JPH04349469A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image forming device which can very easily execute maintenance work, especially, the routine maintenance work of toner replenishment. etc., without making a mistake, and reduce the deterioration of a photosensitive body and a process device, even when the working of a device is paused for a long time. CONSTITUTION:A constitution is adopted so that a developing device 16 and a cleaning device 23, out of plural electrostatic photographic process means disposed on the circumference of the photosensitive body 1, are separately formed on, at least, two units U1 and U2 capable of being attached/detached to/from the photosensitive body 1, simultaneously the units U1 and U2 can be integrally rotated with the photosensitive body 1, and further, when a main power source switch is opened, or a series of image forming actions is finished, the units U1 and U2 are moved in a direction where they are separated from the photosensitive body 1.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The present invention relates to a copying machine, etc., which is equipped with an electrostatographic process means divided into units that are detachable from an image carrier, and forms a desired image on recording paper according to an electrostatic process. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, electrostatic photographic processing devices such as a charger and a developing device surround a rotating photoreceptor, taking into consideration the mutual spacing according to the process order. Each was attached to the frame of the device itself. While the number and size of the above-mentioned process devices has increased in accordance with the demand for higher functionality in copying machines, there has also been a demand for miniaturization of the entire device, making it difficult to layout the inside of the device. In addition, for copying machines, for example, daily maintenance work that is necessary for the operation of the device, such as toner replenishment and discharge of waste toner due to toner consumption, paper jams in the paper conveyance path, and dirt on each process device. , maintenance inspections, repair work, or periodic inspections are required in the event of an abnormal stop due to deterioration, etc. These operations are usually carried out by dividing and releasing the main parts of the equipment, but although such equipment is convenient for removing jammed paper in the event of an abnormal paper jam, it is not necessarily suitable for maintenance and inspection work of each process equipment. do not have. Therefore, for example, JP-A-60-140
Japanese Patent No. 264 discloses an electrophotographic copying apparatus that is provided with a process unit that holds a photoreceptor and a process device integrally, that is detachable from the main body of the device, and that the photoreceptor and the process device are mutually movable. has been done.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the mounting position of the process unit to the apparatus main body is fixed, the work of installing and removing the process unit is complicated, and when performing maintenance and inspection work, etc. Toner adhering to process equipment or the like may stain the body or clothes of a worker, or the worker may accidentally touch a photoreceptor and damage it. Furthermore, even routine maintenance work such as toner replenishment involves disassembling a part of the device body, so it is necessary to rely on the on-site work of service personnel who have acquired specialized knowledge. Furthermore, when the copying machine is not used for a long period of time, the contact parts of the photoreceptor and the process equipment that comes into pressure contact with the photoreceptor, such as the developing roller and rubber cleaning blade, may deteriorate due to long-term pressure, or The toner solidified in some areas, causing problems such as striped patterns on copied images when the copying machine was restarted. The present invention has been made in view of such problems in the prior art, and allows maintenance work, especially daily maintenance work such as toner replenishment, to be performed extremely easily and without error, and also allows the device to be suspended for a long time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which the photoreceptor and process equipment are less likely to deteriorate when the image forming apparatus is used.

0004

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides that at least some of a plurality of electrostatic photographic process means arranged around a photoreceptor are detachable from the photoreceptor. the unit is rotatable integrally with the photoreceptor, and further, when the main power switch is opened, or
The image forming apparatus is configured such that when a series of image forming operations is completed, the unit moves in a direction away from the photoreceptor.

[0005]

[Operation] For example, when all work for the day is finished and the user turns off the main power switch, or when a series of image forming operations is completed, each unit moves in the direction away from the photoreceptor. As a result, the electrophotographic processing means formed in the unit and the photoreceptor are separated from each other, and the mutual pressure contact state is released.

