JPH11316537A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a device where banding due to the vibration of an image forming cartridge is prevented from occurring and which is compact, inexpensive and excellent in operability by providing the adjacent image forming cartridges with fitting means having a vibration-proof function. SOLUTION: The adjacent image forming cartridges are provided with the fitting means having a vibration-proof function. Namely, the image forming cartridge 4 is provided with a fitting member 20 whose shape viewed from the front is T-shape and whose length is nearly as long as the image forming cartridge in an attaching/ detaching direction on its lower surface, and provided with a fitting member 21 whose shape viewed from the front is two L-shapes opposed by leaving space in between and whose length is nearly as long as the image forming cartridge in the attaching/ detaching direction on its upper surface. The image forming cartridges 5, 6 and 7 are provided with the same fitting members 21 on the respective upper surfaces and a main body 22 opposed to the lower surface of the cartridge 7 is provided with the same fitting member 21 on its upper surface. Then, the main body 22 opposed to the upper surface of the cartridge 4 is provided with the same fitting member 20 on its lower surface and the cartridges 5, 6 and 7 are provided with the same fitting members 20 on the respective lower surfaces.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted on a main body in an overlapping arrangement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus has a main body and a plurality of image forming cartridges which are removably mounted on the main body in an overlapping arrangement. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by means, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is There is an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming means supported in advance by the image forming cartridge with respect to the photoconductor when the photoconductor is mounted on the main body is in contact with the photoconductor.

In such an image forming apparatus, since each of the image forming cartridges is detachable from the main body, a means for stably supporting the main body in the mounted state is required. If it is stable, so-called banding occurs in an image created under the influence of the vibration of the drive system.

[0004] An unknown image forming apparatus in which banding occurs will be described. 1 to 3
1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of image forming cartridges. In FIG. 1, a transfer belt 1 is supported by support rollers 2, 3 in a vertical direction, and is rotatably stretched. When creating an image, the transfer belt 1 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow.

The image forming cartridges 4, 5, 6, and 7 (hereinafter, 4 to 7) face the surface of the transfer belt 1 from the bottom to the top.
Is displayed. ) Are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction.
The image forming cartridge 4 is formed of yellow (color code Y), the image forming cartridge 5 is formed of magenta (color code M), the image forming cartridge 6 is formed of cyan (color code C), and the image forming cartridge 7 is formed of black (color code K). This is to visualize the latent image on the photoreceptor. Each of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 is provided with an image forming means for forming an image on a photosensitive member and a photosensitive member.

The image forming means includes a charging roller 9 provided around a drum-shaped photosensitive member 8, a developing roller 10 for supplying toner to the photosensitive member 8, and removing residual toner on the photosensitive member 8. Cleaning blade 12 or the like.

The developing roller 10 includes the developing roller 1
A supply roller 11 for replenishing the developer is attached to the supply roller 11.
The developer is transported while being stirred by 14 and the like. The image writing position on the photoconductor between the charging roller 9 and the developing roller 10 is irradiated with a light image from an image writing device (not shown).

In each of these image forming cartridges, since the various members for forming an image have a replacement life, they are provided to an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, simply referred to as a main body) for convenience of replacement and maintenance. It is provided detachably. In order to be attachable / detachable, fixing pins 13 and 14 are provided as positioning support means, each having a length in the attaching / detaching direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.

The various members for image formation and the fixing pin 1
Since the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 are provided in the same configuration as the image forming cartridges 4 to 7, the color codes Y for the image forming cartridge 4 and the color codes for the image forming cartridge 5 The symbol M, the color code C for the image forming cartridge 6, and the color code K for the image forming cartridge 7 are shown.

The image forming cartridges 4 to 7 are provided with drive joints as drive force input means for applying a drive force to the image forming means and the like. 4 and 5 exemplifying the image forming cartridge 5, the drive joint is denoted by reference numeral 15C. Reference numeral 15 indicates a drive joint for another imaging cartridge.
Are indicated by codes with corresponding color codes.

4 and 5, the image forming cartridge 5
A rectangular window is formed on the side of the photoconductor 8C, and a part of the photoconductor 8C is exposed from the window. 4 and 5, the drive joint 15C has a tapered shape.

