JP2011154062A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, capable of removing a jam stably while a paper conveyance passage is kept uncovered, without detaching a developing device from the body of the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The internal faces of the right and left sides 100b of the image forming apparatus 100 have second guide rails 30 with which the protrusions 20a of a developing unit 20 slidably engage. At the front end of each second guide rail 30 and in a jam removal position where the developing unit 20 is able to uncover a first paper conveyance path 12, there are provided: a recess 31 which is able to support the projection 20a so as to prevent the projection 20a from moving toward the rear; and a restricting member 32 which is supported on the front side of the corresponding recess 31 so as to be vertically exposed or retracted relative to the second guide rail, retracts below the second guide rail 30, thereby allowing passage of the corresponding projection 20a toward the front and the rear, and projects above it, thereby restricting passage of the projection 20a toward the front. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and a laser printer, and more particularly to a jam processing in a paper conveyance path.

  In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, a printer, and a FAX, a powder developer is mainly used, and an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum is developed with the developer. A process is generally performed in which the toner image is visualized and the toner image is transferred from a paper feed cassette onto a recording medium, and then a fixing process is performed. The image forming apparatus may be provided with a developing unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body in order to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum.

  Such an image forming apparatus is shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an external appearance of a conventional image forming apparatus, and FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the top cover of the conventional image forming apparatus is opened from the left side of FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a top cover and a manual feed tray of a conventional image forming apparatus are opened from the right side of FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the developing unit is attached to the apparatus main body, and FIG. 14 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the developing unit is detached.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an upper surface cover (exterior cover) 100 a and a manual feed tray (side cover, exterior cover) 11 are provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100. The upper surface cover 100a is disposed on the front surface side of the upper surface of the apparatus main body, and is supported so as to be openable and closable so as to stand substantially vertically upward with the rear surface side end as a fulcrum as shown in FIGS. Further, when the top cover 100a is opened, the developing unit (developing means) 20 appears.

  The manual feed tray 11 constitutes a front cover of the apparatus main body, and is disposed on the upper surface side of the apparatus main body front surface and immediately above the paper feed cassette 10. As shown in FIG. It is supported to be openable and closable so that it lies in a generally horizontal position. On the tray surface (inner surface) 11a of the manual feed tray 11, paper can be placed (accommodated) in a lying state, and a paper guide 11b for positioning the paper in the width direction is provided on the tray surface 11a. It has been. Further, the upper surface cover 100a and the manual feed tray 11 are arranged so that the open / close end portions are close to each other at the upper surface side and the front surface side end portion of the apparatus main body.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the developing unit 20 is detachable from the apparatus main body, and includes a developing device 8 having a developing roller 8a (see FIG. 13) and a toner container 9. When the developing unit 20 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the developing unit 20 is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 5 and is supplied from the paper feed cassette 10 or the manual feed tray 11 as shown in FIG. A part of the upper surface of the first paper transport path 12 for transporting the paper to the photosensitive drum 5 is configured.

  Further, the developing unit 20 is formed with protrusions 20a projecting outward from both ends in the longitudinal direction (a direction perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction and a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 13). A groove-shaped first guide rail 51 that can be engaged with the protrusion 20a is formed on the inner surface of the portion 100b. The first guide rail 51 is formed obliquely upward from the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 5 to the front side (detachment side) of the apparatus main body, and the protrusion 20 a slides on the first guide rail 51. The developing unit 20 is guided by the first guide rail 51.

  Then, the top cover 100a and the manual feed tray 11 are opened, and the developing unit 20 is inserted into the apparatus main body along the first guide rail 51, so that the developing unit 20 faces the photosensitive drum 5 as shown in FIG. The developing unit 20 can be detached from the apparatus main body as shown in FIG. 14 by pulling out the developing unit 20 along the first guide rail 51 from this position. Yes.

