JPH03200980A - Devices with multiple replacement parts - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability of parts replacement by setting life periods which are integral multiples for plural replacement parts respectively, providing a fixing means which fixes replacement parts set to the same life integrally, and taking out the replacement parts which are set to the same life at the same time. CONSTITUTION:An electrostatic charger 2 and a transfer charger 5 which has the same replacement life are loaded on a cleaning unit 6 which has double replacement life and the cleaning unit 6 is loaded on a photosensitive drum 1 which has further double life respectively. Therefore, even when the running quantity reaches a specific value and the electrostatic charger 2 and transfer charger 5 are taken out with grips 21 and 31, the cleaning unit 6 is still mounted on the photosensitive drum 1 and the electrostatic charger 2 and transfer charger 5 are replaced with new ones independently and respectively. Consequently, the parts having the same life can be taken out together at a time to improve the operability of parts replacement.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is applicable to electrostatic recording devices such as electrophotographic copying machines and optical printers, which include a plurality of replacement parts with different replacement lives. related to the equipment.

[Conventional technology]

In this type of electrostatic recording device, a charger and a toner cartridge are located around the photoreceptor drum.

Replaceable parts such as a developing unit, transfer charger, and cleaning unit are provided.

These replacement parts may vary depending on the number of running parts, e.g.
1,000 toner cartridges, 4 developing units
,000 sheets for both the charging charger and the transfer charger, 16,000 sheets for the cleaning unit, and 32,000 sheets for the photosensitive drum, so that each toner cartridge has a lifespan that is an integral multiple of the shortest lifespan of the toner cartridge. The replacement life is set.

That is, for every photosensitive drum to be replaced once, the cleaning unit must be replaced twice, the charging charger and transfer charger four times, the developing unit eight times, and the toner cartridge 32 times.

In conventional electrostatic recording devices, these replacement parts are each separately and independently attached to the main body of the device in a removable manner (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 166960/1983).
.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in such a conventional electrostatic recording device, each replacement part around the photoreceptor drum was installed independently in the main body of the device.

When replacing parts, it is necessary to take out the old parts one by one from the main body of the device and replace them with new parts, which not only has poor operability during replacement, but there is also a risk of forgetting to replace them.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic recording device that improves operability when replacing one part and eliminates the risk of forgetting to replace it.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention sets a lifespan that is an integral multiple of each of the plurality of replacement parts in a device including a plurality of replacement parts having different replacement lives, and
A fixing means is provided for fixing replacement parts set to have the same lifespan together, so that the replacement parts set to have the same lifespan can be taken out at the same time.

Furthermore, an engagement means that engages with a common replacement jig may be provided for replacement parts set to have the same lifespan, so that the replacement parts set to have the same lifespan can be taken out at the same time.

Furthermore, by removably attaching the first replacement part, which is set to have a first replacement life, to a second replacement part, which is set to have a replacement life that is twice or more than the first replacement life, It is also possible to configure such that the first replacement part can be taken out at the same time as the first replacement part is taken out.

Note that the first replacement part set to the first replacement life,
The second one is set to have a replacement life that is more than twice that of the first one.
It is also possible to provide an engagement means that engages with a common exchange jig for the first and second replacement parts so that the first and second replacement parts can be taken out at the same time.

It is also possible to provide means for locking the installed replacement part and means for detecting that the replacement part has reached the end of its replacement life and releasing the lock.

In the above device, a counting means is provided for counting the number of times the replacement part with the shortest life is replaced, and when the count value of this counting means reaches N@ (N=1.2,...), the above It is even better to detect that a replacement part whose lifespan is N times longer than that of the replacement part whose lifespan is set to be the shortest has reached its replacement lifespan.

Furthermore, there is a counting means for counting the number of times the replacement part with the shortest life is replaced, and when the count value of this counting means reaches N times (N=1.2,...), the replacement part with the shortest life is replaced. It is preferable to provide an indicating means for detecting that a replacement part whose life is set to N times longer has reached its replacement life, and instructing the replacement part that has reached its life.

Furthermore, there is provided a counting means for counting the number of times the replacement part with the shortest life is replaced, and when the count value of this counting means reaches (N-1) times (N=1.2°...). Then, it is detected that a replacement part whose lifespan is N times longer than that of the replacement part with the shortest lifespan reaches its replacement lifespan when the next replacement part with the shortest lifespan is replaced, and reaches its first lifespan.

