1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electronic photographic system such as a copier, printer or facsimile machine, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a belt unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are image forming apparatuses used in an electronic photographic system configured such that a toner image formed on an image support member is transferred to recording paper as the paper is being transported by a belt-shaped transport apparatus (called a transfer belt or a transport belt). Moreover, apparatuses that transfer a toner image formed on an image support member to paper through an intermediate transfer belt are also well known.
Belt members such as these transfer belts or intermediate transfer belts are consumable parts, and the unit comprising the belt member, specifically, the belt apparatus can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body for replacement when the operating life is finished. In addition, normally, a cleaning apparatus is installed for cleaning toner and paper dust adhering to the belt, and this cleaning apparatus is also often set up to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body together with the belt apparatus. For example, disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2000-338744 is a simplification of the replacement procedure by replacing the intermediate transfer belt, which is a belt apparatus, together with the cleaning apparatus thereof as a single unit.
In this regard, when comparing the operational life of a belt member such as a transfer belt or an intermediate transfer belt with that of a cleaning member, the belt member generally has a longer operational life. Thus, there have been proposals such as Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2001-343838 that are configured such that the belt apparatus and the cleaning apparatus can be separately replaced according to operational life thereof.
Nonetheless, as described in paragraph [0066] of the Description of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application. Publication 2001-343838, the cleaning apparatus (neutralization cleaning apparatus 100=first container 103) is secured to the belt apparatus (transport unit 20A) with screws, and the cleaning apparatus cannot be attached and detached without first removing the belt apparatus from the image forming apparatus main body. For this reason, there is the problem of having to spend the time and labor to remove the belt apparatus even when replacing just the cleaning member, which has a shorter operating life than the belt member.
In addition, when removing the cleaning apparatus from the image forming apparatus main body or form the belt apparatus, the cleaning apparatus is tilted and the collected toner, etc. spills. In conventional image forming apparatuses, including Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2001-343838, there was the problem that the interior or surroundings of the image forming apparatus, or the hands or clothing of the user would be soiled by toner, etc falling from the cleaning apparatus unless measures were taken to prevent toner, etc. from falling out when detaching the cleaning apparatus.
Further, there was the problem in conventional apparatuses that sometimes the units were accidentally dropped during replacement, and replacing (detaching) the units was not easy.
Technologies relating to the present invention are also disclosed for example in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2003-202728.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that resolves the problems of conventional image forming apparatuses described above, and provide an image forming apparatus to the main body of which a plurality of attachable and detachable units can each be easily attached and detached.
In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent recovered toner, etc. from dropping during detachment of the cleaning apparatus, and that makes detaching the cleaning apparatus easy.
Moreover, another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent accidentally dropping units during unit replacement, and that improves the handling characteristics when replacing (detaching) a unit.
An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a first unit that can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body and a second unit that can be attached to and detached from the first unit. The second unit can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body integrally with the first unit, and also can be attached to and detached from the first unit with the first unit remaining mounted in the apparatus main body.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which:
Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below based on the diagrams.
First, an image forming apparatus with an attachable and detachable intermediate transfer apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
The image forming apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention is configured as a full color printer using an intermediate transfer system, and as indicated in
An exposure apparatus 6 is arranged below the imaging units SU. The exposure apparatus 6 of the present embodiment uses the well-known laser system, and forms a latent image by irradiating writing light corresponding to various color image data on to the surface of the photosensitive member. An exposure apparatus comprising an LED array and focusing means may also be adopted.
The intermediate transfer belt 11 is a belt having a resin film or rubber substrate with a thickness of 50 to 600 μm, and has a resistance value that makes toner transfer from the photosensitive member 1 possible. The intermediate transfer belt 11 rotates and runs counterclockwise in the diagram by means of the drive roller 12 connected to drive means not indicated in the diagram. A transfer roller 14, which is the primary transfer means, is arranged opposite the photosensitive member 1 on the back side of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11 that contacts the photosensitive member 1. These intermediate transfer belt 11, support rollers 12 and 13, and transfer roller 14 taken together as an intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (first unit) can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.
A cleaning blade 16, which is a cleaning member, and a cleaning apparatus 15 having a recovery unit 15a are arranged in a position opposing the support roller 13 on the outside of the belt loop, and wipe off unnecessary toner and paper dust remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11. This cleaning apparatus 15 (second unit) can be attached to and detached from the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus main body. Further, the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 and the cleaning apparatus 15 may form a single intermediate transfer unit 20 that can be attached to and detached from the main unit. These attachment and detachment mechanisms and the attachment and detachment method will be explained later.
