JPH09146327A - Image forming device - Google Patents
Image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH09146327A JPH09146327A JP7326508A JP32650895A JPH09146327A JP H09146327 A JPH09146327 A JP H09146327A JP 7326508 A JP7326508 A JP 7326508A JP 32650895 A JP32650895 A JP 32650895A JP H09146327 A JPH09146327 A JP H09146327A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- image forming
- developing
- forming apparatus
- unit
- gear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、複写機、ファクシ
ミリ、プリンター等の画像形成装置に係り、詳しくは画
像形成装置本体に対して着脱可能な現像装置等のユニッ
ト装置を備えた画像形成装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus provided with a unit device such as a developing device that can be attached to and detached from a main body of the image forming apparatus. It is a thing.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】近年、現像装置等の小型化、低コスト化
に伴い、現像装置等の装置全体を消耗品扱いでユーザに
交換させてメンテナンスフリーを実現した着脱可能なユ
ニット装置が市販されるようになっている。この種のユ
ニット化した現像装置などのユニット装置は通常、画像
形成装置本体から抜け出るのを防止するロック機構を備
えている。例えば、特開平６３−６４０６９号公報にお
いては、ユニット化した現像装置を画像形成装置本体に
装着した後、現像剤担持体の被駆動部材側に設けたレバ
ーの切り欠部を、画像形成装置本体側のロックピンに引
っかけるロック機構を設け、現像装置が画像形成装置本
体から抜けないようにしたものが開示されている。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the downsizing and cost reduction of developing devices and the like, detachable unit devices have been put on the market in which the entire device such as the developing device has been replaced by the user as a consumable item and has been maintenance-free. It is like this. A unit device such as a developing device of this type is usually equipped with a lock mechanism for preventing the developing device from coming out of the main body of the image forming device. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-64069, after mounting a unitized developing device on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the notch of a lever provided on the driven member side of the developer carrying member is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is disclosed that the developing device is prevented from coming off from the main body of the image forming apparatus by providing a lock mechanism for hooking on the lock pin on the side.
【０００３】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、上記ロック
機構を設けた画像形成装置においては、ユニット装置を
画像形成装置本体にセットした際、上記ロック機構をセ
ットし忘れると該ユニット装置の動作時に該ユニット装
置が画像形成装置本体から抜け出る危険性が高いので、
必ず上記ロック機構をセットしなければならないという
煩わしさがあった。また、上記ロック機構を設ける分だ
けコストが高くなるという不具合もあった。However, in the image forming apparatus provided with the lock mechanism, when the unit apparatus is set in the main body of the image forming apparatus, if the lock mechanism is forgotten to be set, the unit apparatus is operated when the unit apparatus is in operation. Since there is a high risk that the unit device will come out of the main body of the image forming device,
There was the annoyance that the above locking mechanism must be set without fail. There is also a problem that the cost is increased by the provision of the lock mechanism.
【０００４】本発明は以上の問題点に鑑みなされたもの
であり、その目的とするところは、画像形成装置本体に
対して着脱可能なユニット装置を備えた画像形成装置で
あって、該ユニット装置のロック機構のロックをし忘れ
た場合でも、又は該ロック機構を設けなくても、ユニッ
ト装置が画像形成装置本体から抜け出るのを防止するこ
とができる画像形成装置を提供することである。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a unit device detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the unit device from slipping out of the main body of the image forming apparatus even if the locking mechanism is forgotten to be locked or the lock mechanism is not provided.
【０００５】[0005]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、請求項１の発明は、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱
可能なユニット装置を備えた画像形成装置において、該
画像形成装置本体側の駆動部材及び該駆動部材から駆動
力が伝達される該ユニット装置側の被駆動部材を、該ユ
ニット装置の駆動時に、該ユニット装置を装着方向に付
勢する力が発生するように構成したことを特徴とするも
のである。In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus equipped with a unit device detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The driving member and the driven member on the side of the unit device to which the driving force is transmitted from the driving member are configured to generate a force for urging the unit device in the mounting direction when the unit device is driven. It is characterized by.
【０００６】請求項２の発明は、請求項１の画像形成装
置において、上記駆動部材として駆動歯車及び上記被駆
動部材として被駆動歯車を用いたことを特徴とするもの
である。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, a driving gear is used as the driving member and a driven gear is used as the driven member.
【０００７】請求項３の発明は、請求項２の画像形成装
置において、上記駆動歯車及び上記被駆動歯車の歯面間
の遊びの量を所定量以上に維持するように互いに当接す
る当接部を、該駆動歯車及び該被駆動歯車の各々に設け
たことを特徴とするものである。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the contact portions are in contact with each other so as to maintain the amount of play between the tooth surfaces of the driving gear and the driven gear at a predetermined amount or more. Is provided in each of the driving gear and the driven gear.
