JP4788737B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus .

A mechanical device such as an image forming apparatus may employ a rack and pinion mechanism in order to mechanically interlock a plurality of members.
For example, in a copying machine capable of double-sided copying, racks are formed on both sides of an intermediate tray provided to temporarily store the paper after the image is formed on one side of the paper until the paper is re-fed. A pair of width alignment guides interlocked with each other by a pinion mechanism, and a home position detection in which a detection element for detecting the home position of both width alignment guides is provided at a position on the pinion axis of one of the width alignment guides. An apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-272028

However, in the above proposal, a rack and a pinion mechanism are adopted, but the distance of the width alignment guide is adjusted by detecting the movement distance of the width alignment guide serving as the rack by the home position detection device.
However, if the movement distance of the rack is detected by detection means such as a home position detection device and the movement distance of the rack is controlled, the configuration of the apparatus becomes complicated. In addition, when the detection means fails, there is a problem that the reliability of the apparatus cannot be sufficiently ensured, such as being unable to control the movement distance of the rack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including a drive mechanism that can reliably move a reciprocating member by a predetermined distance with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus including a drive mechanism, a casing, and a cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the casing. A first reciprocating member that moves in one direction or the other direction, a first gear that applies a driving force to the first reciprocating member, and the first gear that is directly or indirectly connected to the first reciprocating member. A first clutch that transmits to the first reciprocating member, wherein the first reciprocating member includes a first rack portion that meshes with the first gear, and a first missing tooth portion that is disposed adjacent to the first rack portion. And a second rack portion disposed adjacent to the first missing tooth portion on the opposite side of the first rack portion and meshing with the first clutch, wherein the first gear opens and closes the cover. in conjunction with, it can be forward rotation and reverse rotation, prior to When the first gear rotates in the forward direction, the driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves in one direction until the first gear is opposed to the first toothless portion, and when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the drive from the first gear to the first reciprocating member is performed. The driving force is transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member without transmission of force, and the first reciprocating member is in another state until the first gear and the first rack portion mesh with each other. It is characterized by moving in the direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the drive mechanism is provided on the second reciprocating member that reciprocates in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover, and the second reciprocating member. A third rack portion that is coupled directly or indirectly to the first gear and meshes with the third rack portion, and the third rack portion is interlocked with the opening and closing of the cover. However, the driving force is applied to the first gear through the second gear.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2 , wherein the second reciprocating member is adjacent to the third rack portion so as to face the second gear when the cover is closed. It is characterized by having a second missing tooth portion to be arranged.
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the second reciprocating member is arranged to face the second gear when the cover is opened. On the other hand, a third missing tooth portion is provided adjacent to the opposite side of the second missing tooth portion.

Further, an invention according to claim 5, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first clutch, the first fixed gear, the first fixed gear engaged while the first fixed gear A first revolving gear that revolves around the first revolving gear, and a first connecting portion that connects the rotating shaft of the first fixed gear and the rotating shaft of the first revolving gear.
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the driving mechanism is directly or indirectly connected to the first gear, and the driving force is supplied to the first gear. A second clutch for transmitting to one reciprocating member; and the first reciprocating member includes a fourth toothless portion disposed adjacent to the first rack portion on the opposite side of the first toothless portion. A fourth rack portion that is disposed adjacent to the fourth rack teeth portion on the opposite side of the first rack portion and meshes with the second clutch, and when the first gear rotates forward, The driving force is transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member without being transmitted from the first gear and the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member is transmitted. Is engaged with the first gear and the first rack portion. Then, the driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member. The first reciprocating member moves in one direction until the first gear and the first toothless portion face each other. When the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, first, the first gear and the second clutch The driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member without being transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member includes the first gear and the first reciprocating member. It moves in the other direction until it meshes with one rack part, and then the driving force is not transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the first gear rotates to the first reciprocating member. A driving force is transmitted, and the first Backward moving member, until said a first gear and the fourth toothless portion is opposed, is characterized by moving in the other direction.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the second clutch revolves around the second fixed gear while meshing with the second fixed gear and the second fixed gear. A second revolving gear and a second connecting portion that connects the rotation shaft of the second fixed gear and the rotation shaft of the second revolving gear are provided .

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the process unit is detachably mounted, a connection position capable of transmitting a driving force to the process unit, A drive connecting portion movable to a release position for releasing transmission of the driving force to the process unit, and the first reciprocating member moves the drive connecting portion of the process unit to the connection position or the release position. It is characterized by being moved.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first gear rotates forward, the driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the first gear and the first rack portion mesh with each other, A driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member moves in one direction.
When the first gear faces the first toothless portion, transmission of the driving force from the first gear to the first reciprocating member is interrupted, so that the movement of the first reciprocating member stops.

Thereby, the first reciprocating member can be moved and stopped by a predetermined distance in one direction.
When the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is not transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member, and the first clutch and the second rack portion mesh with each other, and the first reciprocating member from the first clutch. The driving force is transmitted to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member moves in the other direction until the first gear engages with the first rack portion.

Then, when the first gear meshes with the first rack portion again, the first reciprocating member can be continuously moved in the other direction, whereby the temporarily stopped first reciprocating member can be moved in the other direction. it can.
As a result, with a simple configuration, the first reciprocating member can be reliably moved and stopped by a predetermined distance, and the stopped first reciprocating member can be moved backward.
Further, the first gear can be rotated in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the first gear by applying the driving force only by opening and closing the cover without separately providing a driving member for applying the driving force to the first gear.
As a result, the drive mechanism can be reduced in size.
In addition, a movable member that can be reliably moved by a predetermined distance with a simple configuration can be provided in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be simplified and the reliability can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second reciprocating member that reciprocates in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover is provided with the third rack portion, and the second gear meshing with the third rack portion is the first gear. It is directly or indirectly connected to one gear. Therefore, a driving force can be applied to the first gear from the third rack portion via the second gear in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover.

As a result, a driving force can be applied to the first gear with a simple configuration.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the cover is closed, the second toothless portion and the second gear face each other, and transmission of the driving force is blocked between the third rack portion and the second gear. The Therefore, when the cover is closed, the interlock between the cover and the first reciprocating member is released.
As a result, the first reciprocating member can be moved by separately applying a driving force to the first reciprocating member with the cover closed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the cover is opened, the third toothless portion and the second gear face each other, and transmission of driving force is blocked between the third rack portion and the second gear. The Therefore, in a state where the cover is opened, the interlock between the cover and the first reciprocating member is released.
As a result, when the cover is closed, the start position where the cover and the first reciprocating member are interlocked can be fixed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the first gear rotates forward, the driving force is transmitted to the first fixed gear, and the first fixed gear rotates in the reverse direction. At the same time, driving force is transmitted from the first fixed gear to the first revolution gear, and the first revolution gear revolves around the first fixed gear in the reverse rotation direction while rotating forward. That is, when the first gear rotates normally, the first clutch swings in the reverse rotation direction of the first gear as a whole.

