CN100410820C - toner cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge capable of discriminating toner information using few types of discrimination keys. Its solution is, this toner box comprises: the box main body (501a) of accommodating toner, distinguish the color of the toner in aforesaid box main body (501a) and the first and second distinguishing keys that place of delivery uses (601, 602), wherein the aforementioned first and second identification keys (601, 602) are provided with: a key body (601a, 602a), and a plurality of protrusions (601b, 602b), and the protrusions are asymmetrical When the key body (601a, 602a) is reversed relative to the cartridge body (601a), the protrusions represent different toner information.

Description

toner cartridge

technical field

The present invention relates to a toner cartridge mounted on, for example, a quadruple tandem color electrophotographic copier.

Background technique

Four types of toner cartridges corresponding to yellow/magenta/cyan/black are mounted on a quadruple tandem color electrophotographic copier. Since these toner cartridges have basically the same shape even if they have different colors, they have identification keys for identifying the color of the toner in order not to install them in the wrong position.

Conventionally, as such a discrimination key, a small metal mold part called a nest has been used. As its manufacturing method, when forming the toner cartridge, this nesting is made together.

However, when molding toner cartridges of different colors, it is necessary to remove the metal mold from the molding machine and replace the nest, and since the metal mold has a weight of several tons, there is a problem that a large amount of labor is required for the operation. and timing issues. In addition, since it is necessary to carry out inventory management for each color of the produced toner cartridge until it is filled with toner, there is a possibility that the management space is quadrupled compared with that of a single color. question.

Therefore, in recent years, a method of separating the identification key from the toner cartridge and making it an independent component has been disclosed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Specifically, a protrusion is provided on the shutter of the toner cartridge, and the color of the toner is identified by the position of the protrusion.

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2000-162861

content of the invention

However, when the method described in Patent Document 1 is used, four kinds of shutters are required when toner cartridges of four colors are loaded, and there is a problem that inventory management becomes complicated. Furthermore, if it is necessary to provide a distinguishing key for the destination type of the sold goods in addition to the color, it is necessary to have a distinguishing key for the number of colors×the number of destinations, and it is conceivable that inventory management becomes more complicated. For example, in the case of four colors and four destinations, 16 identification keys are required.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge capable of discriminating toner information using a small number of discrimination keys.

In order to solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the object of the present invention, the toner cartridge of the present invention is constructed as follows.

(1) The toner cartridge of the present invention includes: a toner cartridge body for accommodating toner, and a discrimination key for discriminating toner information in the toner cartridge body, the discrimination key comprising: a key body and A plurality of protrusions are asymmetrically arranged on the key body, and when the key body is reversed relative to the toner cartridge body, different toner information is displayed.

(2) In the toner cartridge described in (1), the toner information is one of a color of the toner in the toner cartridge main body, a delivery destination, and an amount of toner.

(3) In the toner cartridge described in (1), the identification key includes different marks representing each of the toner information, and among these marks, only the toner information corresponding to the protrusion is indicated. One of the marks is revealed, and the other is concealed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to discriminate the toner information of the toner cartridge using a few discrimination keys.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover of an electrophotographic copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the copying machine according to this embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the first toner cartridge according to the embodiment from the rear side.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of the first toner cartridge according to the embodiment from the front side.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a first discrimination key according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a second discrimination key according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the first toner cartridge according to the embodiment from the rear side.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a yellow toner cartridge for shipment to Europe according to the embodiment from the rear side.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a cyan toner cartridge for delivery to other countries or regions according to the embodiment.

Detailed ways

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(The overall structure of an electrophotographic copier)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a cover 100a of an electrophotographic copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrophotographic copier is a quadruple tandem color copier, including: a copier body 100 , a platen cover 200 , a control panel 300 , and a plurality of paper cassettes 400 .

