JP3824514B2 - Photosensitive drum transport device in photoconductive drum inspection - Google Patents

Photosensitive drum transport device in photoconductive drum inspection Download PDF

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JP3824514B2
JP3824514B2 JP2001318269A JP2001318269A JP3824514B2 JP 3824514 B2 JP3824514 B2 JP 3824514B2 JP 2001318269 A JP2001318269 A JP 2001318269A JP 2001318269 A JP2001318269 A JP 2001318269A JP 3824514 B2 JP3824514 B2 JP 3824514B2
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transport
transfer
pitch
photosensitive drum
mounting portion
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JP2003121378A (en
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規司 梅原
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Mitsubishi Chemical Corp
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は複写機やプリンタなどの電子写真装置を構成する感光体ドラムの検査に用いられる感光体ドラムの搬送装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
電子写真装置に用いられる感光体ドラムは、円筒状の素管の表面に感光層が形成されたものであり、従来、感光体ドラムについての外観検査、すなわち感光層についての外観検査は、熟練した検査員が目視により行っており、表面欠陥（薄膜最外表面のキズや異物）、内部欠陥（内部の混入異物や気泡）、膜厚むら（塗布むら）などについての検査がなされている。
しかしながら、検査員の目視によるこのような外観検査では、個人差や疲労によって検査精度がばらつき、高品質な感光体ドラムのみを得るには限界があった。
【０００３】
近年、高解像度プリンタやフルカラープリンタなどの電子写真装置では、濃淡再現性、色再現性、画質などに対して高い品質が求められている。特に、その中心部品となる感光体ドラムは、画像の品質に大きな影響を及ぼすため、外観検査がより一層重要度を増している。
そこで、搬送路に感光体ドラムを搬送させ、搬送路の検査箇所において感光体ドラムに照明光を当て、その正反射光又は散乱反射光をセンサで検出し、このセンサの出力を信号処理した結果に基づいて感光体ドラムの外観検査を自動的に行なう各種の試みがなされている。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、搬送路に感光体ドラムを搬送させて外観検査を自動的に行なう場合、検査箇所に感光体ドラムを正確にセットさせることは無論のこと、検査後に検査箇所から感光体ドラムを如何にしてすばやく取り出し、次の感光体ドラムを検査箇所に如何にしてすばやくセットしていくかが、外観検査に要する時間を短縮し、感光体ドラムのコストダウンを図る上で極めて重要となる。
本発明は前記事情に鑑み案出されたものであって、本発明の目的は、次から次へと迅速に感光体ドラムを検査箇所にセットでき、外観検査に要する時間を短縮し、感光体ドラムのコストダウンを図る上で有利な感光体ドラムの検査における搬送装置を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するため請求項１記載の発明は、複数本の感光体ドラムを搬送路上でそれらの長手方向を平行にした状態でその長手方向と直交する方向に搬送し、搬送路における検査箇所に位置した感光体ドラムの外観検査を行なう感光体ドラム検査で用いられる搬送装置であって、前記複数本の感光体ドラムをそれらの長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第１フレーム側載置部と、前記第１フレーム側載置部の搬送方向の下流箇所側に連続して配置され前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第１のピッチと異なる第２のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第２フレーム側載置部と、前記複数本の感光体ドラムを第１のピッチで並べた状態で前記第１フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第１搬送用載置部と、前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第２のピッチで並べた状態で前記第２フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第２搬送用載置部と、前記第１搬送用載置部を前記第１フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇させ、前記第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動し、前記第１フレーム側載置部の上方から下降させて前記第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動させる第１移送機構と、前記第２搬送用載置部を前記第２フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇させ、前記第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動し、前記第２フレーム側載置部の上方から下降させて前記第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動させる第２移送機構とを備え、前記第１移送機構による前記第１搬送用載置部の移動により前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に前記第１フレーム側載置部上において前記第１のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成され、前記第２移送機構による前記第２搬送用載置部の移動により前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に前記第２フレーム側載置部上において前記第２のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成され、前記第１移送機構と第２移送機構は単一の動力源により駆動されるように構成されていることを特徴とする。
【０００６】
また、請求項６記載の発明は、複数本の感光体ドラムを搬送路上でそれらの長手方向を平行にした状態でその長手方向と直交する方向に搬送し、搬送路における検査箇所に位置した感光体ドラムの外観検査を行なう感光体ドラムの検査で用いられる搬送装置であって、前記複数本の感光体ドラムをそれらの長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第１フレーム側載置部と、前記第１フレーム側載置部の搬送方向の下流箇所側に連続して配置され前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第１のピッチと異なる第２のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第２フレーム側載置部と、前記複数本の感光体ドラムを第１のピッチで並べた状態で前記第１フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第１搬送用載置部と、前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第２のピッチで並べた状態で前記第２フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第２搬送用載置部と、前記第１搬送用載置部と第２搬送用載置部を前記搬送方向に移動可能に支持する昇降フレームと、前記昇降フレームを昇降させる昇降機構と、前記昇降フレーム上で第１搬送用載置部を第１のピッチで前記搬送方向に往復移動させる第１移送機構と、前記昇降フレーム上で第２搬送用載置部を第２のピッチで前記搬送方向に往復移動させる第２移送機構と、前記昇降機構を駆動する昇降用流体圧シリンダと、前記第１移送機構および第２移送機構を駆動する移送用流体圧シリンダとを備え、前記昇降用流体圧シリンダによる昇降機構の駆動と、前記移送用流体圧シリンダによる第１移送機構の駆動により、第１搬送用載置部は第１フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇され、第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動され、第１フレーム側載置部の上方から下降されて第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動され、これにより前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に第１フレーム側載置部上において第１のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成され、前記昇降用流体圧シリンダによる昇降機構の駆動と、前記移送用流体圧シリンダによる第２移送機構の駆動により、第２搬送用載置部は第２フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇され、第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動され、第２フレーム側載置部の上方から下降されて第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動され、これにより前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に第２フレーム側載置部上において第２のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成されていることを特徴とする。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を添付図面に基づいて説明する。
図１は感光体ドラムの自動検査装置の説明図で、（Ａ）は平面図、（Ｂ）は正面図、図２は搬送装置の説明用正面図、図３は検査箇所部分の説明図を示す。
図１に示すように、感光体ドラム１２の自動検査装置１４は、感光体ドラム１２の搬送路１６を備え、搬送路１６の上流には上流側載置部１８が配置され、搬送路１６の下流には下流側載置部２０が配置されている。
【０００９】
図１に示すように、上流側載置部１８の上流には、多数の感光体ドラム１２が立設されたパレットＰ（図２参照）がコンベアＣ１により搬送され、このパレットＰはエアシリンダＡ１により上昇され、パレットＰ内の感光体ドラム１２が３軸ロボットからなる把持装置Ｒ１により複数本ずつ取り出され、例えば５本ずつ、あるいは６本ずつ取り出され上流側載置部１８に寝かせた状態で載置される。
上流側載置部１８に載置された５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２は、移送装置Ｔ１により持ち上げられ、搬送路１６の上流に載置される。移送装置Ｔ１による移送は、例えば、感光体ドラム１２の両端の孔にそれぞれフックが挿入され持ち上げることでなされる。
感光体ドラム１２は搬送路１６上で、搬送装置２２によりその長手方向を搬送路１６の搬送方向と直交させた状態で上流から下流へと搬送され、搬送路１６の途中の検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂにおいてそれぞれ外観検査が行なわれる。
そして、外観検査が終了した感光体ドラム１２は、搬送路１６の下流から移送装置Ｔ２により５本あるいは６本ずつ持ち上げられ、下流側載置部２０に寝かせた状態で載置される。
【００１０】
一方、把持装置Ｒ１により感光体ドラム１２が取り出され空になったパレットＰは、搬送路１６の下方で搬送路１６の下流に搬送され、下流側載置部２０の下流においてエアシリンダＡ２により上昇される。
そして、上昇された空のパレットＰに、下流側載置部２０に載置された感光体ドラム１２が３軸ロボットからなる把持装置Ｒ２により例えば５本ずつ、あるいは６本ずつ取り出され、立設した状態で収容される。
感光体ドラム１２が収容されたパレットＰはエアシリンダＡ１と同様なエアシリンダＡ２により下降され、コンベアＣ２により側方に移送され、コンベアＣ３により搬送路１６の側方で上流に搬送され、コンベアＣ４により次の工程へ搬送されていく。
【００１１】
図３に示すように、第１検査箇所１６Ａには、第１照明装置Ｌ１と第１カメラＫ１が配置され、第２検査箇所１６Ｂには、第２照明装置Ｌ２と第２カメラＫ２が配置され、符号Ｏはカメラの光軸を示し、符号Ｌは照明光を示している。
そして、感光体ドラム１２が第１検査箇所１６Ａに位置した際に、明視野状態で、後述する回転装置９０により若干持ち上げられて１回転され、実際にはほぼ１回転され（塵埃除去のためのエアーブローなどが行なわれるため１回転よりも大きい回転角度で回転される）、第１照明装置Ｌ１と第１カメラＫ１を介して感光体ドラム１２の内部欠陥（内部の混入異物や気泡）および膜厚むら（塗布むら）が検査される。
また、感光体ドラム１２が第２検査箇所１６Ｂに位置した際に、暗視野状態で、後述する回転装置９０により若干持ち上げられてほぼ１回転され、第２照明装置Ｌ２と第２カメラＫ２を介して感光体ドラム１２の表面欠陥（薄膜最外表面のキズや異物）が検査される。
【００１２】
前記第１カメラＫ１及び第２カメラＫ２は、ラインセンサを組込んだ一次元ＣＣＤカメラである。それらカメラＫ１、Ｋ２は、感光体ドラム１２上の所定の母線に沿った直線領域の像が、ラインセンサ上に形成されるように配置されており、その直線領域からの正反射光（第１カメラＫ１の場合）や、散乱反射光（第２カメラＫ２の場合）を検出する光センサとして機能している。
そして、感光体ドラム１２が一回転する間にそれらカメラＫ１、Ｋ２が送出する出力をコンピュータのメモリに取り込むことで、感光体ドラム１２の表面の全周をスキャンするようにしている。
コンピュータのメモリにデータとして取り込んだカメラＫ１、Ｋ２の出力に対しては、コンピュータのプログラムが画像生成処理を施して、画像を生成する。この画像は、それをディスプレイに表示して、検査員が目視検査できるようにしてもよく、また、コンピュータのプログラムが、その画像に基づいて（即ち、その画像を表すデータに基づいて）検査の合否を判定するための、判定処理を実行するようにしてもよい。実施例では、この判定処理を行うことで、感光体ドラム１２の表面欠陥、内部欠陥、膜厚むらを検査している。なお、このような感光体ドラム１２の検査には従来公知の様々の方式が採用可能である。
【００１３】
次に、図２、図４乃至図６を参照して搬送路１６上で感光体ドラム１２を搬送する搬送装置２２について説明する。
図４は搬送装置の要部の概略平面図、図５、図６は搬送装置の要部の拡大正面図を示す。
搬送装置２２は、第１乃至第３フレーム側載置部３１、３２、３３と、第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３と、第１乃至第３移送機構５１、５２、５３と、前記第１乃至第３移送機構５１、５２、５３を駆動する単一の動力源（モータ）５６（図７参照）とを備えている。
第１乃至第３フレーム側載置部３１、３２、３３は、搬送装置１６のフレームに固定されており、第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３は、感光体ドラム１２が搬送方向に搬送されるように第１乃至第３移送機構５１、５２、５３により動かされる。
【００１４】
第１フレーム側載置部３１は、上流側載置部１８の下流箇所で搬送路１６の上流箇所に設けられている。
第１フレーム側載置部３１は、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２をその長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態でそれらの両端が載置されるように構成されている。
より具体的には、図５に示すように、第１フレーム側載置部３１は、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材６１からなる。載置部材６１は搬送方向に延在する支持部材６２と、この支持部材６２の上に間隔をおいて取着された５つあるいは６つの凸状部材６３から構成されている。凸状部材６３の上面には感光体ドラム１２の載置を可能としたＶ溝６３０２が形成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された凸状部材６３のＶ溝６３０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第１のピッチＰ１で並べられるように構成されている。
なお、上流側載置部１８の構成も第１フレーム側載置部３１と同一で、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された支持部材６２と凸状部材６３からなる載置部材６１で構成され、上流側載置部１８には、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２がその長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態で載置され、移送装置Ｔ１により５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２が上流側載置部１８から第１フレーム側載置部３１に移送される。
【００１５】
第２フレーム側載置部３２は、前記第１フレーム側載置部３１の搬送方向の下流側に連続して配置されている。
第２フレーム側載置部３２は、１５本から２０本程度の感光体ドラム１２を、その長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に前記第１のピッチＰ１と異なる第２のピッチＰ２で並べた状態でそれらの両端が載置されるように構成されている。
前記第２のピッチＰ２は第１のピッチＰ１よりも大きい寸法で設定されている。なお、第１のピッチＰ１は、感光体ドラム１２の搬送に用いられるパレットＰの収容ピッチに合わせたものである。また、第２のピッチＰ２は、感光体ドラム１２の外観検査をする上では大きな寸法が望ましく、高速搬送を行なうためには小さい寸法が望ましく、それらの兼ね合いから設定されたものである。
図６に示すように、第２フレーム側載置部３２は、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材６５からなり、載置部材６５は支持部材６６と、支持部材６６に取着された１５から２０程度の凸状部材６７から構成されている。第２フレーム側載置部３２を構成する載置部材６５では、第１フレーム側載置部３２の載置部材６１と異なって、凸状部材６７のＶ溝６７０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第２のピッチＰ２で並べられるように構成されている。
【００１６】
第３フレーム側載置部３３は、前記第２フレーム側載置部３２の搬送方向の下流側に連続して配置され、前記下流側載置部２０はこの第３フレーム側載置部３３の下流箇所に配置されている。