A transport belt 30 is extended vertically on the right side of the intermediate transfer belt 11 in the diagram. The transport belt 30 is wound around the support rollers 31, 32, and 33, and a drive roller 31 is driven by drive means not indicated in the diagram, and rotates clockwise in the diagram. On the back side of this transport belt 30 (inside the loop), a transfer roller 34 is arranged near the roller 12 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 11, and operates as secondary transfer means that transfers the toner image supported on the intermediate transfer belt 11 onto the recording medium. In addition, a cleaning apparatus 35 for the transport belt 30 in question is arranged on the outside of the loop of the transport belt 30. This cleaning apparatus 35 comprises recovery unit 35b, and removes unnecessary toner remaining on the transfer and transport belt apparatus 100 after the toner is transferred to the paper. The aforementioned secondary transfer roller 34, a support roller 33, and the support roller 12 form a pre-stipulated transfer nip in the place where the transport belt 30 touches the intermediate transfer belt 11.
The recording medium, paper P, is stored in the two stage paper feed cassette 26-1 and 26-2 mounted in the paper feed unit. The paper at the highest position is fed by feeding means comprising the paper feed roller 27, and the paper that has been fed is introduced to a plurality of guide members 29 and 25 and transported to a resist roller pair 28.
A fixing apparatus 36, in which a heat source such as a heater is housed, is provided above the transport belt 30, and paper ejection guide 37, paper ejection roller pair 38 are arranged following the fixing apparatus 36. A frame 40, which is one part of the main unit where the transport belt 30 is arranged, has a structure that can open and close by rotating around opening and closing spindle 24; and if paper P is jammed, the paper transport route can be widely opened and the jammed paper can be easily removed.
The upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body is configured as a paper discharge stacking unit 39. Four toner cartridges TC that house supplemental toner can be set in a storage unit TS provided below the paper discharge stacking unit 39 and above the intermediate transfer belt 11. The four toner colors of the toner cartridges TC are magenta, cyan, yellow and black, and are supplied to the corresponding color developing apparatuses 5 by a powder pump not indicated in the diagram.
The image formation operation of the image forming apparatus configured as above will be explained.
The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a printer, and signals for writing are sent from a host machine, such as a computer for example. The exposure apparatus 6 is driven based on the image signals that have been received, and light from a laser light source (not indicated in the diagram) of the exposure apparatus made to scan by a polygon mirror rotated and driven by a motor, passes along by mirrors, etc., irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 evenly charged by the charge apparatus 4, and forms on the photosensitive drum 1 a latent image corresponding to the write information (color separated color image data).
The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the developing apparatus 5, becomes a toner image, and is formed and supported on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. This toner image is transferred by the primary transfer roller 14 to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11, which moves in synchronization with the photosensitive drum 1. The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after toner image transfer is cleaned by the cleaning means 2, and the photosensitive drum 1 is subsequently neutralized by neutralizing apparatus 3, and is prepared for the next imaging cycle.
The toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 of the imaging unit a is carried on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11 and is moved in the direction of the arrow. A latent image corresponding to a particular color is written on the photosensitive drum 1 of the imaging unit b, is developed with the corresponding color toner, and becomes a toner image. This image is laminated on the toner image of the previous color that is riding on the intermediate transfer belt 11, and finally the full color image is formed by laminating the toner images of the four colors that are formed by the imaging units a, b, c, and d. Further, the transport belt 30 also moves in the direction of the arrow in synchronization with the intermediate transfer belt 11.
When the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 moves up to a specified location, paper feeding begins. Specifically, the paper feed roller 27 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the paper P on the top of either paper feed cassette 26-1 or 26-2 is drawn up, and transported to the resist roller pair 28. Then, the paper is sent from the resist roller pair 28 at a timing set to make a normal image position. The secondary transfer roller 34 transfers the toner image of four colors laminated on the intermediate transfer belt 11 all at once onto the surface of one side of the paper P sent between the intermediate transfer belt 11 and the transport belt 30.
In the present embodiment, the polarity of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is positive, and the polarity of the toner that forms the image on the photosensitive member is negative. The toner supported on the photosensitive member 1 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 11 providing a positive charge on the primary transfer roller 14 greater than the charge of the latent image on the photosensitive member 1. In addition, the toner supported on the intermediate transfer belt 11 is transferred to the paper P by providing a positive charge on the secondary transfer roller 34.
