JP2008046403A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability in the replacement of a cartridge in an apparatus main body. <P>SOLUTION: When the opening/closing part 50 of the apparatus main body 12 is opened, the process cartridge 28 moves toward the open side of the opening/closing part 50 in synchronization with the opening operation of the opening part 50. That makes it easy to take out the process cartridge 28 from the apparatus main body 12 and improves operability in the replacement of the process cartridge 28 in the apparatus main body 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium.

  As an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are known.

The image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 include a configuration in which an opening / closing part provided in the apparatus main body is detachably provided, and a cartridge as a replacement part in the apparatus main body is replaced by opening / closing the opening / closing part. ing.
JP 2000-039827 A JP 2004-240354 A JP 2005-062326 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-098402

  By the way, in an apparatus like patent documents 1-4, when exchanging the cartridge in an apparatus main part, it is desirable that the operativity is good.

  In view of the above-described facts, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with good operability when replacing a cartridge in the apparatus main body.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges are arranged in a horizontal direction from the front to the back of the apparatus body, and the image forming apparatus can be opened and closed on the apparatus body. And a moving mechanism for moving the cartridge to the opening side of the opening / closing portion in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion.

  According to this configuration, when the opening / closing section provided in the apparatus main body is opened, the cartridge moves to the opening side of the opening / closing section in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing section.

  This makes it easy to remove the cartridge from the apparatus main body, and the operability when exchanging the cartridge in the apparatus main body is good.

  In particular, in an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges are arranged in a horizontal direction from the front to the back in the apparatus main body, a person who replaces the cartridge faces the image forming apparatus from the cartridge arranging direction. When accessing the cartridge, the distance to each cartridge is different, and the ease of taking out each cartridge is different. That is, it is more difficult to take out the cartridge at the back than the cartridge at the front.

  Therefore, if the cartridge in the back moves in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part, it becomes easy to take out the cartridge in the back.

  A plurality of cartridges arranged side by side in the horizontal direction are not only those arranged at the same height in the horizontal direction, but also those that overlap in a predetermined cross-sectional view in the horizontal direction even if they have different heights. In addition, all the plurality of cartridges may not necessarily overlap each other in a horizontal sectional view.

  Further, in addition to the structure of the first aspect, if the cartridge in the foreground is moved to the opening side of the opening / closing part, a space for taking out the cartridge in the back is made, and the cartridge in the back becomes easy to take out. Therefore, you may comprise in this way.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the moving mechanism includes a first cartridge positioned near a free end of the opening / closing portion among the plurality of cartridges. The first cartridge is moved toward the opening side of the opening / closing part at a first opening angle of the opening / closing part, and the second cartridge located farther from the free end of the opening / closing part than the first cartridge is moved more than the first opening angle. It moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part at a large second opening angle.

  According to this configuration, when the opening / closing part is opened up to the first opening angle, the first cartridge located near the free end of the opening / closing part among the plurality of cartridges moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part. When the opening / closing part is opened to a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle, the second cartridge positioned farther from the free end of the opening / closing part than the first cartridge moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part. .

  Thus, since the first cartridge and the second cartridge are moved according to the opening angle of the opening / closing portion, the first cartridge and the second cartridge move with a time difference. That is, after the first cartridge is moved, the second cartridge is moved. As a result, the second cartridge can be moved using the space where the first cartridge was present, and there is no need to separately secure a space for moving the cartridge, so that a plurality of cartridges can be arranged in a compact manner.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second aspect, the first cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, and the second cartridge is a color cartridge.

  According to this configuration, since the monochrome cartridge having a high replacement frequency can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing portion, the operability when replacing the monochrome cartridge is good.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second or third aspect, the opening / closing part opens an upper part of the apparatus main body, and the opening / closing part reads an image on a document. An image reading unit is provided.