The mounting of the image forming cartridge 5 on the main body will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, mounting holes 16C 'and 17 for fitting with fixing pins 16C and 17C are provided on the main body side.
C ′ is formed, and a driving joint 15C ′ having a shape to be fitted to the driving joint 15C is provided. The image forming cartridge 5 is moved in the attaching / detaching direction and the fixing pin 16 is moved.
When the C and 17C are fitted into the mounting holes 16C 'and 17C', at the same time, the drive joint 15C is
5C 'is fitted into the tapered hole so that power can be transmitted. In this way, the image forming cartridge 5 is fixed to the main body with three points as main fulcrums. The same applies to other image forming cartridges. In FIG. 1, a pair of registration rollers 18 are provided near the lower portion of the transfer belt 1.

When a full-color image is formed, a toner image is formed on each photosensitive member in each color in each of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7, and in synchronization with this, a transfer sheet is formed along a sheet path indicated by an arrow. Toward the transfer belt 1,
While being sent out by the registration roller 18 and moving upward together with the transfer belt 1, a toner image is transferred from each photoreceptor, and in terms of color code, a color toner image is formed on a transfer sheet in the order of Y, M, C, and K. Is transferred onto the sheet and discharged. The discharged transfer sheet is passed through a fixing device (not shown), on which the toner image is fixed and discharged.

In this manner, an image is formed, and one of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 is
When the toner runs out or the required maintenance is reached,
Only the corresponding image forming cartridge is removed from the main body, and is mounted after maintenance. Alternatively, the cartridge is replaced with a new image forming cartridge.

The image forming cartridge 5 is fixed to the fixing pins 13K and 14K as described above in order to make it detachable from the main body.
K and the drive joint 15Y are supported and fixed at three points. The image forming means such as the charging roller 9C and the developing roller 10C and the photosensitive member are formed in a shaft shape and the shaft portion is supported.
K, 17K, the drive joint 15Y, and the like are provided on the side of the image forming cartridge that is the shaft end.

However, in this case, the image forming cartridge 5 is supported by the support points in a so-called bridge-like structure, and is driven by the main body for driving the transfer belt 1, driving the transfer sheet, and driving the fixing device. The generated vibration reaches the image forming cartridge 5 and causes the image forming cartridge 5 to vibrate.

As a basic vibration mode, a vertical vibration mode in which vertical vibration is generated as shown by an arrow in FIG. 11A or a torsional vibration shown by arrows having different directions in FIG. 11B is used. There are torsional vibration modes that occur. When the entire image forming cartridge 5 vibrates in this way, since the photosensitive member is supported by the image forming cartridge,
Further, the photoconductor vibrates via the image forming means, and mainly the photoconductor 8
The displacement due to the vibration of C itself causes a shift between the image writing position and the image transfer position, and the scanning pitch unevenness in the sub-scanning direction (moving direction of the transfer belt 1 = vertical direction) corresponding to the resonance frequency occurs. This causes periodic density unevenness in the sub-scanning direction on the image, and is called banding. The same can be said for other image forming cartridges other than the image forming cartridge 5.

On the other hand, as another configuration of the image forming apparatus, there is an image forming cartridge which does not include a photosensitive member but includes a photosensitive member on a main body side. In this type of image forming apparatus, the image forming cartridge is provided with a developing roller and a toner hopper for supplying toner to the developing roller, and the image forming cartridge is detachable from the main body. The main body is supported by a structure similar to the fixing pins and the drive joints shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

In the image forming cartridge having such a configuration, for example, in the case of a cyan image forming cartridge, when the image forming cartridge is mounted on the main body, the developing roller comes into contact with a photosensitive member provided on the main body side. Alternatively, it is configured to adopt a configuration in which the photoconductor is disposed at a minute constant interval.

In the case of the latter configuration in which the photoconductor is arranged at a small fixed interval, as shown in FIG. 7, a shaft of the developing roller 10C "is mounted on the image forming cartridge side as means for maintaining the fixed interval. Large-diameter rings 10C "-1 and 10C" -2 which can be spaced apart from the diameter of the developing roller 10C "by a predetermined distance are provided at both ends in the direction, and when the image forming cartridge is mounted on the main body, Ring 10
C "-1, 10C" -2 abut on the photoconductor 8C ".

