Image forming apparatus

Abstract

This system reliably detects whether all containers are installed inside the main unit without increasing the number of steps required of the user during the container installation process. [Solution] The image forming apparatus comprises a main body, a plurality of containers, a plurality of first actuators, a second actuator, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, and a detection unit. When each of the plurality of first actuators is in a first non-mounted position, the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member presses the second actuator against the biasing force of the second biasing member, keeping it in the second non-mounted position. When each of the plurality of first actuators is in a first mounted position, the pressure on the second actuator is released, and the biasing force of one of the first biasing members is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of containers for storing toner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional image forming apparatuses perform printing using toner in containers. In a color machine, a plurality of containers are mounted inside the main body of the image forming apparatus. The plurality of containers respectively correspond to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and store toner of the corresponding color. Such an image forming apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, it is detected whether all the containers are mounted inside the main body. Then, printing is executed in a state where all the containers are mounted inside the main body. Printing is not executed in a state where any one of the containers is not mounted inside the main body.

[0005] For example, conventionally, each time a container is mounted inside the main body, a lever operation is performed by the user. When the lever operation is performed for all the containers, the detected object is displaced and the output value of the detection unit is switched. Thereby, it is detected that all the containers are mounted inside the main body.

[0006] However, in this configuration, a lever operation is required each time a container is mounted inside the main body. Therefore, it is troublesome for the user.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus that can reliably detect whether or not all containers are installed inside the main body without increasing the number of steps that the user must perform during the container installation process, in a configuration in which multiple containers are installed inside the main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body including a printing unit, a plurality of containers detachably attached to the main body and containing toner used for printing in the printing unit, a plurality of first actuators supported so as to be rotatable independently of each other around a first axis relative to the main body and assigned to each of the plurality of containers, which, when a corresponding container is attached to the main body, come into contact with the corresponding container and rotate around the first axis, displacing from a first non-attached position to a first attached position, and a plurality of first actuators that rotate around a second axis parallel to the first axis relative to the main body The system includes a second actuator that is movably supported and can be displaced between a second non-mounted position and a second mounted position by rotating around a second axis; a first biasing member assigned to each of the multiple first actuators, which biases the corresponding first actuator in the direction from the first mounted position to the first non-mounted position; a second biasing member that biases the second actuator in the direction from the second non-mounted position to the second mounted position; and a detection unit that changes the output value depending on whether the second actuator is in the second non-mounted position or the second mounted position. When each of the multiple first actuators is in the first non-mounted position, the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member presses the second actuator against the biasing force of the second biasing member in the direction from the second mounted position to the second non-mounted position, keeping it in the second non-mounted position. When each of the multiple first actuators is in the first mounted position, the pressing force on the second actuator in the direction from the second mounted position to the second non-mounted position is released. The biasing force of one of the first biasing members is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In this invention, in a configuration in which multiple containers are installed inside the main body, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not all containers are installed inside the main body without increasing the number of steps that the user must perform during the container installation process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with one of its outer covers in the open position. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the image forming section and its surrounding area of ​​the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a container attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a container attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a container attached to the outer cover of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, and its surroundings. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the container and the inner cover when the outer cover of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is in the open position. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the container and the inner cover when the outer cover of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is in the closed position. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment (a diagram showing the detection area in a light-shielded state). [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment (a diagram showing the detection area in an open state). [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the first actuator of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the second actuator of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between each first actuator and second actuator in a state where no container is attached to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between each first actuator and second actuator in a state where one container is attached to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between each first actuator and second actuator in a state where two containers are attached to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between each first actuator and second actuator in a state where three containers are attached to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between each first actuator and second actuator in a state where all containers are attached to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 is installed on a substantially horizontal and flat floor surface FL. And the vertical direction perpendicular to the floor surface FL is the up and down direction of the image forming apparatus 100. Also, among the horizontal directions, one direction is the front and rear direction of the image forming apparatus 100, and the other direction orthogonal to that one direction is the left and right direction of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] In the drawings referred to in the following description, for ease of understanding, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown. The Z direction is the vertical direction and is the up and down direction of the image forming apparatus 100. The floor surface FL is a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The arrow direction of the Z axis is upward, and the opposite direction is downward.

[0013] The X direction is one direction in the horizontal direction, and the Y direction is the other direction in the horizontal direction. For example, the X direction corresponds to the front and rear direction of the image forming apparatus 100. The Y direction corresponds to the left and right direction of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0014] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 1. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a container 2. The container 2 stores toner used for printing. The container 2 is mounted inside the main body 1. The number of containers 2 to be mounted is four. The plurality (four) of containers 2 respectively correspond to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each container 2 stores toner of the corresponding color.

[0015] Note that each container 2 is detachable from the main body 1. The user manually performs the attachment and detachment operations of each container 2. For example, when any one of the containers 2 becomes empty, the empty container 2 is removed and a new container 2 is mounted.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 1 includes a printing unit 10. The printing unit 10 prints an image on a sheet S. The sheet S used for printing is stored in a sheet cassette CA. The sheet cassette CA is detachably mounted to the main body 1.