【０００８】請求項４の発明は、上記ユニット装置が現
像装置であり、該現像装置の現像剤担持体の両端部に設
けたコロを画像形成装置本体側の像担持体に圧接するこ
とにより、現像領域における該現像剤担持体と該像担持
体との間に所定の間隙を得るように構成した請求項１の
画像形成装置において、上記被駆動部材及び上記駆動部
材を、該現像装置の駆動時に、該現像装置を装着方向に
付勢する力とともに、該現像装置を該像担持体へ向かう
方向に付勢する力が発生するように構成したことを特徴
とするものである。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the unit device is a developing device, and the rollers provided on both ends of the developer carrying member of the developing device are brought into pressure contact with the image carrying member on the image forming apparatus main body side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined gap is provided between the developer carrying member and the image carrying member in a developing area, wherein the driven member and the driving member are driven by the developing device. At the same time, a force for urging the developing device in the mounting direction and a force for urging the developing device in the direction toward the image carrier are generated.
【０００９】請求項５の発明は、上記ユニット装置が現
像装置であり、該現像装置の現像剤担持体に現像剤担持
用の磁界を発生させるための磁界発生部材を内蔵した請
求項１の画像形成装置において、上記被駆動部材及び上
記駆動部材を、該現像剤担持体の軸方向における該現像
装置の一端部側に設けたことを特徴とするものである。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the unit device is a developing device, and a magnetic field generating member for generating a magnetic field for carrying the developer is built in a developer carrying member of the developing device. In the forming apparatus, the driven member and the driving member are provided on one end side of the developing device in the axial direction of the developer carrying member.
【００１０】請求項１乃至５の発明においては、画像形
成装置本体側の駆動部材から、該画像形成装置本体に装
着されたユニット装置側の被駆動部材に駆動力が伝達さ
れる。そして、このユニット装置の駆動時に、ユニット
装置を装着方向に付勢する力が発生することにより、該
ユニット装置が画像形成装置本体から抜け出ないように
なる。According to the present invention, the driving force is transmitted from the driving member on the image forming apparatus main body side to the driven member on the unit device side mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. Then, when the unit device is driven, a force that urges the unit device in the mounting direction is generated, so that the unit device does not come out of the image forming apparatus main body.
【００１１】特に、請求項２の発明においては、画像形
成装置本体側の駆動歯車から被駆動歯車に駆動力が伝達
されたユニット装置の駆動時に、画像形成装置本体へ装
着する向きに該ユニット装置を付勢する力が発生するこ
とにより、該ユニット装置が画像形成装置本体から抜け
出ないようになる。In particular, according to the second aspect of the invention, when the unit device in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving gear on the image forming apparatus main body side to the driven gear is driven, the unit apparatus is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body in a direction to be mounted. The unit device is prevented from slipping out of the main body of the image forming apparatus by the force for urging the unit.
【００１２】また特に、請求項３の発明においては、上
記駆動歯車及び被駆動歯車がかみ合って駆動力が伝達さ
れる際に発生する両歯車が互いに近づくような力が発生
するが、この力に抗するように該駆動歯車及び該被駆動
歯車の各々に設けた当接部を互いに当接させることによ
り、該駆動歯車及び該被駆動歯車の歯面間の遊びの量を
所定量以上に維持する。Further, in particular, in the invention of claim 3, a force is generated which, when the driving gear and the driven gear are engaged with each other and the driving force is transmitted, causes both gears to come close to each other. By abutting the contact portions provided on each of the driving gear and the driven gear against each other so as to resist, the amount of play between the tooth surfaces of the driving gear and the driven gear is maintained at a predetermined amount or more. To do.
【００１３】また特に、請求項４の発明においては、現
像装置の駆動時に、該現像装置を装着方向に付勢する力
とともに、該現像装置を像担持体に向かう方向に付勢す
る力が発生することにより、他の付勢手段を設けること
なく、現像装置の現像剤担持体の両端部に設けたコロを
該像担持体に圧接させ、現像領域における該現像剤担持
体と該像担持体との間に所定の間隙を得ることができ
る。In particular, in the invention of claim 4, when the developing device is driven, a force for urging the developing device in the mounting direction and a force for urging the developing device in the direction toward the image carrier are generated. By doing so, rollers provided at both ends of the developer carrying member of the developing device are brought into pressure contact with the image carrying member without providing any other urging means, and the developer carrying member and the image carrying member in the developing area. A predetermined gap can be obtained between and.
【００１４】また特に、請求項５の発明においては、上
記被駆動部材及び上記駆動部材を、現像剤担持体の軸方
向における現像装置の一端部側に設けることにより、該
一端部とは反対側の現像剤担持体の側面と該現像剤担持
体の端部を支持する支持部材との間の摺動抵抗が小さく
なるため、該一端部とは反対側で現像剤担持体の端部を
支持する支持部材を、摺動抵抗や摩耗を小さくするよう
な特別な部材を用いることなく、該磁界発生部材の固定
するための樹脂等からなる固定部材と一体に且つ同一材
質で構成することができる。Further, in particular, in the invention of claim 5, the driven member and the driving member are provided on one end side of the developing device in the axial direction of the developer carrier, so that the side opposite to the one end. Since the sliding resistance between the side surface of the developer carrier and the supporting member supporting the end of the developer carrier is small, the end of the developer carrier is supported on the side opposite to the one end. The supporting member to be formed can be integrally formed of the same material as the fixing member made of resin or the like for fixing the magnetic field generating member without using a special member that reduces sliding resistance or wear. .