Therefore, when the first gear rotates in the forward direction, the first clutch is separated from the first rack portion of the first reciprocating member, and transmission of the driving force from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member is interrupted.
Similarly, when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the first fixed gear, and the first fixed gear rotates forward. At the same time, a driving force is transmitted from the first fixed gear to the first revolving gear, and the first revolving gear revolves around the first fixed gear in the forward rotation direction while rotating in the reverse direction. That is, when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the first clutch swings in the normal rotation direction of the first gear as a whole.

Therefore, when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the first clutch meshes with the first rack portion of the first reciprocating member, and the driving force is transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member. At this time, since the first revolving gear rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force in the other direction is transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member.
As a result, the first clutch can be configured with a simple configuration, and the driving force in the other direction can be transmitted to or cut off from the first reciprocating member by the first clutch.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the first gear rotates forward in the state where the fourth toothless portion and the first gear face each other, the first gear and the first clutch drive the first reciprocating member. The force is not transmitted, the second clutch and the fourth rack portion mesh, the driving force is transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member moves in one direction.
Then, when the first gear meshes with the first rack portion, the driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, but the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member. The moving member moves in one direction.

Thereafter, when the first gear faces the first toothless portion, transmission of the driving force from the first gear and the second clutch to the first reciprocating member is interrupted, so that the movement of the first reciprocating member stops. .
Thereby, the first reciprocating member can be moved and stopped by a predetermined distance in one direction.
In addition, when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction in a state where the first toothless portion and the first gear face each other, the driving force is not transmitted from the first gear and the second clutch to the first reciprocating member. The clutch and the first rack portion mesh with each other, driving force is transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member moves in the other direction.

When the first gear meshes with the first rack portion adjacent to the first toothless portion, the driving force is not transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member, and from the first gear to the first reciprocating member. The driving force is transmitted, and the first reciprocating member moves in the other direction.
Thereafter, when the first gear is opposed to the fourth toothless portion, transmission of the driving force from the first gear and the first clutch to the first reciprocating member is interrupted, so that the movement of the first reciprocating member is stopped. .

Thereby, the first reciprocating member can be moved by a predetermined distance in the other direction and stopped.
As a result, with a simple configuration, the first reciprocating member can be moved by a predetermined distance in one direction or the other direction and stopped.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the first gear rotates in the forward direction, the driving force is transmitted to the second fixed gear, and the second fixed gear rotates in the reverse direction. At the same time, a driving force is transmitted from the second fixed gear to the second revolving gear, and the second revolving gear revolves around the second fixed gear in the reverse rotation direction while rotating forward. That is, when the first gear rotates forward, the second clutch swings in the reverse rotation direction of the first gear as a whole.

Therefore, when the first gear rotates forward, the second clutch meshes with the fourth rack portion of the first reciprocating member, and the driving force is transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member. At this time, since the second revolving gear is rotating forward, the driving force in one direction is transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member.
Similarly, when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the second fixed gear, and the second fixed gear rotates forward. At the same time, the driving force is transmitted from the second fixed gear to the second revolving gear, and the second revolving gear revolves around the second fixed gear in the normal rotation direction while rotating in the reverse direction. That is, when the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the second clutch as a whole swings in the forward rotation direction of the first gear.

Therefore, when the first gear rotates in the forward direction, the second clutch is separated from the fourth rack portion of the first reciprocating member, and transmission of driving force from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member is interrupted.
As a result, the second clutch can be configured with a simple configuration, and the driving force in one direction can be transmitted to or interrupted from the first reciprocating member by the second clutch.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the drive connection portion of the process unit is moved to the connection position or the release position by the first reciprocating member that can be reliably moved by a predetermined distance with a simple configuration. be able to.

  As a result, the drive connection portion of the process unit can be reliably moved to the connection position or the release position with a simple configuration.

1. 1 is a side sectional view showing a first embodiment of a color laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
The color laser printer 1 is a horizontal tandem type color laser printer, and includes a paper feed unit 3 for feeding paper P and a fed paper in a main body casing 2 as an example of a casing. And an image forming unit 4 for forming an image on P.
(1) Main Body Casing The main body casing 2 is formed in a box shape having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and a process unit accommodation space 5 for accommodating a process unit 12 described later is formed therein.

  An attachment / detachment port 6 communicating with the process unit accommodation space 5 is formed on one side surface of the main casing 2. Further, a front cover 7 as an example of a cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body casing 2 is provided on a side surface where the attachment / detachment opening 6 is formed. The front cover 7 is tilted to the side of the main casing 2 as indicated by phantom lines, and the process unit 12 is placed in the process unit housing space 5 through the attachment / detachment opening 6 in a state where the attachment / detachment opening 6 is opened. It can be made to attach or detach with respect to.

In the following description, the side on which the front cover 7 is provided (the right side in FIG. 1) is the front side, and the opposite side (the left side in FIG. 1) is the rear side. Further, when the color laser printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side in FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side is the right side. The left-right direction may be referred to as the width direction. Further, with respect to the drum unit 15 (described later) and the developing cartridge 16 (described later), the front, rear, left, right, and upper are defined in the mounted state with respect to the main casing 2 unless otherwise specified.
(2) Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 8 that accommodates the paper P. The paper feed tray 8 is detachably attached to the bottom of the main casing 2. A paper feed roller (not shown) is disposed above the front end of the paper feed tray 8, and a registration roller 9 is disposed behind the paper feed roller (not shown).

By rotation of a paper feed roller (not shown), the paper P stored in the paper feed tray 8 is sent out one by one toward the registration roller 9. Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed by the registration roller 9 toward the image forming unit 4 (between the photosensitive drum 17 and the conveyance belt 25).
(3) Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 4 includes a scanner unit 11, a process unit 12, a transfer unit 13, and a fixing unit 14.
(3-1) Scanner Unit The scanner unit 11 is disposed on the upper part of the main body casing 2. As indicated by a chain line, the scanner unit 11 emits a laser beam based on the image data toward each photosensitive drum 17 to expose the photosensitive drum.
(3-2) Process Unit The process unit 12 is disposed below the scanner unit 11 and above the paper feed unit 3, and includes one drum unit 15 and four developing cartridges 16 corresponding to each color. I have. The process unit 12 is detachably attached to the main casing 2 by being inserted or pulled out along the front-rear direction.
(3-2-1) Drum Unit The drum unit 15 includes two side plates 20 that are opposed to each other with a gap in the left-right direction, four photosensitive drums 17 corresponding to each color, and four corresponding to each photosensitive drum 17. A scorotron charger 18 and four cleaning brushes 19 are provided.