第３フレーム側載置部３３は第１フレーム側載置部３１と同一であり、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材６１からなり、載置部材６１は、支持部材６２と凸状部材６３からなり、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２をその長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態でそれらの両端が載置されるように構成されている。
なお、下流側載置部２０の構成も第３フレーム側載置部３３と同一であり、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２をその長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態でそれらの両端を載置する支持部材６２と凸状部材６３からなる載置部材６１で構成され、移送装置Ｔ２により５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２が第３フレーム側載置部３３から下流側載置部２０に移送される。
【００１７】
第１搬送用載置部４１は、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２を第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態で第１フレーム側載置部３１の内側または外側において（本実施の形態では内側において）感光体ドラム１２の両端を載置できるように構成されている。
より具体的には、図５に示すように、第１搬送用載置部４１は、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材７１からなる。載置部材７１の構成は第１フレーム側載置部３１の載置部材６１と同一である。すなわち、載置部材７１は搬送方向に延在する支持部材７２と、この支持部材７２の上に間隔をおいて取着された５つあるいは６つの凸状部材７３から構成されている。凸状部材７３の上面には感光体ドラム１２の載置を可能としたＶ溝７３０２が形成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された凸状部材７３のＶ溝７３０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第１のピッチＰ１で並べられるように構成されている。
【００１８】
第２搬送用載置部４２は、１５本から２０本程度の感光体ドラム１２を第２のピッチＰ２で並べた状態で第２フレーム側載置部３２の内側または外側において（本実施の形態では内側において）感光体ドラム１２の両端を載置できるように構成されている。
より具体的には、図６に示すように、第２搬送用載置部４２は、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材７５からなる。載置部材７５の構成は第２フレーム側載置部３２の載置部材６５と同一である。すなわち、載置部材７５は搬送方向に延在する支持部材７６と、この支持部材７６の上に間隔をおいて取着された１５から２０程度の凸状部材７７から構成されている。凸状部材７７の上面には感光体ドラム１２の載置を可能としたＶ溝７７０２が形成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された凸状部材７７のＶ溝７７０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第２のピッチＰ２で並べられるように構成されている。
【００１９】
第３搬送用載置部４３は、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２を第１のピッチＰ２で並べた状態で第３フレーム側載置部３３の内側または外側において（本実施の形態では内側において）感光体ドラム１２の両端を載置できるように構成されている。
第３搬送用載置部４３は第１搬送用載置部４１と同一であり、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材７１からなり、載置部材７１は、支持部材７２と凸状部材７３からなり、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２をその長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態でそれらの両端が載置されるように構成されている。
【００２０】
第１移送機構５１は、図２に示すように、第１搬送用載置部４１を第１フレーム側載置部３１の下方から上昇させ、第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の前方に移動し、第１フレーム側載置部３１の上方から下降させて第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の後方に移動させるように構成されている。
そして、この第１移送機構５１による第１搬送用載置部４１の動きにより、第１フレーム側載置部３１上に並べて載置された５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２は一斉に、載置部材６１上において搬送方向前方のＶ溝６３０２へと移し換えられ、また、搬送方向の下流端に位置するＶ溝６３０２に載置された感光体ドラム１２は、第２フレーム側載置部３２の載置部材６５の上流端に位置するＶ溝６７０２へと移し換えられ、このようにして第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の前方に搬送されるように構成されている。
なお、図５において（イ）は、第１搬送用載置部４１が上昇して感光体ドラム１２を搬送方向の前方に搬送する途中の段階を示し、（ロ）は、第１搬送用載置部４１が下降して感光体ドラム１２が載置されていない空の状態で搬送方向の後方に移動する途中の段階を示している。
【００２１】
第２移送機構５２は、図２に示すように、第２搬送用載置部４２を第２フレーム側載置部３２の下方から上昇させ、第２のピッチＰ２で搬送方向の前方に移動し、第２フレーム側載置部３２の上方から下降させて第２のピッチＰ２で搬送方向の後方に移動させるように構成されている。
そして、この第２移送機構５２による第２搬送用載置部４２の動きにより、第２フレーム側載置部３２上に並べて載置された１５本から２０本程度の感光体ドラム１２は一斉に、載置部材６５上において搬送方向前方のＶ溝６７０２へと移し換えられ、また、搬送方向の下流端に位置するＶ溝６７０２に載置された感光体ドラム１２は、第３フレーム側載置部３３の載置部材６１の上流端に位置するＶ溝６３０２へと移し換えられ、このようにして第２のピッチＰ２で搬送方向の前方に搬送されるように構成されている。
なお、図６において（イ）は、第２搬送用載置部４２が上昇して感光体ドラム１２を搬送方向の前方に搬送する途中の段階を示し、（ロ）は、第２搬送用載置部４２が下降して感光体ドラム１２が載置されていない空の状態で搬送方向の後方に移動する途中の段階を示している。
【００２２】
第３移送機構５３は、図２に示すように、第３搬送用載置部４３を第３フレーム側載置部３３の下方から上昇させ、第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の前方に移動し、第３フレーム側載置部３３の上方から下降させて第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の後方に移動させるように構成されている。
そして、この第３移送機構５３による第３搬送用載置部４３の動きにより、感光体ドラム１２は第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の前方に搬送され、載置部材６１上において搬送方向前方のＶ溝６３０２へと移し換えられるように構成され、やがて、第３フレーム側載置部３３の載置部材６１の全てのＶ溝６３０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、移送装置Ｔ２により５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２が一度に、下流側載置部２０の載置部材６５上に移し換えられる。
【００２３】
第１移送機構５１は、図２に示すように、第１搬送用載置部４１に連結され揺動することで第１搬送用載置部４１を搬送方向に移動させる第１移動用レバー５１０１と、第１搬送用載置部４１に連結され揺動することで第１搬送用載置部４１を昇降させる第１昇降用レバー５１０２を含んで構成されている。
第１移動用レバー５１０１と第１搬送用載置部４１とは、搬送方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ上下方向にスライド可能に連結され、昇降第１レバー５１０２と第１搬送用載置部４１とは、上下方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ搬送方向にスライド可能に連結されている。
【００２４】
第２移送機構５２は、図２に示すように、第２搬送用載置部４２に連結され揺動することで第２搬送用載置部４２を搬送方向に移動させる第２移動用レバー５２０１と、第２搬送用載置部４２に連結され揺動することで第２搬送用載置部４２を昇降させる第２昇降用レバー５２０２を含んで構成されている。
第２移動用レバー５２０１と第２搬送用載置部４２とは、搬送方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ上下方向にスライド可能に連結され、第２昇降用レバー５２０２と第２搬送用載置部４２とは、上下方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ搬送方向にスライド可能に連結されている。
【００２５】
第３移送機構５３は、図２に示すように、第３搬送用載置部４３に連結され揺動することで第３搬送用載置部４３を搬送方向に移動させる移動用第３レバー５３０１と、第３搬送用載置部４３に連結され揺動することで第３搬送用載置部４３を昇降させる昇降用第３レバー５３０２を含んで構成されている。
移動用第３レバー５３０１と第３搬送用載置部４３とは、搬送方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ上下方向にスライド可能に連結され、昇降用第３レバー５３０２と第３搬送用載置部４３とは、上下方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ搬送方向にスライド可能に連結されている。
【００２６】
図２に示すように、第１移動用レバー５１０１と第２移動用レバー５２０１と移動用第３レバー５３０１は、動力源（モータ）５６（図７参照）により往復移動される移動用連結部材（連結ロッド）８０により相互に連結されている。
第１搬送用載置部４１に連結された第１移動用レバー５１０１の揺動支点５１０１Ａから移動用連結部材８０との連結箇所までの距離と、第３搬送用載置部４３に連結された移動用第３レバー５３０１の揺動支点５３０１Ａから移動用連結部材８０との連結箇所までの距離とは等しい値に設定されている。
また、第２搬送用載置部４２に連結された第２移動用レバー５２０１の揺動支点５２０１Ａから移動用連結部材８０との連結箇所までの距離は、前記値とは異なった値（前記値よりも小さい値）に設定されている。
そして、これらの値の設定により、移動用連結部材８０が往復移動すると、第１移動用レバー５１０１と移動用第３レバー５３０１は揺動して第１搬送用載置部４１を第３搬送用載置部４３をそれぞれ第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向に往復移動させるように構成され、また、第２移動用レバー５２０１は揺動して第２搬送用載置部４２を第２のピッチＰ２で搬送方向に往復移動させるように構成されている。
【００２７】
昇降第１レバー５１０２と昇降第２レバー５２０２と昇降第３レバー５３０２は、動力源（モータ）５６（図７参照）により往復移動される昇降用連結部材（連結ロッド）８２により相互に連結されている。
そして、昇降用連結部材８２が往復移動すると、昇降第１レバー５１０２と昇降第２レバー５２０２と昇降第３レバー５３０２はそれぞれ揺動し、第１搬送用載置部４１、第２搬送用載置部４２、第３搬送用載置部４３をそれぞれ昇降させるように構成されている。
図２に示すように、移動用連結部材８０、昇降用連結部材８２は軸８４に取着されたそれぞれ別々のカム８６（図２では手前のカム８６のみ表示）の回転により往復移動され、動力源５６の動力は、図７に示すように、ベルトプーリ機構８８、軸８４を経てカム８６に伝達される。
【００２８】
次に、第１検査箇所１６Ａと第２検査箇所１６Ｂにおいて感光体ドラム１２を僅かに持ち上げて回転させる回転装置９０について説明する。
図８は回転装置の正面図、図９は同側面図を示す。
回転装置９０は検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂに位置する感光体ドラム１２の両端に臨ませてそれぞれ設けられた回転体９２と、回転体９２を感光体ドラム１２の長手方向に沿って感光体ドラム１２に対して離間接近する方向に移動させる移動用駆動手段９４と、回転体９２を回転する回転用駆動手段９６とを備えている。
【００２９】
図８に示すように、回転体９２が感光体ドラム１２に臨む面には円錐面状の２つのテーパ面９２Ａ、９２Ｂが形成されている。これは径が異なる２種類の感光体ドラム１２に対応できるようにしたものである。
一方のテーパ面９２Ａは、感光体ドラム１２の外周部に係合可能に形成されている。すなわち、一方のテーパ面９２Ａは回転体９２の外周部に形成され、感光体ドラム１２に臨んだ端部箇所が感光体ドラム１２の端部の外周よりも大きな内径で形成されると共に、感光体ドラム１２から離れる従い内径が次第に小さくなり、感光体ドラム１２から離れた箇所が感光体ドラム１２の端部の外周よりも小さな内径となるテーパ面で形成されている。
また、他方のテーパ面９２Ｂは、感光体ドラム１２の内周部に係合可能に形成されている。すなわち、他方のテーパ面９２Ｂは回転体９２の内周部に形成され、感光体ドラム１２に臨んだ端部箇所が感光体ドラム１２の端部の内周よりも小さな外径で形成されると共に、感光体ドラム１２から離れる従い外径が次第に大きくなり、感光体ドラム１２から離れた箇所が感光体ドラム１２の端部の内周よりも大きな外径となるテーパ面で形成されている。なお、本実施の形態では、感光体ドラム１２の外周部に係合するテーパ面９２Ａが使用されている。
そして、回転体９２は、その中心軸が検査箇所１６Ａまたは１６Ｂで第２フレーム側載置部３２に載置された感光体ドラム１２の中心軸よりも僅かな量ｅだけ上方に位置するように配置され、双方の回転体９２を感光体ドラム１２の長手方向の外方から接近させると、両回転体９２間の距離が小さくなり、テーパ面９２Ａ、または９２Ｂが感光体ドラム１２の外周部または内周部に係合することで感光体ドラム１２がテーパ面９２Ａまたは９２Ｂに沿って第２フレーム側載置部３２から持ち上げられるように構成されている。
また、持ち上げられた状態で、感光体ドラム１２は回転体９２と共に一体に回転されるように支持されている。
さらに、この状態から双方の回転体９２を感光体ドラム１２から離れる方向に移動させると、両回転体９２間の距離が大きくなり、感光体ドラム１２はテーパ面９２Ａまたは９２Ｂに沿って下降し、第２フレーム側載置部３２に戻され、載置されるように構成されている。
【００３０】
回転用駆動手段９６はスライドフレーム９４０２で支持されたモータ９６０２と、このモータ９６０２により回転される回転軸９６０４を備え、回転体９２は取り付け板９６０６とばね受け９６０７を介して回転軸９６０４に対してスライド可能に、且つ、回転軸９６０４と一体回転可能に結合されている。
より詳細に説明すると、回転軸９６０４に取り付け板９６０６がスライド可能に、かつ、回転軸９６０４と一体回転可能に結合されている。
また、回転軸９６０４上で、ばね受け９６０７の大径筒部の雌ねじに、回転体９２の外周部の雄ねじが螺合し、回転体９２とばね受け９６０７により取り付け板９６０６を締め付け固定しており、これにより回転体９２は取り付け板９６０６と共に一体的に動くように配設されている。
そして、取り付け板９６０６はばね受け９６０７を介してコイルスプリング９６０８により感光体ドラム１２方向に付勢され、回転軸９６０４の端部のフランジが取り付け板９６０６の端面に係止することで回転体９２は回転軸９６０４の先端に常時位置し、また、コイルスプリング９６０８の弾発力よりも大きな付加が加わると、回転軸９６０４に沿って後退するように配設されている。
なお、回転体９２は、ばね受け９６０７の大径筒部の雌ねじにねじ結合しているためばね受け９６０７に対して着脱可能であり、径の異なる感光体ドラム１２に対して段替えが容易にできるようになっている。
また、本実施の形態では、感光体ドラム１２の一方の端部に臨む回転体９２には、コイルスプリング９６０８が設けられておらず、回転体９２は回転軸９６０４にスライド不能に取付けられており、回転装置９０による感光体ドラム１２の回転時に、回転軸９６０４にスライド不能に取り付けられた回転体９２により、感光体ドラム１２の長手方向の位置決めがなされるように構成されている。
【００３１】
感光体ドラム１２に対して離間接近する方向への回転体９２の移動は、スライドフレーム９４０２を感光体ドラム１２の長手方向に沿って往復移動することによりなされ、スライドフレーム９４０２の往復移動は移動用駆動手段９４によりなされる。
移動用駆動手段９４は搬送装置２２の動力源（モータ）５６により駆動され、したがって、単一の動力源５６により搬送装置２２と移動用駆動手段９４が駆動される。
詳細に説明すると、図７に示すように、ベルトプーリ機構８８により軸８４に伝達された動力源５６の動力は、傘歯車を介して軸９４０４に伝達され、軸９４０４にはカム９４０６が取着されている。
図９、図１０に示すように、カム９４０６に対して揺動レバー９４０８が係合可能に配設されており、揺動レバー９４０８の先端にはローラ９４１０が取着されている。
【００３２】
一方、スライドフレーム９４０２は、検査装置のフレームに取着されたレール９４０２Ａ上をスライダ９４０２Ｂを介して滑動可能に配設され、コイルスプリング９４１２により感光体ドラム１２に接近する方向に常時付勢されている。
感光体ドラム１２から離れた側のスライドフレーム９４０２の端部には係合片９４１４が下方に突出され、スライドフレーム９４０２がコイルスプリング９４１２により感光体ドラム１２方向に常時付勢されていることから係合片９４１４がローラ９４１０に係合し、これにより揺動レバー９４０８がカム９４０６に係合している。
したがって、コイルスプリング９４１２により感光体ドラム１２に接近する方向に付勢されたスライドフレーム９４０２は、カム９４０６、揺動レバー９４０８により往復移動され、動力源５６の動力により回転体が感光体ドラム１２に離間接近する方向に往復移動される。
【００３３】
次に、上述した自動検査装置１４の効果について説明する。
本実施の形態による搬送装置２２によれば、第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３によって搬送路１６上において複数の感光体ドラム１２が一斉に第１のピッチＰ１、第２のピッチＰ２で移送されるので、検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂへの感光体ドラム１２のセットと検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂからの感光体ドラム１２の取り出しを迅速に行なうことが可能となる。
また、搬送装置２２のフレームに固定された第１乃至第３フレーム側載置部３１、３２、３３上で感光体ドラム１２が移送されるので、感光体ドラム１２の検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂへの位置決めを正確に行なうことができる。
したがって、感光体ドラム１２の外観検査に要する時間を大幅に短縮し、感光体ドラム１２のコストダウンを図る上で極めて有利となる。