【００１５】[0015]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明を画像形成装置であ
る電子写真複写機（以下「複写機」という。）に適用し
た一実施形態について説明する。図１は本実施形態に係
る複写機のユニット化した現像装置（以下「現像ユニッ
ト」という。）１の概略構成図である。この現像ユニッ
ト１は像担持体である円筒状の感光体ドラム１００の側
方に配設され、感光体ドラム１００に向けて開口部が形
成された支持ケース２、該開口部から一部が露出した、
トナー及び磁性粒子からなる２成分系現像剤（以下「現
像剤」という。）３を表面に担持する現像剤担持体とし
ての非磁性材質（アルミニウム、非磁性ステンレスな
ど）からなる円筒状の現像スリーブ４、該現像スリーブ
４の内部に図示の磁極を有するように固定配置された磁
界発生部材としてのマグネットローラ５、現像スリーブ
４上に担持されて搬送されている現像剤の量を規制する
現像剤規制部材としてのドクタ６等を備えている。この
現像ユニット１においては、現像スリーブ４上の現像剤
３は、該スリーブ４の矢印方向の回転に伴って搬送さ
れ、ドクタ６により規制されて薄層化され、矢印方向に
回転している感光体ドラム１と対向する現像領域に搬送
される。そして、現像領域では、感光体ドラム１００上
に形成されている静電潜像にトナーが供給され、該静電
潜像の可視像化が行われる。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic copying machine (hereinafter referred to as "copying machine") which is an image forming apparatus will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a unitized developing device (hereinafter referred to as “developing unit”) 1 of a copying machine according to the present embodiment. The developing unit 1 is disposed on the side of a cylindrical photosensitive drum 100 that is an image carrier, and has a support case 2 having an opening formed toward the photosensitive drum 100. A part of the developing unit 1 is exposed from the opening. did,
A cylindrical developing sleeve made of a non-magnetic material (aluminum, non-magnetic stainless steel, etc.) as a developer carrying member carrying on its surface a two-component developer (hereinafter referred to as "developer") 3 composed of toner and magnetic particles. 4, a magnet roller 5 as a magnetic field generating member that is fixedly arranged inside the developing sleeve 4 so as to have the magnetic poles shown in the figure, and a developer that regulates the amount of the developer carried and carried on the developing sleeve 4. The doctor 6 is provided as a restricting member. In the developing unit 1, the developer 3 on the developing sleeve 4 is conveyed as the sleeve 4 rotates in the arrow direction, is regulated by the doctor 6 to be a thin layer, and is rotated in the arrow direction. It is conveyed to the developing area facing the body drum 1. Then, in the developing area, toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 100, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized.
【００１６】また、上記現像スリーブ４の右側方に位置
する支持ケース２の一部は、トナーを収容するトナー収
容部としてのトナーホッパ７を形成している。このトナ
ーホッパ７は、現像スリーブ４表面と対向するトナー補
給口７ａを有し、該トナー補給口７ａに隣合ったスペー
スには、トナー３ａをトナー補給口７ａに向けて撹拌し
ながら送り出す撹拌部材としてのトナーアジテータ８が
配設されている。Further, a part of the support case 2 located on the right side of the developing sleeve 4 forms a toner hopper 7 as a toner storage portion for storing toner. The toner hopper 7 has a toner replenishing port 7a facing the surface of the developing sleeve 4, and a space adjacent to the toner replenishing port 7a serves as a stirring member for feeding the toner 3a toward the toner replenishing port 7a while stirring. The toner agitator 8 is provided.
【００１７】また、図２（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、
現像ユニット１の装着方向とは反対方向の現像スリーブ
４の端部（前端部）は、支持部材としての前軸受９で支
持されている。前軸受９のフランジ部９ａは、現像ユニ
ット１の前側板１ａに固定用部材１０によって固定さ
れ、この前軸受９のフランジ部９ａと現像スリーブ４の
前端縁との間の前軸受９の外周面には前ギャップコロ１
１ａが取り付けられている。ここで、現像スリーブ４の
前端部の内面と接触している前軸受９の外周面の接触幅
Ｗは５ｍｍ以上が好適であり、また前軸受９で支持され
ている部分の現像スリーブ４の厚さｔは１．０ｍｍ以下
が好適である。また、上記前軸受９はマグネットローラ
５を所定の角度で固定する固定部材を兼ねており、その
材質としては樹脂（ポリアセタールなど）を用いること
ができる。Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b),
An end portion (front end portion) of the developing sleeve 4 in a direction opposite to the mounting direction of the developing unit 1 is supported by a front bearing 9 as a supporting member. The flange portion 9a of the front bearing 9 is fixed to the front side plate 1a of the developing unit 1 by a fixing member 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the front bearing 9 between the flange portion 9a of the front bearing 9 and the front end edge of the developing sleeve 4 is fixed. To the front gap roller 1
1a is attached. Here, the contact width W of the outer peripheral surface of the front bearing 9 that is in contact with the inner surface of the front end portion of the developing sleeve 4 is preferably 5 mm or more, and the thickness of the portion of the developing sleeve 4 supported by the front bearing 9 is large. The thickness t is preferably 1.0 mm or less. The front bearing 9 also serves as a fixing member for fixing the magnet roller 5 at a predetermined angle, and the material thereof may be resin (polyacetal or the like).