  According to this configuration, even when a heavy image reading unit is provided in the opening / closing unit, the first cartridge can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing unit. Therefore, an operation for replacing the first cartridge can be performed. Good sex. Further, in the configuration in which the first cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, it is easy to replace a monochrome cartridge that is frequently replaced. Therefore, even when a heavy image reading unit is provided in the opening / closing unit, the monochrome cartridge is replaced. The operability is good.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the opening / closing part opens an upper part of the apparatus main body, and the opening / closing part includes the plurality of the opening / closing parts. A conveying belt is provided to be opposed to the cartridge and conveys paper between the plurality of cartridges.

  According to this configuration, since the conveyance path of the sheet conveyed between the conveyance belt and the cartridge is opened, it is easy to clear the jam. Further, in the configuration in which the transport belt is provided in the opening / closing section, the cartridge disposed opposite to the transport belt is driven to the lower side of the apparatus main body, so that the cartridge is moved to the open side of the opening / closing section as in the present invention. A moving configuration is particularly useful.

  An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the opening / closing portion opens an upper portion of the apparatus main body, and the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward. The first cartridge can be rotated to the open side.

  According to this configuration, since the first cartridge is moved upward and can be rotated further to the open side, even a vertically long cartridge can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing portion.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the opening / closing portion opens an upper portion of the apparatus main body, the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward, The second cartridge is moved to the open side of the opening / closing part while rotating.

  According to this configuration, since the second cartridge can be rotated using the space that is created by the movement of the first cartridge, the mechanism is not complicated and the size can be reduced.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the moving mechanism includes a cartridge case in which one end is supported by the apparatus main body and accommodates the second cartridge; A link member that is connected to the other end and the opening / closing portion and rotates the cartridge case in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion.

  According to this configuration, the link member connected to the other end of the cartridge case and the opening / closing portion rotates the cartridge case in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion.

  Here, the cartridge case in which the second cartridge is accommodated is supported on the apparatus main body side. For this reason, the load of the opening / closing part does not become excessive, and the operability when opening / closing the opening / closing part is good.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, the operability when exchanging the cartridge in the apparatus main body is good.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a box-shaped apparatus main body 12, and the apparatus main body 12 is provided with an opening / closing unit 50 that opens and closes the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12. . One end (right end in FIG. 1) of the opening / closing part 50 is rotatably supported by the support part 50A, and the upper part of the apparatus main body 12 is opened by turning about the support part 50A. The The opening / closing unit 50 is provided with an image reading unit 52 that reads an image of a document and converts it into an electrical image signal.

  The image reading unit 52 includes a glass platen 54 on which a document to be read is placed. A platen cover 56 for holding a document placed on the platen 54 is attached to the upper part of the platen 54 so as to be openable and closable. The image reading unit 52 scans the irradiation light applied to the document placed on the platen 54 along the horizontal direction (for example, the horizontal direction in FIG. 1), detects the reflected light reflected from the document, and The image is converted into a correct image signal. Further, the image signal is configured to be sent to an exposure device 34 described later.

  On the other hand, the apparatus main body 12 is provided with a paper feed tray 14 in which sheets (recording media) P are stacked in a bundle at a corner portion (an end portion on the upper right in FIG. 1) at the upper portion thereof. .

  A feed roll 16 is disposed immediately above the leading end side (left end side in FIG. 1) of the sheet feeding tray 14 to send the sheet P from the sheet feeding tray 14 while being in pressure contact with the leading end side of the upper surface of the sheet P.

  Further, the apparatus main body 12 is formed with a conveyance path 22 that extends from the leading end of the paper feed tray 14 and extends substantially horizontally in the lateral direction.

  Along the transport path 22, in order from the upstream side in the paper transport direction, a pair of transport rolls 24 that sandwich and transport the paper P, and an endless transport that transports the paper P in close contact with the paper P on which an image is formed. A belt 26 is disposed.

  The conveyor belt 26 is stretched between a stretching roller 27 disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and a stretching roller 29 disposed on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. One of them is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 1), so that the conveyor belt 26 is rotated (circulation driven) in a predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 1).

  A plurality of process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K (hereinafter referred to as 28Y, 28M) corresponding to the respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are disposed below the conveyance path 22 with the conveyance path 22 therebetween. , 28C, and 28K are collectively referred to as 28) along the transport path 22 and arranged in a row in the apparatus body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction. That is, the process cartridge 28K is a monochrome cartridge for forming a monochrome image, and is disposed at a position near the free end of the opening / closing portion 50. The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are color cartridges for forming a color image. It is arrange | positioned in the position far from the free end of the opening / closing part 50.