Each photosensitive drum 17 is disposed along the left-right direction between the side plates 20, and is supported rotatably with respect to the side plates 20.
The photosensitive drums 17 are arranged in parallel at intervals in the front-rear direction. Specifically, from the front side to the rear side, the black photosensitive drum 17K, the yellow photosensitive drum 17Y, the magenta photosensitive drum 17M, and the like. Cyan photosensitive drums 17C are sequentially arranged.

The scorotron charger 18 is disposed on the diagonally rear upper side of each photosensitive drum 17 so as to face the photosensitive drum 17 with a space therebetween.
The cleaning brush 19 is disposed behind each photosensitive drum 17 so as to face and contact the photosensitive drum 17.
Each scorotron charger 18 and each cleaning brush 19 are supported by a center frame (not shown) provided between the two side plates 20.
(3-2-2) Developing Cartridges The four developing cartridges 16 are detachably provided on the drum unit 15 so as to correspond to the four photosensitive drums 17, respectively. That is, the developing cartridge 16 is mounted corresponding to the black developing cartridge 16K mounted corresponding to the black photosensitive drum 17K, the yellow developing cartridge 16Y mounted corresponding to the yellow photosensitive drum 17Y, and the magenta photosensitive drum 17M. The magenta developing cartridge 16M and the cyan developing cartridge 16C mounted corresponding to the cyan photosensitive drum 17C are provided.

Each developing cartridge 16 includes a supply roller 21, a developing roller 22, and a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown), and contains toner corresponding to each color.
The supply roller 21 and the developing roller 22 are provided in the developing cartridge 16 below a toner storage chamber (not shown), and are disposed so as to be in pressure contact with each other. Further, an agitator (not shown) for stirring the toner is provided in the toner storage chamber (not shown).
(3-2-3) Development Operation in Process Unit The toner in the development cartridge 16 is supplied to the supply roller 21 and further supplied to the development roller 22, and positive polarity is provided between the supply roller 21 and the development roller 22. Is triboelectrically charged.

The toner supplied to the developing roller 22 is regulated in thickness by a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown) as the developing roller 22 rotates, and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 22 as a thin layer having a constant thickness. The
On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 17 corresponding to each developing cartridge 16 is uniformly positively charged by the scorotron charger 18 as the photosensitive drum 17 rotates, and then the laser beam from the scanner unit 11 (broken line in the figure). The exposure is performed by the high-speed scanning of (see) As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be formed on the paper P is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17.

When the photosensitive drum 17 further rotates, the toner carried on the surface of the developing roller 22 and positively charged is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 17 is visualized, and a toner image by reversal development is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17 corresponding to each color.
(3-3) Transfer Unit The transfer unit 13 is disposed along the front-rear direction in the main body casing 2 above the paper feed unit 3 and below the process unit 12. The transfer unit 13 includes a driving roller 23, a driven roller 24, a conveyance belt 25, a transfer roller 26, and a cleaning unit 27.

The driving roller 23 and the driven roller 24 are opposed to each other with a space in the front-rear direction, and a transport belt 25 made of an endless belt is wound around them.
The transfer roller 26 is provided so as to face each photosensitive drum 17 with the conveyance belt 25 interposed therebetween.
The cleaning unit 27 is disposed below the conveyor belt 25 that is wound between the driving roller 23 and the driven roller 24.

Then, the paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 3 is transported by the transport belt 25 from the front side to the rear side so as to sequentially pass through the transfer positions corresponding to the respective photosensitive drums 17. During the conveyance, the respective color toner images carried on the respective photosensitive drums 17 are sequentially transferred to form a color image on the paper P.
On the other hand, in the above transfer operation, the toner adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt 25 is removed by the cleaning unit 27.
(3-4) Fixing Unit The fixing unit 14 includes a heating roller 28 and a pressure roller 29 that faces the heating roller 28 and is disposed behind the transfer unit 13. In the transfer unit 13, the color image transferred to the paper P is thermally fixed to the paper P by being heated and pressed while the paper P passes between the heating roller 28 and the pressure roller 29. .
(4) Paper Discharge The paper P on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed toward the paper discharge roller 31 and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 32 formed on the upper surface of the main body casing 2 by the paper discharge roller 31.
2. Drive Transmission Mechanism to Developing Cartridge (1) Details of Developing Cartridge FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the left side.

As shown in FIG. 2, a gear cover 33 and a coupling female member 34 protruding leftward from the gear cover 33 are provided at the left end portion of the developing cartridge 16. Although not shown, a gear train that transmits a driving force from the coupling female member 34 is provided inside the gear cover 33. The coupling female member 34 transmits a driving force to the supply roller 21, the developing roller 22, and an agitator (not shown) via a gear train (not shown).
(2) Configuration of Drive Transmission Mechanism to Developer Cartridge FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a drive transmission mechanism to the developer cartridge, where (a) shows a state in which drive is transmitted, and (b) Indicates a state in which the transmission of the drive is released.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (a state in which the front cover is closed) for explaining the interlocking mechanism as an example of the driving mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention.
The configuration of the drive transmission mechanism to the developing cartridge will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 (a), 3 (b) and 4.
In the main casing 2, on the left side of the coupling female member 34, as shown in FIG. 3A, a coupling male member 35 as an example of a drive connecting portion and an arm 36 as an example of a first reciprocating member. And are provided.

The coupling male member 35 is provided corresponding to the coupling female member 34 of each developing cartridge 16, and shares a central axis with the corresponding coupling female member 34 so that the coupling female member 34 can be connected to the coupling female member 34. The coupling female members 34 are arranged to face each other with a gap on the left side.
The coupling male member 35 includes a flange portion 37 formed at the left end portion thereof, a coupling portion 38 formed at the right end portion thereof and having a smaller diameter than the flange portion 37, and between the flange portion 37 and the coupling portion 38. An insertion portion 39 provided integrally and having a smaller diameter than the flange portion 37 and a larger diameter than the coupling portion 38 is integrally provided. The coupling male member 35 is biased rightward by a biasing spring (not shown) provided on the left side thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, the arm 36 is formed of a flat plate having a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending in the front-rear direction with a lower end protruding forward. As will be described in detail later, the arm 36 is provided in an interlocking mechanism (described later) as an example of a drive mechanism, and moves forward as an example in one direction or backward as an example in the other direction.
In addition, the arm 36 includes a notch portion 41 that is notched rearward from the front end edge in the middle in the vertical direction, and three through holes 42 that are formed at intervals from each other along the front-rear direction.