The main body 100 of the copier is responsible for the main role related to image formation, and a cover 100a is provided on the front so as to be openable and closable. When the cover 100 a is opened, the first to fourth toner cartridges 501 to 504 are arranged side by side on the upper side thereof. The platen cover 200 is rotatably provided on the copier main body 100 around one side end thereof. The control panel 300 is an input unit for copying operations, and is provided on the upper surface of the copier main body 100 . The paper feeding cassette 400 is used to accommodate paper, and is detachably disposed on the lower side of the copier main body 100 .

(Internal structure of copier main body 100)

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the copier main body 100 according to the same embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the copier main body 100 includes first to fourth processing units 101 to 104, and a transfer belt 105 for conveying paper is provided on the lower side thereof. The transfer belt 105 is stretched over two holding rollers 105a, 105b, and is driven to move in the direction of the arrow by a driving device (not shown in the figure).

The first to fourth processing units 101 to 104 are arranged at predetermined intervals with respect to the moving direction of the transfer belt 105, and form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively.

In addition, the first to fourth processing units 101 to 104 include first to fourth photoreceptor drums 101a to 104a, respectively. The first to fourth photoreceptor drums 101a to 104a are rotatably arranged, and photoreceptor layers (not shown) are formed on the surfaces thereof. Around the first to fourth photoreceptor drums 101a to 104a, respectively arranged: first to fourth charging chargers 101b to 104b, a laser optical system (not shown) for irradiating laser beams 101c to 104c, a first ~ Fourth developing devices 101d ~ 104d, cleaners 101e ~ 104e using knives, and destaticizing lamps 101f ~ 104f.

On the other hand, inside the transfer belt 105 , four power supply rollers 101 g to 104 g are arranged at positions corresponding to the processing units 101 to 104 . These power supply rollers 101g to 104g are driven to rotate along with the movement of the transfer belt 105, and press the transfer belt 105 to the respective photoreceptor drums 101a to 104a. To each of the power supply rollers 101g to 104g, a transfer bias voltage is applied from a voltage supply source (not shown in the figure).

First to fourth toner cartridges 501 to 504 are detachably provided above the process units 101 to 104 , respectively. The first to fourth toner cartridges 501 to 504 supply yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners to the first to fourth developing devices 101d to 104d, respectively.

On the sheet introduction side of the first processing unit 101 , a registration regulating roller 106 is provided. The register adjustment roller 106 aligns the paper sent from the paper feed cassette 400 and feeds it between the first processing unit 101 and the transfer belt 105 .

(Structure of the first toner cartridge 501)

Next, the configuration of the first toner cartridge 501 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9 . In addition, since the second to fourth toner cartridges 502 to 504 have basically the same structure as the first toner cartridge 501 , description thereof will be omitted.

3 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the first toner cartridge 501 according to this embodiment from the rear side, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of the first toner cartridge 501 according to this embodiment from the front side. picture.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 , the first toner cartridge 501 is provided with a cartridge main body 501 a accommodating toner. The cartridge main body 501a is composed of a container body 501b and a cover body 501c, and first and second identification keys 601 and 602 for identifying toner information are provided on the back side thereof. In addition, since these first and second identification keys 601 and 602 are the focus of the present invention, they will be described in detail later.

The container body 501b has a U-shaped cross section, and two flange portions 501d and 502d are provided at a predetermined interval on the back side thereof. On the top of each flange portion 501d, 502d, the protruding portions 501e, 502e (only shown in FIG. 7) cooperating with the concave portions (not shown) on the first and second distinguishing keys 601, 602 are provided. . The dimensions of the protrusions 501e, 502e are changed together with the flanges 501d, 502d, and by cooperating with the recesses (not shown in the figure), the wrong installation of the first and second distinguishing keys 601, 602 is prevented.

The cover 501c has a rectangular plate shape, and openings 501f, 502f are formed at positions facing the protrusions 501e, 502e of the flanges 501d, 502d. These openings 501f, 502f have a rectangular shape, and the aforementioned first and second distinguishing keys 601, 602 are housed inside them.

A discharge portion 501g for discharging toner in the cartridge main body 501a is provided on the front side of the container body 501b. The discharge portion 501g protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the container body 501b, and a shutter 501h for opening and closing a discharge port (not shown) formed in the discharge portion 501g is provided at the lower end.