また、第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３を動かす第１乃至第３移送機構５１、５２、５３は単一の動力源５６により駆動されるので、搬送装置２２および自動検査装置１４のコンパクト化を図り、搬送装置２２ひいては自動検査装置１４のコストダウンを図る上でも有利となる。
【００３４】
また、本実施の形態による回転装置９０によれば、感光体ドラム１２の両端において、回転体９２を単に接近させて回転させ、その後、離間させることで、感光体ドラム１２が搬送路１６の上方に持ち上げられて回転され、また、搬送路１６に戻されるので、検査に際しての回転体９２の回転を迅速に、且つ、確実に行なえ、したがって、感光体ドラム１２の外観検査に要する時間を大幅に短縮し、感光体ドラムのコストダウンを図る上で極めて有利となる。
また、回転体９２に円錐面状のテーパ面９２Ａ、９２Ｂを設け、回転体９２の中心軸を感光体ドラム１２の中心軸よりも僅かな量ｅだけ上方に偏位させるといった簡単な構成により上記の効果を達成でき、したがって、回転装置９０および自動検査装置２２のコンパクト化を図り、回転装置９０ひいては自動検査装置２２のコストダウンを図る上でも有利となる。
また、回転装置９０を構成する移動用駆動手段９４の動力源として搬送装置２２の動力源（モータ）５６を用いているので、回転装置９０ひいては自動検査装置２２のコストダウンを図る上でより一層有利となる。
【００３５】
なお、前記の実施の形態では、感光体ドラム１２の搬送に用いられるパレットＰの収容ピッチと、感光体ドラム１２の外観検査をする上での搬送ピッチとが異なるため、値の異なる二つのピッチＰ１、Ｐ２が採用され、これに対応して搬送装置２２では、フレーム側載置部（第１乃至第３フレーム側載置部３１、３２、３３）と、搬送用載置部（第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３）と、移送機構（第１乃至第３移送機構５１、５２、５３）がそれぞれ複数（実施の形態では三つ）設けられた場合について説明したが、単一のピッチの場合には、これらフレーム側載置部や搬送用載置部、移送機構はそれぞれ複数である必要はなく、単一とされる。
【００３６】
次に、図１１を参照して搬送装置２２の別の実施の形態について説明する。
図１１は搬送装置の要部の拡大正面を示す。
この搬送装置１２２は、第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３を駆動する構成が搬送装置２２と異なっており、また、搬送装置１２２の動力源として二つの流体圧シリンダ１５６Ａ、１５６Ｂを用いている点が搬送装置２２と異なっている。
すなわち、搬送装置１２２は、搬送装置２２とほぼ同様な構成の第１乃至第３フレーム側載置部３１、３２、３３（図１１では省略）および第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３と、昇降フレーム２０１と、昇降機構２０３と、第１、第２移送機構２１１、２１２と、昇降用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ａと、移送用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ｂとを備えている。
【００３７】
図５に示すように、第１フレーム側載置部３１は感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材６１からなり、載置部材６１は、支持部材６２と、この支持部材６２の上に間隔をおいて取着された５つあるいは６つの凸状部材６３から構成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の凸状部材６３のＶ溝６３０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第１のピッチＰ１で並べられるように構成されている。
図６に示すように、第２フレーム側載置部３２は、第１フレーム側載置部３１の搬送方向の下流側に連続して配置され、第２フレーム側載置部３２は感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材６５からなり、載置部材６５は支持部材６６と、支持部材６６に取着された複数の凸状部材６７から構成されている。そして、これら凸状部材６７のＶ溝６７０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第２のピッチＰ２で並べられるように構成されている。
図５に示すように、第３フレーム側載置部３３は、第２フレーム側載置部３２の搬送方向の下流側に連続して配置され、第３フレーム側載置部３３は第１フレーム側載置部３１と同一であり、感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された載置部材６１からなり、載置部材６１は支持部材６２と凸状部材６３からなり、５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２をその長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチＰ１で並べた状態でそれらの両端が載置されるように構成されている。
【００３８】
第１搬送用載置部４１は、図５、図１１に示すように、第１フレーム側載置部３１の内側に配置された載置部材７１からなり、載置部材７１は支持部材７２と、この支持部材７２の上に取着された５つあるいは６つの凸状部材７３から構成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された凸状部材７３のＶ溝７３０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第１のピッチＰ１で並べられるように構成されている。
第２搬送用載置部４２は、図６、図１１に示すように、第２フレーム側載置部３２の内側に配置された載置部材７５からなり、載置部材７５は支持部材７６とこの支持部材７６の上に取着された複数の凸状部材７７から構成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された凸状部材７７のＶ溝７７０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第２のピッチＰ２で並べられるように構成されている。
第３搬送用載置部４３は、図５、図１１に示すように、第３フレーム側載置部３３の内側に配置された載置部材７１からなり、載置部材７１は、支持部材７２と凸状部材７３から構成されている。そして、これら感光体ドラム１２の両端に配置された凸状部材７３のＶ溝７３０２に感光体ドラム１２が載置されると、感光体ドラム１２は第１のピッチＰ１で並べられるように構成されている。
【００３９】
第１乃至第３搬送用載置部４１、４２、４３は、それぞれ第１乃至第３取り付け具４１Ａ、４２Ａ、４３Ａを介して昇降フレーム２０１に、前記搬送方向に移動可能に支持されている。
昇降フレーム２０１は昇降機構２０３により昇降され、昇降機構２０３は、搬送装置１２２のフレームに取り付けられた昇降用流体圧シリンダ（例えば、油圧シリンダやエアーシリンダ）１５６Ａにより駆動される。
昇降機構２０３は、昇降用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ａにより前記搬送方向に沿って往復移動する移動部材２０３Ａと、この移動部材２０３Ａの往復移動により上下方向に拡縮するリンク機構２０３Ｂを含んで構成されている。
【００４０】
第１移送機構２１１は、昇降フレーム２０１上で第１搬送用載置部４１を第１のピッチＰ１で前記搬送方向に往復移動させるように構成され、第２移送機構２１２は、昇降フレーム２０１上で第２搬送用載置部４２を第２のピッチＰ２で前記搬送方向に往復移動させるように構成され、第３移送機構は、昇降フレーム２０１上で第３搬送用載置部４３を第１のピッチＰ１で前記搬送方向に往復移動させるように構成されている。
本実施の形態では、第１搬送用載置部４１の第１取り付け具４１Ａと、第３搬送用載置部４３の第３取り付け具４３Ａは連結部材２１３により連結されており、第１移送機構２１１により第１搬送用載置部４１と第３搬送用載置部４３が第１のピッチＰ１で前記搬送方向に同時に往復移動され、したがって、第１移送機構２１１が第３移送機構を兼用している。
【００４１】
第１移送機構２１１は第１移動用レバー２１１Ａを含んで構成され、第２移送機構２１２は第２移動用レバー２１２Ａを含んで構成されている。
第１移動用レバー２１１Ａはその中間部が搬送装置１２２のフレームで揺動可能に支持され、上端が連結部材２１３に連結され、下端が、移送用流体圧シリンダ（例えば、油圧シリンダやエアーシリンダ）１５６Ｂの駆動により前記搬送方向に往復移動される連結部材２１４に連結されている。なお、移送用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ｂは昇降フレーム２０１の下面に取り付けられ、したがって、移送用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ｂは昇降フレーム２０１と一体に昇降する。
第２移動用レバー２１２Ａはその中間部が搬送装置１２２のフレームで揺動可能に支持され、上端が第２搬送用載置部４２の第２取り付け具４２Ａに連結され、下端が、前記連結部材２１４に連結されている。
第１移動用レバー２１１Ａが第１搬送用載置部４１に連結された箇所（本実施の形態では連結部材２１３に連結された箇所）から第１移動用レバー２１１Ａの揺動支点までの距離と、第２移動用レバー２１２Ａが第２搬送用載置部４２に連結された箇所（本実施の形態では第２搬送用載置部４２の第２取り付け具４２Ａに連結された箇所）から第２移動用レバー２１２Ａの揺動支点からまでの距離とが異なった寸法に設定され、これにより移送用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ｂの駆動により第１搬送用載置部４１と第３搬送用載置部４３とが前記搬送方向に第１のピッチＰ１で往復移動され、第２搬送用載置部４２が前記搬送方向に第２のピッチＰ２で往復移動されるように構成されている。
【００４２】
そして、昇降用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ａによる昇降機構２０３の駆動と、移送用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ｂによる第１移送機構２１１の駆動により、第１搬送用載置部４１を第１フレーム側載置部３１の下方から上昇させ、第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の前方に移動し、第１フレーム側載置部３１の上方から下降させて第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の後方に移動させるように構成され、また、第３搬送用載置部４３を第３フレーム側載置部３３の下方から上昇させ、第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の前方に移動し、第３フレーム側載置部３３の上方から下降させて第１のピッチＰ１で搬送方向の後方に移動させるように構成されている。
また、昇降用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ａによる昇降機構２０３の駆動と、移送用流体圧シリンダ１５６Ｂによる第２移送機構２１２の駆動により、第２搬送用載置部４２を第２フレーム側載置部３２の下方から上昇させ、第２のピッチＰ２で搬送方向の前方に移動し、第２フレーム側載置部３２の上方から下降させて第２のピッチＰ２で搬送方向の後方に移動させるように構成されている。
【００４３】
そして、この第１移送機構２１１による第１搬送用載置部４１の動きにより、第１フレーム側載置部３１上に並べて載置された５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２は一斉に、第１のピッチＰ１で載置部材６１上において搬送方向前方のＶ溝６３０２へと移し換えられるように構成され、第１移送機構２１１による第３搬送用載置部４３の動きにより、第３フレーム側載置部３３上に並べて載置された５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２は一斉に、第１のピッチＰ１で載置部材６１上において搬送方向前方のＶ溝６３０２へと移し換えられるように構成されている。
また、第２移送機構２１２による第２搬送用載置部４２の動きにより、第２フレーム側載置部３２上に並べて載置された５本あるいは６本の感光体ドラム１２は一斉に、第２のピッチＰ２で載置部材６１上において搬送方向前方のＶ溝６３０２へと移し換えられるように構成されている。
【００４４】
本実施の形態による搬送装置１２２によれば、搬送装置２２と同様に、搬送路１６上において複数の感光体ドラム１２が一斉に第１のピッチＰ１、第２のピッチＰ２で移送されるので、検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂへの感光体ドラム１２のセットと検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂからの感光体ドラム１２の取り出しを迅速に行なうことが可能となる。
また、搬送装置２２のフレームに固定された第１乃至第３フレーム側載置部３１、３２、３３上で感光体ドラム１２が移送されるので、感光体ドラム１２の検査箇所１６Ａ、１６Ｂへの位置決めを正確に行なうことができる。
したがって、感光体ドラム１２の外観検査に要する時間を大幅に短縮し、感光体ドラム１２のコストダウンを図る上で極めて有利となる。
【００４５】
なお、搬送装置２２、１２２において、異なった径の感光体ドラム１２に対しては、第２フレーム側載置部３２の支持部材６６の高さを変更することで、感光体ドラム１２の中心軸と回転体９２の中心軸とのずれの量を上述した量ｅに合わせることができる。
また、第１搬送用載置部４１、第２搬送用載置部４２、第３搬送用載置部４３、移送装置Ｔ１、移送装置Ｔ２の昇降動作距離は、ある範囲のドラム径の感光体ドラム１２に対して段替えせずに対応できるように、余裕を持った大きな寸法に設定されている。
【００４６】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明で明らかなように本発明によれば、次から次へと迅速に感光体ドラムを検査箇所にセットでき、外観検査に要する時間を短縮し、感光体ドラムのコストダウンを図る上で有利な感光体ドラムの検査における搬送装置が提供される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】感光体ドラムの自動検査装置の説明図で、（Ａ）は平面図、（Ｂ）は正面図である。
【図２】搬送装置の説明用正面図である。
【図３】検査箇所部分の説明図である。
【図４】搬送装置の要部の概略平面図である。
【図５】搬送装置の要部の拡大正面図である。
【図６】搬送装置の要部の拡大正面図である。
【図７】搬送装置の動力源部分の説明図である。
【図８】回転装置の正面図である。
【図９】回転装置の側面図である。
【図１０】カムと揺動レバー部分の説明図である。
【図１１】搬送装置の要部の拡大正面である。
【符号の説明】
１２ 感光体ドラム
２２，１２２ 搬送装置
３１，３２，３３ フレーム側載置部
４１，４２，４３ 搬送用載置部
５１，５２，５３ 移送機構
５６ 動力源
９０ 回転装置
９２ 回転体
９４ 移動用駆動手段
９６ 回転用駆動手段
２０１ 昇降フレーム
２０３ 昇降機構
１５６Ａ、１５６Ｂ 流体圧シリンダ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to carrying a photosensitive drum used for inspection of a photosensitive drum constituting an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.SendingRelated to the position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The photosensitive drum used in the electrophotographic apparatus has a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a cylindrical base tube. Conventionally, the appearance inspection of the photosensitive drum, that is, the appearance inspection of the photosensitive layer is skillful. An inspector performs visual inspection and inspects for surface defects (scratches and foreign substances on the outermost surface of the thin film), internal defects (internal foreign substances and bubbles), film thickness unevenness (application unevenness), and the like.
However, in such visual inspection by visual inspection by an inspector, inspection accuracy varies due to individual differences and fatigue, and there is a limit to obtaining only a high-quality photosensitive drum.
[0003]
In recent years, electrophotographic apparatuses such as high-resolution printers and full-color printers are required to have high quality with respect to light and shade reproducibility, color reproducibility, and image quality. In particular, since the photosensitive drum as the central part has a great influence on the quality of an image, the appearance inspection is becoming more important.
