JP2002123051A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an image forming apparatus which is very simple and inexpensive, can perform maintenance work very smoothly, and can confirm erroneous mounting of each process cartridge even when a waste toner box is removed. SOLUTION: A detachable first to fourth process cartridges 71 to 74 integrally formed with a photosensitive drum 5, a developing device 52, and a cleaning device 54, a detachable transfer / transport belt mechanism 44, and a transfer / transport belt mechanism. And a waste toner box 62 provided on the front of the printer. Error mounting preventing means for preventing erroneous mounting between the waste toner box and each process cartridge by fitting the waste toner box and each process cartridge at the time of mounting each process cartridge at the detached position of the transfer / transport belt mechanism. 81
And an erroneous attachment confirming means 82 for confirming erroneous attachment by fitting the waste toner box and each process cartridge when the transfer / conveyor belt mechanism is converted to the attachment position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and the like, and a countermeasure for preventing erroneous mounting of a plurality of image forming units of a cartridge type for individually forming different types of color images. Related to

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this type, if the image forming apparatus is used for a long time, a photoconductor and a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor are replaced. Or replenishing the developer, cleaning the charger for charging the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor, replacing the collection container for collecting the residual developer removed from the photoreceptor by the cleaning device, Further, other adjustments and cleaning around the photoconductor are required.

Therefore, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a plurality of image forming units for individually forming different types of color images are formed side by side, a photoconductor, a developing device, and a cleaning device are provided in each image forming unit. It has been practiced to integrally form a plurality of process means integrated with each other into a cartridge for each color of developer so as to be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
-161113). According to this, maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user himself, so that maintenance by a serviceman is unnecessary, and maintenance costs such as maintenance costs are reduced.

However, when the user replaces the process cartridges of a plurality of image forming units, the user does not need to replace the process cartridges of the plurality of image forming units with the non-corresponding positions of the image forming units which are different from the corresponding positions of the image forming units to be mounted. There is a concern that erroneous mounting such as mounting a process cartridge by mistake may occur.

Therefore, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus,
In order to prevent erroneous mounting of each process cartridge, a plurality of process cartridges corresponding to each image forming unit are provided with storage means for storing individual development color information, and each process cartridge is stored in the image forming apparatus main body. Check whether each process cartridge is installed at the corresponding position of the regular image forming unit when it is installed,
In the case where the process cartridge is mounted in a non-corresponding position different from the corresponding position of the image forming unit to which the process cartridge should be originally mounted, the image forming operation is prohibited, and a warning is displayed by a display unit. That is being done.

In order to prevent the process cartridges from being erroneously mounted, a transfer means for transferring a transfer material to each image forming section is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, and each image forming section is detachably mounted. A collection container for collecting the residual developer removed from the carrier by a cleaning means such as a cleaning device is attached to the transport means so as to be integrally linked with the attaching / detaching operation, and each process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. In some cases, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is prevented by fitting the fitting members of the collection container and each process cartridge provided on the upstream side in the direction. In this case, the mounting of each process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body is performed in a state in which the transport unit is positioned at the detached position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.

[0007]

However, the above-described methods for preventing erroneous mounting of each process cartridge have the following disadvantages.

That is, in the former case where the storage means is provided for each of the process cartridges, a warning by the display means is required unless the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on after the process cartridges have been mounted in the image forming apparatus main body. Is not notified, if there is an erroneous mounting, the power must be turned off again, and each process cartridge must be mounted again on the image forming apparatus main body, which makes the maintenance work very complicated. In addition, it is necessary to incorporate electronic components as storage means for developing color information into the process cartridge, and to provide a connection means for connecting the electronic components (storage means) of each process cartridge on the image forming apparatus main body side. However, there is a disadvantage that the cost increases.

On the other hand, in the latter type in which the fitting members of the collecting container and the process cartridges are fitted to each other, the collecting container is removed from the image forming apparatus main body together with the conveying means (when the collecting container is not at the detached position). ), The fitting member of each process cartridge and the fitting member of the collection container cannot be fitted to check the erroneous mounting of each process cartridge. There is a possibility that the transporting means may be attached to the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the purpose of having a very simple and inexpensive configuration, performing a maintenance operation very smoothly, and having a collection container and an image forming apparatus together with conveying means. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of confirming erroneous mounting of each process cartridge even when the image forming apparatus is removed from a main body.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an image forming unit for forming different types of color images individually, in which an image carrier, a developing means and a cleaning means are integrated. A plurality of process cartridges detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, and a conveying unit detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body and conveying a transfer material to each of the image forming units, It is assumed that the image forming apparatus includes a collection container that is attached to the conveyance unit so as to integrally cooperate with the attaching / detaching operation, and that collects the residual developer removed by the cleaning unit from each of the image carriers. I do. And
A collection container is provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction of each process cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and between the collection container and each process cartridge, each process for the image forming apparatus main body at a position where the conveying means is separated from the image forming apparatus main body. An erroneous mounting prevention means is provided for preventing erroneous mounting by fitting each other when the cartridges are mounted, and erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is confirmed by fitting each other when mounting the conveying means to the image forming apparatus main body. Means are provided.