  In such an image forming apparatus 100, when a jam occurs in the first paper transport path 12, the first paper transport path 12 is opened by taking out (detaching) the developing unit 20 from the apparatus main body, and jam processing is performed. Is going. At this time, it is necessary to place the developing unit 20 detached from the apparatus main body on a floor or a table and perform jam processing, or hold it with one finger and perform jam processing with the other finger.

  However, when the developing unit 20 is placed on a floor or a table, the toner on the developing roller 8a may be spilled due to an impact at the time of placing, and the floor or the like may be soiled. In addition, staples and the like are attracted and attached to the surface of the developing roller 8a exposed to the outside from the developing unit 20, and image formation may occur if image formation is performed in this state.

  Here, for example, in Patent Document 1, a cartridge main body that stores toner, a photosensitive member that forms a toner image with toner, and a photosensitive member that is rotatably held in the cartridge main body while the photosensitive member is rotatably held. A method is disclosed in which the photosensitive member can be easily detached by providing a rotating unit that rotates to a detachable position, thereby reducing the economic burden on the user.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, based on the detection result of the replacement timing of the image forming process unit, the opening / closing door is opened and the image forming process unit is pushed out from the mounted state to the outside of the apparatus main body, so that the operator needs to replace it. A method is disclosed that allows the user to know and exchange easily.

  Patent Document 3 also provides a locking member that moves in conjunction with the door so that a removable consumable is fixed in place when the door that is rotatably attached to the main body and opens and closes the first opening is closed. Thus, a method for reducing the risk of the consumables (developing means) being damaged during transportation of the image forming apparatus is disclosed.

JP 2001-242703 A JP-A-2005-215104 JP 2009-020515 A

  However, according to the method of Patent Document 1, the paper conveyance path cannot be opened even if the photosensitive member is rotated to a position where it can be removed. In addition, in order to perform jam processing, it is necessary to detach the toner container from the apparatus main body after rotating the photosensitive member. In the method of Patent Document 2, the paper transport path is not opened only by pushing out the process unit, and it is necessary to take out the process unit separately. The method of Patent Document 3 is a method for fixing a consumable item at a fixed position, that is, a position for forming a conveyance path, and is not a method for fixing the consumable item in the middle of detachment.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing jam processing in a state in which a sheet conveyance path is stably opened without detaching the developing unit from the outside of the apparatus main body. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image carrier and a device main body that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, and constitutes a part of a paper transport path by being attached to the apparatus main body and a developer on the image carrier. A developing means for supplying the developing means, a protrusion projecting outward from the developing means in a direction perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction of the developing means, and a slantingly inclined upward toward the detaching side of the developing means. The projecting portion is slidably engaged to guide the developing means along the attaching / detaching direction, and is supported by the apparatus main body so as to be opened and closed. The developing means is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus, the developing member is formed at a position where the developing unit can open the paper conveyance path, and the protrusion is the developing member. Does not move to the wearing side of the means A support portion that can be supported in a slidable manner, and is supported so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction with respect to the guide member on the detaching side of the support portion, and the protrusion portion is attached and detached by being recessed below the guide member. And a restricting member capable of restricting the passage of the protrusion in the attaching / detaching direction by protruding upward.

  Further, the present invention is provided with a biasing member that biases the restricting member upward, and the restricting member has a gripping portion for moving the restricting member downward against the biasing force of the biasing member. It is characterized by the formation.

  According to the present invention, an upper end portion of the regulating member is inclined upward toward the mounting side, and an inclined portion that allows the developing unit to be pressed from the detaching side is formed, and the developing unit is mounted. The regulating member is immersed below the guide member when the inclined portion is pressed against the protrusion, and protrudes above the guide member when the pressing by the protrusion is released. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the exterior cover includes a top cover that opens upward and a side cover that opens sideways, the opening and closing ends of which are in close proximity to each other, and the inner surface of the side cover has an opening when the side cover is opened. A guide portion is provided that supports the developing means and can guide in the attaching / detaching direction.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the side cover is a manual feed tray for supplying paper to the paper transport path.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, the developing unit is formed at the detachable end of the guide member at a position where the sheet conveying path can be opened, so that the protrusion does not move to the mounting side of the developing unit. A support part that can be supported and supported so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction with respect to the guide member on the detaching side of the support part, and allowing the protrusion part to pass in the attaching / detaching direction by being recessed below the guide member. And a restricting member capable of restricting the passage of the protruding portion in the attaching / detaching direction by projecting to the developing member, stably supporting the developing means while being guided by the guide member and being detached, and opening the paper conveyance path. can do.