At the inner bottom of the container body 501b, a screw 501i for conveying the toner in the cartridge main body 501a to the discharge portion 501g is provided. The rear end of the screw 501i protrudes outward from the container body 501b, and a connecting member 501j is provided at the front end thereof. The connecting member 501j is connected to a driving device (not shown) provided on the copier main body 100, and is rotationally driven every time toner is supplied.

Inside the cartridge main body 501a, an agitator 501k for stirring the toner in the cartridge main body 501a is provided. A stirrer gear 501l is provided at the rear end of the stirrer 501k. The agitator gear 501l meshes with a helical gear (not shown) provided on the screw 501i, and when the screw 501i is rotated, the agitator 501k rotates in conjunction with it.

A filling port 501m for filling toner into the cartridge main body 501a is formed on the front surface of the container body 501b. The filling port 501m has a circular shape and is sealed by a cap 501n.

(the structure of the first and second identification keys 601, 602)

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a first discrimination key 601 according to this embodiment, Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a discrimination key 602 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a first color adjustment according to this embodiment from the back side. An exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 501, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a yellow toner cartridge according to this embodiment and a toner cartridge for shipping to Europe from the back side, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cyan toner cartridge according to this embodiment. Perspective view of a toner cartridge for use in other countries or regions.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first and second distinguishing keys 601, 602 consist of rectangular key bodies 601a, 602a sandwiched between the container body 501b and the cover body 501c, and are arranged on the key bodies 601a, 602a. The above rectangular protrusions 601b, 602b constitute.

The number and arrangement of the protrusions 601b, 602b are determined based on the toner information in the cartridge main body 501a. Thus, according to the number and arrangement of the protrusions 601b, 602b, the toner information in the cartridge main body 501a can be identified.

For example, in this embodiment, on the upper surface of the key bodies 601a, 602a, three positions are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the key bodies 601a, 602a, and protrusions 601b, 602b are provided at selected positions. In this case, as the arrangement of the protrusions 601b, 602b, when the position with the protrusion 601b, 602b is indicated by ○, and the position without the protrusion is indicated by X, "○○○", "○○ ×", "○×○", "×○○", "○××", "×○×", "××○", and "×××" 8 configurations.

Among these eight arrangements, the positions of the protrusions 601b, 602b, that is, the positions of ○ are asymmetrical, including "○○×", "×○○", "××○", "○××" 4 kind. Therefore, in the present invention, different toner information is assigned to each of the four arrangements of "○○×", "×○○", "××○", and "○××".

If assigned in this way, the toner information in the cartridge main body 501a can be discriminated from the number and arrangement of the protrusions 601b, 602b. And, because by making the direction inversion of first, second identification key 601,602, become and "○○×", "×○○", "××○", "○××" same disposition, Therefore, four types of toner information can be distinguished by using the two types of first and second protrusions 601b and 602b.

For example, in the case of using the first discrimination key 601 to discriminate the color of the toner, “××○” is assigned to yellow, “×○○” to magenta, and “○××” to cyan. , assign "○○×" to black. In this way, each arrangement of the protrusions 601b is in one-to-one correspondence with the color of the toner, and the color of the toner in the cartridge main body 601a can be identified based on the arrangement of the protrusions 601b. Furthermore, only by inverting the first identification key 601, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, "XX○" can be used in combination with yellow and cyan. In addition, "○○×" may be used in combination in magenta and black.

On the other hand, when using the second identification key 602 to identify the destination, "○××" is allocated to the United States, "××○" is allocated to Japan, "×○○" is allocated to Europe, and "×○○" is allocated to Europe. "○○×" is assigned to other countries or regions. In this way, each arrangement of the protrusions 602b corresponds to the delivery destination one-to-one, and the delivery destination of the toner cartridge 501 can be identified based on the arrangement of the protrusions 602b. Furthermore, only by reversing the identification keys 601 and 602, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, "×○○" can be used in common in Europe and other countries or regions. In addition, "○××" can be used together in the United States and Japan.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first and second identification keys 601, 602 are used to identify the color of the toner in the cartridge body 501a and to identify the destination of the goods. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, The amount of toner in the cartridge main body 501a can also be discriminated by using the third discriminating key.