It is also possible to provide an instruction means for indicating replacement parts.

It should be noted that there is a counting means for counting the number of replacements of the replacement part with the shortest lifespan, a storage means for storing the count value of the counting means for each of a plurality of replacement parts, and a count value of this storage means is N times (N=1゜2,...), it is detected that the replacement part whose life is N times longer than the replacement part with the shortest life has reached its replacement life, and the replacement part that has reached the end of its life is detected. It is preferable to provide an instructing means for instructing a replacement part that has reached the end of its life, and a reset means for resetting the count value corresponding to the replacement part whose life has reached the end of its life and the instruction of the instructing means in the storage means.

Additionally, there is a counter 1-means for counting the number of times the replacement part with the shortest life is replaced, and when the count value of this counting means reaches N times (N=1.2,...), the number of replacement parts with the shortest life is counted. an instruction means for detecting that a replacement part whose lifespan is N times longer than that of the replacement part has reached its replacement life and instructing the replacement part that has reached the end of its lifespan; a reset means for resetting the instruction of the instruction means; It is also possible to provide subtraction means for subtracting 1 from the count value by resetting the reset means.

[For production]

The device with a plurality of replacement parts according to the present invention is as described above.
By configuring this, not only multiple replacement parts set to have the same lifespan, but also replacement parts set to N times the lifespan of the replacement part with the shortest life and which have reached the end of their lifespan can be taken out at the same time, or instructions can be provided. This improves the operability during replacement and eliminates the risk of forgetting to replace it.

Furthermore, if necessary, by resetting the instructions, it is possible to correct the replacement timing of long-life parts, eliminate unnecessary replacement of parts, and at the same time guarantee image quality.

〔Example〕

Embodiments in which the present invention is applied to an electrostatic recording device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 29 schematically shows replacement parts around the photoreceptor drum of an electrostatic recording device. Photoreceptor drum 1 due to charger 2° exposure
A developing unit 4 forms a visible image by attaching toner supplied from a toner cartridge 3 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image. A transfer charger 5 transfers the charged toner on the photosensitive drum 1 after transfer, a cleaning unit 6 removes the charge from the toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 1 after the transfer with a conductive fur brush, and then scrapes it off with a cleaning blade. Although not shown, a discharge lamp or the like is provided to expose the entire surface of the photoreceptor drum 1 to light to erase residual charges after cleaning.

The replacement life of each part is converted into running number, for example, 1,000 sheets for the toner cartridge 3, 2,000 sheets for the cleaning unit 6, 4,000 sheets for the developing unit 4, 4,000 sheets for the electrostatic charger 2 and the transfer charger 5.
8,000 sheets each, and 32,000 sheets per photoreceptor drum
Since the static elimination lamp has a long life, it is not considered a replacement part.

Therefore, while the photosensitive drum 1 is replaced once, the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 must be replaced 4 times, the developing unit 8 times, the cleaning unit 6 16 times, and the toner cartridge 3 32 times. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention applied to an electrostatic recording device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts having different lifespans, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the parts are taken out. This is a diagram.

The photosensitive drum 1 has a front plate 11 and a rear plate 12 on both front and rear end surfaces.
are fixed integrally, and are inserted through an opening provided in the front of the device main body (not shown) to be detachably attached in the axial direction.
At the time of insertion, the rear plate 12 engages with a fixed guide portion on the device main body side to set the mounting position.

The cleaning unit 6 also has a front plate 4 on both front and rear end surfaces.
1 and a rear plate 42 are fixed together, and the front plate 41 is attached to the opening 11 provided in the front plate 11 on the photosensitive drum side.
The rear plate 42 is slightly smaller than the front plate 41 and can be inserted through the opening 11a, and is positioned by engaging with a recess 12a formed in the photosensitive drum rear plate 12 when mounted.

The front plate 41 includes an electrostatic charger 2 and a transfer charger 5.
Through-holes 41a and 41b are provided through which the through-hole 4 can be inserted.
A through hole 41 for holding a static elimination lamp (not shown) adjacent to 1a
The rear plate 42 is provided with recesses 42a and 42b into which the rear ends of the charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 engage, and a through hole (not shown) for holding the static elimination lamp.