The notch 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view when the front end is opened and extends along the front-rear direction.
The through hole 42 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view in which the front end portion is smaller in diameter than the flange portion 37 and larger in diameter than the insertion portion 39, and the rear end portion is shorter than the diameter of the flange portion 37 and larger than the diameter of the coupling portion 38. It is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view with a long vertical length.

A retracting portion 43 and an inclined portion 44 are formed at the rear end portion of the through hole 42 and the periphery of the notch portion 41, and an advancing portion 45 having a substantially circular shape in side view is formed at the front end portion of the through hole 42. Has been.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the retracting portion 43 protrudes leftward from the rear peripheral edge of the rear end portion of the notch portion 41 and the through hole 42.

The inclined portion 44 projects leftward from the front peripheral edge of the rear end portion of the cutout portion 41 and the through hole 42. In addition, the inclined portion 44 gradually has a protruding length that decreases from the retracting portion 43 toward the advancing portion 45, and the left end surface of the inclined portion 44 has a left end surface of the retracting portion 43 and a left end surface of the advancing portion 45. It is formed to be continuous.
Then, the insertion portion 39 of each coupling male member 35 is inserted into each through hole 42. The insertion portion 39 of the coupling male member 35 corresponding to the foremost developing cartridge 16 (black developing cartridge 16K, see FIG. 1) is disposed in front of the notch portion 41 or inserted through the notch portion 41.
(3) Action of Drive Transmission Mechanism to Developer Cartridge Hereinafter, the action of the drive transmission mechanism to the developer cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b).

  When the arm 36 is arranged on the rear side (see FIG. 4), the coupling male member 35 is fitted in the advancing portion 45 as shown in FIG. At this time, since the advancing portion 45 is smaller in diameter than the flange portion 37 and larger in diameter than the insertion portion 39, the coupling male member 35 is biased by a biasing spring (not shown), and the insertion portion 39 is The advancing portion 45 is inserted, the flange portion 37 is advanced to the right until it abuts the left end surface of the advancing portion 45, and the coupling portion 38 is disposed at a coupling position where the coupling portion 38 is coupled to the coupling female member 34 so as not to be relatively rotatable. . As a result, the coupling female member 34 and the coupling male member 35 are coupled to each other so as to transmit a driving force to the process unit 12.

  When the arm 36 moves forward (see FIG. 5), first, the left end surface of the inclined portion 44 is brought into contact with the flange portion 37 of the coupling male member 35. When the arm 36 further moves forward, the coupling male member 35 moves to the left against the urging force of an urging spring (not shown) so as to follow the inclination of the inclined portion 44 as the arm 36 moves. Evacuate toward. When the arm 36 moves (see FIG. 6) and the flange portion 37 of the coupling male member 35 comes into contact with the left end surface of the retracting portion 43 as shown in FIG. The coupling portion 38 is disposed at a distance from the coupling female member 34 on the left side, and the coupling male member 35 is disposed at the release position. As a result, the coupling between the coupling female member 34 and the coupling male member 35 is released, and the drive transmission to the process unit 12 is released.

As described above, when the arm 36 is disposed on the rear side (see FIG. 4), the flange portion 37 of the coupling male member 35 contacts the left end surface of the advancing portion 45, and the coupling male member 35 is connected to the coupling position. Placed in. When the arm 36 is disposed on the front side (see FIG. 6), the flange portion 37 of the coupling male member 35 contacts the left end surface of the retracting portion 43, and the coupling male member 35 is disposed at the release position. . That is, the coupling male member 35 moves to the connection position or the release position in conjunction with the movement of the arm 36 in the front-rear direction.
3. Details of Interlocking Mechanism (1) Configuration of Interlocking Mechanism Hereinafter, the configuration of the interlocking mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the interlocking mechanism includes a front cover 7, an arm 36, a lever 51 as an example of a second reciprocating member, a drive transmission gear 52 as an example of a first gear, a drive gear unit 53, a first relay. A gear 54 and a first clutch 55 are provided.
The front cover 7 includes a cover swing arm 49 and a cover swing shaft 50 at the lower end. Thereby, the front cover 7 is provided to be swingable with respect to the main body casing 2 with the cover swing shaft 50 as a fulcrum. The front cover 7 swings between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 4) arranged parallel to the vertical direction and an open position (position shown in FIG. 6) arranged parallel to the front-rear direction.

The arm 36 is disposed along the front-rear direction behind the front cover 7. The arm 36 is disposed along the left side wall of the main casing 2 and is supported by a guide (not shown) so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.
Further, the arm 36 includes a rack rod 40 that protrudes forward at the front end portion.
The rack basket 40 has a first rack portion 57 with respect to the first rack portion 57, the first missing tooth portion 58 disposed adjacent to the left and rear of the first rack portion 57, and the first missing tooth portion 58. And a second rack portion 59 disposed adjacent to the opposite side in the front-rear direction and disposed below the notch portion 41.

  The first rack portion 57 is disposed at the front end portion of the rack 40, and when the front cover 7 is in the closed position (see FIG. 4), a drive transmission gear 52 (described later) is meshed with the front end. Just before reaching the open position (see FIG. 6), it is formed with a length in the front-rear direction in which a drive transmission gear 52 (described later) is removed from its rear end. Further, the first rack portion 57 is disposed on the right side of the rack cage 40.

The first toothless portion 58 is disposed adjacent to the left side of the first rack portion 57 and is disposed from the front end of the rack basket 40 to substantially the center. Further, the first toothless portion 58 is formed with a length in the front-rear direction in which a drive transmission gear 52 described later faces the rear end portion when the front cover 7 is in the open position (see FIG. 6).
The second rack portion 59 is disposed at the rear end portion of the rack cage 40, and immediately after the front cover 7 starts to move toward the closed position, a first clutch 55 (described later) is engaged with the rear end thereof (see FIG. 7). Immediately before the front cover 7 reaches the closed position, the first clutch 55 (described later) is disengaged from the front end thereof (see FIG. 8).

The lever 51 is formed of a long, substantially rectangular flat plate, and a front end portion of the lever 51 is swingably connected to the front cover 7 via a lever swing shaft 69 at the center in the vertical direction. Further, the lever 51 is disposed obliquely in front and above the arm 36 so as to go upward as it goes backward from the front end.
Further, the lower surface of the lever 51 has a third rack portion 60 projecting obliquely downward and rearward at a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the lever 51 and a second missing tooth portion 61 disposed adjacent to the front side of the third rack portion 60. And a third missing tooth portion 62 disposed adjacent to the third rack portion 60 on the opposite side of the second missing tooth portion 61.

That is, the second missing tooth portion 61, the third rack portion 60, and the third missing tooth portion 62 are sequentially formed from the front end to the rear end of the lever 51.
Immediately after the front cover 7 starts to move toward the open position, the third rack portion 60 is engaged with a drive gear 64 (described later) at the front end thereof (see FIG. 5), and the front cover 7 is brought into the open position (see FIG. 6). Immediately before reaching, the drive gear 64 (described later) is removed from the rear end thereof with a length in the front-rear direction.