[0006]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 2, a contact glass 2 is disposed on the upper surface of a case C of the main body of the copying machine, and an original O to be imaged is placed on this contact glass 2. A scanning section S is arranged below the contact glass 2. The scanning unit S includes a first scanning optical system 5 that includes a light source 3 for illuminating the document and a mirror 4 that moves along with reading scanning, and a mirror 6.
, 7, a fixed lens 9, and an image reading element 10. When a print switch on an operation panel (not shown) of the main body of the copying machine is pressed, the first and second scanning optical systems 5 and 8 move in the directions of the arrows, and the original O is read and scanned. The scanned image of the original O is read by the image reading element 10 through the first and second scanning optical systems 5 and 8 and the lens 9, converted into an image electric signal, and further digitized and image-processed. Ru. An image forming section D is arranged below the scanning section S. Image forming section D includes a laser diode (LD) 11
, LD drive plate 12, polygon mirror 13, mirror 14,
Photoreceptor belt 1, developing device 16, cleaning device 23
, an electrostatic photographic process device such as a charging charger 15, a transfer charger 18, a separation charger 19, and a conveyor belt 21.
and a fixing roller 22. Transfer paper is stored in a paper feed unit 17 disposed upstream of the transfer unit, and the transfer paper is taken out one by one by a conveying roller and transferred between the photoreceptor belt 1 and the transfer charger 18. transported to the department. On the other hand, a signal read by the image reading element 10 and subjected to image processing is input to the LD driving plate 12 as described above. A drive signal is applied to the LD 11 from the LD drive plate 12, and modulated laser light is emitted from the LD 11 in accordance with this drive signal. The laser beam is reflected by the polygon mirror 13 and the mirror 14 and is directed to the photoreceptor belt 1.
reach the exposed part of. The surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 is uniformly charged in advance by a charger 15, and when exposed to laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on that portion. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 16 and becomes a visible image using toner. The obtained visible image is further conveyed as the photoreceptor belt 1 moves, and is transferred from the paper feed section 17 by the corona discharge of the transfer charger 18 at the exposed portion of the lower end where the photoreceptor belt 1 reverses its moving direction vertically. transferred to paper. The transfer paper on which the image has been transferred is neutralized by a separation charger 19 and separated from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1. The transfer paper separated in this way is sent to the fixing roller 22 by the conveyor belt 21, and after the transfer image is fixed by the fixing roller 22, the copy paper is transferred to the case C.
Expelled outside. On the other hand, toner still remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 after the transfer operation is removed by a cleaning device 23.