  Accordingly, it is possible to stably open the sheet conveyance path and perform jam processing without detaching the developing unit from the outside of the apparatus main body. Further, when the developing means is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, it can be easily attached or detached simply by moving the regulating member downward.

  According to the second configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the first configuration, a biasing member that biases the regulating member upward is provided, and the regulating member is attached to the regulating member. By forming a gripping part for moving downward against the urging force, when performing jam processing, the regulating member is more reliably protruded from the guide member to prevent the developing means from dropping from the apparatus main body. be able to. Further, when the developing means is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, it can be attached or detached more easily by simply grasping the grip portion and moving the restricting member downward.

  According to the third configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the second configuration, the upper end portion of the regulating member is inclined upward toward the mounting side, and the developing unit can be pressed from the detachment side. When the developing means is mounted, the restricting member is immersed below the guide member when the inclined portion is pressed against the projection, and the guide is released when the pressure by the projection is released. By projecting upward from the member, the regulating member can be immersed below the guide member only by moving the developing means along the guide member to the mounting side.

  Thus, the developing means can be easily attached to the apparatus main body. Further, since the regulating member automatically protrudes after the developing means passes through the inclined portion to the mounting side, the next time the jam processing is performed, the developing means can be more reliably prevented from dropping from the apparatus main body.

  Further, according to the fourth configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having any one of the first to third configurations, the exterior cover includes an upper surface cover that opens and closes and a side that is close to each other, and a side cover. A side cover that opens to the side, and by providing a guide portion on the inner surface of the side cover that supports the developing means when the side cover is opened and can be guided in the attaching / detaching direction, the paper transport path is more stable during jam processing. Can be released. In addition, when the developing unit is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, the developing unit can be moved along the guide portion, so that the developing unit can be attached and detached more easily.

  Further, according to the fifth configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the fourth configuration, the side cover is a manual feed tray for storing the paper supplied to the paper transport path. It is possible to prevent addition and complexity of the configuration.

1 is a schematic side sectional view showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Schematic side sectional view showing a configuration around a guide member used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment Schematic side view showing a regulating member provided in a guide member used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment Schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a regulating member provided in a guide member used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is immersed below the guide member. Schematic side sectional view showing a state in which a developing unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is supported at a jam processing position. Schematic side sectional view showing a state of a regulating member when a developing unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a guide unit of a manual feed tray used in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, together with a developing unit guided by the guide tray. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the developing unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is supported by the guide unit from the upper right of FIG. 7, and FIG. 8A is a state in which the developing unit is in contact with the guide unit. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing unit is in contact with the guide portion. Schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the developing unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is in contact with the guide portion Schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional image forming apparatus FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a top cover of a conventional image forming apparatus is opened from the left side of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a top cover and a manual feed tray of a conventional image forming apparatus are opened from the right side of FIG. Schematic side sectional view showing a state in which a developing unit is mounted on a conventional image forming apparatus Schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the developing unit is detached from the conventional image forming apparatus

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in FIGS. 10-14, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in an image forming apparatus (printer) 100, when performing an image forming operation, a photosensitive drum 5 that rotates clockwise in the drawing is uniformly charged by a charging unit 4 and is based on document image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 5 by a laser beam from an exposure unit (laser scanning unit or the like) 7, and a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is applied to the electrostatic latent image by a developing unit (developing unit) 20. A toner image is formed by adhesion.