According to this specific matter, when each process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body at the position where the conveying means is detached from the image forming apparatus main body, each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing means is fitted to the collection container. Thus, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is prevented. For this reason, as compared with the one in which the storage means is provided for each process cartridge, the power supply is not turned on to the image forming apparatus after the completion of the mounting of each process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body, and the erroneous mounting is not notified. The maintenance work can be performed very smoothly. In addition, there is no need to incorporate electronic components into the process cartridge or provide a means for connecting the electronic components of each process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body side, and a configuration of erroneous mounting prevention means for preventing erroneous mounting of each process cartridge. Is very simple and cheap.

In addition, even if the collection container is not located at the detached position together with the conveying means and is removed from the image forming apparatus main body,
By fitting each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting checking means to the collection container when mounting the conveying means to the image forming apparatus main body, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is confirmed. For this reason, the problem that the conveyance unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body while the process cartridges are erroneously mounted is reliably eliminated.

In particular, the following constructions can be quickly prevented from erroneously mounting each process cartridge.

That is, the fitting members of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means are provided to be shifted from each other for each process cartridge.

According to this specific matter, when each process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body at the position where the transporting means is detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing means is fitted into the collection container. At the stage before fitting to the mating member, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge can be recognized. In addition, even if the collection container is removed from the image forming apparatus main body without being in the detached position together with the conveyance means, when the conveyance means is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting confirmation means is fitted to the collection container. At the stage before fitting to the mating member, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is confirmed. For this reason, it is possible to quickly prevent erroneous mounting of each process cartridge.

The following configuration is provided to prevent erroneous mounting of each process cartridge due to erroneous mounting of the collection container.

That is, a single container for collecting the residual developer in each process cartridge is used as the collection container.

According to this specific matter, when a plurality of recovery containers are provided corresponding to each process cartridge, for example, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge to the recovery container caused by erroneous mounting of each recovery container is prevented. It is possible to do.

Further, the following configuration is provided to prevent erroneous mounting of each process cartridge due to erroneous assembly of the fitting member of the collection container.

In other words, the fitting members of the collecting container to be fitted to the fitting members of the process cartridges of the erroneous mounting preventing means and the erroneous mounting confirming means are provided integrally with the collecting container.

According to this specific matter, for example, when the fitting member of the collection container is provided separately from the collection container,
It is possible to prevent erroneous attachment of each process cartridge to the collection container, which is caused by erroneous attachment of the fitting member to the collection container.

In addition, the following configuration is listed as one that can more reliably prevent erroneous mounting of each process cartridge.

That is, the fitting member of the collection container of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means is connected to the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting confirmation means. They are also used so that they can be fitted together. The fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing means is fitted to the fitting member of the collection container on one side in the mounting direction of each process cartridge when the conveying means is at the detached position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. It is provided on the detachable side of the transfer means in the attaching and detaching direction so as to be possible. On the other hand, the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting confirming means is fitted to the fitting member of the collection container on the other side in the mounting direction of each process cartridge when the conveying means is at the mounting position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. It is provided on the mounting side of the transfer means in the mounting and dismounting direction so as to be possible.

According to this specific matter, when each process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus at a position where the conveying means is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing means is replaced with each process cartridge. By fitting to the fitting member of the collection container on one side of the mounting direction of the collection container, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is prevented, and each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting confirmation unit when the transporting unit is in the mounting position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. By fitting the fitting member of the cartridge to the fitting member of the collection container on the other side in the mounting direction of each process cartridge, erroneous mounting of each process cartridge is confirmed twice, and erroneous mounting of each process cartridge Can be more reliably prevented.

Further, the following configuration is proposed to reduce the cost of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means.

That is, the fitting members of the process cartridges of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means are formed separately from each process cartridge and have the same shape.

According to this particular matter, the fitting members of the process cartridges of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means need to be formed in different shapes if they are provided with their positions shifted for each process cartridge. Is lost, and they are shared with each other. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, an electrophotographic digital color copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view schematically showing the internal structure of a digital color copying machine 1 according to this embodiment from the front. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital color copying machine 1 includes a double-sided automatic document feeder 2, an image reading unit 3, and an image forming unit 4.
Hereinafter, each unit will be described.

<Description of Double-sided Automatic Document Feeding Unit 2> The double-sided automatic document feeding unit 2 is supported on a document table 21 made of transparent glass or the like so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 21.
1 are mounted with a predetermined positional relationship. The two-sided automatic document feeder 2 transfers the document to the image reading unit 3 on one side (for example, the front side) of the
After the reading of the image on one side is completed, the document is temporarily retracted and turned over, and the document is placed on the other side (for example, the back side) of the document reading unit 21 at a predetermined position on the document reading unit 21. 3 and is conveyed toward the document table 21. Then, when the reading of the two-sided image for one document is completed, the two-sided automatic document feeder 2 discharges this document and then executes the two-sided conveyance operation for the next document. The above document transport and reversal operations are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire digital color copying machine 1.

