Locking mechanism and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A locking mechanism (50) is used for a toner container that can be replaced while the opening and closing cover (60) is open. The opening and closing cover is supported on the outer shell (10). The locking mechanism (50) has a locking component (43), an operating lever (63), and a spring component (66). The locking component (43) is disposed on the outer shell (50) to restrict the disassembly of the toner container. The operating lever (63) is supported on the opening and closing cover (60) in a swingable manner to operate the locking component (43). The spring component (66) is disposed on the opening and closing cover (60) to elastically support the operating lever (63). The locking component (43) can swing between an unlocked position that allows the disassembly of the toner container and a locked position that restricts the disassembly of the toner container. The operating lever (63) operates the locking component (43) from the unlocked position to the locked position as the opening and closing cover (60) moves toward the closing direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking mechanism and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Normally, the toner container of an image forming apparatus is replaced with a new one when it becomes empty. However, the toner container may be replaced by the user before the toner runs out. Therefore, a locking mechanism that restricts the removal of the toner container based on the remaining toner level is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the locking mechanism described in Patent Document 1, a stopper is connected to a solenoid to prevent the toner container from falling off. The solenoid is not driven until the remaining toner level in the toner container decreases, and the removal of the toner container is restricted by the stopper.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-091462 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The technical problem to be solved by this invention]

[0007] However, the locking mechanism of Patent Document 1 requires a manual locking operation to return the limiter after changing the toner container, and some users may forget to perform the locking operation.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reliably perform the locking operation after replacing the toner container while restricting the disassembly of the toner container.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a locking mechanism is used for a toner container that can be replaced with its opening and closing cover in an open state, the opening and closing cover being supported by a housing. The locking mechanism has a locking component, an operating lever, and a spring component. The locking component is disposed in the housing to restrict the removal of the toner container. The operating lever is supported in a swingable manner by the opening and closing cover to operate the locking component. The spring component is disposed in the opening and closing cover to elastically support the operating lever. The locking component is swingable between an unlocked position that allows the removal of the toner container and a locked position that restricts the removal of the toner container. The operating lever operates the locking component from the unlocked position to the locked position as the opening and closing cover moves in a closing direction.

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has the above-described locking mechanism and a remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container, wherein the locking component remains in a locked position until the remaining amount of toner becomes below a predetermined amount.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, the locking member is operated from the unlocked position to the locked position via an operating lever, in conjunction with the closing action of the opening / closing cover. Therefore, by closing the opening / closing cover, a reliable locking operation can be performed after changing the toner container. Furthermore, even when the operating lever abuts against the locking member, it retracts against the spring force of the spring component, thus preventing the locking member from experiencing excessive external force from the operating lever. This prevents deformation and damage to components such as the locking member and the operating lever. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking operation of a comparative locking mechanism.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking operation of a comparative locking mechanism.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the opening and closing cover in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the locked state of the hook component in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the released state of the hook component in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking operation of the locking mechanism in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking operation of the locking mechanism in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking operation of the locking mechanism in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Below, refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus to which the locking mechanism of this embodiment is applied will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, a printer will be used as an example of an image forming apparatus. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer according to this embodiment. The arrows Fr, Re, U, and Lo added appropriately to each diagram represent the front, rear, top, and bottom sides of the printer, respectively.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, printer 1 has a box-shaped housing 10 for housing various devices. A paper tray 11 for storing stacked sheets is housed in the lower part of the housing 10, and a paper tray 12 for stacking sheets with formed images is provided in the upper part of the housing 10. Below the paper tray 12, toner containers 13 are provided in a removable manner according to the color of the toner (e.g., magenta, cyan, yellow, and black). Below the multiple toner containers 13, an intermediate transfer belt 16 is mounted on a pair of rollers 14 and 15.

[0026] Along the underside of the intermediate transfer belt 16, a row of image forming units 17 is arranged in sequence according to the color of the toner. In each image forming unit 17, a photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably disposed, in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 16. Around the photosensitive drum 21, a charger 22, a developer 23, a primary transfer unit 24, a cleaning device 25, and a collector 26 are arranged in the processing order of the primary transfer. A waste toner container (not shown) is connected to the cleaning device 25. Toner is supplied from the toner container 13 to each developer 23 via a supply path (not shown), and waste toner is discharged from each cleaning device 25 to the waste toner container via a discharge path (not shown).