  The developing unit 20 includes a developing device 8 and a toner container 9, toner is supplied from the toner container 9 to the developing device 8, and the photosensitive drum 5 is supplied from a developing roller 8 a provided in the developing device 8. Toner is supplied to the printer. Details of the developing unit 20 will be described later. The image data is transmitted from a personal computer (not shown) or the like. Further, a static eliminating device (not shown) for removing residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is provided on the downstream side of the cleaning unit 6 with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 5 (clockwise in the drawing).

  The sheet P is directed from the sheet feeding cassette 10 or the manual feed tray 11 to the photosensitive drum 5 on which the toner image is formed as described above via the first sheet conveying path (sheet conveying path) 12 and the registration roller pair 13. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred to the paper P by the transfer roller 14 (image transfer unit). Then, the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 5 and conveyed to a fixing unit 15 having a fixing roller pair 15a to fix the toner image. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 15 is conveyed to the upper part of the apparatus by the second sheet conveying path 16 and is discharged to the discharge tray 18 from the discharge roller pair 17.

  Here, when a jam occurs in the first paper transport path 12, if the developing unit 20 is detached from the apparatus main body to perform the jam processing, the toner leaks as described above, or the staple of the stapler enters the developing roller 8a. Or the like may be adsorbed or the developing unit 20 may be dropped. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a concave portion (supporting portion) 31 and a regulating member 32 are provided at the front side (detachment side) end portion of the second guide rail 30 that guides the developing unit 20 when attaching and detaching, and the developing unit is provided in the concave portion 31. 20 was stably supported and jammed.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a configuration around the guide member used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a regulating member provided on the guide member used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the regulating member provided in the guide member used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is immersed below the guide member. Portions common to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by common reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of second guide rails (guide members) 30 for detachably guiding the developing unit 20 with respect to the apparatus main body are formed on the inner side surfaces of the left and right side surfaces 100b of the apparatus main body. ing. The second guide rail 30 is formed in a groove shape in which the left and right side surfaces 100b are cut out, and upwards from the back side (mounting side, left side in the figure) of the apparatus main body toward the front side (detaching side, right side in the figure). It is inclined to. Further, at the position facing the rotation axis of the developing roller 8a in the developing unit 20 from the both outsides, it protrudes toward the both outsides in the direction perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction, that is, the left and right side surfaces 100b, and slides on the second guide rail 30. A protrusion 20a is formed that is guided by the lever.

  When the protrusion 20 a is guided to the back side along the second guide rail 30, the developing roller 8 a is disposed at a position facing the photoconductive drum 5, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum 5. Toner can be supplied to the image. Further, the bottom of the developing unit 20 can constitute a part of the upper side surface of the first paper transport path 12 by being disposed at the facing position. On the other hand, the developing unit 20 can be detached from the apparatus main body by being guided from the facing position along the second guide rail 30 to the front side of the apparatus main body (see FIG. 4).

  The recess 31 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the side by cutting the lower surface of the second guide rail 30 downward. Further, the concave portion 31 is formed in such a size that the protruding portion 20a of the developing unit 20 can be fitted therein. When the protrusion 20a is fitted into the recess 31, the developing unit 20 is supported so as not to slide to the mounting side by its own weight and move to the position where the developing unit 20 opens the first paper transport path 12 (jam processing position). (See FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a regulating member 32 is supported on the front side of the recess 31 in the second guide rail 30 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The restricting member 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view, and an upper end portion of the restricting member 32 has an inclined portion 32a that is inclined upward toward the back side by cutting out the front end portion of the upper end portion. Is formed. As will be described later, when the regulating member 32 moves upward, the inclined portion 32a protrudes upward from the second guide rail 30 as shown in FIG. 2, and when the regulating member 32 moves downward, the inclined portion 32a is inclined as shown in FIG. The part 32 a is immersed below the second guide rail 30.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the regulating member 32 protrudes above the second guide rail 30, the passage of the protruding portion 20 a fitted in the recessed portion 31 to the front side can be regulated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the developing unit 20 from falling to the outside of the apparatus main body (the right side in the figure). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the regulating member 32 is immersed below the second guide rail 30, development is permitted by allowing the projection 20 a to pass on the front side and the back side (detachment direction). Mounting and detaching of the unit 20 from the apparatus main body can be permitted.

