JP5292867B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transport an image forming apparatus without damaging parts in the apparatus in such a state that a cartridge is loaded in the apparatus even when a conveyance path unit is not attached to mounting space. <P>SOLUTION: A protection body 56 provided in an opening/closing cover 50 regulates movement of a transfer body unit 52 in an opening direction (opening/closing cover 50 side) by abutting against the transfer body unit 52. The transfer body unit 52 whose movement is regulated comes into contact with process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C and 28K, and regulates movement of the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C and 28K in a take-out direction. Thus, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C and 28K and the transfer body unit 52 as component parts provided inside the apparatus body 12 do not move inside the apparatus body 12, thereby suppressing mutual collision of the component parts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4, as an image forming apparatus, by fixing the cartridge or the like, the apparatus can be transported without damaging the components in the apparatus with the cartridge mounted in the apparatus. An image forming apparatus is known.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to convey the apparatus in a state where the cartridge is pressed against the guide reference surface by a pressing member and the cartridge is mounted in the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured to be fixed in the course of mounting a cartridge by a fixing member and to transport the apparatus with the cartridge mounted in the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 is configured such that the movement of the cartridge is regulated by a regulating member interposed between the cartridge and the apparatus main body, and the apparatus is transported with the cartridge mounted in the apparatus.

The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 4 is configured such that the movement of the cartridge is restricted by an attaching / detaching member that cannot be taken out unless the cartridge is taken out, and the apparatus is transported with the cartridge mounted in the apparatus.
JP 2006-171407 A JP 2005-91708 A JP 2006-71671 A JP 2006-330481 A

  Incidentally, as an image forming apparatus, there is an image forming apparatus in which a mounting space for mounting a conveyance path unit having a conveyance path through which a recording medium is conveyed is formed. Even in such a device, it is desirable that the device can be transported without damage to the components in the device with the cartridge mounted in the device.

  The present invention makes it possible to transport the apparatus without damaging the components in the apparatus with the cartridge mounted in the apparatus even when the conveyance path unit is not mounted in the mounting space. Let it be an issue.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is detachably provided in an apparatus main body, and includes a photoconductor cartridge including a photoconductor and an image formed on the photoconductor, arranged in contact with the photoconductor. A mounting space in which a transfer unit for transferring to a recording medium and a transfer path unit that is disposed on the opposite side of the photoconductor from the transfer unit and has a transfer path for transferring the recording medium can be mounted. An opening / closing part that is openable and closable in the apparatus body so as to face the transfer body unit across the mounting space, and that can be taken out to open the photoreceptor cartridge, and the opening / closing part or the transfer A restricting portion that is provided in the body unit and restricts movement of the transfer body unit.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention further includes a connector that is provided in the opening / closing part or the transfer body unit, and that supplies power to the transport path unit, and the transport path unit is not mounted. A protective body serving as the restricting portion that protects the connector and restricts movement of the transfer body unit against the transfer unit or the opening / closing portion.

In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, the restriction portion is provided in the opening / closing portion or the transfer body unit, and penetrates the conveyance path unit when the conveyance path unit is mounted in the mounting space. And a protrusion for restricting movement of the transfer unit.

  According to the configuration of claim 1 of the present invention, the cartridge is mounted in the apparatus even when the transport path unit is not mounted in the mounting space, as compared to the case where the configuration is not provided. Thus, the device can be transported without damaging the components in the device.

According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration is not provided. Further, when the transport path unit is mounted in the mounting space, there is no risk of forgetting to remove the protector.

According to the configuration of claim 2 of the present invention, it is not necessary to remove the restricting portion even when the transport path unit is mounted in the mounting space, as compared with the case where the configuration is not provided.

Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.
(Configuration of image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an apparatus main body 12, and sheets P as an example of a recording medium are stacked and stored in a lower portion of the apparatus main body 12. A paper feed tray 14 is disposed.

  The recording medium is not limited to paper, and a sheet-like member such as a plastic film or other media on which an image is recorded may be used.

  A pickup roll 16 is disposed immediately above the front end side (right end side in FIG. 1) of the paper feed tray 14 so as to contact the front end side of the upper surface of the paper P and feed the paper P from the paper feed tray 14.

  Further, the apparatus main body 12 is formed with a first conveyance path 22 that extends from the front end of the paper feed tray 14 and is gently curved and extends substantially vertically upward on the front side of the apparatus (right side in FIG. 1). Has been.

  Along the first transport path 22, a plurality of (for example, two) transport roller pairs 24 that sandwich and transport the paper P in order from the upstream side in the paper transport direction, and electrostatically attract the paper P on which an image is to be formed. An endless transport belt 26 is disposed for transporting.