[0027] Below each image forming unit 17, an exposure device 18 consisting of a laser scanning unit (LSU) is provided. Inside the housing 10, a sheet transport path L is formed by multiple rollers from the paper feed tray 11 to the paper discharge tray 12. A paper feed unit 31 is provided upstream (lower) of the transport path L, and a secondary transfer unit 32 is provided downstream of the paper feed unit 31 at the side end of the intermediate transfer belt 16 in the transport path L. A fixing device 33 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer unit 32 in the transport path L, and a paper discharge port 34 is provided at the downstream end (upper) of the transport path L.

[0028] During image formation in printer 1, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is charged by charger 22, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by laser from exposure device 18. Next, toner is applied from developer 23 to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to the surface of intermediate transfer belt 16 in one pass. In each image forming unit 17, toner images of each color are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 16 in one pass, thereby forming a full-color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16. Furthermore, waste toner and charge remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 are removed by cleaning device 25 and collector 26.

[0029] On the other hand, the sheet is taken from the paper tray 11 or a manual tray (not shown) via the paper feed unit 31 and fed to the secondary transfer unit 32 in sync with the image forming operation described above. In the secondary transfer unit 32, the full-color toner image is transferred a second time from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 onto the surface of the sheet, and the transferred sheet is fed to the fixing device 33 downstream of the secondary transfer unit 32. In the fixing device 33, the toner image is fixed onto the sheet, and the fixed sheet is discharged from the paper outlet 34 onto the paper tray 12. Thus, the toner image transferred onto the sheet passes through the fixing device 33 and forms an image on the surface of the sheet.

[0030] In addition, the bottom surface of the paper tray 12 is covered by an opening and closing cover 60 (see reference). Figure 4 The toner container 13 inside the housing 10 is replaced by opening and closing the cover 60. In printer 1, to prevent the toner container 13 from being replaced before the toner is used up, a locking part 43 (see reference) is used. Figure 4 The disassembly of the toner container 13 is restricted until the amount of toner remaining is reduced. The disassembly of the toner container 13 is allowed by the locking member 43 in the standing position, and the disassembly of the toner container 13 is restricted by the locking member 43 in the lying position.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown in the comparative example, a locking operation is required to move the locking member 82 from the upright position 4 to the lying position in order to restrict the disassembly of the toner container 13. However, there is a concern that the locking member 82 may collide with the opening / closing cover 81 if the locking operation is forgotten when closing the opening / closing cover 81. Figure 3 As shown in the comparative example, when the locking member 82 is forcefully pressed into the opening / closing cover 81, there is a concern that the base end of the locking member 82 may be damaged by a violent external force from the opening / closing cover 81. Therefore, the opening / closing cover 60 of this embodiment is provided with an operating lever 63 (see reference). Figure 4 ), to ease the pressure on the locking component 43.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 The locking mechanism of the opening and closing cover is explained. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the opening and closing cover in this embodiment. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the locked state of the hook component in this embodiment. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the released state of the hook component in this embodiment.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the opening / closing cover 60 is supported on a pair of side plates 40 of the housing 10 in an openable / closable manner. By lifting the opening / closing cover 60 upwards from the upper surface of the housing 10, the opening / closing cover 60 is opened, exposing the inner side of the housing 10 to the outside. By lowering the opening / closing cover 60 downwards from the open state, the opening / closing cover 60 is closed, forming a paper tray 12 on the upper surface of the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 1 Inside the housing 10, four different colored toner containers 13 are installed in a manner that allows for detachment from above. The black toner container 13 is located at the base of the opening / closing cover 60.

[0034] On the side plate 40 of one side (right side) of the outer casing 10, four locking members 43 are supported to restrict the removal of the four color toner containers 13. The locking members 43 are formed in the shape of rods. With the swing axis 44 on the base end side of the locking member 43 as the fulcrum, the locking member 43 swings between an upright position and a folded position. The upright position is an unlocked position in which the removal of the toner container 13 is allowed by the locking members 43, and the folded position is a locked position in which the removal of the toner container 13 is restricted by the locking members 43. In addition, the width of the locking member 43 for the black toner container 13 is formed to be wider than the other locking members 43.