[0017] The printing unit 10 has a main conveyance path MP. The main conveyance path MP passes through the transfer position and the fixing position in this order from the sheet cassette CA and reaches the discharge tray ET.

[0018] In the printing by the printing unit 10, the sheet S in the sheet cassette CA is supplied to the main conveyance path MP, and the sheet S is conveyed along the main conveyance path MP. Also, an image using toner is formed. Then, the image is printed on the sheet S being conveyed. In other words, the transfer process (specifically, secondary transfer) of the image onto the sheet S being conveyed is performed at the transfer position. At the fixing position, the fixing process of the image onto the sheet S is performed.

[0019] The printing unit 10 includes four image forming units P respectively corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each image forming unit P forms an image using toner of the corresponding color.

[0020] The following description focuses on one image forming unit P, but the configuration of each image forming unit P is the same. Therefore, the descriptions of the configurations of the other image forming units P will be omitted, as they will be based on the description below.

[0021] The image forming unit P has the configuration shown in Figure 4. The image forming unit P comprises a photosensitive drum 101, a charging device 102, an exposure device 103, a developing device 104, and a cleaning device 105.

[0022] The photoreceptor drum 101 is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction (Y direction). The photoreceptor drum 101 rotates with a toner image on its outer surface. The charging device 102 charges the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 101. The exposure device 103 exposes the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 101 to form an electrostatic latent image on its outer surface. The developing device 104 receives toner from a container 2 containing toner of the corresponding color. The developing device 104 uses the toner to develop the electrostatic latent image on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 101 into a toner image. The cleaning device 105 removes any remaining toner from the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 101.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the printing unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 106. The intermediate transfer belt 106 is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt 106 is stretched by a plurality of tension rollers (not shown).

[0024] The intermediate transfer belt 106 is positioned so that its outer surface contacts the outer surface of each photoreceptor drum 101. The toner image on the outer surface of each photoreceptor drum 101 is first transferred to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 106. The intermediate transfer belt 106 rotates with the toner image on its outer surface. This transports the toner image on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 106 toward the transfer position.

[0025] The printing unit 10 is equipped with primary transfer rollers 107. There are four primary transfer rollers 107. One primary transfer roller 107 is assigned to each photosensitive drum 101.

[0026] The printing unit 10 includes a secondary transfer roller 108. The secondary transfer roller 108 presses against the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 106 at the transfer position, forming a transfer nip between it and the intermediate transfer belt 106. The main transport path MP passes through the transfer nip.

[0027] In a printing job, the sheet S is transported toward the transfer position (i.e., the transfer nip). Each image forming unit P forms a toner image using toner of the corresponding color. Each primary transfer roller 107 transfers the toner image to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 106. The intermediate transfer belt 106 rotates carrying the toner image. The secondary transfer roller 108 transfers the toner image to the sheet S as it passes the transfer position.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a fixing unit F. The fixing unit F includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller has a built-in heater. The pressure roller is pressed against the heating roller. The heating roller and the pressure roller are pressed against each other, forming a fixing nip at the fixing position.

[0029] In a print job, the sheet S passes through the fixing position (i.e., the fixing nip). The fixing unit F heats the sheet S as it passes through the fixing position and applies pressure to the sheet S. By heating and applying pressure to the sheet S, the fixing unit F fixes the toner image to the sheet S. The fixed sheet S is discharged into the discharge tray ET.

[0030] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a double-sided printing transport path DP. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to perform not only single-sided printing jobs, which print an image on only one side of the sheet S, but also double-sided printing jobs, which print an image on both sides of the sheet S.

[0031] The duplex printing transport path DP branches off from the main transport path MP at a branching point downstream of the fixing position in the sheet transport direction. Then, the duplex printing transport path DP rejoins the main transport path MP at a merging point upstream of the transfer position in the sheet transport direction.

[0032] If the execution job is a single-sided printing job, the sheet S passes through the transfer position only once, and the transfer process is performed on the sheet S while it is passing through the transfer position. After the first transfer process, the sheet S is then discharged into the output tray ET.

[0033] If the execution job is a duplex printing job, the transfer process is performed once on each side of the sheet S, so the sheet S passes through the transfer position twice. Specifically, when the sheet S passes through the transfer position for the first time, the transfer process is performed on one side of the sheet S. After the first transfer process, after the rear end of the sheet S has passed the branching position but before the sheet S is completely discharged into the discharge tray ET, the sheet S is switched back. This causes the sheet S to be drawn into the duplex printing transport path DP from its rear end.

[0034] Subsequently, the sheet S is transported along the double-sided printing transport path DP, and then returned to the main transport path MP from the merging point. This causes the sheet S to pass through the transfer position again. At this time, the orientation of the front and back sides of the sheet S is reversed compared to when it passed through the transfer position the first time. As a result, when the sheet S passes through the transfer position for the second time, the transfer process is performed on the opposite side of the sheet S to the previous side.