Therefore, the photosensitive drum is conveyed to the conveyance path, the illumination light is applied to the photosensitive drum at the inspection point of the conveyance path, the regular reflection light or the scattered reflection light is detected by the sensor, and the output of the sensor is signal processed. Various attempts have been made to automatically inspect the appearance of the photosensitive drum based on the above.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  By the way, when carrying out a visual inspection automatically by transporting the photosensitive drum to the transport path, it goes without saying that the photosensitive drum is accurately set at the inspection location, and how to remove the photosensitive drum from the inspection location after the inspection. The quick removal and how to quickly set the next photoconductor drum at the inspection location is extremely important for reducing the time required for visual inspection and reducing the cost of the photoconductor drum.The
  BookThe present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to quickly set a photosensitive drum at an inspection location from one to the next, shorten the time required for appearance inspection, and For inspection of photosensitive drums, which is advantageous in reducing the cost of productionSendingIn providing the deviceThe
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the purposeClaim 1The inventionA plurality of photosensitive drums are transported in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drums in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other on the transportation path, and a photoreceptor drum for inspecting the appearance of the photosensitive drum located at the inspection point in the transportation path A conveying device used for inspection, wherein the plurality of photosensitive drums can be mounted on both ends in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel and arranged at a first pitch in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A second frame-side mounting portion, and a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged continuously on a downstream side of the first frame-side mounting portion in the transport direction are different from the first pitch. A second frame-side mounting portion that enables mounting of both ends thereof in a state of being arranged at a pitch, and the first frame-side mounting portion in a state of arranging the plurality of photosensitive drums at a first pitch. Sensitive inside or outside On the inner side or the outer side of the second frame side mounting unit in a state where the first conveying mounting unit capable of mounting both ends of the drum and the plurality of photosensitive drums arranged at the second pitch A second transport mounting portion that enables mounting on both ends of the photosensitive drum, and the first transport mounting portion are raised from below the first frame-side mounting portion, and the first pitch is set at the first pitch. A first transfer mechanism that moves forward in the transport direction, moves down from above the first frame-side mounting portion, and moves rearward in the transport direction at the first pitch; and the second transport mounting The second frame side placement portion is raised from below, moved forward in the transport direction at the second pitch, and lowered from the second frame side placement portion above the second pitch. And a second transfer mechanism for moving backward in the transport direction. The plurality of photosensitive drums are simultaneously transferred to the front in the transport direction at the first pitch on the first frame side mounting section by the movement of the first transport mounting section by the feeding mechanism. The plurality of photosensitive drums are moved together at the second pitch on the second frame-side mounting portion by the movement of the second transport mounting portion by the second transfer mechanism. The first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism are configured to be driven by a single power source.
[0006]
  Also,Claim 6The inventionA plurality of photosensitive drums are transported in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drums in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other on the transportation path, and a photoreceptor drum for inspecting the appearance of the photosensitive drum located at the inspection point in the transportation path The plurality of photosensitive drums are mounted at both ends in a state in which the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged in parallel at a first pitch in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with the longitudinal directions thereof parallel to each other. A first frame-side placement unit that is made possible; and a second frame that is continuously arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the first frame-side placement unit and is different from the first pitch. The second frame side mounting portion that enables the both ends to be mounted in a state where they are arranged at a pitch, and the first frame side mounting in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at a first pitch. Sense inside or outside A first transfer placement section that enables placement of both ends of the body drum, and an inside or outside of the second frame side placement section in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at the second pitch. And a lifting frame that supports the first transport mounting section and the second transport mounting section movably in the transport direction. An elevating mechanism that elevates and lowers the elevating frame, a first transfer mechanism that reciprocally moves the first conveying placement unit on the elevating frame at the first pitch in the conveying direction, and a second on the elevating frame. A second transfer mechanism for reciprocating the transfer platform in the transfer direction at a second pitch; an elevating fluid pressure cylinder for driving the elevating mechanism; and driving the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism. A fluid pressure cylinder for transfer, Due to the driving of the lifting mechanism by the pressure cylinder and the driving of the first transfer mechanism by the fluid pressure cylinder for transfer, the first transfer mounting portion is raised from below the first frame-side mounting portion, and at a first pitch. It is moved forward in the transport direction, is lowered from above the first frame side mounting portion, and is moved backward in the transport direction at a first pitch, whereby the plurality of photosensitive drums are simultaneously first. It is configured to be transported forward in the transport direction at a first pitch on the frame-side mounting portion, and the driving of the lifting mechanism by the lifting fluid pressure cylinder and the second transporting mechanism by the transporting fluid pressure cylinder Due to the driving, the second transport placement unit is raised from below the second frame side placement unit, moved forward in the transport direction at a second pitch, and lowered from above the second frame side placement unit. Before the second pitch The plurality of photosensitive drums are moved to the front in the transport direction at a second pitch on the second frame side mounting portion at the same time. Characterized by.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an automatic inspection device for a photosensitive drum, (A) is a plan view, (B) is a front view, FIG. 2 is an explanatory front view of a transport device, and FIG. Show.
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic inspection device 14 for the photosensitive drum 12 includes a conveyance path 16 for the photosensitive drum 12, and an upstream placement unit 18 is disposed upstream of the conveyance path 16. A downstream side mounting portion 20 is disposed downstream.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 1, a pallet P (see FIG. 2) on which a large number of photosensitive drums 12 are erected is transported by a conveyor C1 upstream of the upstream loading unit 18, and the pallet P is air cylinder A1. The photosensitive drums 12 in the pallet P are picked up by the gripping device R1 made of a three-axis robot and are taken out by the gripping device R1, for example, five by six, or six by one, and are laid on the upstream placement unit 18 Placed.
The five or six photosensitive drums 12 placed on the upstream placement unit 18 are lifted by the transfer device T1 and placed upstream of the conveyance path 16. The transfer by the transfer device T1 is performed, for example, by inserting hooks into the holes at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 and lifting them up.
The photosensitive drum 12 is transported from upstream to downstream on the transport path 16 by the transport device 22 with its longitudinal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport path 16, and inspection points 16 </ b> A and 16 </ b> B in the middle of the transport path 16. In each, an appearance inspection is performed.
Then, the photoreceptor drums 12 having undergone the appearance inspection are lifted by five or six from the downstream side of the conveyance path 16 by the transfer device T2, and placed on the downstream placement unit 20 in a laid state.