  Each process cartridge 28 is provided with a photosensitive drum 30 that rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1).

  Around the photosensitive drum 30, the charging roller 32 for charging the photosensitive drum 30 and the charged photosensitive drum 30 are exposed to the photosensitive drum 30 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 30. An exposure device 34 that forms a latent image thereon and a developing roller 36 that attaches and develops toner of each color to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are provided.

  The charging roller 32 and the developing roller 36 are provided in each process cartridge 28, respectively.

  A transfer device 38 for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductive drum 30 to the paper P at a predetermined transfer position is provided on the inner peripheral side of the conveying belt 26 above the photoconductive drum 30. ing.

  A fixing device 40 that fixes the transferred toner image onto the paper P and a discharge roll pair 44 that discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 20 are arranged in this order on the downstream side of the conveyance belt 26 in the paper conveyance direction.

  Next, an image forming operation for forming an image in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image reading unit 52 reads an image from a document placed on a platen and converts it into an electrical image signal. This image signal is input to the exposure device 34.

  On the other hand, the paper P is sent out from the paper feed tray 14, is transported in the lateral direction along the transport path 22 by the transport roll pair 24, and is transported to the transport belt 26. The paper P sent to the transport belt 26 is brought into close contact with the transport belt 26 and transported in the horizontal direction, and sequentially fed to predetermined transfer positions corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black colors.

  On the paper P sent to the predetermined transfer position, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are transferred by the transfer device 38 to form a full color image. Further, the toner image conveyed and transferred to the fixing device 40 is fixed by the fixing device 40. After the toner image is fixed, the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roll pair 44. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

  Here, the moving mechanism 60 for moving the process cartridge 28 to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50 will be described.

  2A and 2B, the moving mechanism 60 according to the present embodiment includes a cartridge case 62 that accommodates the process cartridge 28K and a cartridge case 63 that accommodates the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C. I have.

  The process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are detachably fixed to the cartridge case 62 and the cartridge case 63 by a latch mechanism or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the cartridge cases 62 and 63 are opened at the upper end, and the photosensitive drum 30 of the process cartridge 28 passes through the opening to the sheet P passing between the conveyance belt 26 and the sheet P. It is comprised so that it may contact. The cartridge cases 62 and 63 are opened at the lower ends, and the process cartridge 28 can be attached and detached through the openings.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, protrusions 64 projecting in the lateral direction are formed on both side surfaces of the lower portion of the cartridge case 62, respectively. Guide grooves 65 for guiding the protrusions 64 are formed on the inner wall of the apparatus main body 12, respectively. The guide groove 65 extends in the vertical direction, and has an insertion port formed in the upper portion. The protrusion 64 is inserted into the guide groove 65 from the upper insertion port.

  As a result, when the cartridge case 62 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12, the cartridge case 62 moves downward along the guide groove 65, and the protrusion 64 contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 65 and is positioned at a predetermined position. . Further, the cartridge case 62 is guided upward along the guide groove 65 when taken out from the apparatus main body 12.

  Further, one end portion of the link member 66 is rotatably connected to both side surfaces of the upper portion of the cartridge case 62, and the other end portion of the link member 66 is rotated to both side surfaces of the lower portion of the opening / closing portion 50. They are connected to each other as possible.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the cartridge case 62 is pulled up by the link member 66 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50. When the cartridge case 62 is pulled up and moved upward, the cartridge case 62 moves to the open side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, to the open space formed by opening the opening / closing part 50 (FIG. 3A). And FIG. 3B).

  Further, the cartridge case 62 is moved downward along the guide groove 65 in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing part 50 by the link member 66.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, two laterally projecting protrusions 67 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the cartridge case 63 side by side. Guide grooves 68 for guiding the protrusions 67 are formed on the inner wall of the apparatus main body 12.