In this embodiment, the photoreceptor belt 1 is an endless belt stretched between rollers spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the longitudinal section has a flat oval shape. Further, main electrostatic photographic process devices for image formation such as a developing device 16 and a cleaning device 23 arranged around the photoreceptor belt 1 are divided and housed in two substantially semi-cylindrical units having substantially the same shape. ing. These two units (developing unit U1 and cleaning unit U2) are removably attached to the photoreceptor belt 1 with the parallel plane portion sandwiched therebetween, as will be described later, and the electrostatic photographic process unit composed of these units as a whole is front and back. It has a cylindrical shape with a central axis in the direction, and can rotate integrally around the central axis as a rotation axis. These units U1 and U2 are rotated together with the photoreceptor belt 1 so that they face the approximately semicircular mounting opening 25 formed on the side surface of the case C shown in FIG. It can be removed and a unit for maintenance and replacement can be attached to the main body of the device. In this copying machine, during the image forming operation, the photoreceptor belt 1 is arranged in a vertically elongated manner, and opposing moving parts that move parallel to each other and in opposite directions are sandwiched between these units U1 and U2. However, since the curved surfaces that reverse the moving direction of the upper and lower ends are exposed to serve as the photosensitive section and the transfer section, there is no need to provide openings for image formation in the units U1 and U2, and the photoconductor belt 1 is The housings of the units U1 and U2 can be completely covered with the casings of the units U1 and U2, which have an approximately semi-cylindrical outer shape except for the curved surface portions. Further, when the copying machine is not in operation or during maintenance work, the pressure contact state between the electrostatic photographic processing devices of the two units U1 and U2 and the photoreceptor belt 1 is released. For example, when the toner in the developing device is almost consumed while the copying machine is in operation, or when the recovery tank of the cleaning device is full, the copying operation is interrupted and the toner is replenished or the waste toner is discharged. Maintenance work must be carried out. In such a case, in this embodiment, an alarm display and guidance are displayed on the operation/display section (not shown) of the copying machine main body, so by operating the operation panel in accordance with the warning display, the developing unit U1 or the cleaning unit U2 can be rotated. and moves to a position opposite the mounting opening 25. Therefore, maintenance and replacement work can be completed by simply opening the mounting opening 25, pulling out the unit to be replaced, and loading the new unit, so that anyone can easily perform the maintenance and replacement work. Furthermore, since the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are arranged rotationally symmetrically, when loading a new unit, the two units U1 and U2 can be loaded in any order from the installation opening 25 of the copying machine main body without distinguishing between the new units. It may be inserted and loaded, and even users who are unfamiliar with mechanical devices can load the unit without error. As mentioned above, replenishment of new toner and discharge of waste toner, which are necessary due to the mechanical operation of the copying machine, can be carried out through the same installation opening 25 without opening the front panel of case C as in the conventional example. Since all you have to do is pull out the two units U1 and U2 from the holder and load them, there is no need to request a service person to come and wait for maintenance work.You can perform the maintenance work yourself, and you can save on labor. The burden is light, and work efficiency is improved because the time required to stop and stand by the copying machine is saved.

The configuration and operation of the main parts of the embodiment will be explained in detail below. 3 and 4 are front views showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the first embodiment in a fixed state and a fixed state. A photoreceptor belt 1, which is an image carrier made of an organic photoreceptor (OPC), is stretched between rollers 100 and 101 of the same diameter, which are supporting and driving members. It moves in circles by rotating clockwise. As described above, the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are disposed close to and opposite to the opposing moving parts 1a and 1b between the rollers 100 and 101 of the photoreceptor belt 1, which run parallel to each other and in opposite directions. Both are semicircular in shape and rotationally symmetrical. Further, the photoreceptor belt 1, the developing unit U1, and the cleaning unit U2 are connected to a rotating shaft R1.
It is constructed so that it can rotate freely around the center. This makes it possible to load the two units into the main body of the apparatus regardless of the order of the two units. A curved surface portion of the photoreceptor belt 1 supported by the rollers 100 and 101 is exposed in the cylindrical gap formed by the outer periphery of the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2, and this exposed portion serves as the laser light sensitive portion. It serves as a transfer section for toner images. A developing device 16 is housed and supported in the housing 102 of the developing unit U1. The developing device 16 includes a developing roller 160 containing a magnet, a toner tank 167, an agitator 162 that stirs the toner, and the like. Toner tank 16
An opening 167a is formed in the vicinity of one end of the flat part of 7, and a developing roller 160 is rotatably mounted with a part of its circumferential surface facing outside through this opening 167a. An opening 1 is provided inside the toner tank 167 facing the developing roller 160.
A static eliminating brush 163 and an agitator 1 are placed near the 67a.
62 and a developing blade 161 are provided along the rotational direction of the developing roller 160, respectively. The space inside the toner tank 167 is filled with toner. In the developing device 16, the toner in the toner tank 167 is agitated by the rotation of the agitator 162, and the toner in the toner tank 167 is further agitated by the rotation of the agitator 162.
61, and a toner layer of a constant thickness is formed on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 160 by the developing blade 161. As the developing roller 160 rotates, this toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor belt 1 that is in contact with the developing roller 160, and is attracted to the charges on the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 to form a visible image. The toner that has not been adsorbed to the photoreceptor belt 1 is attached to the developing roller 160 and conveyed.
After the static electricity is removed by the static elimination brush 163, the toner tank 16
7 and is regulated by a developing blade 161. The entire developing device 16 is rotatable around a positioning pin 164 that supports one end of the developing device 16.
The hook 166 of the toner tank 167 and the hook 1 of the free end of the toner tank 167
A spring 159 is stretched between 67b. The developing device 16 has a spring 1 centered around a positioning pin 164.
The elastic force 59 urges the developing roller 160 in a counterclockwise direction, that is, in a direction in which the developing roller 160 is separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 . In the image forming state, the developing device 16 is driven by a solenoid, which will be described later, to rotate the cam 165, and the outer circumferential surface of the toner tank 167 is pressed against the photoreceptor belt 1 by the protrusion of the cam 165 against the elastic force of the spring 159. The free end of the toner tank 167 abuts against the stopper piece 102 a bent inwards at one end of the housing 102 and is positioned. As a result, the developing roller 160 presses and contacts the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1 with a predetermined pressure. Further, the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are fixed by a fixing means (not shown) so as not to rotate about the rotation shaft.