  In addition, a gripping portion 32b is formed below the inclined portion 32a at the front end portion of the regulating member 32. The gripping portion 32b protrudes to the front side from the second guide rail 30. By gripping the gripping portion 32b with fingers. The restricting member 32 can be moved in the vertical direction (here, downward as described later).

  A compression spring (biasing member) 33 is disposed below the regulating member 32 along the vertical direction. The upper end of the compression spring 33 is connected to the lower end of the regulating member 32 and the lower end is provided in the apparatus main body. It is connected to a fixed part (not shown). By the compression spring 33, the regulating member 32 is biased so that the inclined portion 32 a protrudes upward from the second guide rail 30.

  Next, the operation of pulling the developing unit 20 from the position facing the photosensitive drum 5 to open the first paper transport path 12, the detaching operation of the developing unit 20 from the apparatus main body, and the mounting operation will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the developing unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is supported at the jamming position of the guide member, and FIG. 6 is used for the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state of a restricting member when the developed developing unit is attached to the apparatus main body. Portions common to FIGS. 2 to 4 are denoted by common reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  When the upper surface cover 100a and the manual feed tray 11 are opened (see FIG. 12) and the developing unit 20 is pulled out from the position facing the photosensitive drum 5 (see FIG. 2), the protruding portion 20a of the developing unit 20 becomes the second guide rail 30. Along the front side. As shown in FIG. 5, when the protrusion 20a of the developing unit 20 reaches the recess 31, the protrusion 20a fits into the recess 31, and the regulating member 32 comes into contact with the front side of the protrusion 20a.

  When the developing unit 20 is thus disposed at the jam processing position where the protruding portion 20a fits into the concave portion 31, the first paper transport path 12 is opened. In this state, the jammed paper in the first paper transport path 12 can be removed by inserting a finger from a space in the upper part of the apparatus body formed by opening the top cover 100a.

  At this time, the protrusion 20a fits into the recess 31 so that the rear surface of the developing unit 20 can be prevented from moving to the side. In addition, since the restricting member 32 abuts the protrusion 20a from the front side, the passage of the protrusion 20a to the front side can be restricted, so that the developing unit 20 can be prevented from dropping from the apparatus main body. . Thereby, the open state of the 1st paper conveyance path 12 can be maintained stably.

  Thus, by providing the concave portion 31 and the regulating member 32 in the second guide rail 30, the developing unit 20 is stably supported in the middle of being guided by the second guide rail 30 and detached, and the first paper transport path is provided. 12 can be opened.

  On the other hand, when a complicated jam occurs in the first paper transport path 12 and the jam processing cannot be performed without removing the developing unit 20, or when the developing unit 20 is replaced or maintenance is performed, the developing unit 20 is removed. It is necessary to detach from the apparatus main body. In such a case, first, the developing unit 20 is once pulled out to the jam processing position and placed in the recess 31. In this state, when the gripping portion 32b of the regulating member 32 is grasped with a finger or a tool and pulled down, the regulating member 32 moves downward against the urging force of the compression spring 33 and moves below the second guide rail 30. Immerse yourself.

  Thereby, the restriction of the protruding portion 20a by the restriction member 32 is released, and the developing unit 20 can be detached from the apparatus main body. When detaching the developing unit 20, for example, one of the right and left regulating members 32 is moved downward to take out one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20, and then the other regulating member 32 is moved downward. By removing the other longitudinal end of the developing unit 20, the developing unit 20 can be detached.