In addition, on the key bodies 601a, 602a of the first and second identification keys 601, 602, at positions on both sides in the longitudinal direction thereof, the toner information represented by the respective arrangements of the protrusions 601b, 602b is set to Symbols 601c and 602c are used more clearly. These marks 601c, 602c represent two types of toner information that each identification key 601, 602 has. In this embodiment, the first letter of the toner information is used.

For example, in the first discrimination key 601, when the arrangement of the protruding portion 601b is “○××”, since it represents yellow or black, the symbol Y (yellow) and the symbol C (cyan) are provided on the key main body 601a. ). In addition, in the first discrimination key 601, when the arrangement of the protrusions 601b, 602b is "○○×", it indicates magenta or black, so a mark M (magenta ) and the symbol K (black).

On the other hand, in the second identification key 602, when the arrangement of the protruding portion 602b is "○××", since it indicates that the shipment is to the United States or to Japan, it is provided on the key main bodies 601a, 602a. Notation U (United States) and notation J (Japan). In addition, in the second identification key, when the arrangement of the protrusions is "○○×", since it indicates shipment to Europe or to other countries and regions, the symbol E( Europe) and mark D (other countries and regions).

When these marks are loaded into the toner cartridge 501, only the toner information corresponding to the first and second distinguishing keys 601, 602 is exposed, and the remaining one is arranged on the concealed part 501p on the cover 501c. , 502p covert. Thereby, the toner information can be uniquely identified by looking at the first and second identification keys 601 and 602 .

In addition, when the directions of the marks on the first and second discrimination keys 601 and 602 are reversed, the marks are easy to read when the first and second discrimination keys 601 and 602 are reversed.

(Imaging process in black and white copy mode)

Next, the image forming process in the black-and-white copy mode will be described.

In the black-and-white copying mode, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 104a of the fourth processing unit 104 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 104b, for example, with -500V. Then, the image-modulated laser beam 104c is irradiated onto the photoreceptor drum 104a from the laser optical system to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 104a. The electrostatic latent image is reversely developed by supplying negatively charged black toner from the developing device 104d, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 104a. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 104 a is moved at the same speed as the paper placed on the transfer belt 105 in the transfer unit while being in contact with it. In addition, at this time, a bias voltage is applied to the power supply roller 104g, and the transfer belt 105 is supplied with a bias voltage opposite to the polarity of the toner image from the power supply roller 104g, for example, a voltage of +1100V is applied, and the toner image is transferred. printed on paper. The paper on which the toner image has been transferred is sent from the transfer belt 105 to a fixing unit (not shown in the figure), where it is heated and pressurized. Thereby, the toner image is fixed on the paper. After fixing, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray (not shown in the figure). The toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 104a during toner image rotation is collected by the cleaner 104e. After the collection, the photoreceptor drum 104a is destaticized by the destaticizing lamp 104f and used for the next image formation.

(Explanation of image forming process in color copy mode)

In the color copy mode, the surfaces of the three photoreceptor drums 101a to 103a are uniformly charged by the charging chargers 101b to 103b, for example, -500V. Then, the photosensitive drums 101a to 103a are irradiated with laser beams 101c to 103c from the laser optical system to form electrostatic latent images on the surfaces thereof. These electrostatic latent images are supplied with negative polarity toners of various colors from the developing devices 101d to 103d, and reversely developed to form toner images of various colors. These toner images are sequentially multi-transferred onto the paper carried and conveyed by the transfer belt 105 in the order of the photoreceptor drums 101 a to 103 a. The multi-transferred paper is sent from the transfer belt 105 to a fuser (not shown in the figure), where it is heated and pressed. Thereby, the toner image is fixed on the paper. In addition, at the time of transfer, the toner remaining on the photoreceptor rollers 101a to 103a is collected by cleaners 101e to 103e, and after the collection, the photoreceptor rollers 101a to 103a are destaticized by destaticizing lamps 101f to 103f, and then used during imaging.