  The conveyor belt 26 is wound around a winding roller 27 disposed above and a winding roller 29 disposed below, and one of the winding roller 27 and the winding roller 29 is in a predetermined direction (see FIG. 1, the conveyance belt 26 is rotated (circulated) in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1) by being driven to rotate in the clockwise direction.

  On the upstream side of the conveyance belt 26 in the sheet conveyance direction, a charging roll 31 that charges the surface of the conveyance belt 26 and presses the sheet P electrostatically attracted to the conveyance belt 26 against the conveyance belt 26 is attached to the conveyance belt 26. Adjacent to each other.

  Further, in the lateral direction facing the conveyance belt 26 with the first conveyance path 22 interposed therebetween, process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K as examples of the photosensitive cartridge including the photosensitive member are arranged in the first conveyance path. 22 are arranged in a column in the apparatus main body 12 in a substantially vertical direction. The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K correspond to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black colors, and images of the respective colors can be formed.

  Each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K is provided with a photosensitive drum 30 that rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise 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 for forming an electrostatic latent image thereon and a developing roller 36 for developing toner by attaching each color toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are provided. The charging roller 32 and the developing roller 36 are provided in each of the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K is detachable in the lateral direction. Each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K is configured to be attached or detached in the lateral direction by supporting each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K by a guide member (not shown) that guides the process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K. The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K can be taken out and mounted along the process cartridges.

  Further, each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K is provided with a handle 58 that is gripped at the both ends in the width direction when attaching and detaching. In FIG. 1, the handle 58 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are respectively transferred to the paper P at a predetermined transfer position in the lateral direction facing the photosensitive drum 30 on the inner peripheral side of the conveying belt 26 as shown in FIG. A transfer device 38 for transferring is provided.

  On the downstream side in the paper transport direction from the transport belt 26, a fixing device 40 that fixes the transferred toner image onto the paper P, a transport roll pair 42 that sandwiches and transports the paper P, and a discharge roll pair that discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 20. 44 are arranged in this order.

  Further, a second conveyance path 46 for inverting the paper P on which an image is formed on one side and returning it to the first conveyance path 22 is formed facing the first conveyance path 22 with the conveyance belt 26 interposed therebetween. Has been.

  A plurality (for example, three) of conveyance roller pairs 48 for nipping and conveying the paper P downward are arranged in the second conveyance path 46, and when an image is formed on both sides, the image is formed on one side. The discharged paper P is switched back by the discharge roll pair 44 and guided to the second conveyance path 46, conveyed downward by the plurality of conveyance roll pairs 48, and sent back to the first conveyance path 22.

  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, when an image is formed on the paper P, the paper P taken out from the paper feed tray 14 is first transported upward through the first transport path 22 by the plurality of transport roll pairs 24. Then, it is fed to the conveyor belt 26. The paper P sent to the transport belt 26 is pressed against the transport belt 26 by the charging roll 31 and is electrostatically attracted to the transport belt 26 to be charged, and transported upward. Each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black Are sequentially fed to a predetermined transfer position corresponding to the above.

  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.

  When an image is formed only on one side of the paper P, the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roll pair 44 after the toner image is fixed.

  When images are formed on both sides of the sheet P, after the image is formed on one side, the sheet P is switched back by the discharge roll pair 44, reversed, and sent to the second conveyance path 46. Further, the sheet is fed again from the second conveyance path 46 to the first conveyance path 22, an image is formed on the opposite surface where no image is recorded in the same manner as described above, an image is formed on both sides of the paper P, and the discharge roll pair 44 to the discharge tray 20. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

  Next, the opening / closing mechanism according to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an opening / closing cover 50 as an example of an opening / closing part provided on the apparatus body 12 so as to be opened and closed is attached to the lower part of the apparatus body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The opening / closing cover 50 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 12 by a support portion 61 provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 12. The opening / closing cover 50 is opened by rotating from the apparatus main body 12 side to the outside of the apparatus (in the direction A in FIG. 2) and tilting to the open position. Further, the open / close cover 50 is closed by rotating from the opened state toward the apparatus main body 12 (in the direction B in FIG. 2) and standing vertically to the closed position.

  The opening / closing cover 50 is provided with a transfer body unit 52 for transferring the image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 onto the paper P. The transfer body unit 52 includes the transfer device 38, the conveyance belt 26, and the charging roll 31 described above.

  The transfer unit 52 is opened and closed integrally with the opening / closing cover 50. Since the transfer unit 52 rotates from the apparatus main body 12 side to the outside of the apparatus (in the direction A in FIG. 2) and is opened together with the opening / closing cover 50, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C,. A component such as 28K can be attached and detached to replace the component. Further, the first conveyance path 22 is opened, and a jam (paper jam) generated in the first conveyance path 22 can be eliminated.

