram.

0012 In the figure, the image forming apparatus P has an upper body UB hinged to a lower body DB. It is rotatably provided in the section H, and a photosensitive member is provided at approximately the center of the main body 15 of the image forming apparatus P. A body drum 16 is rotatably supported and driven to rotate at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow. . Near the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor drum 16, along the rotation direction, there is a A charger 17 that uniformly charges the surface to a predetermined polarity, a charger 17 that uniformly charges the surface to a predetermined polarity, A print head 18 that irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor drum 16 with an optical signal to form an electrostatic latent image. , a developing device 19 that supplies toner to the formed electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and a toner The transfer device 20 transfers the image to the transfer paper T, and after the transfer, the image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 16 without being transferred. A cleaner 21 that removes remaining toner, and a waste toner that stores the removed waste toner. - Container 22, etc. are arranged, and the developing device 19, photosensitive drum 16, charger 1 7. The cleaner 21 is integrated as the process unit 1.

[0013] Further, in the transport path of the transfer paper T, a paper feed cassette 23 loaded with the transfer paper T is provided. , a paper feed roller 24 that transports the transfer paper T from the paper feed cassette 23, a transport paper T that is transported a guide plate 25 for guiding the toner image on the transfer paper T after transfer, A loading device 26, a paper ejection roller 27 that ejects the transfer paper T to the outside of the machine, and a stack of the ejected transfer paper T. A paper discharge section 28 and the like for loading the paper are provided.

[0014] The process unit 1 has a so-called shell open structure with an open upper body UB. After being removably attached to a predetermined position in the main body 15 of the device, the so-called shell It is used with the transfer paper T closed, and the number of sheets recorded on the transfer paper T reaches a certain number of sheets. With the arrival of life, it is replaced with something new. Therefore, the process unit Detects whether or not the device 1 is attached to a predetermined position in the device main body 15 and notifies the user. Therefore, a detection section is provided. That is, there is a conventional detection member on the device main body 15 side. A connector 13 having a spring-like contact portion 13a similar to that shown in FIG. The detected member on the side of the storage unit 1 is provided in the developing device casing 6, which will be described later. A toner concentration sensor 8 made of a conductive material is provided at the bottom.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a process unit 1 (two-component developer type) of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the configuration. The process unit 1 includes a toner supply roll 2, an agitation roll 3, and a developing slider. A developer casing 6 having a blade 4, a doctor blade 5, etc., and the above-mentioned sensor inside. a photoreceptor casing 7 having a photoreceptor drum 16, a charger 17, a cleaner 21, etc.; It is equipped with a toner concentration sensor 8 and a cover member 9, and is connected to the developer casing 6. It is integrally connected to the light body casing 7.

[0016] The developer casing 6 includes an upper toner tank 6b containing toner 6a and a developer. 6c is formed, and the photosensitive drum 16 at the bottom of the developer tank 6d is An opening 6e is provided in the opposing portion. In addition, the transfer of the photoreceptor casing 7 An opening 7e is provided in a portion facing the container 20 (see FIG. 4), and from the opening 7e A portion of the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 16 is exposed.

[0017] The toner supply roll 2 is rotatably installed in a communication portion between the toner tank 6b and the developer tank 6d. The toner 6a is replenished to the lower developer tank 6d. The stirring roll 3 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the developer tank 6d, and stirs the developer 6c. to make it even.

[0018] The developing sleeve 4 includes a magnet roll 4a and is attached to the developing device casing. It is rotatably provided at a position facing the opening 6e of 6 with a part of its circumferential surface exposed, The developer 6c uniformly stirred by the stirring roll 3 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 16.

[0019] The doctor blade 5 is placed at a predetermined gap with respect to the circumferential surface of the developing sleeve 4. It is fixed to the upper edge of the opening 6e of the imager casing 6, and is attached to the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 4. The thickness of the developer carried on the surface is regulated to a certain level.