[0010]
On the other hand, the pallet P from which the photosensitive drum 12 has been taken out by the gripping device R1 and is emptied is transported downstream of the transport path 16 below the transport path 16, and is lifted by the air cylinder A2 downstream of the downstream mounting portion 20. Is done.
Then, the photosensitive drums 12 placed on the downstream placement unit 20 are taken out from the raised empty pallet P by the gripping device R2 made up of a three-axis robot, for example, five by six or six by one. It is housed in the state.
The pallet P containing the photosensitive drum 12 is lowered by an air cylinder A2 similar to the air cylinder A1, is transferred to the side by the conveyor C2, and is conveyed upstream by the conveyor C3 to the side of the conveying path 16, and is conveyed to the conveyor C4. Is transferred to the next process.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first illumination device L1 and the first camera K1 are disposed at the first inspection location 16A, and the second illumination device L2 and the second camera K2 are disposed at the second inspection location 16B. , O represents the optical axis of the camera, and L represents illumination light.
When the photosensitive drum 12 is positioned at the first inspection location 16A, in the bright field state, the photosensitive drum 12 is slightly lifted and rotated once by a rotating device 90, which will be described later, and is actually rotated once (to remove dust). The air is blown at a rotation angle larger than one rotation because air blow or the like is performed), internal defects (internal contaminants and bubbles) and film of the photosensitive drum 12 via the first illumination device L1 and the first camera K1. Thickness unevenness (application unevenness) is inspected.
Further, when the photosensitive drum 12 is positioned at the second inspection location 16B, it is slightly lifted by the rotating device 90 described later in the dark field state and rotated almost once, via the second illumination device L2 and the second camera K2. Then, surface defects (scratches and foreign matter on the outermost surface of the thin film) of the photosensitive drum 12 are inspected.
[0012]
The first camera K1 and the second camera K2 are one-dimensional CCD cameras incorporating line sensors. The cameras K1 and K2 are arranged so that an image of a straight line region along a predetermined generatrix on the photosensitive drum 12 is formed on the line sensor, and the specularly reflected light (first light from the straight line region) It functions as an optical sensor that detects scattered light (in the case of the camera K1) and scattered reflected light (in the case of the second camera K2).
Then, the entire circumference of the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is scanned by taking in the output of the cameras K1 and K2 into the memory of the computer while the photosensitive drum 12 rotates once.
The output of the cameras K1 and K2 captured as data in the computer memory is subjected to image generation processing by the computer program to generate an image. This image may be displayed on the display so that the inspector can visually inspect it, and a computer program may perform inspection based on the image (ie, based on data representing the image). You may make it perform the determination process for determining pass / fail. In the embodiment, this determination process is performed to inspect surface defects, internal defects, and film thickness unevenness of the photosensitive drum 12. It should be noted that various well-known methods can be employed for such inspection of the photosensitive drum 12.
[0013]
Next, the conveyance device 22 that conveys the photosensitive drum 12 on the conveyance path 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the transport apparatus, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged front views of the main part of the transport apparatus.
The transfer device 22 includes first to third frame-side placement units 31, 32, 33, first to third transfer placement units 41, 42, 43, and first to third transfer mechanisms 51, 52, 53 and a single power source (motor) 56 (see FIG. 7) for driving the first to third transfer mechanisms 51, 52, 53.
The first to third frame placement units 31, 32, and 33 are fixed to the frame of the transport device 16, and the first to third transport placement units 41, 42, and 43 are provided by the photosensitive drum 12. The first to third transfer mechanisms 51, 52, and 53 are moved so as to be transported in the transport direction.
[0014]
The first frame side placement unit 31 is provided at a location downstream of the upstream placement unit 18 and upstream of the transport path 16.
The first frame side mounting portion 31 has five or six photosensitive drums 12 mounted on both ends thereof in a state where the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel and arranged at a first pitch P1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. It is comprised so that it may be placed.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first frame side mounting portion 31 includes mounting members 61 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12. The mounting member 61 includes a support member 62 extending in the transport direction, and five or six convex members 63 attached on the support member 62 at intervals. A V-groove 6302 that allows the photosensitive drum 12 to be placed is formed on the upper surface of the convex member 63. When the photosensitive drum 12 is placed in the V-groove 6302 of the convex member 63 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, the photosensitive drum 12 is arranged at the first pitch P1. ing.
The configuration of the upstream mounting unit 18 is the same as that of the first frame mounting unit 31, and includes a mounting member 61 including a support member 62 and a convex member 63 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12. On the upstream loading unit 18, five or six photosensitive drums 12 are placed in a state where their longitudinal directions are parallel and arranged at a first pitch P1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Five or six photosensitive drums 12 are transferred from the upstream mounting unit 18 to the first frame side mounting unit 31 by the apparatus T1.
[0015]
The second frame side mounting part 32 is continuously arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the first frame side mounting part 31.
The second frame side mounting portion 32 has about 15 to 20 photosensitive drums 12 having a second pitch P2 that is different from the first pitch P1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with the longitudinal direction being parallel. These two ends are placed so that they are placed side by side.
The second pitch P2 is set to be larger than the first pitch P1. The first pitch P1 is adjusted to the accommodation pitch of the pallet P used for transporting the photosensitive drum 12. The second pitch P2 is preferably a large dimension for visual inspection of the photosensitive drum 12, and a small dimension for high-speed conveyance, and is set based on the balance between them.
As shown in FIG. 6, the second frame side mounting portion 32 includes mounting members 65 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, and the mounting member 65 is attached to the support member 66 and the support member 66. 15 to 20 convex members 67. Unlike the mounting member 61 of the first frame side mounting portion 32, the photosensitive drum 12 is mounted in the V groove 6702 of the convex member 67 in the mounting member 65 constituting the second frame side mounting portion 32. Then, the photosensitive drums 12 are configured to be arranged at the second pitch P2.
[0016]
The third frame side mounting part 33 is continuously arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the second frame side mounting part 32, and the downstream side mounting part 20 corresponds to the third frame side mounting part 33. It is arranged at a downstream location.
The third frame side mounting portion 33 is the same as the first frame side mounting portion 31 and is composed of mounting members 61 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, and the mounting member 61 is convex with the support member 62. And 5 or 6 photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the first pitch P1 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with the longitudinal direction thereof being parallel to each other. It is configured.
The configuration of the downstream side mounting portion 20 is the same as that of the third frame side mounting portion 33, and the five or six photosensitive drums 12 are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with the longitudinal direction thereof being parallel. It comprises a mounting member 61 composed of a support member 62 and convex members 63 for mounting both ends thereof in a state of being arranged at a pitch of P1, and five or six photosensitive drums 12 are transferred by the transfer device T2. It is transferred from the 3-frame side mounting part 33 to the downstream side mounting part 20.
[0017]
The first transport mounting unit 41 is arranged inside or outside the first frame side mounting unit 31 in a state where five or six photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the first pitch P1 (in the present embodiment). It is configured so that both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 can be placed (inside).
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first transport mounting portion 41 includes mounting members 71 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12. The configuration of the mounting member 71 is the same as the mounting member 61 of the first frame side mounting portion 31. That is, the mounting member 71 includes a support member 72 extending in the transport direction, and five or six convex members 73 attached on the support member 72 at intervals. A V-groove 7302 that allows the photosensitive drum 12 to be placed is formed on the upper surface of the convex member 73. When the photosensitive drum 12 is placed in the V-groove 7302 of the convex member 73 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, the photosensitive drum 12 is arranged at the first pitch P1. ing.
[0018]
The second transport mounting portion 42 is arranged inside or outside the second frame side mounting portion 32 in a state where about 15 to 20 photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the second pitch P2 (this embodiment). In the inner side, both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 can be placed.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the second transport mounting unit 42 includes mounting members 75 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12. The configuration of the mounting member 75 is the same as the mounting member 65 of the second frame side mounting portion 32. That is, the mounting member 75 includes a support member 76 extending in the transport direction and a convex member 77 of about 15 to 20 attached on the support member 76 at an interval. A V-groove 7702 that allows the photosensitive drum 12 to be placed is formed on the upper surface of the convex member 77. The photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the second pitch P2 when the photosensitive drums 12 are placed in the V grooves 7702 of the convex members 77 arranged at both ends of the photosensitive drums 12. ing.
[0019]
The third transfer placement unit 43 is arranged inside or outside the third frame side placement unit 33 in a state where five or six photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the first pitch P2 (in the present embodiment). It is configured so that both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 can be placed (inside).
The third transport mounting portion 43 is the same as the first transport mounting portion 41 and includes mounting members 71 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12. The mounting member 71 is convex with the support member 72. 5 or 6 photosensitive drums 12 are arranged in parallel at the first pitch P1 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with the longitudinal direction thereof being parallel to each other. It is configured.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the first transfer mechanism 51 raises the first transport placement portion 41 from below the first frame side placement portion 31 and moves forward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1. The first frame side mounting portion 31 is lowered from above and moved rearward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1.
Then, due to the movement of the first transport mounting unit 41 by the first transfer mechanism 51, the five or six photosensitive drums 12 mounted side by side on the first frame side mounting unit 31 are simultaneously, The photosensitive drum 12 transferred to the V groove 6302 forward in the transport direction on the mounting member 61 and mounted in the V groove 6302 located at the downstream end in the transport direction is the second frame side mounting portion. It is transferred to the V-groove 6702 located at the upstream end of the 32 mounting members 65, and is thus transported forward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1.
In FIG. 5, (a) shows a stage in the middle of the first transport mounting unit 41 being raised and transporting the photosensitive drum 12 forward in the transport direction, and (b) is the first transport mount. The stage in the middle of moving to the rear in the transport direction in the empty state where the placement unit 41 is lowered and the photosensitive drum 12 is not placed is shown.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, the second transfer mechanism 52 raises the second transport mounting portion 42 from below the second frame side mounting portion 32 and moves forward in the transport direction at the second pitch P2. The second frame side placement portion 32 is lowered from above and moved rearward in the transport direction at the second pitch P2.
Then, due to the movement of the second transport mounting portion 42 by the second transfer mechanism 52, about 15 to 20 photosensitive drums 12 placed side by side on the second frame side mounting portion 32 are all at once. The photosensitive drum 12 transferred to the V-groove 6702 forward in the transport direction on the mounting member 65 and placed in the V-groove 6702 located at the downstream end in the transport direction is placed on the third frame side. It is transferred to the V-groove 6302 located at the upstream end of the placing member 61 of the section 33, and is thus conveyed forward in the conveying direction at the second pitch P2.
In FIG. 6, (a) shows a stage in the middle of transporting the photosensitive drum 12 forward in the transport direction by raising the second transport platform 42, and (b) shows the second transport platform. The stage in the middle of moving to the rear in the transport direction in the empty state where the mounting portion 42 is lowered and the photosensitive drum 12 is not placed is shown.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the third transfer mechanism 53 raises the third transport placement unit 43 from below the third frame side placement unit 33, and moves forward in the transport direction at the first pitch P <b> 1. The third frame side mounting portion 33 is configured to be lowered from above and moved rearward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1.
Then, due to the movement of the third transport placement unit 43 by the third transport mechanism 53, the photosensitive drum 12 is transported forward in the transport direction at the first pitch P <b> 1, and on the placement member 61 in the forward direction of the transport direction. When the photosensitive drum 12 is placed in all the V-grooves 6302 of the placement member 61 of the third frame-side placement portion 33, the transfer device T2 causes the transfer to the V-groove 6302. Five or six photosensitive drums 12 are transferred onto the mounting member 65 of the downstream mounting unit 20 at a time.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the first transfer mechanism 51 is connected to the first transfer placement unit 41 and swings to move the first transfer placement unit 41 in the transfer direction. And a first lifting / lowering lever 5102 that is connected to and swings from the first transporting mounting portion 41 to lift and lower the first transporting mounting portion 41.
The first moving lever 5101 and the first transport mounting portion 41 are connected so as to be relatively immovable in the transport direction and slidable in the vertical direction, and the first lift lever 5102 and the first transport mounting portion are connected. 41 is connected so as to be relatively immovable in the vertical direction and to be slidable in the transport direction.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, the second transfer mechanism 52 is connected to the second transfer mounting unit 42 and swings to move the second transfer mounting unit 42 in the transfer direction. And a second lifting / lowering lever 5202 that is connected to and swung by the second transporting mounting portion 42 to lift and lower the second transporting mounting portion 42.