In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, the photosensitive member 8C "supported in advance by the main body is supported by the image forming cartridge to thereby form the developing roller 10C" integrated with the image forming cartridge or the distance regulation. When the image forming cartridge vibrates because the rings 10C "-1 and 10C" -2 as members are in contact with each other, the photosensitive member vibrates via the developing roller as the developing means or the ring, and the photosensitive member is vibrated. Banding occurs, as in an imaging cartridge with a body.

That is, A. In a configuration in which the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge (more precisely, the case of the image forming cartridge), when the image forming cartridge is mounted on the main body and an image is formed, the image forming cartridge vibrates. This vibration is transmitted to the photoreceptor via the image forming means to cause banding. In such a configuration, the photosensitive member and the developing roller are supported by the same supported portion (image forming cartridge), so that the distance between the photosensitive member and the developing roller can be precisely determined without providing a spacing member. Can hold,
The photosensitive member does not need to adopt a configuration in which a ring as a spacing member is in contact with the photosensitive member, but even in this case, the vibration of the image forming cartridge is transmitted to the photosensitive member, and a charging roller, a cleaning blade, etc. are attached to the image forming cartridge. If provided,
If the image forming cartridge vibrates, the photoconductor vibrates even through these image forming means, so that banding occurs.

B. A charging roller and a developing means (developing means) are provided in which the photosensitive member of the main body is supported in advance and the image forming cartridge is mounted on the main body. Even when one or more of the rollers or the gap regulating members) and the cleaning blade are in contact with the photosensitive member, the vibration of the image forming cartridge is transmitted to the photosensitive member via these image forming means, so that banding occurs. Would.

[0024] These bandings are visually distinguished very much near the 0.5 mm pitch, but have the characteristic that the vibration becomes high frequency and the pitch on the image becomes narrower, making it harder to distinguish visually. For this reason, when the resonance frequency in the above-mentioned vibration mode is low, it is easy to determine visually, and the image quality may be remarkably impaired. Further, in an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of image forming cartridges, the driving device is complicated, and the vibration generation level tends to increase.

In order to stably support each image forming cartridge with respect to the main body in order to obtain a stable mounting state, it is conceivable to provide a mounting portion integral with the main body. The integral mounting portion is constituted by an integral structure of the main body interposed between the image forming cartridges adjacent to each other in the superimposing direction. When such a structure is provided, only the thickness of the structure increases in the overlapping direction. In this case, the size of the image forming apparatus becomes large, which is against the demand for downsizing the image forming apparatus.

In other words, it is necessary to reduce the cross-sectional area of the cartridge in order to reduce the size of the apparatus. However, if the device is fixed at three points, the cartridge tends to vibrate. Due to the difficulty in constructing a structure having a high strength, the occurrence of such banding is more serious than in a single-color image forming apparatus using one image forming cartridge.

On the other hand, conventionally, as a known means for supporting an image forming unit detachably attached to a main body in an image forming apparatus, there is the following technique. . An elastic member fixed to a push-up member integral with the image forming apparatus main body in a configuration in which a process cartridge in which four side-by-side developing units are integrally mounted together with the photoreceptor belt is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-3)
No. 13425).

[0028] For each of the plurality of toner cartridges that are detachable from the developing device provided opposite to the latent image carrier, adjacent toner cartridges are used to prevent rattling between the toner cartridges when the developing device rotates. A configuration in which a concave and convex groove is provided is disclosed (JP-A-6-148968).

[0029] A configuration is disclosed in which a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and is attached to a process cartridge having a photosensitive drum and supplies toner is provided with a guide member that regulates a position of the toner cartridge that is pushed into a toner storage unit of the process cartridge. (JP-A-10-20647).

[0030]

However, the above-mentioned prior art is not based on the premise that a plurality of image forming cartridges are arranged so as to be superimposed on the main body, so that the space efficiency of the image forming apparatus is reduced. It does not provide a solution for how to stably support the imaging cartridge while raising it.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which prevents banding due to vibration of an image forming cartridge, and which is small, low in cost and excellent in operability.

[0032]

The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object.

(1) There is a main body and a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted on the main body in a superimposed arrangement, and these image forming cartridges are formed in a state mounted on the main body. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by an image unit, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming unit previously supported by the image forming cartridge is in contact with the photosensitive member when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the main body; With the cartridge attached to the main body,
The adjacent image forming cartridges are provided with fitting means for fitting the adjacent image forming cartridges to each other (claim 1).

