JP3594664B2 - Image forming device package - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a package for an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus package in which an image is formed on a sheet of paper by using an electrophotographic method using a toner, such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile. It is related to the packaging form when shipping from.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, toner used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus may deteriorate when exposed to outside air for a long period of time. Therefore, a component containing the toner (for example, a toner tank or a photoconductor and a photoconductor around the photoconductor) may be deteriorated. When a developing device, a cleaning device and the like are integrated and a cartridge containing a considerable amount of toner in the developing device) is shipped from a factory, a shield bag or the like whose inner surface is coated with aluminum or the like is used. Must be packaged and shipped.
[0003]
For this reason, conventionally, when an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is shipped from a factory, the apparatus main body and a part containing the toner (hereinafter referred to as a toner storage part) are separately packaged and shipped.
[0004]
That is, the conventional package of the image forming apparatus is divided into a package in which the apparatus main body (for example, the printer main body) is packaged and a package in which the toner storage parts (for example, the toner cartridge) are packaged.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus package is divided into a package in which the apparatus main body is wrapped and a package in which the toner storage parts are wrapped. In addition, at least two packages must be opened and the toner storage parts must be mounted on the main body of the apparatus, so that there is a problem that it takes time and effort to start use.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus package that solves the above problems and can reduce the time and effort required for a user to start using the apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
2. The image forming apparatus package according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus forms an image on paper using toner by an electrophotographic method. of the toner storage part after performing the printing test while wearing the body, the remains entire image forming apparatus that is equipped with only the image forming apparatus the printing test was better the toner accommodating part, the shielding material The whole is sealed and packed.
[0008]
Here, the shield material refers to a sheet material having airtightness (particularly a property of not allowing moisture to permeate) so as not to cause deterioration of the toner.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus package according to the first aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus supplies a toner to the surface of the photoconductor to develop a latent image on the surface of the photoconductor, and An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body having a developing device for forming a toner image on the surface thereof; and a toner tank configured to be detachable from the main body and supplying toner to the developing device of the main body in a mounted state. There is a feature.
[0010]
[Action]
According to the image forming apparatus package according to claim 1, wherein, after the printing test of the image forming apparatus is performed, i.e., after the toner accommodating part has been performed printing test in a state of being attached to the main body, the print since only the test image forming apparatus which was a good the entire toner accommodating part while keeping the image forming apparatus being mounted is a round each hermetically sealed package with a shielding material, the user starts the use purchased image forming apparatus In this case, use can be started simply by opening the package and connecting the power cord.
[0011]
Therefore, as compared with a conventional package of an image forming apparatus, the time and effort required to start use is significantly reduced.
[0012]
Further, since the entire image forming apparatus is hermetically sealed and packaged with the shielding material, the toner subjected to the printing test does not deteriorate after the packaging.
[0013]
In addition, after the printing test is performed, the entire image forming apparatus is sealed and packaged with the shielding material as it is, so that reliable printing of the image forming apparatus is guaranteed.
[0014]
To explain this point in detail, in the conventional packaging mode, since the apparatus main body and the toner storage parts are separately packaged, a printing test is performed with the toner storage parts mounted on the apparatus main body before shipping from the factory. That was virtually impossible. If a printing test is performed with the toner storage component mounted on the device main body and then the device main body and the toner storage component are separately packaged, during the transportation process, the toner subjected to the test is scattered and the packaging is performed. This is because there is a great possibility that the main body of the apparatus or the toner storage parts will be stained inside the body.
[0015]
For this reason, according to the conventional packaging form, it is not possible to perform a printing test with the toner storage component mounted on the apparatus main body before shipping from the factory, and the toner storage component is not stored in the apparatus main body until the user comes close to it. The image forming apparatus prints in the mounted state.
[0016]
Therefore, there is a problem that it is not always guaranteed that the image forming apparatus reliably prints when the toner storage component is mounted on the apparatus main body.
[0017]
On the other hand, according to the image forming apparatus package of the first aspect, after the print test is performed in a state where the toner storage component is mounted on the apparatus main body, only the image forming apparatus that is good in the print test is performed. wherein the whole remains the image forming apparatus in a state where the toner storage part is mounted is a round each hermetically sealed package with a shield material, and has the advantage that reliable printing of the image forming apparatus is ensured.