<Description of Image Reading Unit 3> The image reading unit 3
A portion for reading an image of a document placed on a document table 21 or a document fed one by one by a two-sided automatic document feeder 2 to create image data; That is, it is provided below the document table 21. The image reading unit 3 includes an exposure light source 31, first to third
The optical system includes reflecting mirrors 32, 33, and 34, an imaging lens 35, and a photoelectric conversion element 36. In this case, the exposure light source 31 and the first
The first scanning unit 37 is constituted by the reflecting mirror 32, while the second scanning unit 38 is constituted by the second and third reflecting mirrors 33 and 34.

The exposure light source 31 irradiates light to an image placed on an original placed on the original table 21 of the automatic double-sided automatic document feeder 2 or an image of an original conveyed through the automatic double-sided automatic document feeder 2. is there. Each of the reflecting mirrors 32, 33, and 34 deflects (reflects) the reflected light image from the document once in a predetermined direction (left direction in FIG. 1) and then deflects the reflected light image downward, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. After that, the light is deflected rightward in the figure so as to be directed to the imaging lens 35.

The first scanning unit 37 (the exposure light source 31 and the first reflecting mirror 32) reciprocates in parallel to the lower surface of the document table 21 at a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a constant speed (FIG. 1).
Then, it moves left and right). Second scanning unit 38
The (second and third reflecting mirrors 33, 34) reciprocate (left and right in FIG. 1) in parallel to the lower surface of the document table 21 while maintaining a constant speed relationship with the first scanning unit 37. .

The imaging lens 35 is connected to the second scanning unit 3
The reflected light image from the document deflected by the third reflecting mirror 34 is reduced, and the reduced light image is formed at a predetermined position on the photoelectric conversion element 36.

The photoelectric conversion element 36 is a device for sequentially performing photoelectric conversion on the formed light image and outputting it as an electric signal. The photoelectric conversion element 36 is a three-line color CCD that can read a black-and-white image or a color image, and output line data separated into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components. . The document image information converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion element 36 (CCD) is transferred to an image processing unit (not shown) and subjected to predetermined image data processing.

<Description of Image Forming Unit 4> The image forming unit 4
An image forming system 41 and a transfer paper transport system 42 are provided.

The image forming system 41 is provided on the upper part of the main body 10 of the digital color copying machine 1, and the paper feeding mechanism 4 is provided below the image forming system 41.
3 is provided. The paper feed mechanism 43 separates paper P as a transfer material stacked and housed in the paper feed cassette 12 mounted on the lower end of the main body 10 (image forming apparatus main body) and supplies the paper P to the image forming system 41 one by one. It has been made to be. The paper P supplied to the image forming system 41 is cut sheet-shaped paper, and is located in front of the image forming system 41 (right side in FIG. 1).
The supply timing to the image forming system 41 is controlled by a pair of upper and lower registration rollers 40 provided in the image forming system 41. Further, the sheet P on which an image is formed on one side is again supplied (conveyed) to the image forming system 41 by the registration rollers 40, 40 in synchronization with the image formation in the image forming system 41.

Below the image forming system 41, a transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 as a transport means is provided. The transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 44 is provided substantially at the center of the main body 10 of the digital color copying machine 1. The transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44 includes a driving roller 44a provided on one side (the left side in FIG. 1), a driven roller 44b provided on the other side (the right side in FIG. 1), and a space between the two rollers 44a and 44b. And an endless transfer / transport belt 44c which is stretched and driven in the direction of arrow Z shown in FIG.
The paper P supplied from the registration rollers 40, 40 is conveyed from the other side (upstream side) to one side (downstream side) by electrostatically attracting the paper P on the surface of the paper P. A fixing device 45 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer paper transport belt mechanism 44 in the paper P transport direction (the left side in FIG. 1), and the fixing device 45 fixes the toner image transferred and formed on the paper P onto the paper P. Is done. Fixing device 45
Has a pair of upper and lower fixing rollers 45a, 45a so that the paper P conveyed on the transfer paper carrying belt mechanism 44 (transfer carrying belt 44c) passes through a nip between the fixing rollers 45a, 45a. . A switching gate 46 is provided on one side of the fixing device 45. The switching gate 46 transfers the fixed paper P passing through the nip between the fixing rollers 45a, 45a to a pair of upper and lower discharge rollers 11a, 1 with respect to a discharge tray 11 attached to one outer wall of the main body 10.
It is configured to selectively switch between a discharge path for discharging by 1a and a re-supply path for re-supplying the image forming system 41 below the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 44. This resupply path includes a switchback transport mechanism 47,
The sheet P conveyed to the re-supply path side by the switching gate 46
Are turned upside down by the switchback transport mechanism 47 and then supplied again to the image forming system 41.