Furthermore, there are drawer handles 1 on each of the front plates 11 and 41.
3.43, and pull-out handles 21.31 are also provided on the front surfaces of the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5, respectively.

With the above configuration, the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5, which have the same replacement life, are replaced by the cleaning unit 6, which has twice the replacement life.
is attached to the photoreceptor drum 1 which has twice the replacement life, and the photoreceptor drum 1 which has the longest replacement life.
is attached to the main body of the device (not shown).

Therefore, even when the number of running sheets reaches 8,000 and the charging charger 2 and transfer charger 5 are taken out using the handle 21.31, the cleaning unit 6 remains attached to the photosensitive drum 1, and the photosensitive drum 1 is removed from the device. The charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 can be individually replaced with new parts while remaining attached to the main body.

Next, when the cleaning unit 6 is due to be replaced, the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 are also due to be replaced for the second time.

When the first handle 43 is pulled and the cleaning unit 6 is taken out, the charging charger 2 and transfer charger 5 are also pulled out by being pushed by the rear plate 42, and three missing parts can be taken out and replaced at the same time with one removal operation. This allows only the photosensitive drum 1 to remain attached to the main body of the apparatus.

Furthermore, when it comes time to replace the photosensitive drum 1, the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 are to be replaced for the fourth time, and the cleaning unit 6 is for the second time.

Now, when you pull the handle 13 and take out the photosensitive drum 1 from the main body of the apparatus, it is pushed by the plate 12 and the cleaning unit 6 is pulled out together with the cleaning unit 6.
The charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 1 are also pulled out at the same time by being pushed by the rear plate 42.

In addition, these replacement parts are classified according to their replacement lifespans, and parts that are visible from the outside, such as the front surfaces of the charger 2 and transfer charger 5, and the front plate 41 of the cleaning unit 6, are
By color-coding the front surface of the front plate 11 of the photoconductor drum 1, etc. according to the replacement life, it is possible to recognize at a glance which parts should be replaced at the same time, further improving work efficiency when replacing parts. can be done.

Next, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which parts are taken out.

In this embodiment, the charger 2 and the transfer charger 5, which have the same replacement life, are connected together by a joint 7, and a handle 8 is provided on the joint 7, and by pulling the handle 8, the charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 are connected together. 5 can be taken out at the same time in one movement, and the configuration is the same as that of the previous embodiment except that the cleaning unit front plate 41 is provided with arc-shaped long holes 41d instead of the through holes 41a and 41b. .

According to this embodiment, when there are a plurality of parts having the same replacement lifespan, work efficiency when replacing parts can be significantly improved.

In the above embodiment, the case where each replacement part is removed from the side in the longitudinal direction is explained, but this also applies to the case where each part is replaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, for example, by opening the top cover from above. can do.

In this case, it goes without saying that it is better to color code each part according to its replacement lifespan, not on the side of the part, but on the top surface.

In addition, the charger 2. The engagement surface between the transfer charger 5 and the cleaning unit 6, and the cleaning unit 6
Although an example has been shown in which the engagement surfaces with the photoreceptor drum 1 are provided at the rear end of each component, a bulge may be provided at the front end.

The first thing I mentioned above. In the second embodiment, replacement parts set for the same lifespan are fixed together so that they can be taken out at the same time, and a first replacement part set for the first replacement life is replaced with a replacement part set for the first replacement life. By detachably attaching the second replacement part to the second replacement part, which is set to have a replacement life that is more than twice as long, the first replacement part can be taken out at the same time as the second replacement part is taken out. FIGS. 8 to 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention in which replacement parts set to have the same service life can be taken out at the same time using a replacement jig.

Among the replacement parts shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that, for example, the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 are set to the same lifespan, and the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 6 are set to the same lifespan, which is different from the above lifespan. .

At this time, the same convex engagement groove 2a is formed on the side surfaces of the charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 on the take-out side.

5a with the left and right directions reversed, and similar engagement grooves 4a and 6a are also formed on the side surfaces of the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 6 on the extraction side, respectively, with the directions upside down. 2a.

The distance Q1 between the engagement grooves 5a and the distance Q2 between the engagement grooves 4a and 6a are set to different lengths.