[0009] The cleaning unit U2 has a flat surface facing the opposing moving portion 1b on the opposite side of the photoreceptor belt 1;
A cleaning device 23 including a charger 15 and an eraser 24 is housed and supported within the flat surface of the housing 103 . A collection tank 236 of the cleaning device 23 has an opening 23 located along with the charger 15 and the eraser 24 at a position facing the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1.
6a, and a cleaning blade 230 and a rotatable fur brush 231 are disposed in contact with the photoreceptor belt 1 near the opening 236a. Further, a flicker bar 234 integrally formed with the recovery tank 236 is provided in the opening 236a and is in contact with the fur brush 231. A toner peeling plate 233 extending from the case 236 and a toner collecting rod 232 whose tip is pressed against the toner peeling plate 233 are rotatably provided at a position opposite to the flicker bar 234 of the opening 236a, and these block the opening 236a. Further, a fullness detection sensor 239 is installed in the recovery tank 236 near the eraser 24, and issues an alarm signal when the recovery tank 236 is filled with waste toner. In the cleaning device 23, one end of the collection tank 236 is rotatably supported by a positioning pin 235 provided at a position rotationally symmetrical to the positioning pin 164 of the developing device 16 and the rotation axis R1. A spring 237 is stretched between the hook portion 236b provided on the outer edge and the hook portion 158 of the housing 103. In the image forming operation state, the cam 238 rotates, and its protrusion presses the back surface of the recovery tank 236 toward the photoreceptor belt 1 side against the elastic force of the spring 237, so that the free end of the recovery tank 236 moves toward the end of the housing 103. The cleaning device 23 is positioned and fixed by coming into contact with the stopper piece 103a formed by the inner bending of the edge. Due to this fixed positioning, the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 are pressed into contact with the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1 with a predetermined pressure. In the cleaning device 23, a fur brush 231 scrapes off residual toner on the photoreceptor belt 1, and a flicker bar 234 scrapes off residual toner on the photoreceptor belt 1.
Knock off the residual toner scraped off from 1. The remaining toner that could not be scraped off by the fur brush 231 is removed by the cleaning blade 230. The residual toner scraped off in this manner is sequentially taken into the collection tank 236 by the rotation of the toner collection rod 232 and the inhibiting action of the toner peeling plate 233. Also, charger 1
5 charges the photoreceptor belt 1 after cleaning, the eraser 24 erases the charge on unnecessary parts so that an electrostatic latent image is created only in the required image area, and the mirror 1
4 to prepare for a new exposure scan on the photoreceptor belt 1 by the reflected light from the photoreceptor belt 1. In this way, the developing device 16, cleaning device 23, charger 15 and eraser 24
A process of forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor belt 1 is performed.