  The guide groove 68 is inclined toward the cartridge case 62 and extends obliquely upward, and an insertion port is formed in the upper portion. The protrusion 67 is inserted into the guide groove 68 from the upper insertion port.

  Thus, when the cartridge case 63 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12, the cartridge case 63 moves obliquely downward along the guide groove 68, and the protruding portion 67 contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 68 and is positioned at a predetermined position. The The cartridge case 63 is guided obliquely upward along the guide groove 68 when taken out from the apparatus main body 12.

  In addition, one end of the link member 69 is rotatably connected to a position on both side surfaces of the upper portion of the cartridge case 63 and closer to the process cartridge 28K (leftward position in FIG. 2B). . The other end of the link member 69 is rotatably connected to one end of the link member 70, and the other end of the link member 70 is rotatably connected to both side surfaces of the lower part of the opening / closing part 50. Yes.

  Further, on both side surfaces of the upper portion of the cartridge case 63, at positions away from the process cartridge 28K (positions on the right side in FIG. 2B), projections 71 projecting in the lateral direction are formed. The opening / closing part 50 is provided with a support arm 72 that supports the protrusion 71 when the opening / closing part 50 is opened and closed. A U-shaped hook 72A is formed at the tip of the support arm 72, and the protrusion 71 is engaged with and held by the hook 72A.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the link member 69 and the link member 70 that have been folded extend in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the hook 72A of the support arm 72 is The protrusion 71 is engaged. At this time, the cartridge case 63 remains stationary (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  When the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cartridge case 62 moves in association with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion 50. It rotates using the space which can be done, and it is pulled up by the link members 69 and 70 and the support arm 72, rotating.

  When the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to the opening angle θ2, a space is secured on the lower end side of the cartridge cases 62, 63, and the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C are removed from the openings at the lower ends of the cartridge cases 62, 63, respectively. Can be done.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, since the cartridge case 62 is rotatably connected to the link member 69, the cartridge case 62 is rotated when it is opened to the opening angle θ1. The process cartridge 28K may be removed by moving it.

  2B, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5B, the protrusion 64, the guide groove 65, the link member 66, the protrusion 67, the guide groove 68, and the link member 69. , 70, the protrusion 71 and the support arm 72 are only shown.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration of this embodiment, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the cartridge case 62 is pulled upward in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the opening side of the opening / closing part 50, That is, it moves to the open space formed when the opening / closing part 50 is opened (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  Further, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the link member 69 and the link member 70 that have been folded extend in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the protrusions project on the hooks 72A of the support arm 72. Part 71 engages. (See FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  Next, when the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 63 is pulled up while being rotated by the link members 69 and 70 and the support arm 72 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion 50. .

  When the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 62 is further lifted upward in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50.

  Then, the process cartridge 28 is pulled out from the lower end of the process cartridge 28 (the end without the photosensitive drum 30), and the process cartridge 28 is removed from the cartridge cases 62 and 63 and replaced. As a result, the process cartridge 28 can be removed without touching the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, so that the hand is not soiled and the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is not damaged. After the process cartridge 28 is replaced, the opening / closing part 50 is closed, and the cartridge cases 62 and 63 are returned to their original positions.

  Further, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened, the conveyance path 22 formed between the conveyance belt 26 and the process cartridge 28 is opened, so that it is easy to clear the jam.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, when the opening / closing part 50 provided in the apparatus main body 12 is opened, the process cartridge 28 moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50. . Thereby, it becomes easy to take out the process cartridge 28 from the apparatus main body 12, and the operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28 in the apparatus main body 12 is good.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the process cartridge 28 is arranged in the apparatus main body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction, the person who replaces the process cartridge 28 faces the apparatus main body 12 from the arrangement direction of the process cartridge 28 and performs the process. When accessing the cartridge 28, that is, when accessing the process cartridge 28 from the free end side (discharge tray 20 side) of the opening / closing part 50, the distance to each process cartridge 28 is different, and each process cartridge 28 can be easily taken out. Is different. That is, it is more difficult to take out the process cartridge 28Y at the back than the process cartridge 28K at the front.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K, which is a monochrome cartridge with a high replacement frequency, is arranged on the free end side of the opening / closing part 50 and can be rotated to the opening side, so that the opening / closing part is not greatly opened. Can be exchanged. Further, even in the configuration in which the heavy image reading unit 52 and the conveyor belt 26 are provided in the opening / closing unit 50 as in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing unit. The operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28K is good.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C move separately according to the opening angle of the opening / closing part 50. Therefore, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M are moved with a time difference. , 28C move. Accordingly, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be moved using the space in which the process cartridge 28K is located, and it is not necessary to separately secure a space for moving the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C. The process cartridge 28 can be arranged compactly.