On the other hand, a replacement jig 50 is provided in which hooks 51, 51 with an interval Q1 that can be inserted into these engaging grooves 2a, 5a at the same time protrude from both ends of the bar 53 through the neck 52, and the replacement jig 50 is set to have the same lifespan. When the charged charger 2 and transfer charger 5 reach the end of their lifespans, the hooks 51, 51 are inserted into the large holes of the respective engagement grooves 2a, 5a from the direction of arrow A, as shown in the sixth direction. It is rotated in the direction of arrow B as shown in FIG.

As a result, the neck portion 52 enters the small holes of the engagement grooves 2a and 5a, and the exchange jig 50 is locked to the charging charger 2 and the transfer charger 5.

When the replacement jig 50 is pulled in the direction of arrow C in this state, the charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 can be simultaneously pulled out and replaced.

Similarly, by providing a replacement jig with a distance between the hooks of Q2, the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 6 can be replaced at the same time. This eliminates the risk of accidentally replacing parts that have reached the end of their replacement life.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the photosensitive drum 1 with the longest life can be taken out together with other replacement parts whose lives are shorter than those that are due for replacement.

On the center line of the take-out surface side of the photosensitive drum 1, a pair of flanges 1b, lb and gaps 1c, lc are formed symmetrically with respect to the shaft 1a, and a pair of blades 6 that can be fitted into the gaps 1c, 'lc.
A replacement jig 60 is provided in which hook portions 63, 63 for the electrostatic charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 are formed at both ends of a bar 62 with a bar 62 having a bar 62 protruding from the center thereof. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the width Xi l X3 of each part of the blade 61 and the width X2 of the gap IC are set so that X2>XI>X3.

When the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the end of its replacement life, the blades 61 and 61 of the replacement jig 60 are fitted into the gaps lc and Lc on the photosensitive drum side, and the hooks 63 and 63 are connected to the charger 2 and the transfer charger 5. After fitting into the large holes of the matching grooves 2a and 5a, rotate slightly clockwise. As a result, the photoreceptor drum 1 degree charger 2. The transfer charger 5 is integrally locked to a replacement jig 60 and can be taken out.

In addition, in the above embodiment, 1. Thickness dl of the flange portion 1b,
If dl is varied so that dz>dt, the rotation of the exchange jig 60 will cause the blades 61 to bite into the collar portion 1b more firmly, which is advantageous.

Next, FIGS. 9 to 11 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which has a mechanism for locking parts in the main body of the electrostatic recording device, and detects when the part has reached the end of its replacement life. The lock can be released by pressing the button.

9 and 10, an electromagnet 71 is fixedly installed on the main body 70 side to lock on and off replacement parts such as the electrostatic charger 2 and the transfer charger 5 (only the electrostatic charger 2 is shown in the figure). When the charger 2 is attached, the current to the electromagnet 71 is turned off, and the lock pin 72 protrudes due to its own biasing force, and the charger 2
By fitting into the lock hole 2b provided in the holder, the two are irremovably locked.

When this charger 2 reaches the end of its replacement life,
The signal from the life determination device 101 shown in FIG.
0, and the electromagnet 7
1 is excited, the lock pin 72 retreats from the lock hole 2b against its own biasing force, and the lock mechanism 102 (FIG. 11) of the charger 2 is released.

In this state, when the replacement jig 73 is inserted as shown in FIG. 10, the charger 2 is integrally connected to the replacement jig 73 by a locking mechanism (not shown) on the replacement jig side, and the charger 2 can be taken out. I can do it. At this time, if a similar mechanism is provided on the transfer charger 5 side, two parts having the same replacement life can be taken out at the same time.

In the above configuration, as shown in FIG.
A reflective photosensor 74 is provided on the side, and an escape groove for the lock pin 72 is formed on the exchange jig 73 side, so that the exchange jig 73 can be inserted while the lock pin 72 is in the locked state.
- It is also possible to retract the lock pin 72 when the sensor 74 detects this and the replacement jig detection device 103 shown in FIG. 11 issues a signal.

In this way, only the parts that have reached the end of their replacement life can be automatically selected and removed using one replacement jig.

In addition, if a locking mechanism as described above is provided on the main body 70 side and the replacement part is urged in the removal direction by a spring or the like, and the lock of the part that reaches the end of its replacement life is automatically released, Since only that part automatically protrudes from the main body, it can be easily taken out without using a replacement jig.

Further, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, where 75 is a main body, 76 is an operation button, 77 is a paper ejection slot, 78 is a paper ejection holder, and 79 is a display panel. The display panel 79 attempts to display parts that are ready for replacement.