[0035] <Container holding mechanism> Container 2 has the configuration shown in Figures 5 and 6. Of Container 2, the side indicated by the arrow IN faces the inside of the main body 1, and the side indicated by the arrow OUT faces the outside of the main body 1. The basic configuration of each Container 2 is the same as that of the others. Note that the capacity of Container 2 containing black toner may be larger than the capacity of Container 2 containing other colored toners.

[0036] A mechanism as shown in Figure 7 is used to hold container 2. Container 2 is held by an outer cover 3 and an inner cover 4. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with an outer cover 3 and an inner cover 4. The outer cover 3 corresponds to a "cover".

[0037] The mechanism shown in Figure 7 is assigned to each container 2. That is, the outer cover 3 is assigned to each container 2. Similarly, the inner cover 4 is assigned to each container 2.

[0038] The outer cover 3 is made of resin. The outer cover 3 may also be made of sheet metal. The outer cover 3 is part of the exterior that covers the inside of the main body 1 from the outside. That is, the outer cover 3 has an exterior surface 31.

[0039] The outer cover 3 is attached to the main body 1 so as to be openable and closable. When the user attaches or detaches the container 2, the outer cover 3 is opened and closed manually. For example, the outer cover 3 has a handle 311 that is cut out downwards from the upper edge of the outer surface 31. When opening or closing the outer cover 3, the user's fingers are placed on the handle 311.

[0040] The outer cover 3 is supported on the main body 1 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the outer cover shaft A1. The outer cover 3 opens and closes by rotating around the axis of the outer cover shaft A1. The outer cover shaft A1 is an axis that extends in the front-rear direction (X direction). In other words, the outer cover shaft A1 is an axis perpendicular to the up-down direction. The outer cover shaft A1 corresponds to a "predetermined axis".

[0041] The outer cover 3 has a pair of pivot pins 300. Each of the pair of pivot pins 300 is positioned on the axis of the outer cover shaft A1 and extends in the axial direction of the outer cover shaft A1. On the other hand, the main body 1, although not shown, has a pair of pivot holes. Each of the pair of pivot holes of the main body 1 is positioned on the axis of the outer cover shaft A1 and opens in the axial direction of the outer cover shaft A1. Each of the pair of pivot pins 300 fits into a pair of pivot holes in the main body 1. Each of the pair of pivot pins 300 is slidable around the axis of the outer cover shaft A1 relative to the pivot hole into which it fits. As a result, the outer cover 3 is rotatable with the outer cover shaft A1 as the pivot point.

[0042] The outer cover 3 has a mounting area 3A on the back side of the outer surface 31 (i.e., the inside side of the main body 1). The container 2 is mounted in the mounting area 3A. The container 2 is detachable from the mounting area 3A. By displacing the outer cover 3 around the axis of the outer cover shaft A1, the outer cover 3 can be moved to a position where the container 2 can be attached and detached.

[0043] Specifically, the outer cover 3 can be displaced between an open position and a closed position by rotating around the axis of the outer cover shaft A1. The outer cover 3 is open in the open position and closed in the closed position.

[0044] When the outer cover 3 is in the closed position, the inside of the main body 1 is covered from the outside. Also, the mounting area 3A is housed inside the main body 1. That is, the container 2 of the mounting area 3A is mounted inside the main body 1. Then, the container 2 mounted inside the main body 1 is covered from the outside of the main body 1 by the outer cover 3.

[0045] When the outer cover 3 is in the closed position (i.e., when the container 2 is installed inside the main body 1), the container 2 is positioned inside the main body 1. The container 2 and the developing device 104 are connected via a toner flow path (not shown). This enables toner to be supplied from the container 2 to the developing device 104.

[0046] When the outer cover 3 is in the open position, the interior of the main body 1 is exposed. Also, the mounting area 3A is exposed to the outside of the main body 1. That is, the container 2 of the mounting area 3A is exposed to the outside of the main body 1. This makes it possible to attach and detach the container 2 to the mounting area 3A. In the open position, the outer cover 3 accepts the attachment and detachment of the container 2 to the mounting area 3A.

[0047] Furthermore, the rotation angle of the outer cover 3 between the open and closed positions, centered on the outer cover axis A1, is less than 90°, and the outer cover 3 cannot be opened any further. Therefore, the direction D for attaching and detaching the container 2 to and from the mounting area 3A is inclined with respect to both the vertical and horizontal directions. That is, when the container 2 is attached to the mounting area 3A, the container 2 is moved diagonally downward (attachment direction D1). When the container 2 is removed from the mounting area 3A, the container 2 is moved diagonally upward (removal direction D2).

[0048] The inner cover 4 is made of resin. The inner cover 4 may also be made of sheet metal. The inner cover 4 covers the container 2 in the mounting area 3A from the inside of the main body 1. When the container 2 is mounted in the mounting area 3A, it is covered from the outside of the main body 1 by the outer cover 3 and from the inside of the main body 1 by the inner cover 4. In other words, the container 2 is positioned between the outer cover 3 and the inner cover 4. To put it another way, the area between the outer cover 3 and the inner cover 4 becomes the mounting area 3A.