Above the transfer belt mechanism 44, a first image forming station S1 as an image forming section,
Image forming station S2, the third image forming station S3, and the fourth image forming station S4 are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in order from the upstream side (right side in FIG. 1) of the sheet conveying path in the vicinity of the transfer conveying belt 44c. Have been. In this case, the sheet P on the transfer conveyance belt 44c is transferred to the first image forming station S1, the second image forming station S2, the third image forming station S3, and the fourth image forming station S3.
Are sequentially transported to the image forming station S4.

Each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 has substantially the same configuration, and includes a photosensitive drum 5 as an image carrier that rotates in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. Around the photosensitive drums 5, a charger 51 that charges each photosensitive drum 5 and forms an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 5, and a charger 51 on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 5 A developing device 52 as a developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 into a visible image by using a toner as a developer, and a toner image (visible image) developed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 5. A transfer roller 53 for transferring to the paper P, and a photosensitive drum 5
And a cleaning device 54 as cleaning means for removing waste toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 5.
Are sequentially provided along the rotation direction (the direction of arrow F).

A laser beam scanner unit 55 (hereinafter referred to as LSU) is provided above each photosensitive drum 5. Each LSU 55 includes a semiconductor laser device (not shown) that emits dot light modulated in accordance with image data, and a polygon mirror 55a (deflecting device) for deflecting a laser beam from the semiconductor laser device in the main scanning direction. ) And an fθ lens 55b and a mirror 55 for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 55a on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 5.
c, 55d.

The LSU of the first image forming station S1
The pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color original image is input to 55, and the LS of the second image forming station S2 is
A pixel signal corresponding to the cyan color component image of the color original image is input to U55, and a third image forming station S3
The pixel signal corresponding to the magenta color component image of the color original image is input to the LSU 55, and the pixel signal corresponding to the yellow color component image of the color original image is input to the LSU 55 of the fourth image forming station S4. It has been made. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the color-converted document image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 5.

The developing device 52 of the first image forming station S1 contains black K toner, and the developing device 52 of the second image forming station S2 contains cyan C toner. The developing device 52 of the forming station S3 contains magenta M toner, and the developing device 52 of the fourth image forming station S4 contains yellow Y toner. The electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of each photoconductor drum 5 is developed into a visible image by the toner of each color, whereby the original image information color-converted in the image forming system 41 is converted into a toner image by the toner of each color. It is to be reproduced as.

A paper suction charger 56 is provided between the first image forming station S1 and the paper feed mechanism 43. The paper suction charger 56 is provided with the transfer / transport belt 4.
The first image forming station S charges the sheet P supplied from the sheet feeding mechanism 43 onto the transfer / conveying belt 44c without fail.
The sheet P is conveyed without shifting from the first to the fourth image forming station S4.

On the other hand, between the fourth image forming station S4 and the fixing device 45, a discharger 57 for static elimination is provided almost directly above the drive roller 41a. An alternating current is applied to the discharging device 57 for separating the sheet P electrostatically attracted to the transfer / transport belt 44c from the transfer / transport belt 44c.

When the paper P used in the digital color copying machine 1 is sent out from the paper feed cassette 12 and supplied into the guide of the paper feed path of the paper feed mechanism 43,
The leading end portion of the sheet P is detected by a sensor (not shown), and is temporarily stopped by the pair of registration rollers 40 based on a detection signal output from the sensor.
Then, the paper P is stored in each of the image forming stations S1 to S4.
At a time, the sheet is fed onto the transfer / conveying belt 44c rotating in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. At this time, since the transfer conveyance belt 44c is given a predetermined charge by the paper suction charger 56, the paper P is stably conveyed and supplied while passing through the image forming stations S1 to S4.

In each of the image forming stations S1 to S4, a toner image of each color is formed, and each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 is formed on the supporting surface of the sheet P conveyed by being electrostatically attracted and conveyed by the transfer conveying belt 44c. The toner image is superimposed and the image is transferred. Then, when the transfer of the image by the fourth image forming station S4 is completed, the sheet P is sequentially discharged from the leading end portion thereof to the negative discharge device 57.
As a result, the toner is peeled off from the transfer / conveying belt 44 c and guided to the fixing device 45. The paper P on which the toner image has been fixed in the fixing device 45 is discharged onto the discharge tray 11 through a paper discharge port (not shown) by the discharge roller 11a.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaning device 5 of each of the image forming stations S1 to S4.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a blade (not shown) for scraping waste toner from the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 5 after completion of image transfer, and a transport path 61 for transporting the waste toner scraped by the blade to the outside of the cleaning device 54. And a waste toner box 62 provided detachably at the downstream end of the transport path 61 and serving as a collection container for storing waste toner transported via the transport path 61.