The display panel 79 is made of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, each replacement part, that is, the photoreceptor drum 1. Electric charger 2. Toner cartridge 3.
Developing unit 4. An arrangement diagram of the transfer charger 5 and the cleaning unit 6 is displayed, and when the toner cartridge 3 reaches the end of its replacement life, the density of only that part becomes black as shown by diagonal lines in the figure, as shown in FIG. 13, and it is time to replace it. Indicate the need. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, each component with the same lifespan is designated, such as the charging charger 2, transfer charger 5, developing unit 4, cleaning unit 6, and photosensitive drum 1. be done.

At this time, when parts with a long replacement life reach their replacement time,
If parts with a shorter lifespan can be pulled out at the same time, it is possible to display only the parts with a longer lifespan and omit instructions for parts with a shorter lifespan that are due for replacement.

In this embodiment, the replacement period for each replacement part is displayed on the display panel provided at the top of the main body.
As shown in the seventh embodiment of the present invention shown in the figure, lighting lamps 2', 2', 3', 3', 4', 4' such as LEDs are provided on the side surface of each component on the outlet side or near the component. 51.5
It is also possible to indicate this by lighting #, 6/, 6#, or to give an instruction by sound from a buzzer, microphone, etc. at the same time as the display.

Furthermore, as in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the display panel 79 displays that each replacement part has reached its replacement time, and the parts are locked on and off as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. It is also possible to make at least a part of the part to be replaced protrude from the main body 75 when replacing the part by providing a mechanism and urging each member in the removal direction.

Here, in order to detect and display the replacement timing of each replacement part, for example, if the toner cartridge 3 is the part with the shortest lifespan, the number of replacements of this toner cartridge 3 is
As shown in FIG. 9, the replacement frequency detection means 110 using a microswitch, a photo sensor, etc. detects the number of replacements, and the results are stored in the memory 111 via the MPU 100. The life of the toner cartridge 3 itself is detected by a general toner remaining amount detecting means or a minimum replacement time detecting means 112 such as a pressure contact sensor.

The replacement life of each replacement part is set to N times the life of the toner cartridge 3 with the shortest life (N is a positive integer of 1, 2, etc.). Depending on the number of times the shortest life parts are replaced, the count becomes the life multiple of each part Nl-, N2゜...
When NN is reached, the MPU 100 instructs the instruction means 113 to replace each part.

FIG. 20 shows a sensor 80 that is provided on the main body side and turns on or off once each time the toner cartridge 3, which is the shortest-life component, is replaced.

This sensor 80 may be a micro switch 81 as shown in FIG. 21, or a photosensor 8 as shown in FIG.
There is no problem even if it is 2.

Note that for parts whose replacement has been confirmed by sending an on/off/on signal from the microswitch 81 to the MPU 100, their data is automatically cleared and reset.

Note that instead of providing the microswitch 81 and photo sensor 82 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a manual switch 87 is provided near the toner cartridge 3 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. A person can also press this switch 87 to reset it.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which electrical means such as a microswitch 81 and a photosensor 82 are used as the sensor 80 for detecting the number of replacements of the shortest life parts, but this can also be done by mechanical means. It is.

23 and 24 illustrate such a mechanism, in which a claw 3a is provided on the toner cartridge 2 in a protruding manner. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, this claw 3a is provided on the main body side.
A rotating body 83 having a large number of teeth 83a that can be engaged with is provided so as to be rotatable only in the clockwise direction via a one-way clutch, and each time the toner cartridge 3 is inserted, the claw 3a engages the teeth 83a of the rotating body 83. The rotating body 83 is pressed to rotate clockwise by one tooth, and the number of times the toner cartridge 2 has been replaced is detected based on the rotation angle of the shaft 83b.

The main body side further includes a plate spring 84 that presses the tip of the toner cartridge 3 downward, and a plate spring 8 that presses the tip of the toner cartridge 3 from the outside in the direction of the arrow.
A bushing lever 85 is provided that can rotate upward in the figure against the biasing force of 4. By pressing this bushing lever 85 in the direction of the arrow, the tip of the toner cartridge 3 is lifted upward and the claw 3a is moved upward. It is retracted from the tooth portion 83a to enable its removal.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, an electromagnetic clutch 86 is provided on the main body side, and the toner cartridge 3 is locked to the main body by engaging the rod 86a with the claw 3a by its own biasing force. When replacing the toner cartridge 3, by energizing the electromagnetic clutch 86 and retracting the rod 86a, the toner cartridge 3 that has reached the time for replacement can be taken out. After inserting a new toner cartridge, the electromagnetic clutch 86 is de-energized and the rod 86a is retracted. It can be locked to the main body by protruding it by its own biasing force.