  In addition, since the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are moved while being rotated using the space that is created by the movement of the process cartridge 28K, the mechanism is not complicated and the size can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the moving mechanism 80 according to the second embodiment includes a cartridge case 82 that accommodates the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C.

  The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are detachably fixed to the cartridge case 82 by a latch mechanism or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the cartridge case 82 is opened at the upper end, and the photosensitive drum 30 of the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C passes through the opening between the conveyance belt 26 and the sheet. It is comprised so that P may be contacted. In addition, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be attached and detached through this opening.

  In the second embodiment, the process cartridge 28K is not accommodated in the cartridge case, and projecting portions 84 and 87 projecting in the lateral direction are formed on the lower and central portions of both side surfaces of the process cartridge 28K, respectively. Yes. Guide grooves 85 for guiding the projections 84 and 87 are formed on the inner wall of the apparatus main body 12, respectively. The guide groove 85 extends in the vertical direction and is curved to the free end side (left side in FIG. 6A) of the opening / closing part 50 at the upper part of the apparatus main body 12. Further, an insertion port is formed in the upper portion of the guide groove 85, and the protrusions 84 and 87 are inserted into the guide groove 85 from the upper insertion port.

  Thus, when the process cartridge 28K is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12, the process cartridge 28K moves downward along the guide groove 85, and the protrusion 84 contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 85 and is positioned at a predetermined position. . Further, when the process cartridge 28K is taken out from the apparatus main body 12, the process cartridge 28K rotates while being guided upward along the guide groove 85, and the opening side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, the opening / closing part 50 is opened. The direction is changed to the open space to be formed.

  In addition, support arms 86 that support the protrusions 84 on both side surfaces of the process cartridge 28K are provided. A hook 86 </ b> A for hooking the protrusion 84 is formed at the tip of the support arm 86.

  One end portion of the link member 83 is rotatably connected to the rear end portion of the support arm 86, and the other end portion of the link member 83 is rotatably connected to the lower portion of the opening / closing portion 50.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the process cartridge 28K is pulled up by the support arm 86 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50. When the process cartridge 28K is pulled up and moved upward, the process cartridge 28K moves to the open side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, to the open space formed by opening the opening / closing part 50 (FIG. 7A). And FIG. 7B).

  The process cartridge 28 </ b> K moves downward along the guide groove 85 in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing part 50 by the support arm 86.

  On the other hand, on both side surfaces of the lower part of the cartridge case 82 and at positions close to the process cartridge 28K (positions to the left in FIG. 6B), as shown in FIG. It has been. The cartridge case 82 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 12 by the support shaft 87.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (B), one end of the link member 88 is located on both side surfaces of the lower portion of the cartridge case 82 and away from the process cartridge 28K (a position on the right side in FIG. 6 (B)). Each is pivotably connected. One end portion of the link member 89 is rotatably connected to the other end portion of the link member 88, and the other end portion of the link member 89 is rotatably connected to both side surfaces of the lower portion of the opening / closing portion 50. Yes.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the link members 88 and 89 are extended in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). When the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 82 is pulled up by the link members 88, 89 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50 (FIGS. 8A and 8B). reference).

  When the cartridge case 82 is pulled up, the cartridge case 82 rotates around the support shaft 87, the end is lifted, the upper opening is inclined toward the open side, and the open / close unit 50 moves toward the open side. Through the upper opening, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be removed from the photosensitive drum 30 side.