[0049] The inner cover 4 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the outer cover 3 around the axis of the inner cover axis A2. The inner cover axis A2 is an axis that extends in the front-rear direction (X direction). In other words, the inner cover axis A2 is an axis parallel to the outer cover axis A1.

[0050] The inner cover 4 has a pair of pivot pins 400. Each of the pair of pivot pins 400 is positioned on the axis of the inner cover shaft A2 and extends in the axial direction of the inner cover shaft A2. On the other hand, the outer cover 3 has a pair of pivot holes (not shown). The pair of pivot holes of the outer cover 3 are positioned on the axis of the inner cover shaft A2 and open in the axial direction of the inner cover shaft A2. Pivot holes are formed in a pair of side walls 32 of the outer cover 3 that are opposite each other in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of pivot pins 400 fits into the pair of pivot holes of the outer cover 3. Each of the pair of pivot pins 400 is slidable around the axis of the inner cover shaft A2 relative to the pivot hole into which it fits. As a result, the inner cover 4 is rotatable with the inner cover shaft A2 as the pivot point.

[0051] The inner cover 4, within the main body 1, clamps the container 2 of the mounting area 3A between itself and the outer cover 3 with its portion 41 above the inner cover axis A2. In the following description, the upper portion 41 of the inner cover 4 will be referred to as the upper inner cover portion 41. The upper inner cover portion 41 is displaced in conjunction with the rotation of the outer cover 3 around the axis of the outer cover axis A1. That is, the upper inner cover portion 41 is displaced according to the position of the outer cover 3.

[0052] Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a torsion coil spring (not shown). The torsion coil spring is positioned on at least one of a pair of pivot pins 400. That is, the torsion coil spring is positioned on the inner cover shaft A2. Although not shown, one arm of the torsion coil spring engages with the outer cover 3, and the other arm engages with the inner cover 4. The biasing force of the torsion coil spring causes the upper part 41 of the inner cover to be biased away from the outer cover 3.

[0053] When the outer cover 3 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 8, the biasing force of the torsion coil spring causes the upper part 41 of the inner cover to be separated from the outer cover 3 to its maximum extent. In other words, the mounting area 3A is opened. This makes it possible to attach and detach the container 2 to the mounting area 3A.

[0054] When attaching or detaching container 2 to or from mounting area 3A, the user moves container 2 in the attachment / detachment direction D. At this time, the upper part 41 of the inner cover acts as a guide. The upper part 41 of the inner cover guides the movement of container 2 in the attachment / detachment direction D. Once container 2 is attached to mounting area 3A, the user closes the outer cover 3. That is, the outer cover 3 rotates from the open position to the closed position.

[0055] As the outer cover 3 rotates from the open position to the closed position and the upper part 41 of the inner cover enters the interior of the main body 1, the main body member 11 (see Figure 9) positioned inside the main body 1 comes into contact with the upper part 41 of the inner cover. Subsequently, as the rotation of the outer cover 3 from the open position to the closed position continues, the main body member 11 presses the upper part 41 of the inner cover from the inside to the outside of the main body 1. At this time, the upper part 41 of the inner cover rotates around the axis of the inner cover shaft A2, and the upper part 41 of the inner cover is displaced in a direction that approaches the container 2 in the mounting area 3A, against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring.

[0056] When the outer cover 3 is in the closed position, the pressure applied by the main body member 11 to the upper part 41 of the inner cover is maintained, as shown in Figure 9. As a result, the container 2 in the mounting area 3A is held between the outer cover 3 and the upper part 41 of the inner cover.

[0057] As the outer cover 3 rotates toward the open position from the state shown in Figure 9, the upper part of the inner cover 41 rotates together with the outer cover 3 around the axis of the outer cover shaft A1, causing the upper part of the inner cover 41 to be displaced away from the main body member 11. Finally, contact between the main body member 11 and the upper part of the inner cover 41 is released. Furthermore, the upper part of the inner cover 41 rotates around the axis of the inner cover shaft A2 due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring, causing the upper part of the inner cover 41 to be displaced away from the outer cover 3. This results in the state shown in Figure 8.

[0058] Here, the four outer covers 3, each corresponding to one of the four containers 2 (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), are independently displaceable between an open position and a closed position. Each outer cover 3 moves from the open position to the closed position with the corresponding container 2 mounted in its mounting area 3A, thereby mounting the corresponding container 2 inside the main body 1.

[0059] In Figures 8 and 9, a dot pattern is added to container 2 to clearly distinguish it.

[0060] <Container detection mechanism> The image forming apparatus 100 includes a detection mechanism 50 as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The detection mechanism 50 is a mechanism for detecting the mounting status of the four containers 2 for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inside the main body 1. When all the containers 2 of all colors are mounted inside the main body 1, this is detected by the detection mechanism 50. When a container 2 of one color is mounted inside the main body 1 while a container 2 of another color is not mounted inside the main body 1, this is detected by the detection mechanism 50. When all the containers 2 of all colors are not mounted inside the main body 1, this is detected by the detection mechanism 50.