  Thus, by taking out one by one, it is possible to prevent the developing unit 20 from being taken out easily at normal times. Then, after the developing unit 20 is detached, when the finger or the like is released from the grip portion 32 b, the regulating member 32 projects upward from the second guide rail 30 by the urging force of the compression spring 33.

  On the other hand, when the developing unit 20 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the projecting portion 20a is brought into contact with the inclined portion 32a of the regulating member 32 from the front side, and the developing unit 20 is moved to the back side as it is. As shown in FIG. 6, the inclined portion 32a is pressed against the projection 20a, the restricting member 32 moves downward against the urging force of the compression spring 33, and enters below the second guide rail 30 (FIG. 6). 4). Thereby, the developing unit 20 can be easily mounted and disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 5 (see FIG. 2).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the developing unit 20 is formed at the front end of the second guide rail 30 and at the jam processing position where the first paper transport path 12 can be opened, and the protrusion 20a is on the back side. A recessed portion 31 that can be supported so as not to move, and is provided on the front side of the recessed portion 31 so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction with respect to the second guide rail 30. And a regulating member 32 that allows passage of the projection 20a to the front side by protruding upward and allowing the passage to the front side.

  As a result, the developing unit 20 can be stably supported while being guided by the second guide rail 30 and detached, and the first sheet transport path 12 can be opened. The first paper transport path 12 can be opened stably without being detached, and jam processing can be performed. Further, when the developing unit 20 is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, it can be easily attached or detached simply by moving the regulating member 32 downward.

  In the present embodiment, a compression spring 33 that biases the regulating member 32 upward is provided, and a gripping portion for moving the regulating member 32 downward against the biasing force of the compression spring 33 is provided on the regulating member 32. Since the 32b is formed, when the jam processing is performed, the regulating member 32 can be more reliably protruded from the second guide rail 30 to prevent the developing unit 20 from dropping from the apparatus main body. Further, when the developing unit 20 is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, the developing unit 20 can be easily attached to or detached from the apparatus main body simply by grasping the grip portion 32b and moving the regulating member 32 downward.

  In addition, since the regulating member 32 automatically protrudes upward just by releasing the finger or the like holding the grip portion 32b, the next time the jam processing is performed, the developing unit 20 is more reliably dropped from the apparatus main body. Can be prevented. However, if the restricting member 32 can be moved in the vertical direction, the compression spring 33 and the gripping portion 32b can be omitted. If the compression spring 33 is not used, the restricting member 33 is grasped with fingers or the like. Thus, the second guide rail 30 can be moved up and down. Further, the urging method of the restricting member 32 is not particularly limited to this embodiment, and for example, a leaf spring or the like can be used instead of the compression spring 33.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the developing unit 20 is mounted at the upper end portion of the regulating member 32, the inclined portion 32 a that is inclined upward toward the back side and the developing unit 20 can be pressed from the front side is formed. The regulating member 32 is immersed below the second guide rail 30 when the inclined portion 32a is pressed by the protruding portion 20a, and is higher than the second guide rail 30 when the pressing by the protruding portion 20a is released. Therefore, the regulating member 32 can be immersed below the second guide rail 30 only by moving the developing unit 20 to the back side along the second guide rail 30.