Therefore, each time the electromagnetic clutch 86 is excited, the signal is
By inputting to U100, toner cartridge 3
The number of exchanges can be counted.

In each of the embodiments described so far, the replacement parts that have reached the end of their replacement life are detected, indicated, and unlocked at that time, so spare parts such as toner cartridges are There is no problem if you constantly stock up on parts.

For other parts, the parts to be replaced may not be ready in time even if the replacement time has come.

To solve this problem, in the counting means shown in FIG. 19, the number of replacements of the toner cartridge 3 reaches Ni-1 for the component with the shortest life span, which is Ni times the toner cartridge 3. When you do, please indicate that in MP.
This is displayed via U100 by blinking the lamp of the instruction means 113, etc., to give advance notice that the toner cartridge needs to be replaced at the next time.

In this way, the corresponding parts can be prepared during the life of one replacement of the toner cartridge, and can be replaced immediately when the replacement time is reached.

In this way, the method of setting the replacement period for parts with longer lifespans by setting the lifespan of each replacement part to N times the lifespan of the shortest lifespan part and counting the number of times the shortest lifespan part is replaced has the following problems. It is pregnant with dots.

That is, if each replacement part is considered not by the lifespan set by a counter but by the actual lifespan determined from detection of deterioration, each part will have a tolerance in lifespan.

For example, if the tolerances of the toner cartridge with the shortest life are all on the negative side of the predetermined life, then if you replace a part with a set life of Ni times that number at the predetermined replacement period, that part will still have sufficient life. It will be replaced while it remains, which is extremely uneconomical.

On the other hand, if the tolerances of the toner cartridge are all on the plus side than the predetermined lifespan, there will be an inconvenience that if a part with a set lifespan of Ni times that number is replaced at the specified replacement period, the lifespan of that part will be shortened. be.

The tolerance of the replacement lifespan of each part is approximately proportional to the lifespan of each part, and parts with a long lifespan are longer than parts with a short lifespan.

Therefore, when replacing parts with a relatively short lifespan, it is desirable to replace them based on the number of replacements of the toner cartridge with the shortest lifespan, and when replacing parts with a long lifespan, it is desirable to actually detect the degree of deterioration of that part and correct the replacement timing. .

As a method of detecting the degree of deterioration of each replacement part with a relatively long life, as shown in FIG. Sensors 91 and 92 are arranged to provide electronic VSI before and after exposure.

Measure VS2 respectively.

Prior to this, the degree of deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 1 itself and the sensor 9
Deterioration data as shown in FIG. 26 showing the relationship with the potentials 1 and 92 is obtained in advance.

Then, the arithmetic device 120 and display device 12 shown in FIG.
1, when the measured potential VS1 of the sensor 91 is smaller than the initial value vO,
If the potential VS2 of the sensor 92 is larger than the value V1, that is, it is determined that the photosensitive drum 1 has reached the end of its life at time T1.

Furthermore, if the potential VS2 is between the values Vl and v2, and the potential ■S1 is out of the range between the values VO and v3,
It is determined that the charger 2 has reached the end of its life.

In addition, for the transfer charger 5, as shown in FIG. 28, the value of the current passing through the casing 5b is measured, and if the value becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it may be due to dirt on the casing or deterioration of the wire. It is determined that the life of the transfer charger 5 is reached.

Further, changes in toner consumption can be detected by the piezoelectric element 93 provided at the bottom of the hopper of the developing unit 4 and the photointerrupter 94 provided in the cleaning unit 6 shown in FIG.

By considering the actual degree of component deterioration in this way, unnecessary component replacement can be eliminated and running costs can be kept to a minimum.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an electrostatic recording device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts without any problems. be able to.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the device including a plurality of replacement parts according to the present invention is configured as described above, it exhibits the excellent effects described below.