【００１８】また、上記現像スリーブ４は現像ユニット
１の装着方向の後端部にフランジ４ａ及び回動軸４ｂを
有している。この現像スリーブ４の回動軸４ｂは、軸受
１２を介して現像ユニット１の後側板１ｂに回動自在に
取り付けられ、後側板１ｂの外側（複写機本体側）にお
いて後ギャップコロ１１ｂ及び被駆動部材としての被駆
動歯車１３が固設されている。Further, the developing sleeve 4 has a flange 4a and a rotating shaft 4b at the rear end portion in the mounting direction of the developing unit 1. The rotating shaft 4b of the developing sleeve 4 is rotatably attached to the rear side plate 1b of the developing unit 1 via a bearing 12, and the rear gap roller 11b and the driven side are provided outside the rear side plate 1b (on the copying machine main body side). A driven gear 13 as a member is fixedly installed.
【００１９】また、図３（ａ）に示すように複写機本体
の後側板２００には、駆動モータなどからなる駆動源２
０１の駆動軸２０２が回動自在に支持されており、その
駆動軸２０２の端部に、上記現像スリーブ４の回動軸４
ｂに固設されている被駆動歯車１３に噛み合うように駆
動部材としての駆動歯車２０３が固設されている。上記
回動軸４ｂ及び駆動軸２０２それぞれの軸端側には、被
駆動歯車１３及び駆動歯車２０３が抜けるのを防止する
ための抜け止め部材（Ｅリング、Ｃリングなど））１
４，２０４が取り付けられている。また、複写機本体の
後側板２００の現像ユニット１の後側板１ｂ側には、現
像ユニット１が複写機本体側に寄り過ぎるのを防止する
ためのユニット寄り止め部材２０５が取り付けられてい
る。As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the rear side plate 200 of the main body of the copying machine has a drive source 2 including a drive motor.
01 drive shaft 202 is rotatably supported, and the rotary shaft 4 of the developing sleeve 4 is attached to the end of the drive shaft 202.
A drive gear 203 as a drive member is fixed so as to mesh with the driven gear 13 fixed to b. A retaining member (E-ring, C-ring, etc.) for preventing the driven gear 13 and the drive gear 203 from coming off on the respective shaft ends of the rotating shaft 4b and the drive shaft 202.
4,204 are attached. Further, a unit offsetting member 205 is attached to the rear plate 1b side of the developing unit 1 of the rear plate 200 of the copying machine main body to prevent the developing unit 1 from being excessively close to the copying machine main body side.
【００２０】また、図３（ｂ）に示すように、上記各歯
車１３，２０３には歯面が形成されている歯面部ととも
に互いに当接する円板状の当接部１３ａ，２０３ａが設
けられている。この当接部１３ａ，２０３ａの各半径を
Ｒｂ，Ｒａとし、各歯車１３，２０３のピッチ円半径を
ｒａ，ｒｂとした場合にｒａ＋ｒｂ＜Ｒａ＋Ｒｂを満足
し、且つ所定の噛み合いが得られるように、上記当接部
１３ａ，２０３ａの各半径Ｒｂ，Ｒａを設定することに
より、両歯車の噛み合い位置において許容範囲のバック
ラッシを有するようにし、両歯車間の過剰負荷による装
置の異常動作や異常停止等のトラブルを未然に防止して
いる。また、上記当接部１３ａ，２０３ａは、被駆動歯
車１３が駆動源２０１の方向（図３（ｂ）中の左方向）
に移動しないような凹凸で設けられている。このような
当接部１３ａ，２０３ａを有する両歯車１３，２０３を
用いることにより、上記複写機本体の後側板２００に設
けたユニット寄り止め部材２０５とともに、現像ユニッ
ト１が極度に一方向によって現像スリーブ４の位置が正
規の位置からはずれることによる現像ムラや過剰負荷な
どのトラブルの発生を防止している。Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), each of the gears 13 and 203 is provided with disc-shaped contact portions 13a and 203a which are in contact with each other together with the tooth surface portion having the tooth surface. There is. When the radii of the contact portions 13a and 203a are Rb and Ra, and the pitch circle radii of the gears 13 and 203 are ra and rb, ra + rb <Ra + Rb is satisfied and a predetermined meshing is obtained. By setting the radii Rb and Ra of the contact portions 13a and 203a, the backlash within the allowable range is provided at the meshing position of both gears, and abnormal operation or abnormal stop of the device due to excessive load between both gears Prevents troubles. Further, in the abutting portions 13a and 203a, the driven gear 13 is in the direction of the drive source 201 (leftward in FIG. 3B).
It is provided with unevenness so that it does not move. By using the both gears 13 and 203 having such abutting portions 13a and 203a, the developing unit 1 is extremely unidirectionally developed together with the unit deviation preventing member 205 provided on the rear side plate 200 of the copying machine body. The occurrence of troubles such as uneven development and excessive load due to the deviation of the position 4 from the normal position is prevented.