(exchange of toner cartridge)

For example, if the first toner cartridge 501 runs out of toner, the toner cartridge 501 is pulled out from the copier main body 100 to prepare a new first toner cartridge 501 . Then, by looking at the marks 601c, 602c of the identification keys 601, 602 of the toner cartridge 501, the color of the toner and the place of delivery are confirmed.

Then, after confirming that the color of the toner and the delivery place of the goods are correct, the toner cartridge 501 is inserted into the copier main body 100, and the connecting member 501j provided on the back side of the cartridge main body 501a is connected with the connecting member 501j provided on the copier main body 100. The drive unit (not shown in the figure) is connected.

At this time, when installing toner cartridges with different toner colors and destinations, for example, when installing the second to fourth toner cartridges 502 to 504, the protruding portion of the identification key is caught in the bottom of the main body of the copier. The toner cartridges 502 to 504 cannot be fully inserted into the wrong installation prevention member (not shown) on the front side. Thereby, erroneous installation of the toner cartridge is prevented.

(manufacture of toner cartridge)

For example, when manufacturing the first toner cartridge 501, first, the container body 501b, the cover body 501c, and the discrimination keys 601, 602 are formed separately. Then, the distinguishing keys 601, 602 are positioned so that the protrusions 601b, 602b protrude from the openings 501f, 502f of the lid 501c, and in this main state, the container body 501b and the lid 510c are welded. Thereby, one mark 601c, 602c provided on the key main bodies 601a, 602a is concealed by the concealment parts 501p, 502p, and the remaining marks 601c, 602c are exposed from the openings 501f, 502f of the cover body 501c.

Then, toner is filled into the cartridge main body 501 a of the toner cartridge 501 according to the marks 601 c and 602 c of the first and second identification keys 601 and 602 . For example, when the sign of the first identification key 601 is M and the sign of the second identification key 602 is Y, the cartridge body 501a is filled with magenta toner from the filling port 501m, and stored as a shipment to Europe. .

(The role played by this embodiment)

According to this embodiment, the toner cartridges 501 to 504 are discriminated by using the first and second discriminating keys which are components independent of the cartridge main bodies 501a to 504a. At the same time, the protrusions are provided asymmetrically on the key main body, and the first and second distinguishing keys of two different types are used by reversing the aforementioned key main body.

Therefore, since two different types of information can be displayed only by inverting the first and second discrimination keys, four colors of toner and four destinations of goods can be discriminated by using the two discrimination keys.

In addition, in this embodiment, three positions are provided on the key body, and protrusions are provided at one or two positions selected from them, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to provide four or more positions on the key body, and to provide protrusions at one or several positions selected from them.

In addition, a mark indicating the toner information indicated by the arrangement of the protrusion with respect to the key main body is provided. Therefore, even if there are a plurality of types of toner cartridges, the color of the toner and the delivery destination can be clearly identified, so that the burden of the toner cartridge exchange work can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment itself, and its structural components can be modified and realized in the implementation stage within the range not departing from the gist thereof. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining various components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, it is also possible to remove some structural components from all the structural components described in the embodiments. Furthermore, components according to different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Claims (2)

1. a toner Cartridge is characterized in that, comprising: hold the box main body of toner, the toner information in the aforementioned box main body distinguished is used distinguishes key,

The aforementioned key of distinguishing has: key main body and a plurality of jut, described jut are configured on the previous key main body asymmetricly, and when the previous key main body was reversed with respect to aforementioned box main body, described a plurality of juts were represented different toner information,

The aforementioned key of distinguishing has the different mark of aforementioned each toner information of expression, and in these marks, only the mark corresponding to the represented toner information of aforementioned jut exposes, and other mark is by hidden.

2. toner Cartridge as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, aforementioned toner information is any one in the amount of toner color, delivery of goods ground and toner in the aforementioned box main body.

Images