[0010] When a series of copying operations has been completed and there are no plans for the next copying operation for a while, or when the user has finished all his work, the main power switch on the operation panel is opened to cut off the power supply circuit from the power source. At this time, the energization to the solenoid that drives the rotation of the cams 165, 238 is also released, so the cams 165, 238 rotate clockwise due to the tension of the return spring, locking the toner tank 167 and the recovery tank 236. In the released state, the developing roller 160,
Cleaning blade 230 and fur brush 231
is released from the pressurized contact state with respect to the photoreceptor belt 1. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing the drive mechanism of the cam 165. The cam 165 is attached to two locations, front and rear, of a drive shaft 175, and both ends of the drive shaft 175 are fixed to bearings 170 fixed to front and rear mounting plates (not shown). One end of a drive lever 172 is attached to the rear end of the drive shaft 175, and the other end of the drive lever 172 is rotatably connected to a plunger 173 of a pressure solenoid 174 fixed to a rear mounting plate. Further, the other end of the drive lever 172 is provided with a return spring 1 whose one end is locked to the rear mounting plate.
The other end of the drive lever 71 is attached to apply a biasing force to rotate the drive lever 172 clockwise. Therefore,
When the lock is released, due to the tension of the return spring 171,
The cam 165 rotates clockwise, with its free end facing substantially vertically upward, thereby allowing the toner tank 167 to rotate counterclockwise about the positioning pin 164 due to the elastic force of the spring 159. do. When locked, the pressure solenoid 174 is energized and the return spring 1
71 tension, photoreceptor belt 1 and developing roller 160
The drive lever 172 is rotated counterclockwise against the contact pressure of the cam 165, so that the free end of the cam 165 is oriented substantially horizontally to the left. The developing roller 160 is rotated in the rotational direction to bring the developing roller 160 into contact with the photoreceptor belt 1 under pressure. Note that a completely similar drive mechanism is attached to the cam 238, and performs similar locking and unlocking operations.