【００２１】また、図４に示すように、上記駆動歯車２
０３及び被駆動歯車１３として、現像ユニット１側の被
駆動歯車１３に作用する力が、現像スリーブ４を現像ユ
ニット１の装着方向（駆動歯車２０３側に寄せる方向）
に移動させるような軸方向成分Ｆ１、及び感光体ドラム
１００側に近づけるような感光体法線方向成分Ｆ２を有
するような「はすば歯車」を用いている。このようには
すば歯車を用いると、駆動歯車２０３の回転により、被
駆動歯車１３が現像スリーブ４を駆動歯車２０３側に寄
せる方向の力を受け、現像スリーブ４の軸方向の位置を
決めている現像ユニット１全体も同方向の力を受ける。
また、図５に示すように、駆動歯車２０３の回転によ
り、被駆動歯車１３が矢印Ｆ２のように感光体ドラム１
００に近づくような力を受け、現像スリーブ４の回動軸
４ｂに固設されている後ギャップコロ１１ｂも同方向の
力を受けて感光体ドラム１００の外周面の端部に当接す
る。Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the drive gear 2 is
03 and the driven gear 13, the force acting on the driven gear 13 on the developing unit 1 side causes the developing sleeve 4 to be mounted in the developing unit 1 (direction toward the driving gear 203 side).
A "helical gear" is used that has an axial component F1 that moves the photosensitive drum 100 and a photosensitive member normal direction component F2 that moves closer to the photosensitive drum 100 side. When the helical gear is used in this way, the driven gear 13 receives a force in the direction of moving the developing sleeve 4 toward the driving gear 203 side due to the rotation of the driving gear 203, and determines the axial position of the developing sleeve 4. The developing unit 1 as a whole also receives the force in the same direction.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the driven gear 13 is rotated by the rotation of the driving gear 203 to move the driven gear 13 as shown by an arrow F2.
00, the rear gap roller 11b fixed to the rotary shaft 4b of the developing sleeve 4 also receives the force in the same direction and abuts against the end of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 100.
【００２２】以上、本実施形態の複写機によれば、現像
動作時に、現像ユニット１が複写機本体の装着方向に寄
るような力を受け、現像ユニット１が複写機本体から抜
け出ることがなくなるので、現像ユニット１のロック機
構が不要となり、装置の低コスト化を図るという点で有
利である。また、現像ユニット１の装着時にユーザが該
ユニット１のロックを必ず行わなければならないという
煩わしさもない。As described above, according to the copying machine of the present embodiment, during the developing operation, the developing unit 1 does not come out of the copying machine main body due to the force that the developing unit 1 approaches the mounting direction of the copying machine main body. This is advantageous in that the locking mechanism of the developing unit 1 is unnecessary and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, there is no need for the user to lock the developing unit 1 when the developing unit 1 is mounted.
【００２３】また、本実施形態の複写機によれば、現像
動作時に、現像スリーブ１が一方の端部の方向（被駆動
歯車１３の方向）に寄るような力を受けるので、現像ス
リーブ１の他方の端部側では、その側面がほとんど摺動
抵抗を受けないようになる。従って、本実施形態のよう
に、現像スリーブ４の厚み部分の微少面積の側面が前軸
受９及び前ギャップコロ１１ａに接触するように構成し
ても、該側面の摩耗の心配がなく、端部フランジ部や摺
動抵抗軽減部材を被駆動歯車側に設けるだけですむの
で、安価な現像スリーブを提供でき、低コスト化を図る
ことができる。Further, according to the copying machine of the present embodiment, during the developing operation, the developing sleeve 1 receives a force that tends toward one end portion (the direction of the driven gear 13), so that the developing sleeve 1 On the other end side, the side surface hardly receives sliding resistance. Therefore, even if the side surface of the developing sleeve 4 having a small area is in contact with the front bearing 9 and the front gap roller 11a as in the present embodiment, there is no fear of abrasion of the side surface and the end portion Since it is only necessary to provide the flange portion and the sliding resistance reducing member on the driven gear side, an inexpensive developing sleeve can be provided and the cost can be reduced.
【００２４】また、上記現像スリーブ１の他方の端部の
側面がほとんど摺動抵抗を受けないので、本実施形態の
ように、該他方の端部における回動面の摺動部分の面積
を広くとれば、現像スリーブ４の本体部分を構成するア
ルミニウムなどの通常摩耗に弱いとされる材質で該他方
の端部を構成したり、現像ユニット１本体側で現像スリ
ーブの回動面の摺動部分を支持する支持部材を、ポリア
セタールなど樹脂で構成されたマグネットローラ５の位
置決め固定部材を兼ねた前軸受９と一体的に同一材質で
構成しても、実用的に要求される耐久性を保証できる。Further, since the side surface of the other end of the developing sleeve 1 receives almost no sliding resistance, the area of the sliding portion of the rotating surface at the other end is widened as in the present embodiment. In this case, the other end of the developing sleeve 4 is made of a material such as aluminum which is usually weak against wear, which constitutes the main body of the developing sleeve 4, or the sliding portion of the rotating surface of the developing sleeve on the main body of the developing unit 1. Even if the support member that supports the front bearing 9 that also functions as the positioning and fixing member of the magnet roller 5 that is made of resin such as polyacetal is made of the same material, the durability required for practical use can be guaranteed. .