With the toner image transferred to the surface as described above, the paper P is transported to the fixing means 36, the toner image on the paper P is fixed, and the paper passes through the guide 37 and is discharged to the paper discharge stacking unit 39 by the paper discharge roller pair 38.
With the paper discharge unit 39 configured as indicated in
Here, the operation of forming an image on one side of the paper only has been described, but a configuration that forms images on both sides of the paper is also possible by using the transport belt 30 as a second intermediate transfer belt. When forming images on both sides of the paper P, a four color laminated toner image, which is the first image supported on the front side of the intermediate transfer belt 11, is transferred to the second intermediate transfer belt 30 by the secondary transfer roller 34. Subsequently, while a four color laminated toner image, which is the second image, is being formed on the intermediate transfer belt 11, the first image is carried on the second intermediate transfer belt 30 and transported to the transfer position. The timings of the intermediate transfer belt 11, the second intermediate transfer belt 30, and the resist roller pair 28 are coordinated, and the first and second images are simultaneously transferred to both surfaces of the paper.
The paper P, onto both sides of which toner images have been transferred, is sent to the fixing means 36, and the images on both sides are simultaneously fixed, the paper passes through the guide 37, and is discharged and stacked into the discharge unit 39 by the discharge roller 38. Here, a description has been give relating to image formation of a color image using toners with a plurality of colors, but the operation could also apply to monochrome images.
Next, an explanation will be given of how the characteristic parts of the present embodiment, namely, the intermediate transfer apparatus 10, the cleaning apparatus 15 and the intermediate transfer unit 20, are attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.
Two openings 41a, b are provided above and below on the front plate 41. The upper opening 41a is an opening for attaching and detaching the intermediate transfer apparatus 10, the cleaning apparatus 15, the intermediate transfer unit 20, and the various imaging units SU to the apparatus main body. A photosensitive member plate 47 is mounted and supported rotatably in the front plate 41 in order to open and close this upper opening 41a. The lower opening 41b is an opening for inserting and extracting the paper feed cassettes 26-1 and 26-2 described above.
A drive unit 48 is mounted on the back plate 42. This drive unit 48 comprises drive mechanisms such as motors and gears for driving the drive rollers of the photosensitive drums 1 of the various imaging units SU, of the developing apparatus 5, or of the intermediate transfer belt 11.
Further, when attaching and detaching the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20), the intermediate transfer belt 11 is configured to separate from the photosensitive drums 1 of the various imaging units and from the transport belt 30 based on a mechanism not indicated in the diagram. In the present embodiment, every time an image formation operation is completed, the intermediate transfer belt 11 and the photosensitive drums 1 are separated at the imaging units (a to c) other than the black imaging unit. At the black imaging unit, the intermediate transfer belt 11 and the photosensitive drum 1 are configured to always make contact (even when not performing image formation), and therefore, when attaching and detaching the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20), the transfer roller 14 of the black imaging unit (d) is configured to be moved upward by the previously described mechanism when the intermediate transfer belt 11 and the photosensitive drum 1 separate.
When detaching the cleaning apparatus 15, which houses the recovered toner, etc. inside, the cleaning apparatus 15 is guided by the upper rail 49 and the lower rail 50, and therefore, the cleaning apparatus 15 does not tip during removal, and no toner, etc. drops from the recovery unit 15a (refer to
A lock lever 17 (lock member for second unit) is provided on the end of the front side (apparatus front side) of the cleaning apparatus 15. This lock lever 17 can rotate on the lower end part, and is in the lock position when standing up straight as indicated in
As indicated in
The state when the lock lever 17 is rotated to the lock position is indicated from a different angle in the perspective diagram of
As described above, the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) is supported by the left and right guide rails 45 and 46, and is configured to be able to attach to and detach from the apparatus main body. A lock mechanism (lock member for first unit) that restricts the removal of that intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) is provided as indicated in
Meanwhile, an insertion part 42a that the lock member 53 enters is provided on the rear plate 42 of the main unit frame as indicated in
With the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) inserted to the back of the apparatus main body and the lock lever 52 rotated as indicated in
In addition, in the lock release state of
Then, when locked as indicated in
A rear protruding part 53b of the lock member 53 and a sensor 54 (first unit detection means) are provided to be able to detect that the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) is inserted to the back of the apparatus main body and locked. A photo interrupter having a light emitting part and a light receiving part may, for example, be used as the sensor 54. In the present embodiment, the rear protruding part 53b is formed in a flat shape, and when the rear protruding part 53b has approached into the detection part of the sensor 54 and is in the lock release state of
Moreover, as indicated in
In the present embodiment, by comprising the sensor 54 that detects the attachment and detachment of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 and the cleaning apparatus detection sensor 55, not only can the attachment and detachment status of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) be detected, but the attachment and detachment of the cleaning apparatus 15 alone when the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 is mounted in the apparatus main body can also be detected.