(2) A main body and a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted on the main body in a superimposed arrangement, and these image forming cartridges are formed in a state mounted on the main body. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by an image unit, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming unit previously supported by the image forming cartridge is in contact with the photosensitive member when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the main body; With the cartridge attached to the main body,
A pressing means for generating an elastic pressing force between adjacent image forming cartridges is provided on at least one of the adjacent image forming cartridges.

(3) A main body and a plurality of image forming cartridges which are removably mounted on the main body in a superimposed arrangement, and these image forming cartridges are formed in a state mounted on the main body. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by an image unit, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming unit previously supported by the image forming cartridge is in contact with the photosensitive member when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the main body; With the cartridge attached to the main body,
At least one of the adjacent image forming cartridges is provided with a vibration isolating means for generating a viscoelastic force between the adjacent image forming cartridges.

(4) In the image forming apparatus described in (1), (2) or (3), the image forming means is one or more of a charging roller, a developing means, and a cleaning blade. 4).

(5) In the image forming apparatus described in (4),
The developing means may be a developing roller or an interval regulating member that regulates an interval between the developing roller and the photoconductor.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiment described below is based on the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described in the section of the prior art, with an improved configuration added.

The present invention is to prevent banding due to vibration of the photosensitive member due to vibration of the image forming cartridge. B. a configuration in which a photosensitive member is supported in advance by an imaging cartridge (more precisely, a case of the imaging cartridge); A charging roller and a developing means (developing means) are provided in which the photosensitive member of the main body is supported in advance and the image forming cartridge is mounted on the main body. The present invention is applicable to any configuration in which one or more of the rollers or the interval regulating members) and the cleaning blade are in contact with the photoconductor.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus in which the image forming cartridge has a photosensitive member and the main body does not have a photosensitive member will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the image forming cartridge has the rings 10C "-1, 10C" -2 and the like which come into contact with the photoconductor without the photoconductor, and the main body has the photoconductor. An image forming apparatus of a type in which a photosensitive member contacting means (a developing roller or a ring as an interval regulating member) provided on an image forming cartridge is attached to the photosensitive member of the main body by mounting the image forming cartridge on the main body. Each example described below can be applied (claims 4 and 5).

(1) Example Corresponding to Claim 1 FIG. 8 shows an example corresponding to claim 1. FIG. 8A is a front view of a main part of the image forming apparatus on which the image forming cartridge is mounted, and FIG. 8B is a side view of the main part of the image forming apparatus. In order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus, it is desirable to mount a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged in a superimposed manner at a narrow pitch. In this example, of the plurality of image forming cartridges 4 to 7 arranged at a narrow pitch, the adjacent image forming cartridges are provided with fitting means for fitting each other between these image forming cartridges. Was.

In FIG. 8, the lower surface of the imaging cartridge 4 has a T-shape as viewed from the front, and has a fitting member 20 as fitting means having a length in the mounting / removing direction as large as the imaging cartridge.
The upper surface of the image forming cartridge 5 has two L-shapes facing each other with a space therebetween when viewed from the front, and has a length as long as the image forming cartridge in the mounting / dismounting direction. A joining member 21 is provided.

A fitting member 21 similar to the above is provided on each of the upper surfaces of the imaging cartridges 4, 6, and 7 and the upper surface of the main body 22 facing the lower surface of the imaging cartridge 7. Further, the same fitting member 20 as described above has the lower surface of the main body 22 facing the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 4 and the image forming cartridges 5, 6,.
7 is provided on each lower surface. The fitting member 20 fits in a manner of being fitted into the fitting member 21 along the attaching / detaching direction, and in the fitted state, there is no loosening in the vertical direction and the attaching / detaching direction. The shape of the fitting member is not limited to the above example as long as the relationship of fitting in such a complicated state is established.

Accordingly, the upper surface of the imaging cartridge 4 is located on the lower surface of the main body 22, the lower surface of the imaging cartridge 4 is located on the upper surface of the imaging cartridge 5, The lower surface of the imaging cartridge 5 is supported on the upper surface of the imaging cartridge 6, the lower surface of the imaging cartridge 6 is supported on the upper surface of the imaging cartridge 7, and the lower surface of the imaging cartridge 7 is supported on the upper surface of the main body 22.