In the apparatus according to claim 1, since the fixing means for fixing the replacement parts set to have the same lifespan together is provided, all the parts having the same lifespan can be taken out in one movement, improving the work efficiency of parts replacement. can be done.

In the device according to claim 2, there is no fixing means for the replacement parts, and the replacement jig is provided with an engaging means that can take out parts with the same lifespan at the same time. It becomes possible to take out replacement parts with the same service life at the same time.

In the device according to claim 3, since the part set to have a first replacement life is removably attached to the second part set to have a replacement life that is twice the replacement life, the second replacement part is removed. It is convenient that the first replacement part and the second replacement part can be taken out at the same time.

In the apparatus of claim 4, the function of claim 3 is performed by the replacement jig regardless of the configuration of the component.
The invention can also be applied to ready-made devices.

The device according to claim 5 is provided with a means for locking the installed replacement part and a means for detecting that the replacement part has reached the end of its replacement life and releasing the lock. There is no need to replace parts, and there is no need to forget to replace parts that should be replaced.

In the apparatus of claim 6, the number of replacements of the part with the shortest life is counted and it is detected that the part with a life of N times that number has reached its replacement life, so that all the parts can be replaced with an extremely simple configuration. It is possible to detect the replacement time.

In the device of claim 7, in addition to the configuration of claim 6,
Since the parts that have reached the end of their replacement life are indicated, the parts that should be replaced can be seen at a glance, and replacement mistakes can be prevented.

In the apparatus of claim 8, the replacement part having a lifespan N times longer than the shortest lifespan part is detected and indicated when the count value reaches N-1 times, so that the replacement part reaches its replacement lifespan. This makes it possible to prepare the parts in advance, and prevent the inconvenience of not having parts to be replaced at the replacement time.

In the apparatus according to claim 9, the count value and the instruction corresponding to the part whose replacement life has been reached and replacement is completed are automatically reset, so that the actual degree of deterioration of the part with a long life can be measured. The replacement timing can be corrected, and uneconomical replacement of parts with a low degree of deterioration can be avoided.

In the apparatus of claim 10, in addition to the configuration of claim 9, a subtraction means for subtracting 1 from the count value due to reset is provided, so that the parts whose replacement was postponed last time can be replaced next time without fail. There is no need to worry about forgetting to replace it.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state in which parts are taken out, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the invention. Similarly, FIG. 5 is a front view showing the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the part and the replacement jig, and FIG. 7 is the same. A perspective view showing the engaged state of the two, No. 8
The figure is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the invention, FIG. 10 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 11 is a configuration of the control system. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13 to 16 are explanatory diagrams showing different display examples of the display panel. FIG. 17 is a front view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a perspective view showing the appearance of an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the parts replacement timing indicating device of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a main part illustrating the replacement frequency detection means of FIG. 19. Figures 21 and 22 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the different electrical methods, Figures 23 and 24 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the different in-machine methods, and Figure 25 is replacement parts. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the deterioration degree of replacement parts, Fig. 27 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the deterioration degree determination device, and Fig. 28 is a deterioration degree measurement of the transfer charger. A circuit diagram showing the circuit. FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of replacement parts around the photoreceptor drum of the electrostatic recording device. 1... Photosensitive drum 2... Charger 3... Toner cartridge 4... Developing unit 5
...Transfer charger 6...Cleaning unit 7...Joint 8.13,
21, 31, 43...Handle 50.60,73...Replacement jig 70.75...Body 71...Electromagnet 72...
・Lock pin 79...Display panel 80...Sensor 81...Micro switch 82...
Photo sensor 86... Electromagnetic clutch 1 0 0 1 ↓ 1 2... Electrostatic potential sensor 0... Micro processing unit (MPU) 1.
... Lifespan determination device O... Replacement frequency detection means 1... Memory 112... Detection means O...
Arithmetic device 121... Display device section 3 Figure 8713 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 11] 01 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 26 Figure 27 Fig. 23 Fig. 8m Fig. 24 Fig. 25