Further, although not indicated in the diagram, a front cover is provided on the exterior cover plate of the image forming apparatus, and when that front cover is opened, the front part of the frame of the apparatus appears, and the manipulation of the lock lever 52 and the opening of the photosensitive member plate 47 become possible. In addition, a custom door, etc. may be provided on the exterior cover plate at the part corresponding to the lock lever 52 and the photosensitive member plate 47.
As indicated in
When the lock lever 52 is rotated to the lock position indicated in
As described above, in this first embodiment, the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 and the cleaning apparatus 15 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body as the single unit of the intermediate transfer unit 20, and it is also possible to attach and detach only the cleaning apparatus 15 from the apparatus main body while the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 remains mounted on the apparatus main body. Consequently, a plurality of attachable and detachable units can be easily attached to and detached from the main unit of the apparatus, and the maintenance is simplified. When replacing the cleaning member (cleaning blade 16 in the present embodiment) that generally has a shorter operational life than that of the intermediate transfer belt, it is not necessary to remove the entire intermediate transfer unit 20 or the intermediate transfer apparatus 10, and the operation is easy. Naturally, even if removing the cleaning apparatus 15 from the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 after the intermediate transfer unit 20 has been removed from the apparatus main body, the cleaning apparatus 15 supported on the support rail 50 is easily removed by sliding.
Normally, the cleaning apparatus (cleaning apparatus 15) of the belt member is smaller and weights less than the apparatus (intermediate transfer apparatus 10) that supports the belt member that is the object to be cleaned, and in the present embodiment, when attaching and detaching the smaller of the two units (cleaning apparatus 15) that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, it is not necessary to remove the bigger, heavier unit (intermediate transfer apparatus 10), and the operation is easy.
In addition, in the present embodiment, it is possible to remove the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 after the cleaning apparatus 15 has been removed, and to mount the cleaning apparatus 15 after the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 has been mounted in the apparatus main body. For this reason, even people who are not strong enough when attaching and detaching the single unit of the intermediate transfer unit 20 can conduct the operation.
Then, attachment and detachment is easy because the attachment and detachment direction of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) is the same as that of the cleaning apparatus 15. For example, if the attachment and detachment direction of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) and the cleaning apparatus 15 are set up in the front to back direction of the image forming apparatus as in the present embodiment, attachment and detachment of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) and the cleaning apparatus 15 can be easily conducted from the front of the apparatus, and this is advantageous in terms of the installation location of the apparatus.
Moreover, making the attachment and detachment direction of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) and the cleaning apparatus 15 parallel to the rotational axis of the intermediate transfer belt 11 simplifies the configuration, for example, of the installation direction of the guide rails that support and make detachable the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) and the cleaning apparatus 15.
In addition, providing detection means (sensor 54) that detect that the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) is set up in the apparatus main body can prohibit operation of the apparatus when the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 (intermediate transfer unit 20) has not been set up, and can prevent damage to the apparatus and risk during maintenance.
In addition, it is also possible to detect the attachment or detachment of just the cleaning apparatus 15 by providing detection means (sensor 55) to detect that the cleaning apparatus 15 has been installed in the apparatus main body. Further, inability to clean the intermediate transfer belt 11 and generation of abnormal images, etc. can be prevented by prohibiting operation of the apparatus when installation of the cleaning apparatus 15 has not been detected.
Unintended dropping of the cleaning apparatus 15 can be avoided, and reliable mounting can be achieved because the attachment and detachment of the cleaning apparatus 15 has lock and lock release means (lock lever 17). Moreover, because the cleaning member (cleaning blade 16) by linkage to the lever lock and lock release can be joined to or separated from the belt member (intermediate transfer belt 11) the trouble of moving the cleaning member when attaching and detaching the cleaning apparatus 15 can be omitted, and reliable contact of the cleaning member and the belt member can be obtained.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
This second embodiment is an image forming apparatus having a system that retains and transports the recording medium (paper) on the surface of a transport belt, and directly transfers the image from an image support member (photosensitive member) on to the paper that is transported, and a unit comprising the aforementioned transport belt (belt transport apparatus) can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.