By the fitting relationship between the fitting members 20 and 21 in the attaching / detaching direction, a restraining force for preventing free vibration between the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 can be generated, and substantial image forming can be performed. An effect similar to an increase in rigidity can be obtained by enlarging the cross-sectional area of the cartridge, and banding due to resonance of the image forming cartridge can be prevented. Further, since the restraint support by such fitting means acts most effectively on the low resonance frequency as described with reference to FIG. 11, it is possible to effectively suppress the low-frequency resonance mode that is easily distinguished visually. It can be very useful for improving image quality.

Further, since it can also serve as a guide member for assisting in attaching and detaching the cartridge, it is effective in improving the operability of the image forming portion. Furthermore, since the fitting member is formed in the shape of the image forming cartridge itself, a special stay-like part composed of a part of the main body is provided between the adjacent image forming cartridges to generate a binding force. Is excellent in vibration damping effect and extremely effective in reducing the size and cost.

In the present embodiment, the upper image forming cartridge 4 and the lower image forming cartridge 7 having no adjacent image forming cartridges have the same fitting members 2 in relation to the main body 22.
Since 0 and 21 are provided, the above-mentioned advantages can be obtained in relation to the main body. Further, each image forming cartridge has the same mechanical configuration except that the color of the developer to be stored is different. Therefore, it can be manufactured with the same specifications, which is efficient in mass production.

In the practice, parts such as the photoreceptor, which are required to have high positioning accuracy with respect to the main body, are attached to the cartridge with play so as to be supported by the main body independently of the cartridge case portion having low positioning accuracy. By doing so, it is possible to achieve both accuracy maintenance and realization of the binding force. Further, the fitting member 20 and the fitting member 21 shown in FIG.

(2) Example Corresponding to Claim 2 FIG. 9 shows an example corresponding to claim 2. FIG. 9A is a front view of a main part of the image forming apparatus on which the image forming cartridge is mounted, and FIG. 9B is a side view of the main part of the image forming apparatus.

In order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus, it is desirable to mount a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged in a superimposed manner at a narrow pitch. In the present embodiment, of the plurality of imaging cartridges 4 to 7 arranged at a narrow pitch, pressing means for generating an elastic pressing force between adjacent imaging cartridges is used for each of the adjacent imaging cartridges. Prepared in cartridge.

In FIG. 9, the base end of a leaf spring 23 as pressing means having a rectangular shape as viewed from the front and having a length in the attaching / detaching direction is fixed to the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 5. The free end of the leaf spring 23 elastically contacts the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 4 adjacent above the image forming cartridge 5.

The same leaf springs 23 as described above are provided on the upper surfaces of the image forming cartridges 4, 6, and 7 and on the upper surface of the main body 22 facing the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 7. Leaf spring 23
Is inclined downward so that each image forming cartridge can be smoothly attached and detached. Each leaf spring 23 elastically bends when each of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 is mounted on the main body 22, and elastically supports all of these image forming cartridges.

That is, the plate spring 23 provided on the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 4 presses the lower surface of the main body 22, and the plate spring 23 provided on the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 5
The leaf spring 23 provided on the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 6 presses the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 5, and the plate spring 23 provided on the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 7 presses the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 6. The leaf spring 23 provided on the upper surface of the main body 22 presses and supports the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 7.

By the pressing support by each of the leaf springs 23, it is possible to generate a restraining force between the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 for preventing free vibration, and rigidity due to a substantial enlargement of the sectional area of the image forming cartridge. An effect similar to that of the up operation can be obtained, and banding caused by resonance of the image forming cartridge can be prevented. Further, since the restraint support by such a pressing means acts most effectively on the low resonance frequency as described with reference to FIG. 11, it is possible to effectively suppress the low-frequency resonance mode that is easily distinguished visually. Very helpful in improving image quality.

Further, since the pressing means is constructed in a state attached to the image forming cartridge itself, a special stay-like part constituted by a part of the main body is provided between adjacent image forming cartridges to generate a restraining force. In addition to being superior in the vibration damping effect as compared with the case described above, it is extremely effective in reducing the size and cost.

In the present embodiment, the leaf spring 23 functions in relation to the main body 22 also for the upper image forming cartridge 4 and the lower image forming cartridge 7 having no adjacent image forming cartridges. Various benefits can be obtained, and furthermore, each image forming cartridge has exactly the same mechanical configuration except for the color of the developer to be stored.
It can be manufactured with the same specifications and is efficient for mass production.