Each transport path 61 is provided extending in the front-rear direction so as to extend from the rear surface side to the front surface side in the cleaning box 60 of each of the image forming stations S1 to S4. In each of the transport paths 61, a rotating shaft 64 whose both ends are rotatably supported at the front and rear ends of each of the transport paths 61.
A spiral blade 64b spirally extending in the axial direction around the periphery of a is provided. Then, the waste toner scraped off by the blade and dropped to the bottom of the transport path 61 is transported to the downstream end side (the near side in FIGS. 1 to 3) of the transport path 61 by rotation of the spiral blade 64 b around a predetermined rotation. It has been made like that.

A discharge port 61a is formed at the lower end on the downstream end side of each of the transport paths 61, and a communication hole 62a is formed at a position corresponding to the upper end of the waste toner box 62 corresponding to each discharge port 61a. Are provided to communicate with the waste toner box 62 at the downstream end side of each transport path 61. A substantially cylindrical shutter member 63 is attached to the downstream end of each transport path 61. The shutter member 63 is connected to the discharge port 6 of each transport path 61.
When the waste toner box 62 is attached to each of the transport paths 61 as shown in FIG. The contact with the waste toner box 62 causes the discharge port 61a to rotate in the direction of opening the discharge port 61a (the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3) against the urging force of the spring, thereby opening the discharge port 61a of each transport path 61. Has been made.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the waste toner box 62.
As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 is detachably attached to a front surface of the transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 via a guide piece 69 having a substantially L-shaped cross section. The waste toner box 62 includes the drive roller 44a and the driven roller 4
4b, and extends in the left-right direction so as to extend the waste toner conveyed through the conveyance path 61 of the cleaning device 54 in each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 (each of the process cartridges 71 to 74). It is made to be collected by things.

Each of the above image forming stations S1 to S4
Are first to fourth process cartridges 71 to 74 in which the photosensitive drum 5, the charger 51, the developing device 52, and the cleaning device 54 are individually integrated.
It has. Each of the process cartridges 71 to 74
Respectively correspond to the main body 10 (each of the image forming stations S1 to S1).
S4) are slidably supported in the front-rear direction via guide mechanisms 75 so as to be detachably mounted individually from the front with respect to S4). Each of the guide mechanisms 75 is provided with a guide groove 7 extending in the front-rear direction and recessed at the left and right sides of the upper end of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74.
5a, 75a, and a suspension having a substantially C-shaped cross section which is suspended at the lower end of the LSU 55 of each of the image forming stations S1 to S4, and whose both ends are slidably inserted into the respective guide grooves 75a over the entire area in the front-rear direction. And a lower member 75b.

The transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 (the driving roller 44a, the driven roller 44b, the transfer / transport belt 44c, and the transfer rollers 53) is integrally unitized and detachably attached to the main body 10 from below. It is vertically movably supported via a detachable mechanism 76 so as to be freely mounted.

The attachment / detachment mechanism 76 has a roller 76a at its tip which is rotatably contacted with the lower surface of the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 44, and the intermediate portion is rotated via a shaft 76b extending in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body 10. A pair of left and right link members 76c, 76c freely supported, a lever 76d rotatably supported on one side (the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the transfer belt mechanism 44, and a link member 76c Left and right positions on the other side are rotatably supported at the base end, and a link rod 76e that is movable in the left and right direction is rotatably supported on one side by the lever 76d. The transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 is moved downward by the detachment / attachment mechanism 76 to detach the transfer / transport belt 44c from the photosensitive drums 5 of the first to fourth process cartridges 71 to 74 of the image forming stations S1 to S4. (The position shown in FIG. 2) and the upper mounting position (shown in FIG. 3) where the transfer conveyance belt 44c is brought into contact with the photosensitive drums 5 of the first to fourth process cartridges 71 to 74 of the image forming stations S1 to S4. Position) and are converted to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the lever 76d is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the link rod 76e is pushed out to the other side (the direction of the arrow) of the transfer belt mechanism 44, and each link member 76c is moved in the direction of the arrow. The transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 is rotated by
And is lowered downward (in the direction of the arrow) to be converted to the detached position. At this time, the first to fourth process cartridges 71
74 are attached to and detached from the image forming stations S1 to S4 from the front side of the main body 10 (the side of the waste toner box 62 of the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44) via the guide mechanism 75, respectively. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the lever 76d is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the link rod 76e
Is attracted to one side (in the direction of the arrow) of the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 44, and each link member 76c rotates in the direction of the arrow to stand up, so that the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 44 moves upward with the waste toner box 62 (in the direction of the arrow). ) And converted to the mounting position.