The second toothless portion 61 is formed at a position facing a drive gear 64 described later when the front cover 7 is in the closed position (see FIG. 4).
The third toothless portion 62 is formed at a position facing a drive gear 64 described later when the front cover 7 is in the open position (see FIG. 6).
The drive transmission gear 52 can rotate forward and backward, and when the front cover 7 is in the closed position (see FIG. 4), the lower side of the arm 36 is engaged with the front end portion of the first rack portion 57. Is arranged.

The drive gear unit 53 includes a holder plate 63, a drive gear 64 as a second gear, and a guide roller 65.
The holder plate 63 is formed from a flat plate having a substantially pentagonal shape when viewed from the side. A drive gear 64 is rotatably supported at a lower end portion of the holder plate 63, and 2 at both left and right ends of the upper portion of the holder plate 63. Two guide rollers 65 are rotatably supported. The holder plate 63 is fixed to the main casing 2 so as to be able to swing around the axis of the drive gear 64 as a fulcrum.

The drive gear unit 53 supports the lever 51 slidably by inserting the lever 51 between the drive gear 64 and the guide roller 65. Thereby, while the lever 51 can be slid reliably, the 3rd rack part 60 and the drive gear 64 can be meshed | engaged reliably.
The first relay gear 54 is disposed in front of the drive transmission gear 52 and below the drive gear 64, and meshes with the drive transmission gear 52 and the drive gear 64.

  The first clutch 55 is disposed below the rack cage 40 and behind the drive transmission gear 52. The first clutch 55 includes a first fixed gear 66, a first revolving gear 67 that revolves around the first fixed gear 66 while meshing with the first fixed gear 66, and a rotation shaft of the first fixed gear 66. A first connecting portion 68 that connects the rotating shaft of the first revolving gear 67 is provided. In the first clutch 55, the rotation shaft of the first fixed gear 66 is fixed to the main body casing 2.

The first fixed gear 66 is disposed so as to mesh with the drive transmission gear 52, and the first revolving gear 67 is disposed so as to mesh with the second rack portion 59.
(2) Operation of interlocking mechanism Hereinafter, the operation of the interlocking mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.
5 to 8 are explanatory views for explaining an interlocking mechanism as an example of the driving mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a state in which the arm starts to move forward, and FIG. 6 is a front cover. 7 shows a state where the arm is opened, FIG. 7 shows a state where the arm starts to move backward, and FIG. 8 shows a state where the arm further moves backward.

In the state in which the front cover 7 is disposed at the closed position, as shown in FIG. 4, the drive gear 64 faces the substantially center in the front-rear direction of the second toothless portion 61, and the drive transmission gear 52 is in the first rack portion 57. The first revolving gear 67 is opposed to a position adjacent to the rear end of the first rack portion 57 in the first missing tooth portion 58.
When opening the front cover 7, as shown in FIG. 5, the front cover 7 is swung forward with the cover rocking shaft 50 as a fulcrum. At the same time, the lever 51 moves forward in conjunction with the opening operation of the front cover 7. Then, the front end portion of the third rack portion 60 and the drive gear 64 mesh with each other, and the drive gear 64 is rotated forward (clockwise as viewed from the left side). When the drive gear 64 is rotated forward, the first relay gear 54 meshed with the drive gear 64 is reversely rotated (counterclockwise when viewed from the left side), and the drive transmission gear 52 meshed with the first relay gear 54. Is rotated forward.

That is, the driving force is generated when the front end portion of the third rack portion 60 and the driving gear 64 are engaged with each other, and is transmitted to the driving transmission gear 52 via the first relay gear 54.
When the drive transmission gear 52 is rotated forward, the drive transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 are engaged with each other, so that the arm 36 is moved forward (forward movement).
At this time, the first fixed gear 66 meshed with the drive transmission gear 52 is reversely rotated. When the first fixed gear 66 is reversely rotated, the first revolving gear 67 meshed with the first fixed gear 66 revolves around the first fixed gear 66 in the reverse rotation direction while rotating forward. That is, as a whole, the first clutch 55 swings in the reverse rotation direction of the drive transmission gear 52 and is separated from the arm 36. That is, transmission of driving force from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36 is interrupted.

As a result, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward, the drive force is not transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36, but the drive force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 36, and the arm 36 moves forward.
When the front cover 7 is disposed at the open position, as shown in FIG. 6, the drive transmission gear 52 faces the rear end portion of the first toothless portion 58, and the drive gear 64 becomes the third toothless portion. It faces the front end portion of 62. Then, transmission of the driving force from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 36 is interrupted, and further, the drive of the drive gear 64 is stopped, so that the movement of the arm 36 is stopped.

  When the front cover 7 is closed, the front cover 7 is swung rearward with the cover swinging shaft 50 as a swinging shaft, and the lever 51 is moved rearward (reverse movement) in conjunction with the closing operation of the front cover 7. ) Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the rear end portion of the third rack portion 60 and the drive gear 64 mesh with each other, and the drive gear 64 is reversely rotated. When the drive gear 64 is rotated in the reverse direction, the first relay gear 54 meshed with the drive gear 64 is rotated in the forward direction, and the drive transmission gear 52 meshed with the first relay gear 54 is rotated in the reverse direction.

  When the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction, the first fixed gear 66 engaged with the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the forward direction. When the first fixed gear 66 rotates in the forward direction, the first revolving gear 67 meshed with the first fixed gear revolves around the first fixed gear 66 in the normal rotation direction while rotating in the reverse direction. That is, as a whole, the first clutch 55 swings in the forward rotation direction of the drive transmission gear 52, and the first revolving gear 67 meshes with the second rack portion 59 of the arm 36.

That is, the driving force is generated when the front end portion of the third rack portion 60 and the driving gear 64 are engaged with each other, and is transmitted to the driving transmission gear 52 via the first relay gear 54. At this time, since the drive transmission gear 52 is opposed to the first toothless portion 58, no drive force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 36.
When the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the first clutch 55, the first clutch 55 swings, the first revolving gear 67 meshes with the second rack portion 59 of the arm 36, and the first A driving force is transmitted from the clutch 55 to the arm 36. At this time, since the first revolving gear 67 rotates in the reverse direction, a driving force directed rearward is transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36.