【００２５】また、本実施形態の複写機によれば、現像
動作時に、現像ユニット１が被駆動歯車１３側で感光体
ドラム１００に寄るような力を受けるので、現像スリー
ブ４のギャップコロを感光体ドラム１００に当接させた
めに現像ユニット１を感光体ドラム１００側に押圧する
押圧部材としてのバネ部材１５（図１参照）は、該被駆
動歯車１３側に設ける必要がなくなる。従って、上記バ
ネ部材１５は、現像ユニット１の長手方向（現像スリー
ブ４の軸方向）の中央部から上記被駆動歯車側とは反対
側のみに設けるだけで、実効的に現像ユニット１の両端
における両ギャップコロ１１ａ，ｂを感光体ドラム１０
０に当接させる当接状態のバランスをとることができる
ので、低コスト化を図るという点で有利である。Further, according to the copying machine of the present embodiment, during the developing operation, the developing unit 1 receives a force to move toward the photoconductor drum 100 on the driven gear 13 side, so that the gap roller of the developing sleeve 4 is exposed. The spring member 15 (see FIG. 1) as a pressing member that presses the developing unit 1 toward the photosensitive drum 100 in order to bring it into contact with the body drum 100 does not need to be provided on the driven gear 13 side. Therefore, the spring member 15 is provided only on the side opposite to the driven gear side from the central portion of the developing unit 1 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the developing sleeve 4), and effectively at both ends of the developing unit 1. Both gap rollers 11a and 11b are connected to the photosensitive drum 10.
Since it is possible to balance the abutting state of abutting 0, it is advantageous in terms of cost reduction.
【００２６】なお、上記実施形態では、着脱可能なユニ
ット装置が現像装置（現像ユニット１）の場合について
説明したが、本発明は現像ユニット１に限らず、装置本
体から駆動力が伝達されるユニット装置を備えた画像形
成装置であれば適用できるものである。In the above embodiment, the case where the detachable unit device is the developing device (developing unit 1) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the developing unit 1 and a unit to which driving force is transmitted from the main body of the device. Any image forming apparatus including the apparatus can be applied.
【００２７】また、上記実施形態では、二成分系現像剤
を用いる現像ユニット１を備えた複写機について説明し
たが、本発明は一成分系現像剤を用いる現像ユニットを
備えた画像形成装置にも適用できるものである。Further, in the above embodiment, the copying machine provided with the developing unit 1 using the two-component developer has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to the image forming apparatus provided with the developing unit using the one-component developer. It is applicable.
【００２８】[0028]
【発明の効果】請求項１乃至５の発明によれば、ユニッ
ト装置の駆動時に、ユニット装置を装着方向に付勢する
力が発生することにより、該ユニット装置のロック機構
のロックをし忘れた場合でも該ユニット装置が画像形成
装置本体から抜け出ないようになって重大な結果につな
がらないので、ユーザ操作性の向上を図ることができる
という効果がある。また、上記ユニット装置のロック機
構を設けなくても、該ユニット装置が画像形成装置本体
から抜け出ないようになるので、コストの低減を図るこ
とができるという効果がある。According to the invention of claims 1 to 5, when the unit device is driven, a force for urging the unit device in the mounting direction is generated, and the locking mechanism of the unit device is forgotten to be locked. Even in this case, the unit device is prevented from slipping out of the image forming apparatus main body and no serious result is brought about, so that there is an effect that the user operability can be improved. Further, even if the lock mechanism of the unit device is not provided, the unit device does not come out of the main body of the image forming apparatus, so that there is an effect that the cost can be reduced.
【００２９】特に、請求項２の発明によれば、画像形成
装置本体側の駆動歯車から被駆動歯車に駆動力が伝達さ
れたユニット装置の駆動時に、画像形成装置本体へ装着
する向きに該ユニット装置を付勢する力が発生すること
により、該ユニット装置のロック機構のロックをし忘れ
た場合でも該ユニット装置が画像形成装置本体から抜け
出ないようになって重大な結果につながらないので、ユ
ーザ操作性の向上を図ることができるという効果があ
る。また、上記ユニット装置のロック機構を設けなくて
も、該ユニット装置が画像形成装置本体から抜け出ない
ようになるので、コストの低減を図ることができるとい
う効果がある。In particular, according to the second aspect of the invention, when the unit device in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving gear on the image forming apparatus main body side to the driven gear is driven, the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body in a direction to be mounted. Even if the locking mechanism of the unit device is forgotten to be locked due to the force for urging the device, the unit device is prevented from coming out of the main body of the image forming apparatus, which does not lead to a serious result. There is an effect that the property can be improved. Further, even if the lock mechanism of the unit device is not provided, the unit device does not come out of the main body of the image forming apparatus, so that there is an effect that the cost can be reduced.