The second moving lever 5201 and the second transport mounting portion 42 are coupled so as to be relatively unmovable in the transport direction and slidable in the vertical direction, and the second elevating lever 5202 and the second transport mounting portion are connected. The part 42 is connected so as to be relatively immovable in the vertical direction and to be slidable in the transport direction.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the third transfer mechanism 53 is connected to the third transfer placement unit 43 and swings to move the third transfer placement unit 43 in the transfer direction. And a third elevating lever 5302 that moves up and down the third conveying placement unit 43 by being connected to and swinging with the third conveying placement unit 43.
The third lever for movement 5301 and the third transport placement unit 43 are connected so as to be relatively immovable in the transport direction and slidable in the vertical direction. The part 43 is connected so as to be relatively immovable in the vertical direction and to be slidable in the transport direction.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the first moving lever 5101, the second moving lever 5201, and the third moving lever 5301 are moving connection members (reciprocatingly moved by a power source (motor) 56 (see FIG. 7)). The connecting rods 80 are connected to each other.
The distance from the swinging fulcrum 5101A of the first moving lever 5101 connected to the first transfer mounting portion 41 to the connecting portion between the moving connecting member 80 and the third transfer mounting portion 43. The distance from the swinging fulcrum 5301A of the third moving lever 5301 to the connecting portion with the moving connecting member 80 is set to an equal value.
In addition, the distance from the swinging fulcrum 5201A of the second moving lever 5201 connected to the second transport mounting portion 42 to the connecting position of the moving connecting member 80 is a value different from the above value (the above value). Smaller value).
Then, by setting these values, when the moving connecting member 80 reciprocates, the first moving lever 5101 and the third moving lever 5301 are swung to move the first transport mounting portion 41 to the third transport. The mounting portions 43 are configured to reciprocate in the transport direction at the first pitch P1, respectively, and the second moving lever 5201 swings to move the second transport mounting portion 42 to the second pitch P2. And is configured to reciprocate in the transport direction.
[0027]
  The first elevating / lowering lever 5102, the second elevating / lowering lever 5202 and the third elevating / lowering lever 5302 are connected to each other by an elevating connecting member (connecting rod) 82 reciprocated by a power source (motor) 56 (see FIG. 7). Yes.
  When the elevating connection member 82 reciprocates, the elevating first lever 5102, the elevating second lever 5202, and the elevating third lever 5302 are swung, respectively, so that the first conveying placement portion 41 and the second conveying placement portion are moved. The part 42 and the third transfer mounting part 43 are configured to move up and down.
  As shown in FIG.Moving connecting member 80,Lifting connectionMaterial 82 is reciprocated by the rotation of separate cams 86 (only the front cam 86 is shown in FIG. 2) attached to the shaft 84, and the power of the power source 56, as shown in FIG. And transmitted to the cam 86 via the shaft 84.
[0028]
Next, the rotating device 90 that slightly lifts and rotates the photosensitive drum 12 at the first inspection location 16A and the second inspection location 16B will be described.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the rotating device, and FIG. 9 is a side view thereof.
The rotating device 90 includes a rotating body 92 provided facing both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 positioned at the inspection locations 16A and 16B, and the rotating body 92 on the photosensitive drum 12 along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 12. A moving drive means 94 for moving in a direction of approaching and separating from each other and a rotation drive means 96 for rotating the rotating body 92 are provided.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 8, two conical tapered surfaces 92A and 92B are formed on the surface of the rotating body 92 facing the photosensitive drum 12. This is adapted to cope with two types of photosensitive drums 12 having different diameters.
One tapered surface 92 </ b> A is formed to be engageable with the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 12. That is, the one tapered surface 92A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 92, the end portion facing the photosensitive drum 12 is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer periphery of the end portion of the photosensitive drum 12, and the photosensitive member. The inner diameter of the photosensitive drum 12 gradually decreases as the distance from the drum 12 decreases, and the portion away from the photosensitive drum 12 is formed with a tapered surface having an inner diameter smaller than the outer periphery of the end of the photosensitive drum 12.
The other tapered surface 92 </ b> B is formed to be able to engage with the inner peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 12. That is, the other tapered surface 92B is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the rotating body 92, and the end portion facing the photosensitive drum 12 is formed with an outer diameter smaller than the inner periphery of the end portion of the photosensitive drum 12. As the distance from the photosensitive drum 12 increases, the outer diameter gradually increases, and the portion away from the photosensitive drum 12 is formed with a tapered surface having an outer diameter larger than the inner circumference of the end of the photosensitive drum 12. In the present embodiment, a tapered surface 92A that engages with the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 12 is used.
The rotating body 92 is positioned so that its central axis is slightly higher than the central axis of the photosensitive drum 12 mounted on the second frame side mounting portion 32 at the inspection location 16A or 16B. When both of the rotating bodies 92 are arranged to approach each other from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the distance between the rotating bodies 92 is reduced, and the tapered surface 92A or 92B becomes the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 12 or By being engaged with the inner peripheral portion, the photosensitive drum 12 is configured to be lifted from the second frame side mounting portion 32 along the tapered surface 92A or 92B.
Further, the photosensitive drum 12 is supported so as to be rotated together with the rotating body 92 in the lifted state.
Further, when both rotating bodies 92 are moved away from the photosensitive drum 12 from this state, the distance between the rotating bodies 92 increases, and the photosensitive drum 12 descends along the tapered surface 92A or 92B. It is configured to be returned to and placed on the second frame side placement unit 32.
[0030]
The rotation driving means 96 includes a motor 9602 supported by a slide frame 9402 and a rotating shaft 9604 rotated by the motor 9602. The rotating body 92 is attached to the rotating shaft 9604 via a mounting plate 9606 and a spring receiver 9607. It is slidably coupled to the rotation shaft 9604 so as to be integrally rotatable.
More specifically, the attachment plate 9606 is slidably coupled to the rotation shaft 9604 and is integrally coupled to the rotation shaft 9604.
On the rotating shaft 9604, the external thread of the outer periphery of the rotating body 92 is screwed into the internal thread of the large diameter cylindrical portion of the spring receiver 9607, and the mounting plate 9606 is fastened and fixed by the rotating body 92 and the spring receiver 9607. Thus, the rotating body 92 is arranged so as to move integrally with the mounting plate 9606.
The mounting plate 9606 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 12 by a coil spring 9608 via a spring receiver 9607, and the rotating body 92 is engaged with the end surface of the mounting plate 9606 by the flange at the end of the rotating shaft 9604 being locked. It is always located at the tip of the rotating shaft 9604, and is arranged so as to retreat along the rotating shaft 9604 when an addition larger than the elastic force of the coil spring 9608 is applied.
The rotating body 92 is detachably attached to the spring receiver 9607 because it is screw-coupled to the female thread of the large-diameter cylindrical portion of the spring receiver 9607, and can be easily replaced with the photosensitive drum 12 having a different diameter. It can be done.
In this embodiment, the rotating body 92 facing one end of the photosensitive drum 12 is not provided with the coil spring 9608, and the rotating body 92 is attached to the rotating shaft 9604 so as not to slide. When the photosensitive drum 12 is rotated by the rotating device 90, the photosensitive drum 12 is positioned in the longitudinal direction by the rotating body 92 that is non-slidably attached to the rotating shaft 9604.
[0031]
The rotation of the rotating body 92 in the direction approaching and separating from the photosensitive drum 12 is performed by reciprocating the slide frame 9402 along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 12, and the reciprocating movement of the slide frame 9402 is for movement. This is done by the driving means 94.
The movement drive means 94 is driven by a power source (motor) 56 of the transport apparatus 22, and therefore, the transport apparatus 22 and the movement drive means 94 are driven by a single power source 56.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the power of the power source 56 transmitted to the shaft 84 by the belt pulley mechanism 88 is transmitted to the shaft 9404 via the bevel gear, and a cam 9406 is attached to the shaft 9404. Has been.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a swing lever 9408 is disposed so as to be engageable with the cam 9406, and a roller 9410 is attached to the tip of the swing lever 9408.
[0032]
On the other hand, the slide frame 9402 is slidably disposed on a rail 9402A attached to the frame of the inspection apparatus via a slider 9402B, and is always urged in a direction approaching the photosensitive drum 12 by a coil spring 9412. Yes.
An engaging piece 9414 protrudes downward from the end of the slide frame 9402 on the side away from the photosensitive drum 12, and the slide frame 9402 is constantly biased toward the photosensitive drum 12 by the coil spring 9412. The combined piece 9414 is engaged with the roller 9410, and thereby the swing lever 9408 is engaged with the cam 9406.
Therefore, the slide frame 9402 urged in the direction approaching the photosensitive drum 12 by the coil spring 9412 is reciprocated by the cam 9406 and the swing lever 9408, and the rotating body is moved to the photosensitive drum 12 by the power of the power source 56. It is reciprocated in the direction of separation and approach.
[0033]
Next, the effect of the automatic inspection apparatus 14 described above will be described.
According to the transport device 22 according to the present embodiment, the first to third transport placement units 41, 42, 43 cause the plurality of photosensitive drums 12 to be simultaneously moved to the first pitch P 1, the second on the transport path 16. Therefore, it is possible to quickly set the photosensitive drum 12 to the inspection locations 16A and 16B and take out the photosensitive drum 12 from the inspection locations 16A and 16B.
In addition, since the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred on the first to third frame side mounting portions 31, 32, and 33 fixed to the frame of the transport device 22, the photosensitive drum 12 can be moved to the inspection locations 16A and 16B. Positioning can be performed accurately.
Therefore, the time required for the appearance inspection of the photosensitive drum 12 is greatly reduced, which is extremely advantageous in reducing the cost of the photosensitive drum 12.
In addition, since the first to third transfer mechanisms 51, 52, and 53 that move the first to third transfer platforms 41, 42, and 43 are driven by a single power source 56, the transfer device 22 and the automatic inspection are performed. This is advantageous in reducing the size of the device 14 and reducing the cost of the transport device 22 and thus the automatic inspection device 14.
[0034]
Further, according to the rotating device 90 according to the present embodiment, the rotating body 92 is simply moved close to and rotated at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 and then separated so that the photosensitive drum 12 is positioned above the conveying path 16. The rotary member 92 can be quickly and reliably rotated at the time of inspection, and therefore the time required for the visual inspection of the photosensitive drum 12 can be greatly increased. This is extremely advantageous in reducing the cost and reducing the cost of the photosensitive drum.
Further, the rotating body 92 is provided with conical tapered surfaces 92A and 92B, and the center axis of the rotating body 92 is displaced upward by a slight amount e from the center axis of the photosensitive drum 12 by the simple configuration. Therefore, the rotating device 90 and the automatic inspection device 22 can be made compact, which is advantageous in reducing the cost of the rotating device 90 and the automatic inspection device 22.
Further, since the power source (motor) 56 of the transport device 22 is used as the power source of the moving drive means 94 constituting the rotating device 90, the cost of the rotating device 90 and hence the automatic inspection device 22 is further reduced. It will be advantageous.
[0035]
In the above-described embodiment, the accommodation pitch of the pallet P used for transporting the photosensitive drum 12 is different from the transport pitch for inspecting the appearance of the photosensitive drum 12, and therefore two pitches having different values are used. P1 and P2 are employed, and correspondingly, in the transport device 22, the frame side placement unit (first to third frame side placement units 31, 32, 33) and the transport placement unit (first to third units). Although the description has been given of the case where the third transfer placement units 41, 42, 43) and a plurality of transfer mechanisms (first to third transfer mechanisms 51, 52, 53) are provided (three in the embodiment), respectively. In the case of a single pitch, there is no need for a plurality of these frame-side placement units, transfer placement units, and transfer mechanisms, and a single pitch is used.
[0036]
Next, another embodiment of the transport device 22 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 shows an enlarged front view of the main part of the transport apparatus.
The transport device 122 is different from the transport device 22 in that the first to third transport placement units 41, 42, and 43 are driven, and two fluid pressure cylinders 156 </ b> A are used as power sources for the transport device 122. The difference from the conveying device 22 is that 156B is used.
That is, the transport device 122 includes first to third frame-side placement units 31, 32, 33 (not shown in FIG. 11) and first to third transport placement units 41, which have substantially the same configuration as the transport device 22. 42, 43, a lifting frame 201, a lifting mechanism 203, first and second transfer mechanisms 211, 212, a lifting fluid pressure cylinder 156A, and a transporting fluid pressure cylinder 156B.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first frame side mounting portion 31 includes mounting members 61 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, and the mounting member 61 includes a support member 62 and an upper surface of the support member 62. It is composed of five or six convex members 63 attached at intervals. When the photosensitive drum 12 is placed in the V groove 6302 of the convex member 63 of the photosensitive drum 12, the photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the first pitch P1.