[0035] Four arc-shaped guide grooves 41 are formed on one side plate 40, and each locking member 43 has a guide post 45 that enters the guide groove 41. The guide posts 45 of the locking member 43 are guided by the guide grooves 41 of the side plate 40, thereby allowing the locking member 43 to swing smoothly between the standing and lying positions. In addition, a torsion spring 46 is provided at the base end of the locking member 43, and the spring force of the torsion spring 46 holds the locking member 43 in the standing position. In addition, a hook member 50 is provided on one side plate 40, which is used to lock the guide post 45 of the locking member 43 when it falls into the lying position due to the spring force of the torsion spring 46 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0036] like Figure 5As shown, a claw 51 for locking the guide post 45 of the locking member 43 is formed on the top end side of the hook member 50. With the swing axis 52 on the base end side of the hook member 50 as the fulcrum, the claw 51 swings between a locked position capable of locking the guide post 45 and a released position separating from the locked position. A support frame 53 is formed on the base end side of the hook member 50, and the support frame 53 is connected to the housing 10 via a spring member 54. The hook member 50 is elastically supported by the spring member 54, and the claw 51 is pulled towards the locked position by the elastic force of the spring member 54.

[0037] Additionally, a connecting bracket 55 is provided at the base end of the hook component 50, and a plunger 57 of the solenoid 56 is connected to the connecting bracket 55. When the solenoid 56 is not driven, the plunger 57 is pulled out, and the claw portion 51 of the hook component 50 is positioned in a locked position by the elastic force of the spring component 54. Figure 6 As shown, when the drive solenoid 56 is activated, the plunger 57 is pulled back, and the pawl 51 swings from the locked position to the released position by overcoming the elastic force of the spring component 54. The guide post 45 of the locking component 43 disengages from the pawl 51, and the torsion spring 46 (see reference) Figure 4 The elasticity of the locking component 43 allows it to return from a prone position to an upright position.

[0038] In order to engage the guide post 45 by the claw 51 of the hook member 50, it is preferable that the locking member 43 swings over an over-tilted position until the guide post 45 moves to an overtravel position. Therefore, a protrusion 48 is formed on the locking member 43 at the contact surface 47 that abuts against the operating lever 63 described later. By being pushed by the protrusion 48, the swing amount of the locking member 43 increases due to the protrusion 48, enabling the locking member 43 to swing over an over-tilted position. By swinging the locking member 43 over an over-tilted position, the locking member 43 can be reliably engaged with the hook member 50.

[0039] return Figure 4 On the lower surface of the opening / closing cover 60, an elongated housing 61 is formed along one side (right side in this embodiment) of the outer casing 10. Three operating levers 63 are pivotally supported on the housing 61 of the opening / closing cover 60. These three operating levers 63 are used to operate three locking members 43, excluding the rear locking member 43. In this embodiment, the operating levers 63 are arranged to correspond to the locking members 43 used for the three colors of toner containers 13, excluding the black toner container 13. The operating levers 63 are fan-shaped when viewed from the side. Using the pivot axis 64 on the apex side of the operating lever 63 as a fulcrum, the operating lever 63 moves in and out of the housing 61 through an opening on the lower surface of the housing 61.

[0040] A connecting arm 65 is fixed to the swing axis 64 of the operating lever 63, and the top end of the connecting arm 65 is connected to the support portion 67 of the housing 61 via a spring member 66. Thus, the operating lever 63 is elastically supported within the opening / closing cover 60 by the spring member 66. More specifically, the operating lever 63 is pushed outward from the housing 61 by the spring member 66, so that the operating lever 63 is inclined at a predetermined angle against the top end of the locking member 43, and the operating lever 63 is supported by the spring member 66. As the opening / closing cover 60 moves in the closing direction, the locking member 43 is operated from an upright position to a folded position by the operating lever 63.

[0041] At this time, since the operating lever 63 is tilted and abuts against the locking member 43, the locking member 43 can be smoothly operated by the operating lever 63. Furthermore, while there is no operating lever for operating the rear (for black) locking member 43 on the opening / closing cover 60, the locking member 43 is smoothly operated by the housing 61 tilting against the top of the locking member 43 on the base end side of the opening / closing cover 60. When the toner container 13 is locked, the locking member 43 operates until it reaches a folded position as the opening / closing cover 60 moves in the closing direction. When the toner container 13 is released, the locking member 43 is activated via the solenoid 56 (see reference). Figure 5 This restores the locking component 43 to its standing position.