As a result, the arm 36 moves rearward until the drive transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 are engaged with each other.
Then, due to the driving force of both the drive transmission gear 52 and the first clutch 55, the arm 36 further moves rearward, and when the first clutch 55 faces the first missing tooth portion 58 as shown in FIG. The arm 36 moves backward only by the driving force from the drive transmission gear 52. At the same time as the drive transmission gear 52 meshes with the front end of the first rack portion 57, the drive gear 64 faces the second toothless portion 61, the drive of the drive gear 64 stops, and the arm 36 is restored to the rear. The movement stops.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, when the front cover 7 is disposed at the closed position, only the lever 51 moves rearward, and the drive gear 64 faces the substantially center in the front-rear direction of the second toothless portion 61.
The drive gear 64 faces the substantially longitudinal center of the second toothless portion 61 so that a space is formed between the drive gear 64 and the front end of the third rack portion 60. Therefore, the front cover 7 can be closed after the arm 36 is reliably moved rearward and stopped.
4). Effect (1) According to the color laser printer 1, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward, the drive force is not transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36, and the drive transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 mesh. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 36, and the arm 36 moves forward.

When the drive transmission gear 52 faces the first toothless portion 58, the transmission of the driving force from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 36 is interrupted, so that the movement of the arm 36 is stopped.
As a result, the arm 36 can be moved forward by a predetermined distance and stopped.
When the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is not transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 36, and the first clutch 55 and the second rack portion 59 mesh with each other, and the first clutch 55 to the arm 36. The driving force is transmitted, and the arm 36 moves rearward until the driving transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 are engaged with each other.

When the drive transmission gear 52 engages with the first rack portion 57 again, the arm 36 can be moved rearward, and the arm 36 once stopped can be moved rearward.
As a result, with a simple configuration, the arm 36 can be reliably moved and stopped by a predetermined distance, and the stopped arm 36 can be returned.
(2) According to the color laser printer 1, the drive transmission gear 52 can be rotated in conjunction with opening and closing of the front cover 7. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the drive transmission gear 52 by applying the drive force only by opening and closing the front cover 7 without separately providing a drive member for applying the drive force to the drive transmission gear 52.

As a result, the drive mechanism can be reduced in size.
(3) Further, according to this color laser printer 1, the third rack portion 60 is provided on the lever 51 that reciprocates in conjunction with opening and closing of the front cover 7, and the drive gear that meshes with the third rack portion 60. 64 is connected to the drive transmission gear 52 via the first relay gear 54. Therefore, in conjunction with opening and closing of the front cover 7, a driving force can be applied from the third rack portion 60 to the drive transmission gear 52 via the drive gear 64.

As a result, a driving force can be applied to the drive transmission gear 52 with a simple configuration.
(4) According to the color laser printer 1, when the front cover 7 is closed, the second toothless portion 61 and the drive gear 64 face each other, and the third rack portion 60 and the drive gear 64 are interposed. Transmission of driving force is cut off. Therefore, when the front cover 7 is closed, the interlocking between the front cover 7 and the arm 36 is released.

As a result, it is possible to move the arm 36 separately by applying a driving force to the arm 36 with the front cover 7 closed.
Then, in the first embodiment, the coupling female member 34 and the coupling male member 35 are connected or disconnected by the arm 36. For example, in order to selectively switch between monochrome printing or color printing, With the front cover 7 closed, the arm 36 can be used as a mechanism for selectively contacting or separating each developing cartridge 16 and each photosensitive drum 17.
(5) According to the color laser printer 1, when the front cover 7 is opened, the third toothless portion 62 and the drive gear 64 face each other, and the third rack portion 60 and the drive gear 64 are interposed. Transmission of driving force is cut off. Therefore, when the front cover 7 is opened, the interlock between the front cover 7 and the arm 36 is released. When the front cover 7 starts to close, the drive gear 64 always meshes with the rear end portion of the third rack portion 60 at a predetermined position.

As a result, when the front cover 7 is closed, the start position where the front cover 7 and the arm 36 are interlocked can be fixed.
(6) According to this color laser printer 1, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward, the driving force is transmitted to the first fixed gear 66, and the first fixed gear 66 rotates in the reverse direction. At the same time, a driving force is transmitted from the first fixed gear 66 to the first revolving gear 67, and the first revolving gear 67 revolves around the first fixed gear 66 in the reverse rotation direction while rotating forward. That is, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward, the first clutch 55 swings in the reverse rotation direction of the drive transmission gear 52 as a whole.

Therefore, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the forward direction, the first revolving gear 67 of the first clutch 55 is separated from the first rack portion 57 of the arm 36, and the driving force is transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36. Blocked.
Similarly, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the first fixed gear 66, and the first fixed gear 66 rotates forward. At the same time, a driving force is transmitted from the first fixed gear 66 to the first revolving gear 67, and the first revolving gear 67 revolves around the first fixed gear 66 in the forward rotation direction while rotating in the reverse direction. That is, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction, the first clutch 55 swings in the normal rotation direction of the drive transmission gear 52 as a whole.

Therefore, when the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction, the first revolving gear 67 of the first clutch 55 meshes with the first rack portion 57 of the arm 36 and the driving force is transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36. . At this time, since the first revolving gear 67 rotates in the reverse direction, the backward driving force is transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 36.
As a result, the first clutch 55 can be configured with a simple configuration, and the driving force can be transmitted to or cut off from the arm 36 by the first clutch 55.
(7) According to the color laser printer 1, the arm 36 that can be reliably moved by a predetermined distance with a simple configuration can be provided in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be simplified and the reliability can be improved.
(8) Further, according to this color laser printer 1, the coupling male member 35 of the process unit 12 can be connected to the connection position or the release position by the arm 36 that can be reliably moved by a predetermined distance with a simple configuration. Can be moved to.

As a result, the coupling male member 35 of the process unit 12 can be reliably moved to the connection position or the release position with a simple configuration.
5. Second Embodiment FIGS. 9 to 13 are explanatory views for explaining an interlocking mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the front cover is closed, and FIG. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the front cover is opened, FIG. 12 shows a state in which the arm starts to move backward, and FIG. 13 shows a state in which the arm further moves back. 9 to 13, members similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.
(1) Structure of interlocking mechanism Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the structure of the interlocking mechanism in 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.

As shown in FIG. 9, the interlocking mechanism includes an arm 70 having a rack rod 78 different from the rack rod 40 of the arm 36 of the first embodiment, and in addition to each member shown in the first embodiment, Two clutches 71 are provided.
That is, the arm 70 includes a rack rod 78 formed so as to protrude forward at the front end portion.

In addition to the rack rod 40 of the first embodiment, the rack rod 78 is disposed on the opposite side of the rear end portion of the first missing tooth portion 58 with respect to the first rack portion 57, and is a fourth missing tooth portion 73. And a fourth rack portion 74 disposed adjacent to the fourth missing tooth portion 73 on the opposite side of the first rack portion 57.
The fourth toothless portion 73 is formed at a position facing the drive transmission gear 52 when the front cover 7 is disposed at the closed position (see FIG. 9).