By the way, when the toner in the toner tank 167 runs out, a toner end sensor (not shown) which detects a decrease in the rotational load of the agitator 162 and outputs a signal detects this and issues a toner end signal. Further, as mentioned above, even when the collection tank 236 is full of waste toner, the full tank sensor 239 detects this and
It emits a toner full detection signal and displays an alarm on the operation/display unit. Based on this information, the user
1 or the cleaning unit U2 can be maintained and replaced. When the user performs this maintenance/replacement work himself/herself, by pressing the replacement switch on the operation panel (not shown), the photoreceptor belt 1, developing unit U
1 and the cleaning unit U2 are unlocked and rotated around the rotation axis R1, and the unit to be replaced rotates to a position facing the mounting opening 25. That is, when the drive of the solenoid (not shown) is released, the cam 165 or the cam 238 rotates to release the lock, and as shown in FIG. The support and fixation of the cleaning device 23 is released, and the toner tank 167 or the collection tank 236 is moved by the tension of the springs 159, 237.
The toner tank 16 is rotated around the positioning pin 164 or 235 in a direction away from the photoreceptor belt 1.
7 or the collection tank 236 can be taken out from the mounting opening 25. The toner tank 167 or recovery tank 236 to be replaced is configured as a cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a process pack) that can be attached or detached with one touch. After removing this cartridge, a new toner tank 167 or recovery tank 236 is inserted through the installation opening 25. Insert it into the case C, attach it to the casing 102 or 103, and press the button on the operation panel to complete the attachment. As a result, the cam 165
Alternatively, the cam 238 rotates to lock the process pack, and the developing unit U1 and cleaning unit U2 rotate around the rotation axis R1 and are oriented in a predetermined vertical direction, thereby completing maintenance and replacement work for the process pack. death,
The copying machine becomes ready for operation. Since the casings 102 and 103 of the units U1 and U2 are formed in the same shape, in the process pack loading operation, the two types of process packs are connected to the oppositely moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1,
It can be attached to either side of 1b. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the toner tank 16
7 and the recovery tank 236 have the same and symmetrical substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and are configured to be rotatable integrally, so that when the developing device 16 runs out of toner or the toner tank 1
When performing maintenance and replacement work on the process pack when the exhaust toner of the 67 is full, all that is required is a simple installation and removal of the process pack from the installation opening 25 on the front of the case C, making it easy for the user to do it himself without requiring the help of a service person. can be processed. In addition, since the main parts of the photoreceptor belt 1 and the main electrostatic photographic processing equipment are always covered by the housings 102 and 103, the operator can, for example, inspect the equipment for abnormal paper jams or remove paper. Accidents such as touching the photoreceptor belt 1 etc. by mistake and staining it or damaging it can be prevented. Furthermore, since it is possible to release the lock of the electrostatic photographic process unit and release the contact between the electrostatic photographic process apparatus and the photoreceptor belt 1 except during the image forming operation, for example, the photoreceptor belt 1 and the cleaning blade 230 can be The toner will not deteriorate due to long-term pressure, and the toner will not solidify at the contact area, which will not adversely affect the formed image.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the second embodiment in a fixed state and in an unfixed state, respectively. In this embodiment, when the electrophotographic process unit is removed from the copying machine body in the first embodiment, the cams 165, 238 are rotated, and the positioning pin 1 is rotated.
The opening of each process pack is closed by a shutter mechanism as the units U1 and U2 are rotated around the fulcrums 65 and 235 to unlock them. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to parts that are the same or can be considered to be the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a single-sheet shutter 168 is provided concentrically with the developing roller 160 of the developing device 16, and a torsion coil spring 169 is concentrically attached to the shaft of the developing roller 160. One end of the torsion coil spring 169 is engaged with the toner tank 167, and the other end is engaged with the shutter 168. In the unlocked state, the shutter 168 is biased in the direction of closing the opening 167a of the toner tank 167, but in the locked state by the cam 165 shown in FIG. Thus, the opening 167a is left open. Similarly, a torsion coil spring 241 is provided near the toner peeling plate 233 of the cleaning device 23, one end of the torsion coil spring 241 is engaged with the collection tank 236, and the other end is centered around the axis of the torsion coil spring 241. It is engaged with one shutter of a rotatable two-sheet shutter 240. When this shutter 240 is also in the unlocked state, the torsion coil spring 241 causes the opening 236 to
It is biased in the direction of closing part a. As shown in FIG. 6, when the cam 165 is rotated to unlock each unit U1, U2, the toner tank 16 of the developing unit U1
7 rotates in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1 due to the tension of the spring 159. Along with this rotation, the shutter 168 is rotated by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 169 to close the opening 167a. The shutter 168 and the toner tank 167 are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other via a gear mechanism (not shown). In this way, when taking out the developing device 16, the opening 167
Since the opening 167a is closed, when the toner tank 167 is taken out, the toner will not leak out from the opening 167a and contaminate the operator's body or the room. Similarly, when the cam 238 rotates to unlock the cleaning unit U2, the recovery tank 236 rotates in the direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a of the photoreceptor belt 1, and the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 241 The shutter 240 closes the opening 236a of the recovery tank 236 to prevent waste toner from leaking to the outside.