As a characteristic part of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
When the process cartridges 71 to 74 are mounted on the image forming stations S1 to S4 (main body 10) at the positions where the transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 is separated from the main body 10, the fourth process cartridges 71 to 74 are fitted to each other. Erroneous mounting prevention means 8 for preventing erroneous mounting by fitting
1 and an erroneous mounting confirmation unit 82 (FIG. 9) for confirming erroneous mounting of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 by fitting each other when the transfer / conveyor belt mechanism 44 is changed from the detached position to the mounted position with respect to the main body 10 (during mounting). 5) is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the erroneous mounting preventing means 81 is provided for each of the process cartridges 71 to 71.
The fitting members 83 provided on the rear surface of the base member 74, respectively.
And provided on the upper surface of the waste toner box 62, respectively.
Are fitted to the fitting members 83,... Of the process cartridges 71 to 74. The fitting member 83 of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is provided with a protruding piece 83a projecting downward at the center of the lower end. Also, the waste toner box 62
Of the waste toner box 6
2 are formed integrally with each other, and each process cartridge 71-
A fitting hole 84a for fitting the projecting piece 83a of the 74 fitting member 83 is provided at the center position of the upper end. in this case,
Each process cartridge 71 by erroneous mounting prevention means 81
The protrusions 83a of the fitting members 83 to the fitting holes 84a of the fitting members 84 of the waste toner box 62 are fitted when the transfer / conveyor belt mechanism 44 is at the detached position. Is carried out by sliding it back from the front surface of the main body 10 by the guide mechanism 75.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each of the process cartridges 71 to 74
Are provided on the front surface of the waste toner box 62, respectively, and the fitting members 84,... Provided on the upper surface of the waste toner box 62 are also used. The fitting member 85 of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 has a protruding piece 85a that protrudes downward at the center of the lower end. The projecting piece 85a of the fitting member 85 of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is
The second fitting member 84 is fitted into the fitting hole 84a. In this case, the fitting between the protrusion 85a of the fitting member 85 of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 and the fitting hole 84a of each of the fitting members 84 of the waste toner box 62 by the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 is performed by the transfer / conveyor belt mechanism 44. Is changed from the lower detachment position to the upper attachment position by the attachment / detachment mechanism 76 and is attached.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fitting members 83, 84, 8 of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 are provided.
5 is provided to be shifted in the left-right direction for each of the process cartridges 71 to 74, and when the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 44 is converted to the upper mounting position or the lower detached position, the protrusion corresponding to the converted position. The piece 83a (or the protruding piece 85a) is fitted into the fitting hole 84a of the fitting member 84 of the waste toner box 62 for each of the process cartridges 71 to 74. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
(First image forming station S1) Fitting members 83 and 8 of incorrect mounting prevention means 81 and incorrect mounting checking means 82.
5 is mounted such that the protruding pieces 83a and 85a are positioned at a distance a from the right end of the first process cartridge 71, and the second process cartridge 72 (second image forming station S2) is erroneously mounted. Fitting member 8 of prevention means 81 and incorrect mounting confirmation means 82
The third and third cartridges 85 are mounted such that the protruding pieces 83a and 85a are positioned at a position apart from the right end of the second process cartridge 72 by a distance b, and are attached to the third process cartridge 73 (third image forming station S3). The fitting members 83, 85 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 have the third protruding pieces 83a, 85a.
The process cartridge 73 is attached so as to be located at a position apart from the right end by a distance c.
The fitting members 83 and 85 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 with respect to the fourth process cartridge 74 (fourth image forming station S4) have protrusions 8 thereof.
3a and 85a are attached so as to be positioned at a distance d from the right end of the fourth process cartridge 74. Further, each fitting member 84 of the waste toner box 62 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting checking means 82 has a fitting hole 84a formed therein.
And each process cartridge 7 of the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82
Projection pieces 83a, 85 of fitting members 83, 85 of 1-74
a is provided at a position corresponding to each.

Further, the fitting members 83 and 85 of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 are
74 to 74 are formed as separate members and have the same shape. The fitting members 83, 85 are provided with a total of four mounting holes 86,. The fitting members 83, 85 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting checking means 82 are screwed into two mounting holes 86, 86 on the rear or front surfaces of the first and third process cartridges 71, 73. , 87, and the second and fourth process cartridges 72,
74, two lower mounting holes 86, 86 with screws 87,
It is fixed via 87.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the transfer and transport belt mechanism 4 with respect to the main body 10 of the digital color copying machine 1 is used.
4 to the first to fourth process cartridges 71 to
When the cartridge 74 is mounted in the first to fourth image forming stations S1 to S4, the protrusion 8 of the fitting member 83 on the rear surface of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 is used.
By fitting 3a into the fitting holes 84a of the fitting members 84 of the waste toner box 62, erroneous mounting of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is prevented.
For this reason, as compared with the case in which the digital color copier is not turned on after the process cartridges have been mounted in the image forming station, as in the case where the storage means is provided for each process cartridge, the mounting is not reported. Therefore, maintenance work can be performed very smoothly. Further, there is no need to incorporate the electronic components into the process cartridges or to provide a means for connecting the electronic components of the process cartridges to the main body of the digital color copying machine.
The configuration of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 for preventing the erroneous mounting of the device 4 can be made very simple and inexpensive.