The exposure apparatus 6 is arranged above the imaging units SU. The exposure apparatus 6 in the present embodiment is the well-known laser system, and latent images are formed by irradiating the surfaces of photosensitive members with writing light corresponding to the various color image data. An exposure apparatus comprising an LED array and focusing means may also be adopted. A storage unit TS that houses various bottles of color toner is provided on the right side of the exposure apparatus 6 in the diagram, and toner is supplied to the developing apparatuses 5 of the corresponding colors from the various bottles of color toner by a powder pump not indicated in the diagram. In addition, electric components E1 and E2 are arranged in the space between the transport belt apparatus 110 and the paper feed cassette 26-1.
As indicated in more detail in
The print operation of the present embodiment will be briefly explained.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 of the imaging unit SU-a for magenta is uniformly charged to a specified electric potential by the charge means 4. By driving an LD (laser diode) not indicated in the diagram based on image data sent by a host machine such as a computer, laser light of the exposure apparatus 6 is irradiated on a polygon mirror; the reflected light is introduced onto the photosensitive drum 1 through a cylinder lens, etc.; and a latent image to be developed by magenta toner is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. Toner from the developing apparatus 5 is applied on this latent image, and becomes a magenta toner visible image.
Meanwhile, paper designated as the transfer material is supplied from the paper feed cassette 26-1 or 26-2, and the fed paper strikes the resist roller pair 28 provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport belt apparatus 110. Then, the paper is sent onto the belt 111 in synchronization with the aforementioned visible image, and reaches the transfer position opposing the photosensitive drum 1 based on the running of the belt. The visible image of the magenta toner is transferred onto the paper at this transfer position by the action of the transfer roller 114 arranged on the back side of the transport belt 111.
In the same way as with the color magenta, visible images based on the various colors of toner are formed on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums 1 of the other imaging units SU-b to d, and these visible images are laminated and transferred every time the paper transported by the transport belt 111 arrives at the various transfer positions. Consequently, with the color printer of the present embodiment, full color images are laminated and transferred to paper in nearly as short a time as monochrome images.
On the other hand, for monochrome prints, a black toner visible image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 of only the imaging unit SU-d for black, and the Bk toner image is transferred onto the paper sent on top of the belt 111 in synchronization with this Bk visible image.
After the toner image has been transferred the paper is separated from the transport belt 111 and is fixed by a fixing apparatus 136. The fixing apparatus in the present embodiment is a belt fixing system, and has the advantage that the warm up time is shorter than when roller fixing. After fixing is complete, the paper is discharged to a discharge tray 39 provided on the top of the apparatus main body. At this time, the paper is inverted and is discharged with the back side up.
Now then, in this second embodiment, as indicated in
In this second embodiment, the belt transport apparatus 110 and the belt cleaning apparatus 115 can be integrally attached to and detached from the apparatus main body based on pulling out and inserting the belt transport unit 120 from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, the present embodiment is configured such that, other than during the image formation operation, the transport belt 111 is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 of the various imaging units.
The belt cleaning apparatus 115 comprises a blade 116 as a cleaning member, and toner and paper dust, etc. removed by the blade 116 is housed in the recovery unit 115a. In the present embodiment as well, the belt cleaning apparatus 115 is guided by the sub-guide rail 128 and moves in parallel with the transport belt 111 (in parallel with the rotational axis of the transport belt 111), and therefore, the cleaning apparatus 115 does not tip during detachment, and no toner, etc. drops out from the recovery unit 115a (refer to
Although omitted from the diagram, a lock lever (lock member for second unit) to lock the withdrawal of the belt cleaning apparatus 115 and a lock mechanism (lock member for first unit) to lock the withdrawal of the belt transport unit 120 (transport belt apparatus 110) are provided in the same way as in the aforementioned first embodiment. Moreover, the cleaning blade 116 and the transport belt 111 are similarly configured to make contact and separate by connecting to the rotation of the lock lever (switching of the lever) that locks the withdrawal of the belt cleaning apparatus 115.