[0018]
In a conventional image forming apparatus, the above-described cartridge, that is, a photosensitive member, a developing device, a cleaning device, and the like disposed around the photosensitive member are integrated in an apparatus main body, and a considerable amount of toner is contained in the developing device. (Hereinafter referred to as a cartridge type) in which a cartridge in which is stored is used, and a photoreceptor and a developing device are provided in the apparatus main body, and a toner tank is mounted in the apparatus main body for use. (Hereinafter referred to as a toner tank type).
[0019]
At the start of use, the cartridge type cartridge is ready for operation (printable state in the case of a printer) immediately after the cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus because toner is previously stored in the developing device of the cartridge. However, when the toner runs out, the cartridge in which the developing device and the like are integrated is replaced. Therefore, the developing device and the like that can be used sufficiently are also replaced, which is uneconomical. There is also a disadvantage that it also wastes resources.
[0020]
On the other hand, the toner tank type is excellent in improving economic efficiency and resource saving because only the toner tank needs to be replaced when the toner runs out. However, in the case of the conventional toner tank type, the toner is not filled in the developing device of the image forming apparatus main body just when the toner tank is mounted at the start of use. After mounting the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is operated for a predetermined time, and the printing operation cannot be performed unless the toner supplied from the toner tank is filled in the developing apparatus to a predetermined amount or more by this operation. is there.
[0021]
On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus package according to the first aspect, as described above, after the printing test is performed in a state where the toner storage component is mounted on the apparatus main body, the entire image forming apparatus remains in that state. Since the whole is sealed and packaged with a shield material, regardless of whether the cartridge type is the toner tank type or not, the user who purchased the image forming apparatus opens the package at the start of use, and at that time, The developing device has already been filled with toner enough to form an image.
[0022]
Therefore, such an image forming apparatus package is particularly suitable when the image forming apparatus is of a toner tank type, that is, when the image forming apparatus supplies toner to the surface of the photoreceptor. A main body having a developing device for developing a latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor to form a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor, configured to be detachable from the main body and supplying toner to the developing device of the main body in a mounted state This is effective when the image forming apparatus is provided with a toner tank.
[0023]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a package of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a printer which is an example of an image forming apparatus to be packed.
[0025]
First, a printer to be packaged will be described.
[0026]
1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer main body, and 600 denotes a toner tank.
[0027]
In a case 101 of the main body 100, a paper feed roller 102, an optical unit 110, and an image forming unit 200 are provided. In FIG. 2, the image forming unit 200 is schematically illustrated.
[0028]
Reference numeral 109 denotes a cover, and the cover 109 is provided with a fixing unit 120 as a fixing unit and a paper discharge roller 103. The fixing unit 120 includes a fixing roller 121 having a heat source at the center, a pressure roller 122 pressed against the fixing roller 121 by a spring 122a, and a cover 123 covering these rollers. I have.
[0029]
A paper feed tray 104 is rotatably provided on the back of the case 101 of the main body. The paper feed tray 104 has a base 104a rotatably supported on the back of the case 101 and a tray 104b slidably mounted on the base 104a. As shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 1, the tray 104b is folded so as to be in close contact with the back of the case in a state housed in the base portion 104a, and is opened and used for use as shown by a solid line at the time of use.
[0030]
The paper P set in the paper feed tray 104 is fed one by one by the paper feed roller 102.
[0031]
The fed paper passes through a paper feed path A1 formed by the paper guide 105 and the lower surface of the lower case 220 of the image forming unit 200, and forms a photosensitive drum on which a toner image is formed as described later. 201 and a transfer roller 106 serving as a transfer unit. Here, the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 201 passes between the fixing roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 of the fixing unit 120 via the intermediate path A2, where the toner image is fixed, and The paper is discharged from the paper outlet 107 onto the paper discharge tray 108 by the paper discharge roller 103 via the paper path A3.
[0032]
The cover 109 covers the front surface of the main body 100, and is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 100 by axes 109a, 109a.
[0033]
Below the paper discharge port 107, a support portion 109b for supporting the lower end of the paper discharged onto the paper discharge tray 108 is formed, and further, an inclined surface 109c continuous with the support portion 109b is formed. Therefore, the discharged paper is stacked and held by the support portion 109b, the inclined surface 109c, and the paper discharge tray.
[0034]
The paper discharge tray 108 has a base 108a fixed to the case 101 of the main body, and a flap 108b rotatably configured with a hinge 108c with respect to the base 108a. The flap portion 108b is folded up on the base portion 108a as shown by a virtual line, and is opened and used for use as shown by a solid line at the time of use.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the image forming unit 200 includes a photosensitive drum 201 forming a photosensitive member, a charging roller 202, a developing device 300, a cleaning device 400, and a toner conveying device 500 in a case 210. By being incorporated, it is configured as a single unit.