In carrying out the present invention, parts requiring positioning accuracy with respect to the main body, such as the photosensitive member, are attached to the cartridge with play so as to be supported by the main body independently of the cartridge case portion having low positioning accuracy. By doing so, it is possible to achieve both accuracy maintenance and realization of the binding force.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the elastic force of the leaf spring 23 be substantially the same, since the elastic force is canceled up and down and the entire image forming cartridge is not bent. The elastic force of the leaf spring 23 is set at a predetermined mounting position so as to generate a click feeling when the image forming cartridge is mounted.
It is preferable that a part of is engaged with a concave part formed in the pressing object, for example, since the improvement of operational feeling and the effect of preventing banding can be obtained at the same time. Further, the concave portion is deepened so as to enhance the click feeling, or a large frictional resistance is generated at a portion where the free end side of the leaf spring 23 contacts, so as to assist the fixing in the attaching / detaching direction by the elastic force. If the contact area is increased or the friction member is formed as described above, there is no need to provide a fixing means in the mounting direction such as a lock lever, which is suitable for cost reduction.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the leaf springs 23 are provided on the upper surface of each of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 and the upper surface of the main body 22.
7 and the lower surface of the main body 22.

(3) Example Corresponding to Claim 3 FIG. 10 shows an example corresponding to claim 3. FIG. 10A is a front view of a main part of the image forming apparatus having the image forming cartridge mounted thereon, and FIG. 10B is a view of a main part of the image forming apparatus viewed from the side. In order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus, it is desirable to mount a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged in a superimposed manner at a narrow pitch. In this example, among a plurality of image forming cartridges 4 to 7 arranged at a narrow pitch, vibration damping means for generating a viscoelastic pressing force between adjacent image forming cartridges is provided for each adjacent image forming cartridge. Prepared for imaging cartridge.

In FIG. 10, an anti-vibration rubber 24 is attached and fixed on the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 5 as anti-vibration means which has a rectangular plate shape as viewed from the front and exerts a viscoelastic force. Have been. The upper surface of the anti-vibration rubber 24 is in elastic contact with the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 4 adjacent above the image forming cartridge 5.

The same anti-vibration rubber 24 as described above is provided on each of the upper surfaces of the image forming cartridges 4, 6 and 7 and on the upper surface of the main body 22 facing the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 7. When each of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 is mounted on the main body 22, each of the vibration isolation rubbers 24 elastically bends and viscoelastically presses and supports all of these image forming cartridges.

That is, the anti-vibration rubber 24 provided on the upper surface of the imaging cartridge 4 has a lower surface of the main body 22, the anti-vibration rubber 24 provided on the upper surface of the imaging cartridge 5 has a lower surface of the imaging cartridge 4, Anti-vibration rubber 2 provided on the top of 6
Reference numeral 4 denotes the lower surface of the imaging cartridge 5,
The anti-vibration rubber 24 provided on the upper surface of the image forming cartridge 6 and the anti-vibration bomb 24 provided on the upper surface of the main body 22 viscoelastically press and support the lower surface of the image forming cartridge 7, respectively.

The above vibration mode is suppressed between the respective image forming cartridges 4 to 7 by utilizing the vibration-proof effect of heat conversion of vibration energy utilizing viscoelasticity by the pressure support by the vibration-proof rubber 24. Can be performed effectively. In this example, as compared with the elastic suppression, even if the elastic force is set to be low, a vibration damping effect can be obtained. This is effective in maintaining accuracy.

In the present embodiment, a restraining force for preventing free vibration can be generated, and an effect similar to an increase in rigidity can be obtained by substantially enlarging the cross-sectional area of the imaging cartridge, resulting from resonance of the imaging cartridge. Banding can be prevented. Further, since the restraint support by the vibration isolator acts most effectively on the low resonance frequency as described with reference to FIG. 11, it is possible to effectively suppress the low-frequency resonance mode that is easily distinguished visually. It can be very useful for improving image quality.

Also, the anti-vibration means is configured in a state attached to the image forming cartridge itself, so that a special stay-like part constituted by a part of the main body is provided between adjacent image forming cartridges to generate a restraining force. It is more effective in damping vibrations than in the case where it is attempted, and is extremely effective in reducing the size and cost.