In the second embodiment as well, the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 have the same cross-sectional shape. 1a, 1
It can also be attached to b. Also in this embodiment, the photoconductor belt 1, the developing roller 160 and the cleaning blade 230 that come into pressure contact with the photoreceptor belt 1, and the deterioration of the cleaning blade 230 over time due to pressure, as well as the lock release in order to prevent toner from sticking at the contact portions thereof, are also used. In this embodiment, an unlocking operation is performed every time the copying machine performs a copying operation. That is, when the entrance sensor installed near the supply port of the document tray of the automatic document feeder detects the completion of supply of the final document, or when the copying of the document placed on the contact glass 2 is completed. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control device determines that the series of copying operations has been completed, and issues a control signal to cut off the energization of the pressing solenoid 174, thereby unlocking the process pack from the photoreceptor belt 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the developing roller 160 and the cleaning blade 230 are brought into pressure contact with the photoreceptor belt 1 only during the image forming operation, the photoreceptor belt 1
This greatly extends the life of the process equipment that comes into contact with it, and does not cause deterioration of images formed over a long period of time. By the way, in the above embodiment, both the process packs of the developing unit U1 and the cleaning unit U2 are separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 at the time of replacement.
Only the units that are taken out from the mounting opening 25 may be separated. 7 and 8 are front views showing a state in which the copying machine is unlocked by such an unlocking mechanism, and FIG. 7 is a front view showing the state in which the copying machine is unlocked by such an unlocking mechanism. FIG. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the cleaning unit U2 is positioned opposite the opening 25 and only the process pack of the cleaning unit U2 is separated from the photoreceptor belt 1. FIG. The configuration, operation, and effects of other parts of this embodiment are no different from those of the second embodiment already described.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are front views showing the electrostatographic processing unit of the third embodiment in a locked state and an unlocked state. In this embodiment, the positioning pins 164, 235 are omitted in the first embodiment, and the cams 165, 2
38, the housings 102, 103, the developing unit U1, and the cleaning unit U2 rotate integrally around the rollers 100, 101, respectively, and are unlocked. That is, the developing unit U1
The toner tank 167 and the casing 102 that accommodates and supports the toner tank 167 are integrated, and are rotatably supported with the same axis as the roller 101, and are photosensitive by a torsion coil spring 201 attached concentrically to the axis of the roller 101. The body belt 1 is subjected to an elastic force in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1a. The cam 165 resists the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 168, and the developing roller 160 moves toward the opposing moving portion 1a.
The housing 102 is pressed so as to come into pressure contact with the housing 102. Similarly,
The cleaning unit U2 includes a collection tank 236 and a housing 103 that accommodates and supports the collection tank 236, which are integrally supported and rotatably aligned with the same axis as the roller 100.
A torsion coil spring 202 attached concentrically to the shaft of the roller 100 receives an elastic force in a direction away from the opposing moving portion 1b of the photoreceptor belt 1. The cam 238 presses the housing 103 against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 202 so that the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231 come into pressure contact with the opposing moving portion 1b. Figure 1
0, the cam 165 rotates and the developing unit U
When the lock 1 is released, the housing 102 housing the toner tank 167 rotates in a direction away from the opposing moving part 1a by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 201, and the toner tank 167 can be removed from the mounting opening 25. becomes. Similarly, when the cam 238 is rotated to unlock the cleaning unit U2, the housing 103 housing the recovery tank 236 is rotated away from the belt surface by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 202, and the mounting opening is opened. 25
The recovery tank 236 can now be taken out. As explained in the previous embodiment, the developing unit U1,
By rotating the cleaning unit U2 and the photoreceptor belt 1 together and positioning the developing unit U1 or the cleaning unit U2 in the mounting opening 25,
A desired process pack can be taken out, and a new process pack can be inserted into each housing 102, 103 and installed. In the third embodiment as well, the portion of the photoreceptor belt 1 sandwiched between the units U1 and U2 is covered, and the supporting portions of the rollers 100 and 101 at both ends are exposed, and this exposed portion is used for exposure or Transcription takes place. The configuration, operation, and effects of other parts of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment already described.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the locked state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the eraser 24 is not attached to the recovery tank 236 of the cleaning unit U2 in the first embodiment. , the electrostatic photographic processing apparatus is attached outside the electrostatic photographic processing unit, and the electrostatic photographic processing apparatus, which is less susceptible to deterioration over time, is removed from the process pack, thereby reducing the cost of the process pack and reducing waste. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the locked state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fifth embodiment, and this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the electrostatic photographic process unit has a charger 15 and an eraser 2.
4 outside the electrostatographic process unit, and further,
Cleaning blade 230 and fur brush 231
is arranged near the free end of the collection tank 236, away from the developing roller 160, and in addition to the purpose of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to improve the collection function of waste toner and rotate the cleaning blade 230 and the fur brush 231. The aim is to increase the distance traveled in time. In addition, in these fourth and fifth embodiments, the eraser 24 or the charger 15
, the eraser 24 and the transfer charger 18 are disposed outside the rotational circumference of the electrostatographic process unit, so that rotation of the electrostatographic process unit can be performed without hindrance during maintenance/replacement or installation of the process pack. . Also,
The configuration, operation, and effects of other parts of the fourth and fifth embodiments are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.