  Thereby, the developing unit 20 can be easily attached to the apparatus main body. Further, after the protruding portion 20a passes through the inclined portion 32a to the back side, the regulating member 32 automatically protrudes upward, so that the next time the jam processing is performed, the developing unit 20 can be more reliably removed from the apparatus main body. Can be prevented from falling. In addition, it can also be set as the structure which does not form the inclination part 32a in the control member 32. FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a guide unit of a manual feed tray used in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention together with a developing unit guided by the guide tray, and FIG. 8 is an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the developing unit used in the apparatus is supported by the guide unit from the upper right of FIG. 7, and FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a state in which the developing unit contacts the guide unit; FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing unit is in contact with the guide unit, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the developing unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is in contact with the guide unit. It is side surface sectional drawing. Portions common to FIGS. 2 to 6 are denoted by common reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. 7 and 9, the paper guide 11b is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, when the manual feed tray 11 is opened around the rotation shaft 11d at the lower end, the tray surface (inner surface) 11a (upper surface in the drawing) of the manual feed tray 11 moves the developing unit 20 from below. It can be slidably supported. Further, both end portions of the tray surface 11a in the paper width direction (perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction) protrude upward along the attaching / detaching direction, and both side portions in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20 are slidably in contact with each other. A guide portion 11c capable of guiding the unit 20 to the front side and the back side (detachment direction) is formed. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the developing unit 20 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the bottom of the developing unit 20 is placed on the tray surface 11a of the manual feed tray 11, and along the guide portion 11c. It can be moved to the back side. Further, when the developing unit 20 moves to the back side while being guided by the guide portion 11c, the protruding portion 20a can press the inclined portion 32a of the regulating member 32 from the front side.

  When the protruding portion 20a presses the inclined portion 32 to the back side, as described above, the regulating member 32 is immersed below the second guide rail 30 (see FIG. 6), and the developing unit 20 enters the second guide rail 30. It is guided and arranged at a position facing the photosensitive drum 5 (see FIG. 2). Accordingly, the protrusion 20a can reliably press the inclined portion 32a of the restricting member 32 only by moving the developing unit 20 along the guide portion 11c, so that the developing unit 20 can be easily attached to the apparatus main body. It becomes.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the developing unit 20 is pulled out from the position facing the photosensitive drum 5 and the protrusion 20 a is fitted into the recess 31, the front side of the bottom of the developing unit 20 is guided to the manual feed tray 11. It can be placed on the tray surface 11a while being sandwiched between the portions 11c. Thereby, since the developing unit 20 is supported by the tray surface 11a and the guide portion 11c, the first paper transport path 12 can be opened more stably.

  Further, from this state, when the regulating member 32 is immersed downward as described above and the developing unit 20 is pulled out along the guide portion 11c, the developing unit 20 moves the tray surface 11a along the guide portion 11c of the manual feed tray 11. Slide. Thereby, the developing unit 20 is detached from the apparatus main body while being guided by the guide portion 11c.

  As described above, since the guide surface 11c that supports the developing unit 20 and can be guided in the attaching / detaching direction when the manual feed tray 11 is opened is provided on the tray surface 11a of the manual feed tray 11, it is more stable during jam processing. The paper conveyance path 12 can be opened. Further, when the developing unit 20 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, the developing unit can be easily attached and detached because it can be moved along the guide portion 11c.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, the shape and the like of the second guide rail 30, the recessed portion 31, the regulating member 32, and the guide portion 11c used in the above embodiment can be appropriately designed according to the device configuration and the like. In the above embodiment, since the side cover is the manual feed tray 11 for storing the paper P supplied to the first paper transport path 12, the addition of members can be prevented to prevent the configuration from becoming complicated. it can.

  However, as the side cover, a front cover that does not have a paper storage function can be provided on the front side of the apparatus. In addition, as the side cover, a left and right side cover or a back cover can be used according to the mounting / demounting direction of the developing unit 20. One or three or more covers can be used as the exterior cover.

  In addition, the arrangement of the second guide rail 30 in the apparatus main body and the protrusion 20a in the developing unit 20 can be appropriately set according to the apparatus configuration and the like. In the above-described embodiment, the pair of protrusions 20a is provided on the developing unit 20. However, in addition to the protrusions 20a, the developing unit 20 is guided by the second guide rail 30 or provided on the left and right side surfaces 100b of the apparatus main body. It is also possible to provide a contact portion that is guided by sliding with a guide portion (not shown), whereby the guide of the developing unit 20 by the second guide rail 30 can be made more stable.

  The present invention is not limited to a printer, and can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as analog and digital monochrome copying machines, color copying machines, and facsimiles.