【００３０】また特に、請求項３の発明によれば、上記
駆動歯車及び被駆動歯車がかみ合って駆動力が伝達され
る際に発生する両歯車が互いに近づくような力に抗する
ように、該駆動歯車及び該被駆動歯車の各々に設けた当
接部を互いに当接させることにより、該駆動歯車及び該
被駆動歯車の歯面間の遊びの量を所定量以上に維持する
ことができるので、両歯車のかみ合いのバックラッシが
ほとんどなくなった場合に生じる装置の異常動作や異常
停止等の過剰負荷トラブルを未然に防止できるという効
果がある。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the driving gear and the driven gear are engaged with each other so that the two gears generated when the driving force is transmitted are opposed to each other so that the two gears approach each other. By abutting the contact portions provided on each of the driving gear and the driven gear against each other, the amount of play between the tooth surfaces of the driving gear and the driven gear can be maintained at a predetermined amount or more. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent an excessive load trouble such as an abnormal operation or an abnormal stop of the device which occurs when the backlash of the meshing of both gears is almost eliminated.
【００３１】また特に、請求項４の発明によれば、現像
装置の駆動時に、該現像装置を装着方向に付勢する力と
ともに、該現像装置を像担持体に向かう方向に付勢する
力が発生することにより、現像装置の現像剤担持体の両
端部に設けたコロを該像担持体に圧接させ、現像領域に
おける該現像剤担持体と該像担持体との間に所定の間隙
を得ることができるので、他の付勢手段を設ける必要が
なくなり、低コスト化を図ることができるという効果が
ある。なお、上記像担持体に向かう方向に現像装置を付
勢する力が、現像剤担持体の軸方向すなわち現像装置の
長手方向の一方の端部で発生するように構成した場合に
は、現像装置の長手方向の中央部又は該一方の端部とは
反対側の端部のみに現像装置を像担持体に付勢する付勢
手段を設けるだけで、現像装置の現像剤担持体の両端部
に設けたコロを該像担持体に圧接させ、現像領域におけ
る該現像剤担持体と該像担持体との間に所定の間隙を得
ることができるので、現像装置の長手方向の両端部にそ
れぞれ付勢手段を設けた場合に比較して、より低コスト
化を図ることができるという効果がある。Further, according to the invention of claim 4, when the developing device is driven, the force for urging the developing device in the mounting direction and the force for urging the developing device in the direction toward the image carrier are generated. When generated, rollers provided at both ends of the developer carrying member of the developing device are brought into pressure contact with the image carrying member to obtain a predetermined gap between the developer carrying member and the image carrying member in the developing area. Therefore, there is no need to provide another urging means, and the cost can be reduced. If the force for urging the developing device in the direction toward the image carrier is generated at one end portion in the axial direction of the developer carrier, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the developing device, the developing device The urging means for urging the developing device to the image bearing member is provided only at the central portion in the longitudinal direction or only at the end portion on the opposite side to the one end portion. Since the provided rollers can be brought into pressure contact with the image bearing member to form a predetermined gap between the developer bearing member and the image bearing member in the developing region, the rollers are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing device. There is an effect that the cost can be further reduced as compared with the case where the biasing means is provided.
【００３２】また特に、請求項５の発明によれば、上記
被駆動部材及び上記駆動部材を、現像剤担持体の軸方向
における現像装置の一端部側に設けることにより、該一
端部とは反対側の現像剤担持体の側面と該現像剤担持体
の端部を支持する支持部材との間の摺動抵抗が小さくな
るため、該一端部とは反対側で現像剤担持体の端部を支
持する支持部材を、摺動抵抗や摩耗を小さくするような
特別な部材を用いることなく、該磁界発生部材の固定す
るための樹脂等からなる固定部材と一体に且つ同一材質
で構成することができるので、低コスト化を図ることが
できるという効果がある。Further, according to the invention of claim 5, the driven member and the driving member are provided on one end side of the developing device in the axial direction of the developer carrying member, so that the one end is opposite to the one end. Since the sliding resistance between the side surface of the developer carrying body on the side and the supporting member supporting the end portion of the developer carrying body becomes small, the end portion of the developer carrying body on the side opposite to the one end portion is The supporting member to be supported may be integrally formed of the same material as a fixing member made of resin or the like for fixing the magnetic field generating member without using a special member that reduces sliding resistance or wear. Therefore, there is an effect that the cost can be reduced.
【図１】本実施形態に係る複写機の現像ユニットの概略
構成を示す正面図。FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a developing unit of a copying machine according to the present embodiment.
【図２】（ａ）は同現像ユニットの現像スリーブの側面
断面図。（ｂ）は同現像スリーブの駆動入力部とは反対
側の端部の拡大断面図。FIG. 2A is a side sectional view of a developing sleeve of the developing unit. FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion of the developing sleeve on the side opposite to the drive input portion.
【図３】（ａ）は複写機本体側の駆動歯車と現像ユニッ
ト側の被駆動歯車との噛み合い部の断面図。（ｂ）は同
歯車の噛み合い部の拡大断面図。FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a meshing portion between a driving gear on the copying machine main body side and a driven gear on the developing unit side. (B) is an enlarged sectional view of a meshing portion of the gear.
【図４】複写機本体側の駆動歯車及び現像ユニット側の
被駆動歯車の斜視図。FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a driving gear on the copying machine body side and a driven gear on the developing unit side.
【図５】現像ユニットの駆動入力部の側面図。FIG. 5 is a side view of a drive input section of the developing unit.