[0036]
The photosensitive drum 201 is formed by forming a photosensitive layer made of an organic photosensitive body on a conductive base made of an aluminum drum, is rotatably supported by a case 210, and is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow a by a drive mechanism (not shown). Is done.
[0037]
The charging roller 202 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 201 by a pressing mechanism (not shown), and charges the photosensitive drum 201 while following the photosensitive drum 201. A bias voltage is applied to the charging roller 202.
[0038]
The charged photosensitive drum 201 is scanned by the laser beam LB emitted from the optical unit 110 shown in FIG. 1, whereby a latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201.
[0039]
The case 210 includes a lower case 220 and an upper case 230. The upper case 230 has a slit 231 for beam scanning.
[0040]
The developing device 300 includes a toner storage chamber 301 formed in a longitudinal direction of the lower case 220, a supply roller 310 rotatably provided in the toner storage chamber 301, and a developing roller rotatably provided in the toner storage chamber 301. 320 and a regulating blade 330 in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 320. The supply roller 310 and the developing roller 320 are driven to rotate in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG. The regulating blade 330 is made of an elastic body such as a stainless steel plate, and is attached to the upper case 230 by an attaching member 331.
[0041]
The supply roller 310 rotates while stirring the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 301, and coats the surface of the developing roller 320 with the toner. The toner coated on the surface of the developing roller 320 is slidably contacted with the regulating blade 330 to be thinned and triboelectrically charged. A bias voltage is applied to the developing roller 320, and the thinned toner is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 201, and a nip portion formed by a pressure contact portion between the developing roller 320 and the photosensitive drum 201 causes the photosensitive drum 201 to contact the photosensitive drum 201. Is reversibly developed to a latent image of. Thereby, the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 is developed to form a toner image.
[0042]
The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred onto a sheet P being conveyed between the transfer roller 106 (see FIG. 1) to which a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied and the photosensitive drum 201. Transcribed.
[0043]
The cleaning device 400 includes a cleaning blade 410. The cleaning blade 410 is attached to the upper case 230 by an attachment member 420. The lower edge 411 of the cleaning blade 410 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 201, and removes the residual toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 after the toner image is transferred onto the sheet. It is scraped off toward the collection unit 560.
[0044]
After the photosensitive drum 201 is cleaned by scraping off the residual toner, the process returns to the above-described image forming process.
[0045]
The toner conveying device 500 is disposed in a closed loop between the developing device 300 and the cleaning device 400, and includes a coil spring 510 that forms a toner conveying unit, and a driving device that engages with the coil spring 510 and circulates and drives the coil spring 510. The gear 520 includes a substantially groove-shaped guide portion 530 (see FIG. 6) for slidingly contacting and guiding the coil spring 510.
[0046]
The coil spring 510 has an endless configuration, and is arranged so as to be able to circulate between the inside of the cleaning device 400 and the inside of the developing device 300.
[0047]
The drive gear 520 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) interlocked with the drive mechanism of the photosensitive drum 201 to circulate the coil spring 510 in the direction of arrow b.
[0048]
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the entire guide section 530. In the figure, reference numeral 510 denotes a coil spring, and this figure also substantially shows the circulation path of the coil spring 510.
[0049]
As is clear from this figure, the guide portion 530 has a shape that guides the coil spring 510 that has an annular shape in a natural standing state by correcting the coil spring 510 into a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and has a substantially quarter-arc shape. It is composed of four corner portions C1, C2, C3, C4 formed and substantially linear portions L1, L2, L3, L4 connecting these corner portions C1, C2, C3, C4.
[0050]
One long side L1 of the two long sides L1 and L2 is in the developing device 300 as shown in FIG. 4, and the other long side L2 is in the cleaning device 400. One long side L1 forms a guide with the upright wall 221 of the lower case 220, and the other long side L2 forms a guide with a concave groove 222 formed on the upper surface of the lower case 220. It is. Further, the long side portion L1 in the developing device 300 is configured so that only the outside of the coil spring 510 is guided by the upright wall 221. As a result, the lower portion of the coil spring 510 with respect to the developing device 300 is guided. An open portion 531 to be opened is formed.
[0051]
That is, in the developing device 300, only the outside of the coil spring 510 is guided by the upright wall 221, so that the toner can be discharged to the developing device 300. On the other hand, in the toner collecting section 560 in the cleaning device 400, the upper side is open to the cleaning blade 410 so that the toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 410 can be received and collected.