  The present invention provides a support portion which is a detachable end portion of the guide member and is formed at a position where the developing means can open the paper conveyance path, and can be supported so that the protruding portion does not move to the mounting side of the developing means. It is supported on the detachable side of the support part so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction with respect to the guide member, allowing the protrusion part to pass in the attaching / detaching direction by being recessed below the guide member, and protruding upward to project the protrusion part. And a restricting member capable of restricting passage in the attaching / detaching direction.

  As a result, the paper conveying path can be stably opened and the jam processing can be performed without detaching the developing device to the outside of the main body of the apparatus. The occurrence of image defects can be prevented.

  Further, by providing a biasing member that biases the regulating member upward and forming a gripping portion on the regulating member for moving the regulating member downward against the biasing force of the biasing member, it is more reliable. In addition, it is possible to prevent the developing means from falling from the apparatus main body.

  Further, the upper end portion of the restricting member is inclined upward toward the mounting side, and the developing means forms an inclined portion that can be pressed from the detachment side. The developing means can be easily mounted on the apparatus main body by being depressed below the guide member by being pressed by the protruding portion, and protruding upward from the guide member by being released from the pressing by the protruding portion. In addition, it is possible to more reliably prevent the developing unit from dropping from the apparatus main body.

  The exterior cover is composed of an upper cover that opens upward and a side cover that opens to the side, with the open / close ends close to each other, and supports the developing means on the inner surface of the side cover when the side cover is opened and is detachable By providing a guide portion that can guide in the direction, the developing means can be easily attached and detached. Further, by using the side cover as a manual feed tray for storing the paper supplied to the paper conveyance path, it is possible to prevent the addition of members and the complication of the configuration.

11 Bypass tray (side cover, exterior cover)
11a Paper guide 11b Tray surface (inner surface)
11c Guide part 11d Rotating shaft 20 Developing unit (developing means)
30 Second guide rail (guide member)
31 Concave part (support part)
32 regulating member 32a inclined portion 32b gripping portion 33 compression spring (biasing member)
100 printer (image forming apparatus)
100a Top cover (exterior cover)
100b side part

Claims (5)

An image carrier;
A developing unit that is detachable from the apparatus main body, and forms a part of a sheet conveyance path by being mounted on the apparatus main body, and supplies developer to the image carrier;
Protrusions projecting outward from the developing means in both directions perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction of the developing means;
A guide member that is inclined obliquely upward toward the detaching side of the developing means, and that guides the developing means along the attaching / detaching direction by the protrusions being slidably engaged;
In an image forming apparatus comprising: an exterior cover that is supported by the apparatus body so as to be openable and closable, and that attaches and detaches the developing unit from the apparatus body.
A support part that is formed at a position at which the developing unit can open the sheet conveyance path and is supported at the detachment side end of the guide member so that the protrusion does not move to the mounting side of the developing unit. When,
It is supported on the detaching side of the support part so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction with respect to the guide member, and by allowing the projection part to pass in the attachment / detachment direction by being immersed below the guide member, An image forming apparatus, comprising: a restricting member capable of restricting passage of the protrusion in the attaching / detaching direction by protruding. A biasing member that biases the regulating member upward is provided,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is formed with a grip portion for moving the restricting member downward against the urging force of the urging member. The upper end portion of the regulating member is inclined upward toward the mounting side, and an inclined portion is formed on which the developing means can be pressed from the detachment side,
When the developing means is mounted, the restricting member is sunk below the guide member when the inclined portion is pressed against the protrusion, and the guide is released when the pressing by the protrusion is released. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus projects upward from the member.   The exterior cover is composed of an upper cover that opens upward and a side cover that opens laterally, with open / close ends close to each other, and the inner surface of the side cover supports the developing means when the side cover is opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide unit capable of guiding in the attaching / detaching direction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the side cover is a manual feed tray for supplying paper to the paper transport path.

Images