  In a state where the transfer body unit 52 is closed, the conveyance belt 26 is disposed at a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

  One end of the transfer unit 52 is rotatably supported by the opening / closing cover 50 by a support 53, and the other end is detachably supported by the opening / closing cover 50 by a support 55. Thereby, the transfer body unit 52 can be opened and closed with respect to the opening / closing cover 50 by releasing the support state by the support portion 55 and rotating the support portion 53 around the fulcrum.

  Note that the transfer body unit 52 may be configured to be openable / closable on the apparatus main body 12 instead of the opening / closing cover 50. Further, the transfer unit 52 may be configured to include a transfer belt instead of the transport belt 26.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the opening / closing cover 50 is provided with a mounting space 60 in which the transport path unit 54 having the second transport path 46 can be mounted.

  The mounting space 60 is disposed on the side opposite to the photosensitive drum 30 when viewed from the transfer unit 52 in a state where the open / close cover 50 is closed, and between the transfer unit 52 and the open / close cover 50. In other words, the opening / closing cover 50 is disposed to face the transfer body unit 52 with the mounting space 60 interposed therebetween.

  The transport path unit 54 is inserted into the mounting space 60 from above (the free end side) of the opening / closing cover 50, is attached to the opening / closing cover 50, and is mounted in the mounting space 60 as shown in FIG. The transport path unit 54 is provided with a plurality of (for example, two) transport roll pairs 48.

  Further, the opening / closing cover 50 is provided with a connector 63 for supplying power to the transport path unit 54 as shown in FIG. By mounting the transport path unit 54 in the mounting space 60, the transport path unit 54 is connected to the connector 63 without performing a connection operation.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a connector as an example of a restricting portion that is provided on the opening / closing cover 50 and restricts the movement of the transfer body unit 52. A protector 56 for protecting 63 is provided.

  The protector 56 is attached to the connector 63 to protect the connector 63 when the transport path unit 54 is not attached to the mounting space. Further, the protective body 56 is disposed in the mounting space 60, and the protective body 56 is obstructed unless the protective body 56 is removed, so that the transport path unit 54 cannot be mounted.

  The protection body 56 reaches the transfer body unit 52 through the mounting space in a side view, and is disposed between the opening / closing cover 50 and the transfer body unit 52.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the protection body 56 includes a cover body that covers the connector 63, 56 </ b> A, and a protrusion 56 </ b> B that protrudes from the cover body 56 </ b> A to the transfer body unit 52. 56 C of insertion pieces inserted in the connector 63 are formed in 56 A of cover bodies.

  The protruding portion 56 </ b> B is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a contact surface 57 </ b> A that contacts the opening / closing cover 50 and a contact surface 57 </ b> B that contacts the transfer body unit 52. While the contact surface 57A hits the inner wall of the opening / closing cover 50 and the contact surface 57B hits the frame of the transfer unit 52, the transfer unit 52 is closed in a state where the transfer unit 52 is closed as shown in FIG. The movement in the direction of opening is restricted.

  As described above, the protector 56 has at least two functions of protecting the connector 63 and restricting the movement of the transfer body unit 52.

  The protector 56 is disposed in the middle of the transfer body unit 52 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction when the transfer body unit 52 is closed as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). It is supposed to hit the department.

  In the present embodiment, the protector 56 is provided on one end side in the width direction (C direction in FIG. 5) of the transfer body unit 52. In addition, the structure provided in the both ends of the width direction may be sufficient.

  The connector 63 and the protection body 56 may be provided on the transfer body unit 52 side instead of the opening / closing cover 50. When the protective body 56 is provided on the transfer body unit 52 side, the movement of the transfer body unit 52 is restricted by hitting the opening / closing cover 50.

(Operation of this embodiment)
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the opening / closing cover 50 and the transfer body unit are not mounted in the mounting space 60 and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K are mounted on the apparatus main body 12. 52 is closed and the image forming apparatus 10 is transported.

  At this time, the mounting space 60 is hollow without the transport path unit 54 attached thereto, but the protector 56 provided on the opening / closing cover 50 contacts the transfer body unit 52 in the opening direction of the transfer body unit 52 ( The movement to the opening / closing cover 50 side) is restricted. The transfer body unit 52 whose movement is restricted is in contact with the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K, and restricts the movement of the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K in the take-out direction.

  As a result, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K as the component parts provided in the apparatus main body 12 and the transfer body unit 52 do not move within the apparatus main body 12, and collision between the component parts is suppressed.

(Modification of the restricting part that restricts the movement of the transfer unit)
7 to 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating a configuration according to a modification.

  In the modification, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, as an example of a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the transfer body unit, when the transport path unit 54 is mounted in the mounting space 60, the transport path unit 54 penetrates through the transport path unit 54. A rib 62 as an example of a protrusion for restricting the movement of the transfer body unit 52 is provided on the opening / closing cover 50. 7 shows a state in which the conveyance path unit 54 is attached to the opening / closing cover 50, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which the conveyance path unit 54 is not attached to the opening / closing cover 50.