[0042] Thus, the locking mechanism 39 of this embodiment is configured to have components disposed on the opening / closing cover 60 and components disposed on the housing 10. Furthermore, the housing 10 is provided with: four remaining amount sensors 71 that detect the remaining amount of toner in the four toner containers 13; an opening / closing detection switch 72 that detects the opening / closing state of the opening / closing cover 60; and a control unit 73 connected to the solenoid 56. As the remaining amount sensors 71, a permeability sensor is used that detects the permeability corresponding to the remaining amount of toner. The remaining amount sensors 71 detect the permeability, and a voltage value corresponding to the detection result is output from the remaining amount sensors 71 to the control unit 73.

[0043] The opening / closing detection switch 72 is configured to be turned on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the opening / closing cover 60. Opening the opening / closing cover 60 turns the opening / closing detection switch 72 on, and a detection signal is output from the opening / closing detection switch 72 to the control unit 73. When the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining amount sensor 71 falls below a predetermined amount, and a detection signal is input from the opening / closing detection switch 72, the control unit 73 drives the solenoid 56 to release the lock on the toner container 13. The locking member 43 remains in a folded position until the remaining amount of toner falls below the predetermined amount, preventing the toner container 13 from being replaced before the toner is used up.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 73 can be implemented in software using a processor, or in hardware using logic circuits formed in integrated circuits, etc. When using a processor, various processes are performed by reading and executing programs stored in memory. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. Depending on its purpose, the memory may consist of one or more storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0045] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The locking and unlocking operations of the locking mechanism are explained. Figures 7 to 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking operation of the locking mechanism in this embodiment. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism in this embodiment. Here, the locking operation implemented by the operating lever on the front side of the opening and closing cover will be described, but the locking operation implemented by the other operating levers is the same.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, with the opening / closing cover 60 open, the locking member 43 is held in an upright position by the force of the torsion spring 46. At this time, the claw 51 of the hook member 50 is positioned in a locked position, but the guide post 45 of the locking member 43 disengages from the claw 51 of the hook member 50. Additionally, the operating lever 63 is pushed outward from the housing 61 of the opening / closing cover 60 by the spring member 66, and the lower surface 68 of the operating lever 63 is inclined relative to the lower surface 69 of the housing 61. As the opening / closing cover 60 moves in the closing direction, the lower surface 68 of the operating lever 63 contacts the top of the locking member 43 from an obliquely upward position.

[0047] like Figure 8 As shown, when the top of the locking member 43 is pressed in by the lower surface 68 of the operating lever 63, the locking member 43 overcomes the elastic force of the torsion spring 46 and begins to swing from the standing position to the lying position. When the locking member 43 is tilted by the operating lever 63, the operating lever 63 disengages from the locking member 43, and the lower surface 69 of the housing 61 located in front of the operating lever 63 contacts the locking member 43 from above at an angle. At this time, the guide post 45 of the locking member 43 abuts against the claw 51 of the hook member 50, pressing the claw 51 of the hook member 50 into the release position.

[0048] like Figure 9As shown, when the opening / closing cover 60 is closed, the locking member 43 swings to a folded position via the lower surface 69 of the housing 61. The protrusion 48 of the locking member 43 is pressed into the lower surface 69 of the housing 61, and the locking member 43 temporarily swings to a position slightly lower than the folded position. Due to the reaction force of the opening / closing cover 60 and component tolerances, the locking member 43 returns to the folded position. At this time, the guide post 45 of the locking member 43 swings to an overtravel position lower than the claw 51 of the hook member 50, and the claw 51 of the hook member 50 reliably locks the guide post 45 of the locking member 43.

[0049] Furthermore, the operating lever 63 abuts against the base end of the locking member 43 from above, thereby pushing the operating lever 63 against the elastic force of the spring member 66 through the reaction force from the locking member 43. Since the base end of the locking member 43 is the center of swing, the base end of the locking member 43 cannot swing even when subjected to external force. As described above, the locking member 43 is swung to a position lower than the inverted posture by the lower surface 69 of the housing 61, but the operating lever 63 is retracted into the housing 61, thereby preventing the base end of the locking member 43 from receiving excessive external force from the operating lever 63. Therefore, deformation and damage to the locking member 43 are prevented.