[0061] The detection mechanism 50 includes a detection unit 5. The detection unit 5 can be an optical sensor, a switch, or the like. For example, the detection unit 5 is a transmissive optical sensor having an optical emitter and an optical receiver.

[0062] The detection unit 5 outputs a value corresponding to the mounting state of each container 2 inside the main body 1. In other words, the detection unit 5 changes the output value according to the mounting state of each container 2 inside the main body 1.

[0063] The detection unit 5 is connected to the control unit CON (see Figure 3). The control unit CON includes a CPU and memory, etc. The control unit CON is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and controls the image forming apparatus 100. Based on the output value of the detection unit 5, the control unit CON detects the mounting state of each container 2 inside the main body 1.

[0064] Specifically, the detection unit 5 outputs a first-level value when all containers 2 are installed inside the main unit 1. On the other hand, the detection unit 5 outputs a second-level value, which is different from the first level, when any of the containers 2 are not installed inside the main unit 1.

[0065] The control unit CON allows printing in the image forming apparatus 100 when the output value of the detection unit 5 is at the first level. On the other hand, the control unit CON does not allow printing in the image forming apparatus 100 when the output value of the detection unit 5 is at the second level. For example, when the output value of the detection unit 5 is at the second level, the control unit CON causes a message to be displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that one of the containers 2 is not installed.

[0066] The detection mechanism 50 includes a first actuator 6 as shown in Figure 12. The detection mechanism 50 also includes a second actuator 7 as shown in Figure 13. For example, the first actuator 6 and the second actuator 7 are each made of molded resin.

[0067] <Configuration of the first actuator> One first actuator 6 is assigned to each container 2. Therefore, there are multiple (four) first actuators 6. Each first actuator 6 corresponds to a cyan, magenta, yellow, and black color.

[0068] Note that the configuration of each first actuator 6 is the same. Therefore, only one first actuator 6 is shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0069] Each first actuator 6 is positioned in the lower interior of the main body 1. Each first actuator 6 is positioned to be in contact with the corresponding container 2. Each first actuator 6 is supported so as to be able to rotate independently of each other around the axis of the first shaft A10 relative to the main body 1. The first shaft A10 is an axis that extends in the front-rear direction (X direction). That is, the first shaft A10 is an axis parallel to the outer cover shaft A1.

[0070] Each first actuator 6 has a shaft portion 61. The shaft portion 61 is positioned on the axis of the first shaft A10 and extends in the axial direction of the first shaft A10. That is, the shaft portion 61 extends in the front-rear direction (X direction). The main body 1 is provided with a pivot hole (not shown). The shaft portion 61 fits into the pivot hole of the main body 1. The shaft portion 61 is slidable around the axis of the first shaft A10 with respect to the pivot hole into which it fits. That is, each first actuator 6 is rotatable with the first shaft A10 as the pivot point.

[0071] Each first actuator 6 has a container contact portion 62. The container contact portion 62 is integrally provided with the shaft portion 61. When viewed from the axial direction (i.e., front-rear direction) of the first shaft A10, the container contact portion 62 extends in the radial direction of a circle centered on the first shaft A10.

[0072] Each first actuator 6 has a first pressing portion 60. The first pressing portion 60 is integrally provided with the shaft portion 61. When viewed from the axial direction of the first shaft A10, the first pressing portion 60 extends in the radial direction of a circle centered on the first shaft A10. However, when viewed from the axial direction of the first shaft A10, the first pressing portion 60 extends in a direction different from the extending direction of the container contact portion 62.

[0073] Each first actuator 6 can be displaced between a first non-mounted position and a first mounted position by rotating around the axis of the first shaft A10. The position of the first actuator 6 shown in Figure 10 is the first non-mounted position. The position of the first actuator 6 shown in Figure 11 is the first mounted position.

[0074] Each first actuator 6 is held in a first non-mounted position when the corresponding container 2 is not mounted inside the main body 1 (see Figure 10). When the corresponding container 2 is not mounted inside the main body 1, each first actuator 6 protrudes its container contact portion 62 toward the mounting space for the corresponding container 2.

[0075] Each container 2 is mounted in the mounting area 3A of the corresponding outer cover 3, and as the corresponding outer cover 3 moves from the open position to the closed position, it is mounted inside the main body 1 (its mounting space). Once mounted inside the main body 1, each container 2 directly contacts the container contact portion 62 of the corresponding first actuator 6, pressing the corresponding first actuator 6.

[0076] Each first actuator 6 rotates around the axis of the first shaft A10 when pressed by the corresponding container 2. That is, the first pressing portion 60 of each first actuator 6 is displaced around the axis of the first shaft A10. As a result, each first actuator 6 is displaced from a first non-mounted position toward a first mounted position. Each first actuator 6 is held in the first mounted position when the corresponding container 2 is mounted inside the main body 1 (see Figure 11).