Further, even if the waste toner box 62 is not at the detached position together with the transfer / conveyor belt mechanism 44 and is removed from the main body 10 of the digital color copying machine 1, the process cartridges 71 to 74 for each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 can be removed. At the time of mounting, the protruding piece 85a of the fitting member 85 on the front surface of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82
By fitting the process cartridges 71 to 74 into the fitting holes 84a, the erroneous mounting of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is confirmed. For this reason, while the process cartridges 71 to 74 are erroneously mounted, the main body 10 of the digital color copier 1
However, it is possible to reliably eliminate the problem that the transfer / transport belt mechanism 44 is mounted.

Further, since the fitting members 83 to 85 of the erroneous mounting preventing means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirming means 82 are provided to be shifted in the left and right direction for each of the process cartridges 71 to 74, the transfer conveyance belt is provided. Mechanism 44
When the process cartridges 71 to 74 are mounted in the respective image forming stations S1 to S4 at the detached position, the protrusion 83a of the fitting member 83 of each process cartridge 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 is replaced with the waste toner box 62. In the stage before the fitting of the fitting members 84 into the fitting holes 84a, the erroneous mounting of the process cartridges 71 to 74 can be determined. Moreover, the waste toner box 6
Even when the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44 is removed from the main body 10 of the digital color copying machine 1 without being in the detached position together with the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44, the process cartridges 71 to 71 of the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 when the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44 is mounted on the main body 10.
In a stage before the projection 85a of the fitting member 85 of the 74 is fitted into the fitting hole 85a of the fitting member 84 of the waste toner box 62, erroneous mounting of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 can be confirmed. Therefore, erroneous mounting of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 can be promptly prevented.

The waste toner box 62 is formed as a single unit extending in the left-right direction so as to extend between the driving roller 44a and the driven roller 44b on the front surface of the transfer / conveying belt mechanism 44. For example, when a plurality of waste toner boxes corresponding to each process cartridge are provided, each process cartridge 71 to 71 generated due to erroneous mounting of each waste toner box.
74 waste toner box 62 (transfer conveyance belt mechanism 4
Erroneous mounting for 4) can be prevented. Further, since each fitting member 84 of the waste toner box 62 is formed integrally with the waste toner box 62, each fitting member of the waste toner box 62 is
For example, when the process cartridges 71 to 74 are provided separately from the waste toner box 62, the process cartridges 71 to 74 can be prevented from being erroneously mounted to the waste toner box 62 due to erroneous attachment of the fitting member 84 to the waste toner box 62. .

Moreover, the main body 1 of the digital color copying machine 1
When each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is mounted on each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 at the detached position of the transfer / conveyor belt mechanism 44 with respect to the position 0, the protrusion of the fitting member 83 of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81. By fitting the piece 83a into the fitting hole 84a of the fitting member 84 of the waste toner box 62 on one side (front side) of the mounting direction of the process cartridges 71 to 74, erroneous mounting of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is prevented. In addition, the projection 85 of the fitting member 85 of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous attachment confirming means 82 when the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44 is in the attachment position with respect to the main body 10.
a is fitted into the fitting hole 84a of the fitting member 84 of the waste toner box 62 on the other side (rear side) of the mounting direction of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 so that the mounting of each of the process cartridges 71 to 74 is performed twice. And the process cartridges 71 to
74 can be more reliably prevented from being erroneously mounted.

Further, the fitting members 83 and 85 of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting preventing means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirming means 82 are replaced with the respective process cartridges 71.
74 are formed as separate members from each other and have the same shape, so that the fitting members 83 and 85 of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82 are different from each other. By being shifted from each other in the left-right direction for each 74, it is not necessary to form them in different shapes, and they are shared with each other. Moreover, the projecting pieces 83 of the fitting members 83, 85 of the process cartridges 71 to 74 of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 82.
In the waste toner box 62, the fitting holes 84a of the fitting members 84 of the process cartridges 71 to 74 in which the transfer conveyance belt mechanism 44 is detached and mounted are provided with the wrong mounting prevention means 81 and the wrong mounting confirmation means 82. Is also used by both. For this reason, it is possible to effectively reduce the costs of the erroneous mounting prevention means 81 and the erroneous mounting confirmation means 85.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects are exhibited. First, at the time of mounting each process cartridge at the detached position of the transport unit, the collection container and each process cartridge are fitted to each other to prevent erroneous mounting, and when the transport unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, the collection container and each process cartridge are removed. By checking erroneous mounting by fitting each other with the cartridge, maintenance work can be performed very smoothly, and the configuration can be made very simple and inexpensive. In addition, even if the collection container is removed from the image forming apparatus main body, it is possible to confirm the erroneous mounting of each process cartridge when mounting the transport unit, and to surely eliminate the mounting of the transport unit with the erroneous mounting of each process cartridge. Can be.