  The rib 62 has a contact surface 62 </ b> A that contacts the transfer body unit 52. When the contact surface 62A hits the frame of the transfer body unit 52, the transfer body unit 52 moves in the opening direction when the transfer body unit 52 is closed as shown in FIGS. Be regulated. 9 shows a state where the transport path unit 54 is mounted on the opening / closing cover 50, and FIG. 10 shows a state where the transport path unit 54 is not mounted on the opening / closing cover 50.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the conveyance path unit 54 has an opening 64 through which the rib 62 penetrates. Even when the conveyance path unit 54 is mounted in the mounting space 60, the rib 62 remains in the conveyance path unit. The movement of the transfer body unit 52 is restricted by passing through 54 and hitting the transfer body unit 52.

  Further, in the configuration according to the modification, the transfer body unit 52 is supported by the apparatus main body 12 so as to be openable and closable at a position different from the opening and closing cover 50, and the transfer body unit 52 is opened and closed as shown in FIG. At the same time, the transfer unit 52 is opened and closed while being displaced from the opening and closing cover 50.

  The rib 62 is formed with a guide surface 62 </ b> B for guiding the transfer body unit 52 that is opened and closed while being displaced with respect to the opening / closing cover 50.

As described above, the rib 62 has at least two functions of guiding the transfer body unit 52 and restricting the movement of the transfer body unit 52. Instead, the structure may be provided on the transfer unit unit 52 side. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover is opened in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the opening / closing cover is opened and the conveyance path unit is mounted in the mounting space in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the opening / closing cover, the transfer body unit, and the protection body when the opening / closing cover according to the present embodiment is closed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the opening / closing cover, the transfer body unit, and the protection body when the opening / closing cover according to the present embodiment is closed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a protector according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an opening / closing cover according to a modification. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the conveyance path unit is not mounted in the mounting space in the configuration of the opening / closing cover according to the modification. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the conveyance path unit is not mounted in the mounting space in a state where the opening / closing cover according to the modification is closed. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the conveyance path unit is mounted in the mounting space in a state where the opening / closing cover according to the modification is closed. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyance path unit according to a modification. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a positional relationship between the opening / closing cover and the transfer body unit in a state where the opening / closing cover according to the modification is being opened / closed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Apparatus main body 28Y Process cartridge 30 Photosensitive drum (photosensitive body)
50 Opening / closing cover (opening / closing part)
52 Transfer Unit 54 Transport Path Unit 56 Protective Body (Regulator)
60 Mounting Space 62 Ribs (Regulators)
63 connector

Claims (5)

A photoconductor cartridge that is detachably provided in the apparatus main body and includes a photoconductor;
A transfer unit that is disposed in contact with the photoconductor and transfers an image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium;
A mounting space in which a transport path unit having a transport path on which the recording medium is transported can be mounted;
An opening / closing part provided in the apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable facing the transfer body unit across the mounting space, and allowing the photosensitive cartridge to be taken out by being opened;
A restriction portion that is provided in the opening / closing portion or the transfer body unit and restricts movement of the transfer body unit;
A connector provided in the opening / closing part or the transfer body unit, for supplying power to the transport path unit;
Protecting the connector in a state where the transport path unit is not mounted, and a protective body as the restricting portion that restricts movement of the transfer body unit against the transfer unit or the opening / closing portion;
An image forming apparatus. A photoconductor cartridge that is detachably provided in the apparatus main body and includes a photoconductor;
A transfer unit that is disposed in contact with the photoconductor and transfers an image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium;
A mounting space in which a transport path unit having a transport path on which the recording medium is transported can be mounted;
An opening / closing part provided in the apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable facing the transfer body unit across the mounting space, and allowing the photosensitive cartridge to be taken out by being opened;
A restriction portion that is provided in the opening / closing portion or the transfer body unit and restricts movement of the transfer body unit;
With
The restricting portion is a protrusion that is provided in the opening / closing portion or the transfer unit, and restricts movement of the transfer unit through the transport path unit when the transport path unit is mounted in the mounting space. Image forming apparatus.   The transfer body unit is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body at a position different from the opening and closing part,
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a guide surface for guiding the transfer body unit that is opened and closed while being displaced with respect to the opening and closing unit is formed on the protrusion.   The said restriction | limiting part restrict | limits the movement to the said opening / closing part side of the said transfer body unit, and permits the movement to the side away from the said opening / closing part of the said transfer body unit. Image forming apparatus.   The transfer unit is supported at one end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the opening and closing part.
  5. The image according to claim 1, further comprising a support portion that supports the other end portion of the transfer body unit with respect to the opening and closing portion and restricts the opening and closing of the transfer body unit with respect to the opening and closing portion. Forming equipment.

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