[0077] Here, the detection mechanism 50 includes a first biasing member 8 (see Figure 12). The first biasing member 8 is, for example, a torsion coil spring. However, a different type of spring (such as a leaf spring) may be used as the first biasing member 8.

[0078] One first biasing member 8 is assigned to each first actuator 6. In other words, one first biasing member 8 is assigned to each container 2. Therefore, there are multiple (four) first biasing members 8.

[0079] Each first biasing member 8 is positioned on the shaft portion 61 of the corresponding first actuator 6. One arm of each first biasing member 8 engages with the corresponding first actuator 6. The other arm of each first biasing member 8 engages with a member (not shown) located inside the main body 1. Each first biasing member 8 biases the corresponding first actuator 6 in the direction from the first mounted position to the first unmounted position.

[0080] When the corresponding container 2 is not installed inside the main body 1, the displacement of each first actuator 6 from the first non-installed position to the first installed position is restricted by the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member 8. As a result, each first actuator 6 is held in the first non-installed position when the corresponding container 2 is not installed inside the main body 1 (see Figure 10).

[0081] Each first actuator 6, upon contact with and being pressed against the corresponding container 2, rotates around the axis of the first shaft A10 against the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member 8. At this time, each first actuator 6 is displaced from the first non-mounted position toward the first mounted position. Then, each first actuator 6 reaches the first mounted position.

[0082] Each first actuator 6 is restricted from moving from a first mounting position to a first non-mounting position when the corresponding container 2 is mounted inside the main body 1. As a result, each first actuator 6 is held in the first mounting position when the corresponding container 2 is mounted inside the main body 1 (see Figure 11).

[0083] <Configuration of the second actuator> The second actuator 7 is located in the lower interior of the main body 1. The second actuator 7 is positioned to be in contact with each of the first actuators 6. The second actuator 7 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 1 around the axis of the second axis A20. The second axis A20 is an axis that extends in the front-rear direction (X direction). That is, the second axis A20 is an axis parallel to the first axis A10.

[0084] The second actuator 7 has a shaft portion 71. The shaft portion 71 is positioned on the axis of the second shaft A20 and extends in the axial direction of the second shaft A20. That is, the shaft portion 71 extends in the front-rear direction (X direction). The main body 1 is provided with a pivot hole (not shown). The shaft portion 71 fits into the pivot hole of the main body 1. The shaft portion 71 is slidable around the axis of the second shaft A20 with respect to the pivot hole into which it fits. That is, the second actuator 7 is rotatable with the second shaft A20 as the pivot point.

[0085] The second actuator 7 has a detection unit 72. The detection unit 72 is integrally provided with the shaft unit 71. When viewed from the axial direction (i.e., front-to-back direction) of the second shaft A20, the detection unit 72 is roughly sector-shaped with the second shaft A20 as its center.

[0086] The second actuator 7 has a second pressing portion 70. The second pressing portion 70 is integrally provided with the shaft portion 71. When viewed from the axial direction of the second shaft A20, the second pressing portion 70 extends in the radial direction of a circle centered on the second shaft A20.

[0087] Each first actuator 6 is assigned one second pressing unit 70. In other words, each container 2 is assigned one second pressing unit 70. Therefore, there are multiple second pressing units 70 (four, the same number as the first actuators 6).

[0088] Each second pressing portion 70 is positioned on the displacement trajectory of the corresponding first pressing portion 60 of the first actuator 6 when viewed from the axial direction of the second axis A20. That is, each second pressing portion 70 is positioned so as to be able to contact the corresponding first pressing portion 60 of the first actuator 6 when viewed from the axial direction of the second axis A20.

[0089] The second actuator 7 can be displaced between a second non-mounted position and a second mounted position by rotating around the axis of the second shaft A20. The position of the second actuator 7 shown in Figure 10 is the second non-mounted position. The position of the second actuator 7 shown in Figure 11 is the second mounted position.

[0090] When the second actuator 7 is in the second non-mounted position, its detected portion 72 blocks light from the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 (the optical path between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion). On the other hand, when the second actuator 7 is in the second mounted position, it opens up the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 (i.e., it does not block light from the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5). As a result, the detection unit 5 changes its output value depending on whether the second actuator 7 is in the second non-mounted position or the second mounted position.

[0091] Here, the detection mechanism 50 includes a second biasing member 9 (see Figure 13). The second biasing member 9 is, for example, a torsion coil spring. However, a different type of spring (such as a leaf spring) may be used as the second biasing member 9.

[0092] The second biasing member 9 is positioned on the shaft portion 71 of the second actuator 7. One arm of the second biasing member 9 engages with the second actuator 7. The other arm of the second biasing member 9 engages with a member (not shown) positioned inside the main body 1. The second biasing member 9 biases the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second non-mounted position toward the second mounted position.

[0093] <Actuator behavior> When each first actuator 6 is in the first non-mounted position, the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member 8 presses the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounted position toward the second non-mounted position against the biasing force of the second biasing member 9. Specifically, when each first actuator 6 is in the first non-mounted position, it brings the first pressing part 60 into contact with the corresponding second pressing part 70, and the first pressing part 60 presses the corresponding second pressing part 70 in the direction against the biasing force of the second biasing member 9.