Moreover, detection means (first unit detection means) for detecting that the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 (intermediate transfer unit 120) has been set up in the apparatus main body may also be provided in the same way as in the aforementioned first embodiment. Further, it is suitable to provide detection means (sensor 55) (second unit detection means) to detect that the cleaning apparatus 115 has been set up in the apparatus main body
As described above, in this second embodiment the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 and the cleaning apparatus 115 can be attached to detached from the apparatus main body in a single unit as the intermediate transfer unit 120, and the cleaning apparatus 115 can be independently attached to and detached from the apparatus main body while the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 remains mounted on the apparatus main body. Consequently, a plurality of attachable and detachable units can be easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, and maintenance operations are easy. When replacing the cleaning member (cleaning blade 116 in the present embodiment), which generally has a shorter operational life than the intermediate transfer belt, the entire intermediate transfer unit 120 does not have to be removed, and the operation is easy. Naturally, the cleaning apparatus 115 can also be removed after removing the intermediate transfer unit 120 from the apparatus main body.
In addition, it is possible to remove the intermediate transfer unit 120 after the cleaning apparatus 115 has been removed, and it is also possible to mount the cleaning apparatus 115 after the intermediate transfer unit 120 has been mounted in the apparatus main body.
Then, because the direction of attachment and detachment of the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 (intermediate transfer unit 120) is the same as that of the cleaning apparatus 115, the attachment and detachment operation is easy. In the present embodiment, the directions of attachment and detachment of the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 (intermediate transfer unit 120) and the cleaning apparatus 115 are set up in the front to back direction of the image forming apparatus, and therefore the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 (intermediate transfer unit 120) and the cleaning apparatus 115 can be easily attached to and detached from the front of the apparatus, and this is an advantage in terms of the installation location of the apparatus.
Moreover, because the directions of attachment and detachment of the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 (intermediate transfer unit 120) and the cleaning apparatus 115 are parallel to the rotational axis of the intermediate transfer belt 111, the configuration whereby the intermediate transfer apparatus 110 (intermediate transfer unit 120) and the cleaning apparatus 115 are supported to enable attachment and detachment, for example, the method of installing guide rails, is simplified.
Next, a third embodiment configured to enable attachment and detachment of just the second unit with the first unit remaining mounted in the apparatus main body will be explained. The basic configuration of this third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment previously explained using FIGS. 1 to 12, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the parts that differ will be explained.
As indicated in
In this way, the third embodiment makes the operation even easier because the cleaning apparatus 15 can be attached to and detached from the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus main body even when the photosensitive member plate 47 is closed and the lock lever 52 is rotated to the lock position, specifically, even when the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 cannot be detached and is locked by the plate 47 and the lock member 53 provided on the rear end of the rotational spindle of the lock lever 52.
Next, a fourth embodiment will be explained that prevents the dropping of the unit when replacing units, and improves handling characteristics when replacing (detaching) units. The basic configuration of this fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment previously explained using FIGS. 1 to 12B, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the parts that differ will be explained.
The configuration of the frame of the image forming apparatus main body is as indicated in
The part with the cleaning apparatus 15 mounted is enlarged in
Another example of a possible configuration is to secure the upper rail 49 to the left guide rail 45 or to form the upper rail 49 and the left guide rail 45 into a single unit, and then to secure the lower rail 50 to the frame of the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 not indicated in the diagram. This is a configuration in which only one (lower rail 50) of the two rails that support the cleaning apparatus 15 is supported by the intermediate transfer apparatus 10, but because the lower rail 50 receives the majority of the weight of the cleaning apparatus 15, even supposing a dimensional error between the intermediate transfer apparatus 10 and the apparatus main body, there is little danger of the cleaning apparatus 15 falling during detachment. In addition, by securing the upper rail 49 to the left guide rail 45 or forming into a single unit with the left guide rail 45, the configuration of that part can be simplified, the number of parts decreased, and the costs reduced.
The present invention was explained above by the various embodiments in the diagrams, but the present invention is not limited to these.
For example, the form of tensioning the intermediate transfer belt or the transport belt (transfer belt) as well as the configuration of the guide rails, etc. could be suitably established. Moreover, the configuration of the cleaning apparatus is not limited to a blade system, and optional systems such as a cleaning roller or cleaning brush could be adopted.
Moreover in addition to the intermediate transfer belt and transport belt (transfer belt) cited in the examples and diagrams, the rotational member rotatably supported in the detachable first unit may also be an image support member such as a photosensitive member.