  6B, 7B and 8B, the protrusions 84 and 87, the guide groove 85, the support arm 86, the link member 83, the support shaft 87, and the link members 88 and 89 are Only one is shown.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  According to the present embodiment, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the process cartridge 28K is pulled up in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the opening side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, the opening / closing. It moves to the open space formed when the part 50 is opened (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The process cartridge 28K moved to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 is removed, and the process cartridge 28K is replaced.

  Next, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 82 is pulled up by the link members 88, 89 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and rotates around the support shaft 87. Then, the end portion is lifted, and the upper opening is inclined toward the open side (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are respectively removed from the photosensitive drum 30 through the upper opening inclined to the opening side of the opening / closing section 50, and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are replaced.

  According to this embodiment, when the opening / closing part 50 provided in the apparatus main body 12 is opened, the process cartridge 28 moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to take out the process cartridge 28 from the apparatus main body 12, and the operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28 in the apparatus main body 12 is good.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the process cartridge 28 is arranged in the apparatus main body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction, the person who replaces the process cartridge 28 faces the apparatus main body 12 from the arrangement direction of the process cartridge 28 and performs the process. When accessing the cartridge 28, that is, when accessing the process cartridge 28 from the free end side (discharge tray 20 side) of the opening / closing part 50, the distance to each process cartridge 28 is different, and each process cartridge 28 can be easily taken out. Is different. That is, it is more difficult to take out the process cartridge 28Y at the back than the process cartridge 28K at the front.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K, which is a monochrome cartridge with a high replacement frequency, is arranged on the free end side of the opening / closing part 50 and rotated to the opening side, so that the opening / closing part is not greatly opened. Can be exchanged. Further, even in the configuration in which the heavy image reading unit 52 and the conveyor belt 26 are provided in the opening / closing unit 50 as in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing unit. The operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28K is good.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C move separately according to the opening angle of the opening / closing part 50. Therefore, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M are moved with a time difference. , 28C move. Accordingly, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be moved using the space in which the process cartridge 28K is located, and it is not necessary to separately secure a space for moving the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C. The process cartridge 28 can be arranged compactly.

  In addition, since the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are moved while being rotated using the space that is created by the movement of the process cartridge 28K, the mechanism is not complicated and the size can be reduced.

  Further, since the cartridge case 82 in which the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are accommodated is supported on the apparatus main body 12 side, the load on the opening / closing part 50 is not excessive, and the operability when opening / closing the opening / closing part 50 is achieved. Is good.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the process cartridge is used as the cartridge according to the present invention has been described. However, the cartridge according to the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an ink cartridge that stores ink. Any cartridge may be used as a replacement part to be replaced in the image forming apparatus.

  In the first and second embodiments, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are positively moved after the process cartridge 28K is moved. However, after the process cartridge 28K is moved, the process cartridge 28K is moved. 28Y, 28M, and 28C may be configured to be movable, and a person who performs an exchange operation may manually move the opening / closing portion 50 to the open side to replace the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are moved together, but may be configured to move separately to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50.

  In the first and second embodiments, the process cartridge 28 is arranged along the horizontal direction. However, the process cartridge arranged in the horizontal direction according to the present invention is not limited to this, for example, FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the process cartridge 28 may be arranged in the lateral direction while gradually shifting upward or downward (in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the right side It gradually shifts upward as you move towards.) FIG. 9A shows an example in which the process cartridge is directed in the vertical direction, and FIG. 9B shows an example in which the process cartridge is inclined obliquely.

  In the first and second embodiments, the process cartridge 28 is arranged with the photosensitive drum 30 facing upward, and the conveyor belt 26 is arranged above the process cartridge 28 so as to face the photosensitive drum 30. The configuration of the present invention is applicable to the image forming apparatus 100 configured as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the process cartridge 28 is arranged in the lateral direction so that the photosensitive drum 30 faces downward. A conveyor belt 26 is disposed facing the lower side of the process cartridge 28. In addition, an opening / closing unit 50 that rotates integrally with the image reading unit 52 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12, and the opening / closing unit 50 rotates about the support unit 50 </ b> A as a fulcrum. The process cartridge 28 can be configured to move in conjunction with the opening of the opening / closing portion 50.