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an apparatus including a plurality of replacement parts having different replacement lives, each of the plurality of replacement parts is set to have a lifespan that is an integral multiple, and replacement parts set to have the same lifespan are integrated. 1. A device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts, characterized in that a fixing means is provided to allow replacement parts set to have the same lifespan to be taken out at the same time. 2. In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts having different replacement lives, each of the plurality of replacement parts is set to have a life that is an integral multiple, and the replacement parts set to the same lifespan are engaged with a common replacement jig. 1. A device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts, characterized in that an engaging means is provided to allow replacement parts set to have the same lifespan to be taken out at the same time. 3. In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts having different replacement lifespans, each of the plurality of replacement parts is set to have a lifespan that is an integer multiple, and the first replacement part set to the first replacement life is By removably attaching it to the second replacement part whose replacement life is set to be twice or more than the first replacement life, the first replacement part can be taken out at the same time as the second replacement part is taken out. A device comprising a plurality of replacement parts, characterized in that the device is configured to have a plurality of replacement parts. 4. In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts having different replacement lives, each of the plurality of replacement parts is set to have a life that is an integral multiple, and the first replacement part is set to have a first replacement life; A second replacement part whose replacement life is set to be twice or more than the first replacement life is provided with an engaging means that engages with a common replacement jig, and the first and second replacement parts are simultaneously removed. A device with a plurality of replacement parts, characterized in that: 5. In a device equipped with multiple replacement parts with different replacement lives, it shall be provided with a means to lock the installed replacement parts and a means to detect when the replacement parts have reached their replacement lifespan and release the lock. Equipment with multiple replacement parts featuring features. 6. In the device having a plurality of replacement parts according to claim 5, each of the plurality of replacement parts is set with a lifespan that is an integer multiple, and the lifespan of the replacement part with the shortest life is set among the replacement parts for which the replacement life is set. A counting means for counting the number of exchanges is provided, and the count value of the counting means is N times (N=
1, 2, ...), it is detected that a replacement part whose lifespan is set to be N times longer than the replacement part whose lifespan is set to be the shortest has reached its replacement lifespan. Equipment with replacement parts. 7. In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts with different replacement lives, each of the plurality of replacement parts is set with a life that is an integral multiple, and the replacement part with the shortest life among the replacement parts for which the replacement life has been set is set. A counting means for counting the number of exchanges, and a count value of the counting means is N times (N=1,
2, ...), it is detected that a replacement part whose lifespan is N times longer than that of the replacement part with the shortest lifespan has reached its replacement lifespan, and an instruction is given to specify the replacement part that has reached its lifespan. A device comprising a plurality of replacement parts, characterized in that it is provided with means. 8 In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts with different replacement lives, set a lifespan that is an integral multiple of each of the plurality of replacement parts, and set the lifespan of the replacement part with the shortest life among the replacement parts for which the replacement life has been set. A counting means for counting the number of exchanges, and a count value of the counting means is (N-1) times (
When N = 1, 2, ...) is reached, the replacement part whose life is set to N times the life of the replacement part with the shortest life reaches its replacement life when the replacement part with the shortest life is replaced next. 1. An apparatus comprising a plurality of replacement parts, characterized in that an apparatus is provided with an instruction means for detecting this and instructing a replacement part that will reach the next lifespan. 9 In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts with different replacement lives, set a lifespan that is an integral multiple of each of the plurality of replacement parts, and set the lifespan of the replacement part with the shortest life among the replacement parts for which the replacement life has been set. a counting means for counting the number of replacement parts, a storage means for storing the count value of the counting means for each of the plurality of replacement parts, and a count value of the storage means reaches N times (N=1, 2, . . . ). an instruction means for detecting that a replacement part whose lifespan is N times longer than that of the replacement part with the shortest life has reached its replacement life, and instructing a replacement part that has reached the lifespan; and a reset means for resetting the count value corresponding to the replacement part that has reached the lifespan of the storage means and the instruction of the indicating means by the replacement of the replacement part. Device. 10 In a device equipped with a plurality of replacement parts having different replacement lifespans, set a lifespan that is an integral multiple of each of the plurality of replacement parts, and set the lifespan of the replacement part with the shortest life among the replacement parts for which the replacement lifespan has been set. A counting means for counting the number of exchanges, and a count value of the counting means is N times (N=1,
2,...), it is detected that a replacement part whose lifespan is N times longer than the replacement part with the shortest lifespan has reached its replacement lifespan, and an instruction is given to specify the replacement part that has reached the lifespan. An apparatus comprising a plurality of replaceable parts, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: a reset means for resetting the instruction of the instruction means; and a subtraction means for subtracting 1 from the count value by resetting the reset means.