The configuration of the imaging units and the configuration of the fixing apparatus are also optional. Naturally, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a printer, and may also be a facsimile machine, copier or combinations thereof.
The following notable effects are obtained with the image forming apparatus of the present invention described above.
(1) It is possible to attach and detach the first and second units integrally to and from the apparatus main body; it is also possible to attach and detach only the second unit while the first unit remains mounted in the apparatus main body; and because in both cases detachment can be conducted in the same direction, the units can be easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.
(2) Moreover, by providing detection means to detect the installation status of the various units, operation without a unit mounted can be prevented and accidents by mistaken operation can be avoided before they happen.
(3) The second unit that is the cleaning apparatus is guided in the axial direction of the support roller of the belt member and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body or the first unit, and therefore the second unit will not tip over when detaching, and dropping toner, etc. from the recovery part can be prevented.
(4) The second unit can be locked to the first unit using the lock means, and therefore moving or dropping the second unit can be prevented and breakdown or damage to the apparatus can be avoided.
(5) The cleaning member is separated from the belt member by releasing the lock of the lock means, and therefore there is no rubbing on the belt member when detaching the cleaning apparatus, and damage to the belt member can be avoided.
(6) The cleaning unit contacts the belt member based on the locking of the lock means, and therefore the labor of moving the cleaning member after the cleaning apparatus has been mounted can be omitted.
(7) The cleaning apparatus can be easily attached to and detached from the intermediate transfer belt, the transfer transport belt or the image support member.
(8) If only the second unit is detached with the first unit remaining mounted on the apparatus main body, releasing the lock means is not necessary and the operation is easy.
(9) The second unit can be attached and detached independently with the lock means locked, specifically, with the belt member and the image support member making contact.
(10) The lock and lock release of the lock means and the contact and separation of the belt member and the image support member can be linked.
(11) Rubbing of the belt member and the image support member can be prevented when detaching the first unit. Moreover, the configuration for supporting and enabling first unit attachment and detachment, for example, the method of installing the guide rails, is simplified.
(12) The second unit can be easily attached to and detached from the first unit which includes the intermediate transfer belt.
(13) Attachment and detachment of the first unit can be restricted by a face plate that can move to a restriction position and to a retracted position, and be reliably locked.
(14) The movement of the face plate can be restricted and reliably locked because the face plate can be retained and released.
(15) The cleaning apparatus that cleans the belt member can be easily attached and detached.
(16) The second lock means can lock the second unit to the first unit, and therefore movement and detachment of the second unit can be prevented, and accidents and damage to the apparatus can be avoided.
(17) Releasing the lock of the second lock means separates the cleaning member from the belt member, and therefore the cleaning apparatus does not rub on the belt member during detachment, and damage to the belt member can be avoided.
(18) Locking the second lock means makes the cleaning member contact the belt member, and therefore the labor of moving the cleaning member after mounting the cleaning apparatus can be omitted.
(19) The direction of detaching the second unit is the axial direction of a roller member that supports the belt member, and therefore rubbing of the second unit on the belt member during detachment can be avoided. Moreover, the configuration for attachably and detachably supporting the second unit such as the method of installing the guide rails, is simplified.
(20) In the configuration in which two guide members retaining from both sides and supporting the second unit to enable attachment and detachment are attached to the first unit, the second unit can be reliably supported and dropping of the second unit during detachment can be prevented irrespective of the dimensional error between the first unit and the apparatus main body is unrelated.
(21) In the configuration in which one of the guide members that supports the second unit is installed on the apparatus main body, a simple configuration can be established for both the support and guide part of the second unit.
(22) The configuration of the guide part can be simplified by mounting or forming into a single unit one of the guide members supporting the second unit and one of the guide members for the first unit; and the number of parts can also be decreased and costs can be controlled.
(23) The method of installing the guide member that supports the first and second units enabling attachment and detachment is simplified.
(24) The cleaning apparatus that cleans the belt member can be easily attached and detached.
(25) The second unit can be easily attached to and detached from the first unit which includes the intermediate transfer belt.
Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2004-271480 (JP) | Sep 2004 | JP | national |
2005-159076 (JP) | May 2005 | JP | national |
2004-271481 (JP) | Sep 2004 | JP | national |
2004-293716 (JP) | Oct 2004 | JP | national |
2004-293717 (JP) | Oct 2004 | JP | national |