In particular, the fitting members of the erroneous mounting preventing means and the erroneous mounting checking means are provided so as to be shifted in position for each process cartridge, so that the fitting members of each process cartridge are fitted to the fitting members of the collection container. It is possible to determine the erroneous mounting of each process cartridge at a stage before the fitting, and it is possible to quickly prevent the erroneous mounting of each process cartridge.

By applying a single collection container, it is possible to prevent erroneous attachment of each process cartridge to the collection container, which is caused by erroneous attachment of a plurality of collection containers.

Further, the fitting member of the collecting container, which is fitted to the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing means and the erroneous mounting confirming means, is provided integrally with the collecting container. It is possible to prevent erroneous attachment of each process cartridge to the collection container, which is caused by erroneous assembly of the fitting member.

In addition, the fitting member of the collecting container of the erroneous mounting preventing means and the erroneous mounting confirming means is also used, and the fitting of the collecting container and each process cartridge at the time of mounting each process cartridge at the detached position of the transfer means. In addition to preventing erroneous mounting by fitting the fitting members on one side in the mounting direction, the fitting direction of the collecting container and each process cartridge between the fitting members of the collection container and each process cartridge at the other side in the mounting direction when the transporting means is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. By confirming erroneous mounting by fitting, the erroneous mounting of each process cartridge can be confirmed twice, and erroneous mounting of each process cartridge can be more reliably prevented.

Further, the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing means and the erroneous mounting confirming means is formed as a separate member and the same shape for each process cartridge. The fitting members of the process cartridges can also be used for each other, and the cost of the erroneous mounting prevention means and the erroneous mounting confirmation means can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side.

FIG. 2 is a front view of each process cartridge viewed from the front in a state where a transfer / conveying belt mechanism is changed to a detached position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of each process cartridge viewed from the front in a state where the transfer / conveying belt mechanism is changed to a mounting position.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a fitting state between fitting members by an incorrect mounting prevention means.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a fitting state of fitting members by an incorrect mounting confirmation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Digital Color Copier (Image Forming Apparatus) 10 Main Body (Image Forming Apparatus Main Body) 44 Transfer Conveying Belt Mechanism (Conveying Means) 5 Photoconductor Drum (Image Carrier) 52 Developing Device (Developing Means) 54 Cleaning Device (Cleaning Means) 62 Waste toner box (collection container) 71 to 74 First to fourth process cartridges (process cartridges) 81 Error mounting prevention means 82 Error mounting confirmation means 83 Fitting member of each process cartridge of error mounting prevention means 84 Error mounting prevention means And fitting member of waste toner box of erroneous mounting checking means 85 fitting member of each process cartridge of erroneous mounting checking means P paper (transfer material) S1 to S4 first to fourth image forming stations (image forming units)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H030 AA06 AA07 AB02 AD03 BB44 BB46 2H032 AA15 BA18 BA23 2H034 CA04 2H071 BA03 BA04 BA13 BA16 BA22 DA08 DA13 DA15 DA23 EA18

Claims (6)

[Claims] A plurality of image forming units for individually forming different types of color images, wherein an image carrier, a developing unit and a cleaning unit are integrated, and a plurality of image forming units are detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus main body. A process cartridge, a transfer means detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, and a transfer means for transferring a transfer material to each of the image forming units, and a transfer means for the transfer means so as to integrally work with the detachment operation. A collecting container for collecting the residual developer removed from each of the image carriers by a cleaning unit, wherein the collecting container is configured to mount each process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body. Between the collection container and each of the process cartridges. Means for preventing the erroneous mounting of the process cartridges by fitting each other when the process cartridges are mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and erroneous mounting of the process cartridges when the transporting means is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an erroneous attachment confirming unit that confirms attachment by mutual fitting. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fitting members of the erroneous mounting prevention unit and the erroneous mounting checking unit are provided so as to be shifted from each other for each process cartridge. Image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a single container for collecting the residual developer in each process cartridge is applied as the collection container. Image forming device. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collection container fits with the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting preventing unit and the erroneous mounting confirming unit. The image forming apparatus, wherein the fitting members are respectively provided integrally with the collection container. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fitting member of the collection container of the erroneous mounting preventing means and the erroneous mounting confirming means is provided in each of the erroneous mounting preventing means. The fitting member of the process cartridge and the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting confirmation means are also used so as to be fitted respectively, and the fitting member of each process cartridge of the erroneous mounting prevention means is a main body of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, the transfer means is provided on the detaching side of the transfer means so that it can be fitted to the fitting member of the collection container on one side in the mounting direction of each process cartridge when the transfer means is at the detached position. The fitting member of each process cartridge of the mounting confirmation means is connected to each process cartridge when the conveying means is at the mounting position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus is provided on the mounting side in the mounting and dismounting direction of the conveying means so as to be able to be fitted to the fitting member of the collection container on the other side in the mounting direction of the cartridge. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fitting member of each of the process cartridges of the erroneous mounting preventing unit and the erroneous mounting confirming unit is provided for each process cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized by being formed of different members and each having the same shape.