[0094] As a result, when each first actuator 6 is in the first non-mounted position, the displacement of the second actuator 7 from the second non-mounted position to the second mounted position is restricted. In other words, when each first actuator 6 is in the first non-mounted position, the second actuator 7 remains in the second non-mounted position. In this state, the detected portion 72 of the second actuator 7 maintains light shielding of the detection area of ​​the detection portion 5.

[0095] Furthermore, when each first actuator 6 is in the first mounting position, it releases the pressure on the corresponding second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position. Each first actuator 6 is supported to be rotatable independently of each other. Therefore, even if the pressure on the second actuator 7 by one first actuator 6 is released, the pressure on the second actuator 7 by another first actuator 6 may continue.

[0096] Here, the biasing force of one unit of the first biasing member 8 is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member 9. Therefore, the second actuator 7 behaves as follows. This will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 14 to 18.

[0097] In the following explanation, for convenience, to distinguish between the multiple (four) containers 2, the codes A, B, C, and D will be added to the end of the codes of each container 2. Furthermore, the code A will be added to the end of the code of the first actuator 6 corresponding to container 2A, the code B to the first actuator 6 corresponding to container 2B, the code C to the first actuator 6 corresponding to container 2C, and the code D to the end of each code of the first actuator 6 corresponding to container 2D. Note that the detection unit 5 and the detected unit 72 will not be shown in Figures 14 to 18 referenced in the following explanation.

[0098] 1. When all of the multiple containers 2 are not installed. If not all of containers 2A to 2D are installed inside the main body 1, the state shown in Figure 14 occurs. That is, all of the first actuators 6A to 6D are held in the first non-installed position.

[0099] In this case, the second actuator 7 is pressed in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position by the biasing force of the four first biasing members 8, each of which has a stronger biasing force than the second biasing member 9. As a result, the second actuator 7 is held in the second non-mounting position.

[0100] In this case, the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 is shielded from light by the detected part 72 of the second actuator 7 (see Figure 10). At this time, the control unit CON detects, based on the output value of the detection unit 5, that at least one container 2 is not installed inside the main body 1. Then, for example, the control unit CON displays a message on the operation panel indicating that one of the containers 2 is not installed.

[0101] 2. When three of the multiple containers 2 are not installed. When container 2A is installed inside main body 1, and containers 2B to 2D are not installed inside main body 1, the state shown in Figure 15 occurs. That is, the first actuator 6A is held in the first installed position. The first actuators 6B to 6D are each held in the first non-installed position.

[0102] This releases the pressure applied by the first actuator 6A to the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position. The first actuators 6B to 6D each continue to apply pressure to the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position due to the biasing force of their respective first biasing members 8.

[0103] In this case, the number of first actuators 6 pressing the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is reduced to three. However, the biasing force of one first biasing member 8 is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member 9. Therefore, even though the number of first actuators 6 pressing the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is reduced to three, the second actuator 7 is held in the second non-mounting position. In other words, the displacement of the second actuator 7 from the second non-mounting position to the second mounting position is restricted. In addition, the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 continues to be shielded from light by the detected part 72 of the second actuator 7.

[0104] 3. When two of the multiple containers 2 are not installed. When containers 2A and 2B are installed inside the main body 1, but containers 2C and 2D are not installed inside the main body 1, the state shown in Figure 16 occurs. That is, the first actuators 6A and 6B are held in their first installed positions, respectively. The first actuators 6C and 6D are held in their first uninstalled positions, respectively.

[0105] This releases the pressure applied by the first actuators 6A and 6B to the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position. The first actuators 6C and 6D each continue to apply pressure to the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position due to the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member 8.

[0106] In this case, the number of first actuators 6 pressing the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is reduced to two. However, the biasing force of one first biasing member 8 is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member 9. Therefore, even though the number of first actuators 6 pressing the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is reduced to two, the second actuator 7 is held in the second non-mounting position. In other words, the displacement of the second actuator 7 from the second non-mounting position to the second mounting position is restricted. In addition, the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 continues to be shielded from light by the detected part 72 of the second actuator 7.

[0107] 4. If one of the multiple containers 2 is not installed. When containers 2A to 2C are installed inside the main body 1, but container 2D is not installed inside the main body 1, the state shown in Figure 17 occurs. That is, the first actuators 6A to 6C are each held in their first installed position. The first actuator 6 corresponding to container 2D is held in its first uninstalled position.

[0108] As a result, the pressing force applied by each of the first actuators 6A to 6C to the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is released. The first actuator 6D continues to press the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position due to the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member 8.

[0109] In this case, the number of first actuators 6 pressing the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is reduced to one. However, the biasing force of one first biasing member 8 is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member 9. Therefore, even though the number of first actuators 6 pressing the second actuator 7 in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position is reduced to one, the second actuator 7 is held in the second non-mounting position. That is, the displacement of the second actuator 7 from the second non-mounting position to the second mounting position is restricted. In addition, the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 continues to be shielded from light by the detected part 72 of the second actuator 7.