  According to the image forming apparatus 100, the paper P is transported upward from the paper feed tray 14 at the lower part of the apparatus main body, the image is transferred between the process cartridge 28 and the transport belt 26, and is fixed by the fixing device 40. And discharged to the discharge tray 20.

  In the first and second embodiments, the paper P is transported in the horizontal direction, and the paper P is passed between the photosensitive drum 30 of the process cartridge and the transport belt to form an image. The configuration of the present invention is also applicable to the image forming apparatuses 200 and 300 configured as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B.

  In the image forming apparatuses 200 and 300, the process cartridge 28 is disposed in the lateral direction so that the photosensitive drum 30 faces upward. An intermediate transfer belt 25 is disposed opposite to the upper side of the process cartridge 28. According to the image forming apparatuses 200 and 300, the paper P is conveyed upward from the paper feed tray 14 at the lower part of the apparatus main body, and the image primarily transferred from the process cartridge 28 to the intermediate transfer belt 25 is secondarily transferred. The image is fixed by the fixing device 40 and discharged to the discharge tray 20.

  In the image forming apparatus 200, an opening / closing part that rotates integrally with the intermediate transfer belt 25 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 12, and the opening / closing part 50 rotates around the support part 50 </ b> A as a fulcrum. In the image forming apparatus 300, an opening / closing part that opens and closes the inside of the apparatus main body is provided on a side portion of the apparatus main body 12, and the opening / closing part 50 rotates around the support part 50 </ b> A as a fulcrum. The process cartridge 28 can be configured to move in conjunction with the opening of the opening / closing portion 50.

  The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment is closed, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating closing of the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which carried out. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment is opened at a predetermined first opening angle, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which opened the opening / closing part which concerns on predetermined | prescribed 1st opening angle. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment is opened at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle, and FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which open | released the opening-and-closing part which concerns on 1st Embodiment at the 2nd open angle. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state in which the cartridge case according to the first embodiment is rotated, and the movement mechanism in a state in which the cartridge case according to the first embodiment is rotated. It is the schematic which shows a structure. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing part according to the second embodiment is closed, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating closing of the opening / closing part according to the second embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which carried out. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the second embodiment is opened at a predetermined first opening angle, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which opened the opening / closing part which concerns on predetermined | prescribed 1st opening angle. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the second embodiment is opened at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle, and FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which open | released the opening-and-closing part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment at the 2nd open angle. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the process cartridges according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Apparatus main body 26 Conveyor belt 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K Process cartridge 50 Opening / closing part 52 Image reading part 60 Moving mechanism 80 Moving mechanism 82 Cartridge case 88 Link member 89 Link member

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges are arranged in a horizontal direction from the front to the back of the apparatus body,
An opening / closing part provided in the apparatus main body so as to be opened and closed;
In conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part, a moving mechanism for moving the cartridge to the opening side of the opening / closing part,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The moving mechanism moves, among the plurality of cartridges, a first cartridge positioned near a free end of the opening / closing portion to an opening side of the opening / closing portion at a first opening angle of the opening / closing portion, The second cartridge positioned farther from the free end of the opening / closing part than the first cartridge is moved to the opening side of the opening / closing part at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, and the second cartridge is a color cartridge. The opening / closing part opens the upper part of the apparatus main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening / closing unit includes an image reading unit that reads an image on a document. The opening / closing part opens the upper part of the apparatus main body,
5. The transporting belt according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing portion is provided with a transport belt that is disposed to face the plurality of cartridges and transports paper to and from the plurality of cartridges. Image forming apparatus. The opening / closing part opens the upper part of the apparatus main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward and allows the first cartridge to rotate to the open side. The opening / closing part opens the upper part of the apparatus main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward and moves the second cartridge to the open side of the opening / closing portion while rotating the second cartridge. The moving mechanism is
A cartridge case having one end supported by the apparatus main body and accommodating the second cartridge;
A link member connected to the other end portion of the cartridge case and the opening / closing portion, and rotating the cartridge case in conjunction with an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

Images