[0050] like Figure 10 As shown, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 13 falls below a predetermined amount, and the opening / closing cover 60 is opened, the solenoid 56 is driven, and the claw 51 of the hook member 50 moves from the locked position to the released position. The guide post 45 of the locking member 43 disengages from the claw 51 of the hook member 50, and the locking member 43 is restored from the folded position to the standing position by the elastic force of the torsion spring 46. Thus, even when the opening / closing cover 60 is open, the solenoid 56 is not driven, and the disassembly of the toner container 13 is restricted by the locking member 43 until the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 13 becomes less.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the locking member 43 is operated from an upright position to a folded position via the operating lever 63 in conjunction with the closing movement of the opening / closing cover 60. Therefore, by closing the opening / closing cover 60, the locking operation after replacing the toner container can be reliably performed. Furthermore, even when the operating lever 63 abuts against the locking member 43, the operating lever 63 overcomes the elastic force of the spring member 66 and retracts, thus preventing the locking member 43 from receiving excessive external force from the operating lever 63. Therefore, deformation or damage to components such as the locking member 43 and the operating lever 63 is prevented. Additionally, the disassembly of the toner container 13 can be restricted, preventing the toner container 13 from being replaced before the toner is used up.

[0052] In this embodiment, an example of an unlocking posture being an upright posture is described, but any posture that allows the toner container to be disassembled is acceptable. Similarly, an example of a locking posture being a prone posture is described, but any locking posture that restricts the disassembly of the toner container is acceptable. For example, the unlocking posture could be a prone posture and the locking posture could be an upright posture.

[0053] In addition, this embodiment describes a structure in which the toner container is detached from the outer casing from above, but the toner container can also be detached from the outer casing from the side.

[0054] In addition, this embodiment describes a structure in which the locking component is operated by a lever and a housing, but the locking component can also be operated from an upright position to a prone position using only the lever.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, a protrusion is formed on the abutting surface of the locking member, but it is also possible that no protrusion is formed on the abutting surface of the locking member.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, the operating lever is configured to be inclined and abut against the top of the locking member, but the operating lever is configured to be able to operate the locking member.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the sheet material can be any sheet-like article that forms the image, such as ordinary paper, coated paper, light transmission paper, or OHP (Over Head Projector) sheet.

[0058] Furthermore, while a printer is exemplified as an image forming apparatus in this embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this structure. In addition to copiers and fax machines, image forming apparatuses can also be multifunction printers that integrate printing, copying, and faxing functions.

[0059] Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described, other embodiments may also combine all or part of the above embodiments and variations.

[0060] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the technical concept. Moreover, if the technical concept can be implemented in other ways due to technological advancements or the emergence of other technologies, this method can also be used. Therefore, the technical solution covers all embodiments that can be included within the scope of the technical concept.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a toner container, the toner container being replaceable with an open / closed cover supported by a housing. Its features are, It has a locking component, an operating lever, and a spring component, wherein, The locking component is disposed on the housing to restrict the disassembly of the toner container; The operating lever is supported in a swingable manner on the opening and closing cover and is used to operate the locking component; The spring component is disposed on the opening and closing cover to elastically support the operating lever. The locking component is capable of swinging between an unlocked position that allows the toner container to be disassembled and a locked position that restricts the disassembly of the toner container. The operating lever moves the locking component from the unlocked position to the locked position as the opening / closing cover moves in the closing direction.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring component supports the operating lever at a predetermined angle by which the operating lever is tilted against the top of the locking component.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a hook component for engaging the locking component when it is in a locked position. The locking component swings over the locking posture, and the hook component locks the locking component in the locking posture.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, On the locking component, a protrusion is formed on the contact surface that abuts against the operating lever. The locking component swings over the locking posture via the protrusion.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A hollow shell is provided on the lower surface of the opening and closing cover. The operating lever is supported in the housing in a retractable manner. As the opening / closing cover moves toward the closing direction, the operating lever retracts into the housing.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking component is operated by the lever until it reaches the locked position. When it passes the locked position, the lever retracts into the housing and is operated by the housing.

7. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: The locking mechanism as described in claim 1; and A quantity sensor for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container. The locking component remains in the locked position until the remaining amount of toner falls below a specified level.

Images