[0052]
The above-described image forming unit 200 operates as follows.
[0053]
As described above, the toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 by the developing device 300, and the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 is developed by the toner to form a toner image. After the toner image is transferred to the sheet P, residual toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 is removed by the cleaning blade 410 of the cleaning device 400, and is collected by the collection unit 560 in the cleaning device 400.
[0054]
An endless coil spring 510 is arranged between the cleaning device 400 and the developing device 300 so as to be able to circulate between the inside of the cleaning device and the inside of the developing device. The coil spring 510 is circulated by a driving gear 520. Therefore, a part of the surplus toner in the toner storage chamber 301 of the developing device 300 and not used for the development is conveyed to the cleaning device 400 by the coil spring 510, and the residual toner collected in the cleaning device 400 is The toner is conveyed to the developing device 300 while being stirred and mixed with the surplus toner conveyed by the coil spring 510.
[0055]
When the toner in the toner storage chamber 301 has been consumed and its level surface has been lowered, the toner conveyed to the developing device 300 is discharged toward the toner storage chamber 301 by its own weight.
[0056]
By repeating the above operations, the toner in the image forming unit 200 is gradually consumed, but the consumed toner is replenished from the toner tank 600 as needed.
[0057]
The toner tank 600 is configured to be detachable from the upper case 230 of the image forming unit 200 via the main body case 101. 2, when the toner tank 600 is mounted on the image forming unit 200, the upper part thereof is exposed to the outside of the main body case 101. The toner tank 600 is rotated in the direction of arrow a or b with the exposed portion 600A. It can be removed by moving it. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101a denotes a mounting hole provided in the case 101.
[0058]
The toner tank 600 is replaced as described above when there is no more toner in the toner tank 600. However, the image forming unit 200 is fixed to the main body 100 with screws or the like and is not usually removed.
[0059]
The toner tank 600 is mounted on the upstream side of the developing device 300 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the toner supply port 243 is open to the position where the drive gear 520 and the coil spring 510 start to engage with each other, so that the toner is not excessively supplied to the toner conveyance path. Properly supplied.
[0060]
In this way, the toner is replenished from the toner tank 600 to the image forming unit 200, and when the toner in the toner tank runs out and the toner is not replenished from the tank 600, the amount of toner in the image forming unit 200 is reduced. The toner tank is replaced because the amount decreases and is detected by the detection unit 700 described later.
[0061]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 700 denotes a detection unit, which is provided downstream of the developing device 300 and upstream of the cleaning device 400 with respect to the toner transport path R. The detecting means 700 is configured by an optical sensor, and a detecting device and a notifying device (not shown) are connected to the optical sensor.
[0062]
During normal use, a predetermined amount of toner is circulating in the toner transport path R while toner is being supplied from the toner tank 600, and detection light from the optical sensor is detected at the position of the detection unit 700. The corresponding output signal is output.
[0063]
When the amount of toner is significantly reduced or disappears in the portion of the toner conveyance path where the detection unit 700 is provided, the above-described state in which the optical path of the detection light is not blocked by the toner occurs, and particularly, the toner is depleted. In this state, the optical path of the detection light is only temporarily interrupted by the coil spring 510. Therefore, an output signal corresponding to the detection light is output by the optical sensor. A repetitive signal corresponding to a / 2 pitch is output.
[0064]
Therefore, an output signal from the sensor is monitored by a detection device (not shown) connected to the optical sensor, and when the repetition signal is continuously output for a predetermined period of time and with a predetermined probability, this signal is output in a toner-free state. It is designed to detect something.
[0065]
At this time, the notification device emits a notification sound and / or displays a message on a display device (not shown), so that the user is in a toner-less state (exactly, the toner in the toner tank 600 runs out, and (The toner in the apparatus 300 is starting to decrease).
[0066]
Next, a description will be given of a printer package (package form) as described above, which is a feature of the present embodiment.
[0067]
The package of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is subjected to an operation test before the above-mentioned printer is shipped from the factory, and thereafter, the entire printer is sealed in a whole with a shielding material in that state. Features.
[0068]
Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.
[0069]
In the above-described printer, the main body 100 and the toner tank 600 are manufactured separately in a factory. At the time of manufacture, the toner is not stored in the image forming unit 200 of the main body 100. The toner is stored in the toner tank 600.
[0070]
Therefore, assuming that the printer main body 100 and the toner tank 600 are separately packaged and shipped from the factory as in the conventional packaging form, the toner tank 600 is mounted on the printer main body 100 before the user starts using the same. It is practically impossible to perform an operation test in a state in which the printer is in a state where the toner tank 600 is mounted on the printer main body 100 only when the printer is in hand. Is not always guaranteed.