[0020] The toner concentration sensor 8 provided in the developer casing 6 outside the developer tank 6d is , detects the toner concentration in the developer 6c, and when the toner concentration decreases, an electric circuit (not shown) is activated. A toner replenishment signal is output via the toner replenishment roll 2 to rotate the toner replenishment roll 2 by a certain amount. The toner 6a is supplied to the developer tank 6d, and the toner concentration in the developer 6c is kept within a certain range. to control.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the cover member 9 is used when the new process unit 1 is shipped from the factory. After that, it is delivered to the user, and until it is installed in the device main body 15 of the image forming device P and operated. When the developer 6c is not in use, the developer 6c is installed in the process unit 1 and flows through the opening 6e. Developer leak prevention part that prevents developer leakage and is removed when using process unit 1 It is a material. As shown in the figure, one end inserted into the process unit 1 has a bifurcated shape. The A-seal member 9a connects the developing sleeve 4 and the doctor blade in the opening 6e. The B seal member 9b is inserted into the gap formed by the radar 5, and the B seal member 9b is inserted into the gap formed by the opening 6e. It is inserted into the gap formed between the sleeve 4 and the developer casing 6, and the handle on the other end side The portion 9c extends to cover the toner concentration sensor 8 and is connected to the developer casing 6 (for example, the toner density sensor 8). It is lightly secured to the locking portion 10 of the outer wall of the fuel tank 6b with double-sided tape. Cover part To remove the material 9 from the process unit 1, peel off the handle 9 in the direction of arrow H. This is done by pulling it out from the opening 6e.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cover member 9. One end is bifurcated as shown. Among the side members, the B series is inserted into the gap between the developing sleeve 4 and the developer casing 6. The tip of the roll member 9b is formed by sandwiching the sponge 9d and folding it back to reduce the thickness. It's because of me. Also, the length from the tip of the bifurcated shape to the tip of the handle portion 9c on the other end side is , is pulled out from inside the developer tank 6d to the outside of the process unit 1 through the opening 6e. A sufficient length is provided to cover the toner concentration sensor 8 and reach the locking portion 10. ing. Further, the process unit 1 may be processed while the cover member 9 is attached to the process unit 1. When the unit 1 is attached to the main body 15 of the apparatus, the toner concentration sensor, which is the detected member, The electrical connection between the sensor 8 and the connector 13 (see the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1), which is the detection member described above, is To prevent gas conduction, an insulating material such as PET film is used as the material.

[0023] The operation of the above configuration will be explained. In the assembly process at the factory, the cover member 9 is attached to the process unit as shown in FIG. In other words, the A seal member 9a is attached to the developing sleeve 4 and the doctor blade. Insert the B seal member 9b into the gap formed by the developer sleeve 4 and the developer case. The process unit is inserted into the gap formed between the process unit The toner concentration sensor 8 is pulled out to the outside of the toner concentration sensor 1, and the handle portion 9c is engaged with the toner concentration sensor 8. It is attached to the stopper 10 and shipped. At this time, the entire opening 6e is sealed with the cover member 9. Even if the new process unit 1 is subjected to vibration during transportation, etc., The cover member 9 prevents the developer material 6c from flowing out through the opening 6e.

[0024] The process unit 1 is delivered to the user and the cover member 9 is temporarily removed for use. Even if the process unit 1 is attached to the device main body 15 without removing it, the connector 13 and A cover member 9 made of an insulating material is interposed between the toner concentration sensor 8 and the toner concentration sensor 8. Therefore, even though electrical continuity is blocked and process unit 1 is installed It is detected that it is not attached. Therefore, the user must install the process unit 1 into the device main body 15. Since the image forming apparatus P does not operate even though it is attached, it is necessary to remove the cover member 9. I realized that I had forgotten to remove it, so I removed the cover member 9 again and started the process on the main body 15 of the device. Reinstall unit 1. Thereafter, normal image formation is performed.

[0025] Since the first embodiment is configured as described above, the process unit 1 is The developer 6c is prevented from flowing out from the opening 6e during transportation after shipment from the factory. , contamination of the process unit and its surroundings by the leaked developer 6c is prevented. . Also, the process unit 1 may be installed in the apparatus main body 15 without removing the cover member 9. Even if an erroneous operation such as activating the image forming apparatus P is performed, the main body 15 of the apparatus The process of the sealing member that does not operate and therefore had the conventional process unit. Effectively prevents damage to the process unit and equipment body due to entanglement inside the unit. effectively prevent it.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a process unit 1' (two-component developer method) which is a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a side sectional view showing the composition of formula). Below, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. Duplicate explanations of the same members will be omitted.