[0110] 5. When all of the multiple containers 2 are installed When all containers 2A to 2D are installed inside the main body 1, the state shown in Figure 18 occurs. That is, all of the first actuators 6A to 6D are held in the first mounting position.

[0111] In this case, the second actuator 7 is not pressed in the direction from the second mounting position toward the second non-mounting position. As a result, the second actuator 7 is held in the second mounting position by the biasing force of the second biasing member 9.

[0112] In this case, the detection area of ​​the detection unit 5 is not obscured by the detected part 72 of the second actuator 7 and is left open (see Figure 11). At this time, the control unit CON detects that all containers 2 are installed inside the main body 1 based on the output value of the detection unit 5. That is, the control unit CON permits the image forming apparatus 100 to execute printing.

[0113] In this embodiment, by configuring as described above, when all containers 2 are installed inside the main body 1, the second actuator 7 is displaced from the second non-installed position to the second installed position, and the output value of the detection unit 5 switches to the first level. On the other hand, if any of the containers 2 are not installed inside the main body 1, the second actuator 7 does not displace from the second non-installed position, and the output value of the detection unit 5 is maintained at the second level. This prevents the inconvenience of printing being performed with any of the containers 2 not installed.

[0114] In this embodiment, when either container 2 is mounted inside the main body 1, the container 2 mounted inside the main body 1 directly contacts and presses the first actuator 6 corresponding to itself. As a result, the first actuator 6 corresponding to the container 2 mounted inside the main body 1 rotates around the axis of the first shaft A10 and is displaced from the first non-mounted position to the first mounted position.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the biasing force of one of the first biasing members 8 is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member 9. As a result, the second actuator 7 will not be displaced from the second unmounted position to the second mounted position unless all of the first actuators 6 are displaced from the first unmounted position to the first mounted position.

[0116] In this configuration, the user can easily install each container 2 inside the main unit 1, and once all containers 2 are installed, the output value of the detection unit 5 automatically switches to the first level, making it very convenient. In other words, there is no need to perform an operation equivalent to the conventional lever operation. Conventionally, the user had to operate the lever each time a container was installed, which was cumbersome for the user.

[0117] In this embodiment, in a configuration in which multiple containers 2 are installed inside the main body 1, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not all containers 2 are installed inside the main body 1 without increasing the number of steps that the user must perform when installing the containers 2.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container 2 can be installed inside the main body 1 by closing the outer cover 3 with the container 2 installed in the mounting area 3A of the outer cover 3. This makes the installation of the container 2 easier.

[0119] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1 Main unit 2 containers 3. Outer cover (cover) 3A mounting area 5. Detection Unit 6. First actuator 7. Second actuator 8. First biasing member 9. Second biasing member 10 Printing Department 100 Image forming apparatus A1 Outer cover shaft (specified shaft) A10 1st axis A20 2nd axis

Claims

1. The main body including the printing section, Multiple containers are detachably attached to the main body and contain toner used for printing in the printing unit, A plurality of first actuators are supported on the main body so as to be rotatable independently of each other around a first axis, and each is assigned to one of the plurality of containers. When the corresponding container is mounted on the main body, the actuators contact the corresponding container and rotate around the first axis, displacing from a first non-mounted position to a first mounted position. A second actuator is supported on the main body so as to be rotatable around a second axis parallel to the first axis, and is displaceable between a second non-mounted position and a second mounted position by rotating around the second axis. A first biasing member is assigned to each of the plurality of first actuators and biases the corresponding first actuator in the direction from the first mounting position to the first non-mounting position, A second biasing member that biases the second actuator in the direction from the second non-mounted position toward the second mounted position, The system includes a detection unit that changes the output value when the second actuator is in the second non-mounted position and when it is in the second mounted position, Each of the plurality of first actuators, when in the first non-mounted position, is pressed by the biasing force of the corresponding first biasing member against the biasing force of the second biasing member in the direction from the second mounted position to the second non-mounted position, thereby keeping the second non-mounted position. Each of the plurality of first actuators, when in the first mounting position, releases the pressure on the second actuator in the direction from the second mounting position to the second non-mounting position. An image forming apparatus in which the biasing force of one of the first biasing members is stronger than the biasing force of the second biasing member.

2. Each of the aforementioned multiple containers is assigned a plurality of covers, which are supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body around a predetermined axis parallel to the first axis, and which are displaceable between a closed position that covers the inside of the main body from the outside and an open position that exposes the inside of the main body by rotating around the predetermined axis. Each of the plurality of covers has a mounting area on the inside of the main body, and by moving from the open position to the closed position with the corresponding container mounted in the mounting area, the corresponding container is mounted on the main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of containers is mounted in the mounting area of ​​the corresponding cover, and as the corresponding cover moves from the open position to the closed position, the corresponding first actuator is pressed in a direction toward the first non-mounted position toward the first mounted position against the biasing force of the first biasing member.

Images