１ 現像ユニット ４ 現像スリーブ ４ａ フランジ ４ｂ 回動軸 ５ マグネットローラ ９ 前軸受 １１ ギャップコロ １２ 後軸受 １３ 被駆動歯車 １４ 抜け止め部材 ２００ 複写機本体の後側板 ２０１ 駆動源 ２０２ 駆動軸 ２０３ 駆動歯車 ２０４ 抜け止め部材 ２０５ ユニット寄り止め部材 1 Developing Unit 4 Developing Sleeve 4a Flange 4b Rotating Shaft 5 Magnet Roller 9 Front Bearing 11 Gap Roller 12 Rear Bearing 13 Driven Gear 14 Stopping Member 200 Rear Plate of Copier Body 201 Drive Source 202 Drive Shaft 203 Drive Gear 204 Missing Stopper 205 Unit stop stopper
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 秋葉 康 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株式 会社リコー内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yasushi Akiba 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd.
Claims (5)
ット装置を備えた画像形成装置において、 該画像形成装置本体側の駆動部材及び該駆動部材から駆
動力が伝達される該ユニット装置側の被駆動部材を、該
ユニット装置の駆動時に、該ユニット装置を装着方向に
付勢する力が発生するように構成したことを特徴とする
画像形成装置。1. An image forming apparatus comprising a unit device detachable from an image forming apparatus main body, wherein a drive member on the image forming apparatus main body side and a unit device side to which a driving force is transmitted from the drive member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the driven member is configured to generate a force for urging the unit device in the mounting direction when the unit device is driven.
被駆動歯車を用いたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a driving gear is used as the driving member and a driven gear is used as the driven member.
所定量以上に維持するように互いに当接する当接部を、
該駆動歯車及び該被駆動歯車の各々に設けたことを特徴
とする画像形成装置。3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a contact portion that abuts each other so as to maintain the amount of play between the tooth surfaces of the drive gear and the driven gear at a predetermined amount or more,
An image forming apparatus provided on each of the driving gear and the driven gear.
像装置の現像剤担持体の両端部に設けたコロを画像形成
装置本体側の像担持体に圧接することにより、現像領域
における該現像剤担持体と該像担持体との間に所定の間
隙を得るように構成した請求項１の画像形成装置におい
て、 上記被駆動部材及び上記駆動部材を、該現像装置の駆動
時に、該該現像装置を装着方向に付勢する力とともに、
該現像装置を該像担持体へ向かう方向に付勢する力が発
生するように構成したことを特徴とする画像形成装置。4. The developing device in the developing area, wherein the unit device is a developing device, and rollers provided at both ends of a developer carrying member of the developing device are brought into pressure contact with the image carrying member on the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined gap is provided between the agent carrier and the image carrier, the driven member and the driving member are provided to the developing device when the developing device is driven. With the force that urges the device in the mounting direction,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a force for urging the developing device in a direction toward the image carrier is generated.
像装置の現像剤担持体に現像剤担持用の磁界を発生させ
るための磁界発生部材を内蔵した請求項１の画像形成装
置において、 上記被駆動部材及び上記駆動部材を、該現像剤担持体の
軸方向における該現像装置の一端部側に設けたことを特
徴とする画像形成装置。5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unit device is a developing device, and a magnetic field generating member for generating a magnetic field for carrying the developer is built in a developer carrier of the developing device. An image forming apparatus, wherein a driven member and the driving member are provided on one end side of the developing device in the axial direction of the developer carrying member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP32650895A JP3464088B2 (en) | 1995-11-20 | 1995-11-20 | Image forming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP32650895A JP3464088B2 (en) | 1995-11-20 | 1995-11-20 | Image forming device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH09146327A true JPH09146327A (en) | 1997-06-06 |
| JP3464088B2 JP3464088B2 (en) | 2003-11-05 |
Family
ID=18188615
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP32650895A Expired - Fee Related JP3464088B2 (en) | 1995-11-20 | 1995-11-20 | Image forming device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3464088B2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000056559A (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 2000-02-25 | Canon Inc | Electrophotographic image forming device |
| JP2005338526A (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2005-12-08 | Ricoh Printing Systems Ltd | Color electrophotographic device |
| US7706727B2 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2010-04-27 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Apparatus for image forming and image developing with an improvement of toner container holding |
| JP2011154239A (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2011-08-11 | Brother Industries Ltd | Processing unit |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP6123495B2 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2017-05-10 | 三菱樹脂アグリドリーム株式会社 | Multistage shelf type plant growing device and plant growing system |
-
1995
- 1995-11-20 JP JP32650895A patent/JP3464088B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000056559A (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 2000-02-25 | Canon Inc | Electrophotographic image forming device |
| US7706727B2 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2010-04-27 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Apparatus for image forming and image developing with an improvement of toner container holding |
| JP2005338526A (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2005-12-08 | Ricoh Printing Systems Ltd | Color electrophotographic device |
| JP4523797B2 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2010-08-11 | 株式会社リコー | Color electrophotographic equipment |
| JP2011154239A (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2011-08-11 | Brother Industries Ltd | Processing unit |
| US8494419B2 (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2013-07-23 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Processing unit including developing roller having roller body and covering layer covering circumferential surface of roller body, and supporting member that supports developing roller |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3464088B2 (en) | 2003-11-05 |
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