In the present embodiment, the image forming cartridge 4 at the upper end and the image forming cartridge 7 at the lower end where there is no adjacent image forming cartridge also function as the anti-vibration rubber 24 in relation to the main body 22. The above benefits can be obtained, and furthermore, each image forming cartridge has exactly the same mechanical configuration except that the color of the developer to be stored is different, so that it can be manufactured in the same specification and mass-produced. It is also efficient on the above.

In implementing the present invention, the parts such as the photoreceptor, which are required to be positioned with respect to the main body, are attached to the cartridge with play so that they are supported by the main body independently of the cartridge case portion having low positional accuracy. By doing so, it is possible to achieve both accuracy maintenance and realization of the binding force.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the anti-vibration rubber 24 is provided on the upper surface of each of the image forming cartridges 4 to 7 and the upper surface of the main body 22. 4 to 7 and the lower surface of the main body 22.

In the above description, the fitting means in the example (1), the pressing means in the example (2), and the vibration isolating means in the example (3) have been described. It is more preferable to combine the pressing means and the vibration isolating means in order to prevent banding, improve operability obtained secondarily, and reduce costs.

[0071]

According to the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the adjacent image forming cartridges are provided with the fitting means having a vibration proof function, banding due to resonance of the entire image forming cartridge can be prevented. It is possible to realize a detachable configuration that is small, low-cost, and excellent in operability.

According to the second, fourth, and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the pressing means having a vibration proof function is provided in the adjacent image forming cartridge, banding due to resonance of the entire image forming cartridge can be prevented. It is possible to realize a detachable configuration that is small in size and low in cost and excellent in operability.

According to the third, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the vibration damping means having a vibration damping function is provided in the adjacent image forming cartridge, so that banding due to resonance of the entire image forming cartridge can be prevented. Moreover, it is possible to realize a small-sized and low-cost detachable structure excellent in operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a main part of a conventional image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a conventional image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a conventional image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the image forming cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the image forming cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where an image forming cartridge is mounted on a main body.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an interval regulating member that regulates an interval between a developing roller and a photoconductor.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a main part of an image forming apparatus illustrating an example of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a side view of a main part illustrating an example of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a main part of an image forming apparatus illustrating another example of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a side view of a main part illustrating another example of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a main part of an image forming apparatus illustrating another example of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a side view of a main part illustrating another example of the present invention.

11A is a diagram illustrating a state in which vertical vibrations are generated in the image forming cartridge, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a state in which torsional vibrations are generated in the image forming cartridge. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4, 5, 6, 7 Image forming cartridge 20, 21 Fitting member (as fitting means) 23 Leaf spring (as pressing means) 24 Anti-vibration rubber (as anti-vibration means)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body; and a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted on the main body in a superimposed arrangement, wherein the image forming cartridges are mounted on the main body. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by means, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming unit supported in advance by the image forming cartridge with respect to the photoconductor when attached to a main body is in contact with the photoconductor, wherein the plurality of image forming cartridges When the image forming cartridges are attached to the main body, the fitting means for fitting the adjacent image forming cartridges to each other is connected to each of the adjacent image forming cartridges. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a di. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body; and a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted on the main body in a superimposed arrangement, wherein the image forming cartridges are mounted on the main body. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by means, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming unit supported in advance by the image forming cartridge with respect to the photoconductor when attached to a main body is in contact with the photoconductor, wherein the plurality of image forming cartridges When the image forming cartridge is attached to the main body, pressing means for generating an elastic pressing force between the adjacent image forming cartridges is provided to the adjacent image forming cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising at least one of. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body; and a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted on the main body in a superimposed arrangement, wherein the image forming cartridges are mounted on the main body. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive member by means, wherein the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the image forming cartridge, or the photosensitive member is supported in advance by the main body, and the image forming cartridge is An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the image forming unit supported in advance by the image forming cartridge with respect to the photoconductor when attached to a main body is in contact with the photoconductor, wherein the plurality of image forming cartridges In the state where is attached to the main body, for adjacent image forming cartridges, a vibration damping means for generating a viscoelastic force between these image forming cartridges,
An image forming apparatus provided in at least one of the adjacent image forming cartridges. 4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming means is any one or more of a charging roller, a developing means, and a cleaning blade. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said developing means is a developing roller or an interval regulating member which regulates an interval between the developing roller and the photosensitive member. apparatus.