As shown in FIG. 6, the second frame side mounting part 32 is continuously arranged downstream in the transport direction of the first frame side mounting part 31, and the second frame side mounting part 32 is a photosensitive drum. The mounting member 65 is composed of a support member 66 and a plurality of convex members 67 attached to the support member 66. The photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the second pitch P2 when the photosensitive drums 12 are placed in the V-grooves 6702 of the convex members 67.
As shown in FIG. 5, the third frame side mounting part 33 is continuously arranged downstream in the transport direction of the second frame side mounting part 32, and the third frame side mounting part 33 is the first frame. It is the same as the side mounting portion 31 and includes a mounting member 61 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12. The mounting member 61 includes a support member 62 and a convex member 63, and five or six photosensitive members. The body drums 12 are configured so that both ends thereof are placed in a state where the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other and are arranged at a first pitch P1 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
[0038]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the first transfer placement unit 41 includes a placement member 71 disposed inside the first frame side placement unit 31, and the placement member 71 includes a support member 72. The five or six convex members 73 are mounted on the support member 72. When the photosensitive drum 12 is placed in the V-groove 7302 of the convex member 73 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, the photosensitive drum 12 is arranged at the first pitch P1. ing.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the second transfer placement unit 42 includes a placement member 75 disposed inside the second frame side placement unit 32, and the placement member 75 includes a support member 76. It comprises a plurality of convex members 77 attached on the support member 76. The photosensitive drums 12 are arranged at the second pitch P2 when the photosensitive drums 12 are placed in the V grooves 7702 of the convex members 77 arranged at both ends of the photosensitive drums 12. ing.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the third transfer placement unit 43 includes a placement member 71 arranged inside the third frame side placement unit 33, and the placement member 71 is a support member 72. And a convex member 73. When the photosensitive drum 12 is placed in the V-groove 7302 of the convex member 73 disposed at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12, the photosensitive drum 12 is arranged at the first pitch P1. ing.
[0039]
The first to third transfer placement units 41, 42, and 43 are supported by the elevating frame 201 via the first to third attachment tools 41A, 42A, and 43A, respectively, so as to be movable in the transfer direction.
The elevating frame 201 is raised and lowered by an elevating mechanism 203, and the elevating mechanism 203 is driven by an elevating fluid pressure cylinder (for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an air cylinder) 156A attached to the frame of the transfer device 122.
The elevating mechanism 203 includes a moving member 203A that reciprocates along the conveying direction by the elevating fluid pressure cylinder 156A, and a link mechanism 203B that expands and contracts in the vertical direction by the reciprocating movement of the moving member 203A.
[0040]
The first transfer mechanism 211 is configured to reciprocate the first transfer placement unit 41 on the lift frame 201 at the first pitch P1 in the transfer direction, and the second transfer mechanism 212 is set on the lift frame 201. The second transport mounting portion 42 is configured to reciprocate in the transport direction at the second pitch P2, and the third transport mechanism moves the third transport mounting portion 43 to the first position on the lifting frame 201. It is configured to reciprocate in the transport direction at a pitch P1.
In the present embodiment, the first mounting tool 41A of the first transport mounting portion 41 and the third mounting tool 43A of the third transport mounting portion 43 are connected by the connecting member 213, and the first transfer mechanism 211, the first transfer mounting unit 41 and the third transfer mounting unit 43 are simultaneously reciprocated in the transfer direction at the first pitch P1, and therefore the first transfer mechanism 211 also serves as the third transfer mechanism. ing.
[0041]
The first transfer mechanism 211 is configured to include a first moving lever 211A, and the second transfer mechanism 212 is configured to include a second moving lever 212A.
The intermediate portion of the first moving lever 211A is swingably supported by the frame of the transport device 122, the upper end is connected to the connecting member 213, and the lower end is a transfer fluid pressure cylinder (for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an air cylinder). It is connected to a connecting member 214 that reciprocates in the transport direction by driving 156B. The transfer fluid pressure cylinder 156B is attached to the lower surface of the elevating frame 201. Therefore, the transfer fluid pressure cylinder 156B moves up and down integrally with the elevating frame 201.
The intermediate portion of the second moving lever 212A is swingably supported by the frame of the transfer device 122, the upper end is connected to the second attachment 42A of the second transfer mounting portion 42, and the lower end is connected to the connecting member. 214.
A distance from a position where the first moving lever 211A is connected to the first transport mounting portion 41 (a position where the first moving lever 211A is connected to the connecting member 213 in this embodiment) to the swing fulcrum of the first moving lever 211A; The second moving lever 212A is connected to the second transport mounting portion 42 (in the present embodiment, the second connecting lever 42A is connected to the second attachment tool 42A) to the second position. The distance from the swinging fulcrum of the moving lever 212A is set to a different size, whereby the first transfer mounting unit 41 and the third transfer mounting unit 43 are driven by the transfer fluid pressure cylinder 156B. Is reciprocated at a first pitch P1 in the transport direction, and the second transport mounting portion 42 is reciprocated at a second pitch P2 in the transport direction.
[0042]
Then, by driving the lifting mechanism 203 by the lifting fluid pressure cylinder 156A and driving the first transfer mechanism 211 by the transfer fluid pressure cylinder 156B, the first transfer mounting portion 41 is moved to the first frame side mounting portion 31. It is configured to move up from below, move forward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1, and move down from above the first frame side mounting portion 31 to move backward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1. In addition, the third transport placement unit 43 is raised from below the third frame side placement unit 33, moved forward in the transport direction at the first pitch P1, and above the third frame side placement unit 33. And is moved rearward in the transport direction at a first pitch P1.
Further, the second transport mounting unit 42 is moved to the second frame side mounting unit 32 by driving the lifting mechanism 203 by the lifting fluid pressure cylinder 156A and driving the second transfer mechanism 212 by the transfer fluid pressure cylinder 156B. It is configured to move up from below, move forward in the transport direction at the second pitch P2, and move down from above the second frame side mounting portion 32 to move backward in the transport direction at the second pitch P2. ing.
[0043]
Then, due to the movement of the first transport placement unit 41 by the first transfer mechanism 211, the five or six photosensitive drums 12 placed side by side on the first frame side placement unit 31 are simultaneously moved. It is configured to be transferred to the V groove 6302 forward in the transport direction on the mounting member 61 at the first pitch P1, and the third frame is moved by the movement of the third transport mounting portion 43 by the first transport mechanism 211. The five or six photosensitive drums 12 mounted side by side on the side mounting portion 33 are simultaneously transferred to the V-groove 6302 forward in the transport direction on the mounting member 61 at the first pitch P1. It is configured as follows.
Further, due to the movement of the second transport mounting portion 42 by the second transfer mechanism 212, the five or six photosensitive drums 12 placed side by side on the second frame side mounting portion 32 are simultaneously moved to the first. It is configured to be transferred to the V-groove 6302 forward in the transport direction on the mounting member 61 at a pitch P2 of 2.
[0044]
According to the transport device 122 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of photosensitive drums 12 are simultaneously transported on the transport path 16 at the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2, similarly to the transport device 22. It is possible to quickly set the photosensitive drum 12 to the inspection locations 16A and 16B and take out the photosensitive drum 12 from the inspection locations 16A and 16B.
In addition, since the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred on the first to third frame side mounting portions 31, 32, and 33 fixed to the frame of the transport device 22, the photosensitive drum 12 can be moved to the inspection locations 16A and 16B. Positioning can be performed accurately.
Therefore, the time required for the appearance inspection of the photosensitive drum 12 is greatly reduced, which is extremely advantageous in reducing the cost of the photosensitive drum 12.
[0045]
In the conveying devices 22 and 122, for the photosensitive drums 12 having different diameters, the height of the support member 66 of the second frame side mounting portion 32 is changed, so that the central axis of the photosensitive drum 12 is changed. And the center axis of the rotating body 92 can be adjusted to the above-described amount e.
In addition, the first transport placement unit 41, the second transport placement unit 42, the third transport placement unit 43, the transfer device T1, and the transfer device T2 are moved up and down by a photosensitive drum having a certain range of drum diameters. The drum 12 is set to have a large size with a margin so that the drum 12 can be handled without changing steps.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the photosensitive drum can be quickly set from the next to the next in the inspection place, the time required for the appearance inspection can be shortened, and the cost of the photosensitive drum can be reduced. Carrying in advantageous photoconductor drum inspectionSendingIs providedThe
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A and 1B are explanatory views of an automatic inspection device for a photosensitive drum, in which FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a front view;
FIG. 2 is an explanatory front view of a transport device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an inspection portion.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the transport device.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a main part of the transport device.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a main part of the transport device.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a power source portion of the transport device.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the rotating device.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the rotating device.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cam and a swing lever portion.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of a main part of the transport device.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Photosensitive drum
22,122 Transport device
31, 32, 33 Frame side mounting part
41, 42, 43 Loading section
51, 52, 53 Transfer mechanism
56 Power source
90 Rotating device
92 Rotating body
94 Driving means for movement
96 Drive means for rotation
201 Lifting frame
203 Lifting mechanism
156A, 156B Fluid pressure cylinder

Claims (9)

複数本の感光体ドラムを搬送路上でそれらの長手方向を平行にした状態でその長手方向と直交する方向に搬送し、搬送路における検査箇所に位置した感光体ドラムの外観検査を行なう感光体ドラム検査で用いられる搬送装置であって、
前記複数本の感光体ドラムをそれらの長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第１フレーム側載置部と、
前記第１フレーム側載置部の搬送方向の下流箇所側に連続して配置され前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第１のピッチと異なる第２のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第２フレーム側載置部と、
前記複数本の感光体ドラムを第１のピッチで並べた状態で前記第１フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第１搬送用載置部と、
前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第２のピッチで並べた状態で前記第２フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第２搬送用載置部と、
前記第１搬送用載置部を前記第１フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇させ、前記第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動し、前記第１フレーム側載置部の上方から下降させて前記第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動させる第１移送機構と、
前記第２搬送用載置部を前記第２フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇させ、前記第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動し、前記第２フレーム側載置部の上方から下降させて前記第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動させる第２移送機構とを備え、
前記第１移送機構による前記第１搬送用載置部の移動により前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に前記第１フレーム側載置部上において前記第１のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成され、
前記第２移送機構による前記第２搬送用載置部の移動により前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に前記第２フレーム側載置部上において前記第２のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成され、
前記第１移送機構と第２移送機構は単一の動力源により駆動されるように構成されている、
ことを特徴とする感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。A plurality of photosensitive drums are transported in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drums in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other on the transportation path, and a photoreceptor drum for inspecting the appearance of the photosensitive drum located at the inspection point in the transportation path A transport device used in inspection,
A first frame-side mounting section that allows the plurality of photosensitive drums to be mounted at both ends in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel and arranged at a first pitch in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; ,
The plurality of photosensitive drums arranged continuously at the downstream side in the transport direction of the first frame side mounting portion are arranged at a second pitch different from the first pitch, and the both ends thereof are mounted. A second frame side mounting portion that enables placement;
A first transporting placement unit capable of placing both ends of the photosensitive drum inside or outside the first frame side placement unit in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at a first pitch; ,
A second transport mounting portion that enables mounting of both ends of the photosensitive drum inside or outside the second frame-side mounting portion in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at the second pitch. When,
The first transport placement unit is raised from below the first frame side placement unit, moved forward in the transport direction at the first pitch, and lowered from above the first frame side placement unit. A first transfer mechanism that moves backward in the transport direction at the first pitch;
The second transport placement portion is raised from below the second frame side placement portion, moved forward in the transport direction at the second pitch, and lowered from above the second frame side placement portion. And a second transfer mechanism that moves backward in the transport direction at the second pitch,
The plurality of photosensitive drums are simultaneously transferred to the front in the transport direction at the first pitch on the first frame side mounting section by the movement of the first transport mounting section by the first transport mechanism. Configured to
The plurality of photosensitive drums are simultaneously transferred to the front in the transport direction at the second pitch on the second frame side mounting section by the movement of the second transport mounting section by the second transport mechanism. Configured to
The first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism are configured to be driven by a single power source.