[0071]
Therefore, in this embodiment, after the main body 100 and the toner tank 600 are separately manufactured in the factory, the toner tank 600 is first mounted on the main body 100, and then an operation test of the printer is performed.
[0072]
When the printer is operated, the coil spring 510 is circulated, and toner is supplied from the toner tank 600 into the image forming unit 200 through the toner supply port 243. Since the toner tank 600 is attached upstream of the developing device 300, the supplied toner first fills the toner storage chamber 301 of the developing device. When the toner storage chamber 301 is filled with the toner, the toner is conveyed to the downstream side of the developing device, and this is detected by the detection unit 700. Therefore, the toner is filled in the toner storage chamber 301 (that is, the toner can be printed). Status).
[0073]
Then, a sheet is set on the sheet feeding tray 104 and a printing test is performed.
[0074]
If the test result is defective, it is processed as a defective product such as a re-inspection.
[0075]
If the test result is good, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed tray 104 and the paper output tray 108 are folded as indicated by phantom lines, and the test is performed with the toner tank 600 mounted, that is, the test is performed. In this state, the entire printer is hermetically sealed and packaged with the shielding material S, packed as required, and shipped. As the shielding material S, for example, a shielding bag whose inner surface is coated with aluminum or the like is used. Note that the paper feed tray 104 and the paper discharge tray 108 do not have to be folded, but by folding, the package can be made compact.
[0076]
According to the printer package described above, the following operation and effect can be obtained.
[0077]
(I) After the operation test of the printer is performed, that is, after the operation test is performed in a state where the toner tank 600 is mounted on the printer main body 100, the whole printer is entirely sealed with the shielding material S in that state. Since the printer is packaged, when the user who purchases the printer starts using the printer, the user can start using the printer simply by opening the package and connecting the power cord.
[0078]
Therefore, as compared to a conventional package such as a printer, the time and effort required for starting use is significantly reduced.
[0079]
Further, since the entire printer is hermetically sealed with the shielding material S, the toner subjected to the operation test does not deteriorate after the packaging.
[0080]
In addition, after the operation test is performed, the entire printer is sealed and packaged with the shielding material S as it is, so that reliable operation of the printer is guaranteed.
[0081]
(Ii) In the printer according to the present embodiment, an image forming unit 200 having a photoconductor 201 and a developing device 300 is fixed in a main body 100, and a toner tank type in which a toner tank 600 is mounted on the main body 100 is used. Therefore, when the toner runs out, only the toner tank 600 needs to be replaced. Therefore, it is superior to the cartridge type described above in terms of improving economy and resource saving.
[0082]
In the printer package of this embodiment, after an operation test is performed in a state where the toner tank 600 is mounted on the printer main body 100, the whole printer is rounded with the shielding material S as shown in FIG. Since the package is sealed and sealed, the user who purchased the printer opens the package at the start of use, despite the toner tank type, and the image is already stored in the developing device 300 at that time. The toner is in a state of being filled with toner that can be formed.
[0083]
Therefore, according to such a printer package, economical efficiency and resource saving can be improved, and at the same time, the user who has purchased the printer can immediately start using the printer.
[0084]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the present invention.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the image forming apparatus package of this invention, the user who purchased the image forming apparatus can start using immediately, and at the same time, reliable printing of the image forming apparatus is guaranteed.
[0086]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus package according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a printer as an example of an image forming apparatus to be packaged.
FIG. 3 is a partially omitted perspective view showing an image forming unit and a toner tank of the printer.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing an image forming unit and a toner tank.
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the entire guide unit of the image forming unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
P Paper S Shielding material 100 Printer main body 108 Output tray 120 Fixing unit 201 Photosensitive drum 300 Developing device 600 Toner tank

Claims (2)

A package obtained by packaging an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet by using a toner by an electrophotographic method, after performing the printing test while wearing the toner accommodating part to the main body of the image forming apparatus, the An image forming apparatus package wherein the entire image forming apparatus having a favorable printing test is entirely sealed with a shielding material while the toner accommodating parts are mounted . The image forming apparatus includes a main body having a developing device that supplies a toner to a photoreceptor surface to develop a latent image on the photoreceptor surface to form a toner image on the photoreceptor surface, and is configured to be detachable from the main body. 2. The image forming apparatus package according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided with a toner tank that supplies toner to a developing device of the main body in a mounted state.

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