  The fourth rack portion 74 is engaged with a second revolving gear 76 (described later) of the second clutch 71 at the front end of the rack rack 78 immediately after the front cover 7 starts to move from the closed position to the open position. (Refer to FIG. 10), the front cover 7 is formed with a length in the front-rear direction so that a second revolving gear 76 (described later) of the second clutch 71 is disengaged from the rear end just before the front cover 7 reaches the open position (see FIG. 11).

  The second clutch 71 is disposed below the arm 70 and in front of the drive transmission gear 52. The second clutch 71 includes a second fixed gear 75, a second revolving gear 76 that revolves around the second fixed gear 75 while meshing with the second fixed gear 75, and a rotation shaft of the second fixed gear 75. A second connecting portion 77 that connects the rotating shaft of the second revolving gear 76 is provided. In the second clutch 55, the rotation shaft of the second fixed gear 75 is fixed to the main body casing 2.

The second fixed gear 75 is disposed so as to mesh with the drive transmission gear 52, and the second revolving gear 76 is disposed so as to mesh with the fourth rack portion 74.
(2) Action of interlocking mechanism Hereinafter, the action of the interlocking mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the state where the front cover 7 is disposed at the closed position, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive gear 64 faces the substantially longitudinal center of the second toothless portion 61, and the drive transmission gear 52 is the fourth toothless portion. 73, the first revolution gear 67 is opposed to a position adjacent to the rear end of the first rack portion 57 in the first toothless portion 58, and the second revolution gear 76 is spaced from the front end of the fourth rack portion 74. It is facing away.

When the front cover 7 is opened, the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward in conjunction with the opening operation of the front cover 7 as in the first embodiment.
When the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward, the second fixed gear 75 meshed with the drive transmission gear 52 rotates reversely as shown in FIG. When the second fixed gear 75 rotates in the reverse direction, the second revolving gear 76 meshed with the second fixed gear 75 revolves around the second fixed gear 75 in the reverse rotation direction while rotating in the forward direction. That is, as a whole, the second clutch 71 swings in the reverse rotation direction of the drive transmission gear 52, and the second revolution gear 76 meshes with the fourth rack portion 74 of the arm 70.

  That is, when the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the second clutch 71, the second clutch 71 swings, the second revolving gear 76 meshes with the fourth rack portion 74 of the arm 70, and the second A driving force is transmitted from the clutch 71 to the arm 70. At this time, since the second revolving gear 76 is rotating in the forward direction, the forward driving force is transmitted from the second clutch 71 to the arm 70. At this time, since the drive transmission gear 52 is opposed to the fourth toothless portion 73, no drive force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 to the arm 70.

As a result, the arm 70 moves forward (forward movement) until the drive transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 are engaged with each other. Then, after the drive transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 mesh with each other, the arm 70 further moves forward by the driving force of both the drive transmission gear 52 and the second clutch 71.
When the front cover 7 is disposed in the open position, as shown in FIG. 11, the drive transmission gear 52 faces the rear end portion of the first toothless portion 58, and the drive gear 64 becomes the third toothless portion 62. The second revolution gear 76 is opposed to a position adjacent to the front end of the first rack portion 57 in the first toothless portion 58, and the first revolution gear 67 is opposed to the rear end of the second rack portion 59. Opposes at intervals. Then, transmission of the driving force from the drive transmission gear 52 and the second clutch 71 to the arm 70 is interrupted, and further, the drive of the drive gear 64 is stopped, so that the movement of the arm 70 is stopped.

When the front cover 7 is closed, as in the first embodiment, the drive transmission gear 52 rotates reversely in conjunction with the closing operation of the front cover 7, and the first clutch 55 is driven by the drive transmission gear 52 as shown in FIG. And the first revolving gear 67 meshes with the second rack portion 59 of the arm 70.
That is, the driving force is transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 70. At this time, since the first revolving gear 67 rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force directed rearward is transmitted from the first clutch 55 to the arm 70.

  At this time, the second fixed gear 75 meshed with the drive transmission gear 52 is rotated forward. When the second fixed gear 75 is rotated forward, the second revolution gear 76 meshed with the second fixed gear 75 revolves around the second fixed gear 75 in the forward rotation direction while rotating forward. That is, as a whole, the second clutch 71 swings in the forward rotation direction of the drive transmission gear 52, and the second revolution gear 76 is separated from the arm 70. That is, transmission of driving force from the second clutch 71 to the arm 70 is interrupted.

As a result, the arm 70 moves rearward until the drive transmission gear 52 and the first rack portion 57 are engaged with each other.
Then, the driving force of both the drive transmission gear 52 and the first clutch 55 causes the arm 70 to further move rearward, and when the first clutch 55 faces the first toothless portion 58 as shown in FIG. The arm 36 moves backward only by the driving force from the drive transmission gear 52. Then, the drive transmission gear 52 faces the fourth rack portion 73, the drive gear 64 faces the second toothless portion 61, the drive of the drive gear 64 stops, and the arm 70 moves backward. Stop.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, when the front cover 7 is disposed at the closed position, only the lever 51 moves rearward, and the drive gear 64 faces the substantially center in the front-rear direction of the second toothless portion 61.
(3) Effect In the second embodiment, the arm 70 can be moved forward or backward by a predetermined distance and stopped with a simple configuration.

In the second embodiment, the second clutch 71 can be configured with a simple configuration, and the driving force can be transmitted to or cut off from the arm 70 by the second clutch 71.
6). Third Embodiment FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an interlocking mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, members similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the first clutch 55 and the second clutch 71 in which the fixed gears 66 and 75 and the revolving gears 67 and 76 are connected by the connecting portions 68 and 77 are used. Instead, in the third embodiment, A first clutch gear 81 that is disposed rearward of the drive transmission gear 52 and meshes only with a reversely rotating gear, and a second clutch gear that is disposed forward of the drive transmission gear 52 and meshes only with a forwardly rotating gear. A gear train including the clutch gear 82 is employed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the gear train is disposed below the drive transmission gear 52, and is disposed obliquely below and behind the second relay gear 83 and the second relay gear 83 that mesh with the drive transmission gear 52. In the state where the second relay gear 83 and the third relay gear 84 meshing with the first clutch gear 81 and the first clutch gear 81 are disposed above and the front cover 7 is disposed at the open position, the second rack A reverse drive gear 85 that meshes with the portion 59 and the first clutch gear 82 is provided. The gear train is disposed obliquely below and forward of the second relay gear 83, and is disposed above the fourth relay gear 86 and the second clutch gear 82 that mesh with the second relay gear 83 and the second clutch gear 82. In the state where the front cover 7 is disposed at the closed position, a forward movement gear 87 that meshes with the fourth rack portion 74 and the second clutch gear 82 is provided.