[0027] The process unit 1' includes a cover for preventing the developer from flowing out in the first embodiment. A sheet member 11 for protecting the exposed peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 16 is attached to the member 9. A cover member 9' is provided. The sheet member 11 is attached to the opening of the drum case 7. The photosensitive drum 16, which is provided with a part of its circumferential surface exposed from 7e, is This was established as a protective measure against fatigue caused by exposure to light during transportation, etc., and is a professional This is a member that is removed when using the processing unit 1'. The exposed circumferential surface of the frame 16 is covered with one end 11a fixed to the cover member 9 and the other end 11b fixed to the cover member 9. A black film sheet is secured to the retaining portion 12 of the drum case 7 with double-sided tape or the like. It is a member that has light blocking properties such as. In other words, the cover member 9' of the second embodiment is It has both functions of preventing developer leakage and protecting the photoreceptor drum.

[0028] Since the second embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, the process unit 1' is The developer 6c is prevented from flowing out through the opening 6e during transportation after shipment from the factory. At the same time, fatigue protection of the photoreceptor drum 16 is also achieved, and as in the first embodiment, Damage to the process unit and equipment body due to incorrect operation is effectively prevented. .

[0029] In addition, in the above embodiment, the toner concentration sensor 8 is shown as an example of the member to be detected. However, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of developer may also be used, or a process unit may be used as the detection part. A detection unit dedicated to detecting whether knitwear is attached (e.g., a process unit) Optical detection unit with a reflective plate on the side and a reflective photosensor on the main body side. this In this case, the cover member covering the detected member is not an insulating material but a light shielding material. ) may be used as stomach.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned process units, but also applies to photoconductor drums, for example. A drum unit that integrates a cleaner and a charger, and a developer unit that integrates only the developer section. It can also be applied to imager units. Furthermore, the present invention is designed to be able to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. cover the opening of the unit during transportation after leaving the factory. The unit is equipped with a protective member that is attached as shown in the figure and is removed during use. This eliminates the inconvenience caused by erroneous operation of the device being activated while it is equipped. Therefore, the protective member is not only used to prevent developer leakage, but also to protect the photoreceptor drum. It may be something that protects the user, or it may be something that has both functions.

[0031]

[Effect of the idea] As detailed above, according to the present invention, when the process unit is transported after being shipped from the factory, etc. When not in use, it is installed to cover the opening and removed when in use. Misoperation such as operating the image forming apparatus without removing the cover member may occur. This prevents accidental damage to the process unit itself or the equipment itself. Ru.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover member of a process unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member installed in the process unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a process unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a side sectional view showing a state where a cover member is equipped.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the entire structure of an image forming apparatus to which the process unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is installed.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a conventional process unit.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the conventional process unit of FIG. 5, showing a state in which a sealing member is installed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a method of mounting the conventional process unit of FIG. 6 into an apparatus main body.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing the conventional process unit of FIG. 6 installed in the apparatus main body.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,1' Process unit 4 Developing sleeve 6 Developer casing 6c Developer 6e opening 7 Photoconductor casing 7e Opening 8 Toner density sensor 9,9' Cover member 13 Connector 15 Device body 16 Photosensitive drum P Image forming device

Claims (4)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A detected member that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body and whose presence or absence of attachment to the apparatus main body is detected by a detection member provided on the apparatus main body; and a detected member that is installed when not in use and is removed when in use. In a process unit having a cover member that preferably covers an opening of the unit, when the process unit is attached to the apparatus main body with the cover member included, the cover member covers at least a part of the detected member. A process unit characterized in that a cover is installed to be interposed between the detection member and the detected member. 2. The opening is an opening of a developer casing in which a developing sleeve is disposed, and the cover member is a member that prevents developer from flowing out from the developer casing opening. The process unit according to claim 1. 3. According to claim 1, the opening is an opening of a photoconductor casing in which a photoconductor drum is disposed, and the cover member is a member for protecting the photoconductor drum. Process unit listed. 4. The process unit according to claim 1, wherein the detected member is a sensor that detects the state of the developer.