A photosensitive drum transport apparatus in a photosensitive drum inspection. 前記第１移送機構は、第１搬送用載置部に連結され揺動することで第１搬送用載置部を前記搬送方向に移動させる第１移動用レバーと、前記第１搬送用載置部に連結され揺動することで第１搬送用載置部を昇降させる第１昇降用レバーを含んで構成され、前記第２移送機構は、第２搬送用載置部に連結され揺動することで第２搬送用載置部を前記搬送方向に移動させる第２移動用レバーと、前記第２搬送用載置部に連結され揺動することで第２搬送用載置部を昇降させる第２昇降用レバーを含んで構成され、前記第１移動用レバーと第２移動用レバーは、前記動力源により往復移動される移動用連結部材により相互に連結され、前記第１昇降用レバーと第２昇降用レバーは、前記動力源により往復移動される昇降用連結部材により相互に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。The first transfer mechanism is connected to the first transfer platform and swings to move the first transfer platform in the transfer direction, and the first transfer platform. The first transport lever is configured to include a first lifting / lowering lever that lifts and lowers the first transport mounting unit by swinging the first transport mounting unit, and the second transfer mechanism is coupled to the second transport mounting unit and swings. Thus, the second transfer lever that moves the second transfer placement unit in the transfer direction, and the second transfer placement unit that is connected to the second transfer placement unit and swings to move up and down. The first moving lever and the second moving lever are connected to each other by a moving connecting member that is reciprocated by the power source, and the first moving lever and the second moving lever are connected to each other. 2 Lifting levers are connected to each other by a lifting connecting member that is reciprocated by the power source. Conveying apparatus of the photosensitive drum the photosensitive drum inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that it is. 前記第１搬送用載置部に連結された第１移動用レバーの揺動支点から移動用連結部材との連結箇所までの距離と、第２搬送用載置部に連結された第２移動用レバーの揺動支点から移動用連結部材との連結箇所までの距離とが異なった寸法に設定されていることを特徴とする請求項２記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。The distance from the swinging fulcrum of the first moving lever connected to the first transfer mounting unit to the connection point with the moving connection member, and the second moving connection connected to the second transfer mounting unit 3. The photosensitive drum transport apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distance from the swinging fulcrum of the lever to the connecting portion with the moving connecting member is set to a different dimension. 前記第１移動用レバーと前記第１搬送用載置部とは、搬送方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ上下方向にスライド可能に連結され、前記第１昇降用レバーと前記第１搬送用載置部とは、上下方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ搬送方向にスライド可能に連結され、前記第２移動用レバーと前記第２搬送用載置部とは、搬送方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ上下方向にスライド可能に連結され、前記第２昇降用レバーと前記第２搬送用載置部とは、上下方向に相対的に移動不能にかつ搬送方向にスライド可能に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。The first moving lever and the first transport mounting portion are coupled so as to be relatively immovable in the transport direction and slidable in the vertical direction, and the first lift lever and the first transport mount are connected to each other. The placement unit is connected to be relatively immovable in the vertical direction and slidable in the conveyance direction, and the second moving lever and the second conveyance placement unit are relatively immovable in the conveyance direction. And the second elevating lever and the second transport mounting portion are coupled so as to be relatively immovable in the vertical direction and slidable in the transport direction. The photosensitive drum transport apparatus in the photosensitive drum inspection according to claim 1 . 前記第２フレーム側載置部の搬送方向の下流側に連続して配置され前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第１のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第３フレーム側載置部と、前記複数本の感光体ドラムを第１のピッチで並べた状態で前記第３フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第３搬送用載置部と、前記第３搬送用載置部を前記第３フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇させ、前記第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動し、前記第３フレーム側載置部の上方から下降させて前記第３のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動させる第３移送機構とが設けられ、前記第３移送機構による前記第３搬送用載置部の移動により前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に前記第３フレーム側載置部上において前記第１のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。Thirdly, the plurality of photosensitive drums arranged continuously at the downstream side in the transport direction of the second frame-side mounting portion can be mounted at both ends in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at the first pitch. A frame-side mounting portion and a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged in a first pitch can be mounted on both ends of the photosensitive drum inside or outside the third frame-side mounting portion. 3 transport placement unit and the third transport placement unit are raised from below the third frame side placement unit, and moved forward in the transport direction at the first pitch, the third frame And a third transfer mechanism that is moved down from the upper side of the side placement unit and moved rearward in the conveyance direction at the third pitch, and the third transfer mechanism is moved by the movement of the third transfer placement unit. The plurality of photosensitive drums are collectively placed on the third frame side mounting portion. Conveying apparatus of the photosensitive drum the photosensitive drum inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to be transferred to the front in the conveying direction at the first pitch in. 複数本の感光体ドラムを搬送路上でそれらの長手方向を平行にした状態でその長手方向と直交する方向に搬送し、搬送路における検査箇所に位置した感光体ドラムの外観検査を行なう感光体ドラムの検査で用いられる搬送装置であって、
前記複数本の感光体ドラムをそれらの長手方向を平行にして長手方向と直交する方向に第１のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第１フレーム側載置部と、
前記第１フレーム側載置部の搬送方向の下流箇所側に連続して配置され前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第１のピッチと異なる第２のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第２フレーム側載置部と、
前記複数本の感光体ドラムを第１のピッチで並べた状態で前記第１フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第１搬送用載置部と、
前記複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第２のピッチで並べた状態で前記第２フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第２搬送用載置部と、
前記第１搬送用載置部と第２搬送用載置部を前記搬送方向に移動可能に支持する昇降フレームと、
前記昇降フレームを昇降させる昇降機構と、
前記昇降フレーム上で第１搬送用載置部を第１のピッチで前記搬送方向に往復移動させる第１移送機構と、
前記昇降フレーム上で第２搬送用載置部を第２のピッチで前記搬送方向に往復移動させる第２移送機構と、
前記昇降機構を駆動する昇降用流体圧シリンダと、
前記第１移送機構および第２移送機構を駆動する移送用流体圧シリンダとを備え、
前記昇降用流体圧シリンダによる昇降機構の駆動と、前記移送用流体圧シリンダによる第１移送機構の駆動により、第１搬送用載置部は第１フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇され、第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動され、第１フレーム側載置部の上方から下降されて第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動され、これにより前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に第１フレーム側載置部上において第１のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成され、
前記昇降用流体圧シリンダによる昇降機構の駆動と、前記移送用流体圧シリンダによる第２移送機構の駆動により、第２搬送用載置部は第２フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇され、第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動され、第２フレーム側載置部の上方から下降されて第２のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動され、これにより前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に第２フレーム側載置部上において第２のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成されている、
ことを特徴とする感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。A plurality of photosensitive drums are transported in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drums in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other on the transportation path, and a photoreceptor drum for inspecting the appearance of the photosensitive drum located at the inspection point in the transportation path A transfer device used in the inspection of
A first frame-side mounting section that allows the plurality of photosensitive drums to be mounted at both ends in a state in which the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel and arranged at a first pitch in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; ,
The plurality of photosensitive drums arranged continuously at the downstream side in the transport direction of the first frame side mounting portion are arranged at a second pitch different from the first pitch, and the both ends thereof are mounted. A second frame side mounting portion that enables placement;
A first transporting placement unit capable of placing both ends of the photosensitive drum inside or outside the first frame side placement unit in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at a first pitch; ,
A second transport mounting portion that enables mounting of both ends of the photosensitive drum inside or outside the second frame-side mounting portion in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at the second pitch. When,
An elevating frame that supports the first transfer placement unit and the second transfer placement unit to be movable in the transfer direction;
An elevating mechanism for elevating the elevating frame;
A first transfer mechanism for reciprocally moving the first transfer placement unit in the transfer direction at a first pitch on the lifting frame;
A second transfer mechanism for reciprocally moving the second transfer placement portion at a second pitch in the transfer direction on the lifting frame;
An elevating fluid pressure cylinder for driving the elevating mechanism;
A transfer fluid pressure cylinder that drives the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism;
Due to the driving of the lifting mechanism by the lifting fluid pressure cylinder and the driving of the first transfer mechanism by the transferring fluid pressure cylinder, the first transfer mounting portion is raised from below the first frame side mounting portion, The first photosensitive drum is moved forward in the conveying direction at a pitch of 1, and is lowered from above the first frame side mounting portion and moved rearward in the conveying direction at a first pitch, whereby the plurality of photosensitive drums are moved. It is configured to be transferred to the front in the transport direction at the first pitch on the first frame side mounting portion all at once,
Due to the driving of the lifting mechanism by the lifting fluid pressure cylinder and the driving of the second transport mechanism by the transferring fluid pressure cylinder, the second transfer mounting portion is raised from below the second frame side mounting portion, 2 is moved forward in the transport direction at a pitch of 2, and is lowered from above the second frame side mounting portion and moved rearward in the transport direction at a second pitch, whereby the plurality of photosensitive drums are moved. It is configured to be transported forward in the transport direction at a second pitch on the second frame side mounting portion all at once.
A photosensitive drum transport apparatus in a photosensitive drum inspection. 前記第１移送機構は、第１搬送用載置部に連結され揺動することで第１搬送用載置部を前記搬送方向に移動させる第１移動用レバーを含んで構成され、前記第２移送機構は、第２搬送用載置部に連結され揺動することで第２搬送用載置部を前記搬送方向に移動させる第２移動用レバーを含んで構成され、前記第１移動用レバーと第２移動用レバーは、前記移送用流体圧シリンダにより往復移動される連結部材により連結され、この連結部材の往復移動により前記第１移動用レバーと第２移動用レバーは揺動されることを特徴とする請求項６記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。The first transfer mechanism is configured to include a first moving lever that moves and moves the first transfer mounting unit in the transfer direction by being connected to the first transfer mounting unit and swinging. The transfer mechanism is configured to include a second moving lever that moves and moves the second transfer mounting unit in the transfer direction by being connected to and swinging with the second transfer mounting unit. And the second moving lever are connected by a connecting member reciprocated by the transfer fluid pressure cylinder, and the first moving lever and the second moving lever are swung by the reciprocating movement of the connecting member. 7. The photosensitive drum transport apparatus in the photosensitive drum inspection according to claim 6 . 前記第１移動用レバーが第１搬送用載置部に連結された箇所から第１移動用レバーの揺動支点までの距離と、前記第２移動用レバーが第２搬送用載置部に連結された箇所から第２移動用レバーの揺動支点からまでの距離とが異なった寸法に設定されていることを特徴とする請求項７記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。The distance from the location where the first moving lever is connected to the first transport mounting portion to the swing fulcrum of the first moving lever, and the second moving lever connected to the second transport mounting portion 8. A photosensitive drum transport apparatus in a photosensitive drum inspection according to claim 7, wherein the distance from the formed position to the swing fulcrum of the second moving lever is set to a different dimension. 複数本の感光体ドラムを前記第１のピッチで並べた状態でそれらの両端の載置を可能とした第３フレーム側載置部が、前記第２フレーム側載置部の下流箇所で前記搬送方向に移動可能に昇降フレームで支持され、前記複数本の感光体ドラムを第１のピッチで並べた状態で前記第３フレーム側載置部の内側または外側において感光体ドラムの両端の載置を可能とした第３搬送用載置部が設けられ、前記昇降フレーム上で第３搬送用載置部を第１のピッチで前記搬送方向に往復移動させる第３移送機構が設けられ、前記昇降用流体圧シリンダによる昇降機構の駆動と、前記移送用流体圧シリンダによる第３移送機構の駆動により、第３搬送用載置部は第３フレーム側載置部の下方から上昇され、第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の前方に移動され、第３フレーム側載置部の上方から下降されて第１のピッチで前記搬送方向の後方に移動され、これにより前記複数本の感光体ドラムは一斉に第３フレーム側載置部上において第１のピッチで搬送方向の前方に移送されるように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項６記載の感光体ドラム検査における感光体ドラムの搬送装置。A third frame-side placement section that enables placement of both ends of the plurality of photosensitive drums arranged at the first pitch is transported at a location downstream of the second frame-side placement section. The photosensitive drums are mounted at both ends inside or outside the third frame side mounting portion in a state where the plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged at a first pitch and supported by a lifting frame so as to be movable in the direction. And a third transfer mechanism that reciprocally moves the third transfer mounting portion at a first pitch in the transfer direction on the lifting frame. Due to the driving of the elevating mechanism by the fluid pressure cylinder and the driving of the third transport mechanism by the fluid pressure cylinder for transfer, the third transfer placement portion is raised from below the third frame side placement portion, and the first pitch Is moved forward in the conveying direction, It is lowered from above the frame-side mounting portion and is moved rearward in the transport direction at a first pitch, whereby the plurality of photosensitive drums are simultaneously moved to the first pitch on the third frame-side mounting portion. 7. The photoconductor drum transport device in photoconductor drum inspection according to claim 6 , wherein the photoconductor drum is transported forward in the transport direction.
JP2001318269A 2001-10-16 2001-10-16 Photosensitive drum transport device in photoconductive drum inspection Expired - Fee Related JP3824514B2 (en)

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