Furthermore, in any of the embodiments described above, when a new process pack is loaded into the main body of the copying machine, an automatic forming operation is performed to make it fit in with the photoreceptor belt. In the above embodiment, a one-component developing device is used, but a two-component or multi-component developing device can be similarly constructed. Further, in the embodiment, when the toner in the toner tank 167 runs out or when the collection tank 236 is full of exhausted toner, the toner end sensor or full tank sensor 239 detects this and issues a detection signal. operation·
We have explained the system that displays an alarm on the display, but when each sensor issues a detection signal, the developing unit U
1 or unlock the cleaning unit U2,
Alternatively, the corresponding unit may be automatically rotated and moved to a position opposite the mounting opening 25 to stand by. In the second embodiment, the shutter gradually closes the opening of the process pack as the housing moves away from the horizontal part of the photoreceptor belt. You can also
The shutter may be of either a single shutter type or a two (plural) shutter type. As explained above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the developing unit U1 or the cleaning unit U2
The process of removing the replaceable process pack housed in the unit from the housing C of the apparatus main body, performing maintenance/replacement operations on the process pack containing the electrostatographic processing equipment, and reinstalling it in the housing C is the process of removing the replaceable process pack housed in each unit. There are no restrictions on the order in which packs are taken out, the order in which they are loaded, or their positions, and it can be done with a semi-automated one-touch operation, so it is possible to easily change the electrophotographic process equipment and old and new toner in a copier without any operator intervention. maintenance and replacement work can be performed extremely easily and quickly.

[0017]

As explained above, according to the present invention, when the power of the main power circuit of the image forming apparatus is cut off or when a series of image forming operations are completed, the electrostatic photographic processing means can be divided. Each unit stored in the image carrier moves in a direction away from the image carrier, and the pressurized state between the electrostatic photographic process means and the image carrier that they house is released, making it possible to operate the image forming apparatus for a long time. Even when the apparatus is stopped, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the deterioration of the image carrier and the electrostatic photographic processing means over time and the deterioration of the formed image.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the first embodiment in a fixed state.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a fixed state of the electrophotographic process unit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an electrostatic photographic process unit according to a modification of the second embodiment in a fixed release state.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a fixed state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit in a unlocked state.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a fixed state of the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the electrostatic photographic process unit of the fifth embodiment in a fixed state.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a cam drive mechanism of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Photoreceptor belt 15　Charging charger 16 Developing device 23 Cleaning device 24 Eraser 102, 103 Housing 160 Developing roller 164,235 Locating pin 165,238 cam 167 Toner tank 174 Pressure solenoid 230 Cleaning blade 231 Fur brush 236 Recovery tank

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier, and a plurality of electrostatographic processing means disposed around the image carrier, at least some of the plurality of electrostatographic processing means are connected to the image carrier. In an image forming apparatus that is divided into at least two units that are attachable to and detachable from a body, and that the unit is rotatable integrally with the image carrier, supplying power to a main power circuit of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the unit is configured to move in a direction away from the image carrier when the image carrier is shut off. 2. An image carrier, and a plurality of electrostatographic processing means disposed around the image carrier, at least some of the plurality of electrostatographic processing means are connected to the image carrier. In an image forming apparatus that is divided into at least two units that are attachable to and detachable from a body, and in which the unit is rotatable integrally with the image carrier, an image forming operation that is executed without interruption is provided. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the unit is configured to move in a direction away from the image carrier when the image forming apparatus is finished.