  In the third embodiment, when the front cover 7 is opened, the drive transmission gear 52 rotates forward in conjunction with the opening operation of the front cover 7 as in the first embodiment. When the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the forward direction, the second relay gear 83 rotates in the reverse direction. When the second relay gear 83 rotates in the reverse direction, the fourth relay gear 86 rotates in the forward direction. When the fourth relay gear 86 rotates in the forward direction, the second clutch gear 82 meshes with the fourth relay gear 86 and the forward drive gear 87 and rotates in the reverse direction. When the second clutch gear 82 rotates in the reverse direction, the forward drive gear 87 rotates in the normal direction.

That is, the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 in the order of the second relay gear 83, the fourth relay gear 86, the second clutch gear 82, the forward drive gear 87, and the fourth rack portion 74, and the arm 70 is Move forward.
At this time, when the second relay gear 83 rotates in the reverse direction, the third relay gear 84 also rotates in the forward direction. However, the first clutch gear 81 is not meshed with the third relay gear 84, so that the reverse drive gear 85 is driven. Power is not transmitted.

  Then, as in the second embodiment, when the front cover 7 is closed after the front cover 7 is disposed at the open position, the drive transmission is interlocked with the closing operation of the front cover 7 as in the first embodiment. The gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction. When the drive transmission gear 52 rotates in the reverse direction, the second relay gear 83 rotates in the normal direction. When the second relay gear 83 rotates in the forward direction, the third relay gear 84 rotates in the reverse direction. When the third relay gear 84 rotates in the reverse direction, the first clutch gear 81 meshes with the third relay gear 84 and the reverse drive gear 85 and rotates forward. When the first clutch gear 81 rotates in the forward direction, the backward drive gear 85 rotates in the reverse direction.

That is, the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission gear 52 in the order of the second relay gear 83, the third relay gear 84, the first clutch gear 81, the reverse drive gear 85, and the second rack portion 59. Move backwards.
At this time, if the second relay gear 83 rotates in the forward direction, the fourth relay gear 86 also rotates in the reverse direction. However, since the second clutch gear 82 does not mesh with the fourth relay gear 86, it is driven by the forward drive gear 87. Power is not transmitted.

And the front cover 7 is arrange | positioned in a closed position similarly to 2nd Embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the arm 70 can be moved forward or backward by a predetermined distance and stopped by a gear train having a simple configuration, and the configuration of the interlocking mechanism can be simplified.

1 is a side sectional view showing a first embodiment of a color laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the left side. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a drive transmission mechanism to the developing cartridge, in which FIG. 4A shows a state in which drive is transmitted, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which drive transmission is released. It is explanatory drawing (state with the front cover closed) explaining the interlocking mechanism as an example of the drive mechanism in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (state which an arm begins to move forward) explaining the interlocking mechanism as an example of the drive mechanism in 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (a state in which a front cover is opened) for explaining an interlocking mechanism as an example of a driving mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing (state which an arm begins to move backward) explaining the interlocking mechanism as an example of the drive mechanism in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (a state where an arm moves backward) explaining the interlocking mechanism as an example of the drive mechanism in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (state in which the front cover is closed) explaining the interlocking mechanism in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (a state which an arm begins to move forward) explaining the interlocking mechanism in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (state with the front cover opened) explaining the interlocking mechanism in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (a state where an arm begins to move backward) explaining the interlocking mechanism in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (a state where an arm moves backward) explaining the interlocking mechanism in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the interlocking mechanism in 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color laser printer 7 Front cover 35 Coupling male member 36 Arm 51 Lever 52 Drive transmission gear 55 1st clutch 57 1st rack part 58 1st missing tooth part 59 2nd rack part 60 3rd rack part 61 2nd missing tooth Part 62 Third toothless part 64 Drive gear 66 First fixed gear 67 First revolution gear 68 First connecting part 70 Arm 71 Second clutch 73 Fourth toothless part 74 Fourth rack part 75 Second fixed gear 76 Second Revolving gear 77 Second connecting part

Claims (8)

A drive mechanism;
A casing,
A cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the casing,
The drive mechanism is
A first reciprocating member that moves in one direction or the other direction;
A first gear for applying a driving force to the first reciprocating member;
A first clutch coupled directly or indirectly to the first gear and transmitting the driving force to the first reciprocating member;
The first reciprocating member is
A first rack portion meshing with the first gear;
A first missing tooth portion disposed adjacent to the first rack portion;
A second rack portion that is arranged adjacent to the first rack portion on the opposite side of the first rack portion and meshes with the first clutch;
The first gear can rotate forward and backward in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover ,
When the first gear rotates forward, the driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, but the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member. 1 reciprocating member moves in one direction until the first gear faces the first toothless portion,
When the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force is not transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member, but the driving force is transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, 1 reciprocating member, wherein the first gear to the first rack portion is engaged, thus being moved in the other direction, the image forming apparatus. The drive mechanism is
A second reciprocating member that reciprocates in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover;
A third rack portion provided on the second reciprocating member;
A second gear coupled directly or indirectly to the first gear and meshing with the third rack portion;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the third rack portion applies the driving force to the first gear via the second gear in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover. Said second reciprocating member, as opposed to the second gear and closing the cover, characterized in that it comprises a second toothless portion disposed adjacent to the third rack portion, claim The image forming apparatus according to 2 . The second reciprocating member is disposed adjacent to the third rack portion on the opposite side of the second toothless portion so as to face the second gear when the cover is opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a unit. The first clutch is
A first fixed gear,
A first revolving gear that revolves around the first fixed gear while meshing with the first fixed gear; and
Wherein the first and the rotation axis of the fixing gear, characterized in that it comprises a first connecting portion connecting the rotation axis of the first revolving wheel, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The drive mechanism is
A second clutch coupled directly or indirectly to the first gear and transmitting the driving force to the first reciprocating member;
The first reciprocating member is
A fourth missing tooth portion disposed adjacent to the first rack portion on the opposite side of the first missing tooth portion;
A fourth rack portion arranged adjacent to the fourth rack tooth portion on the opposite side of the first rack portion and meshing with the second clutch;
When the first gear rotates forward, first, the driving force is not transmitted from the first gear and the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the driving is performed from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member. Force is transmitted, and the first reciprocating member moves in one direction until the first gear and the first rack portion mesh with each other,
Thereafter, the driving force is not transmitted from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member, but the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member is Move in one direction until the first gear and the first toothless portion face each other,
When the first gear rotates in the reverse direction, first, the driving force is not transmitted from the first gear and the second clutch to the first reciprocating member, and the driving is performed from the first clutch to the first reciprocating member. Force is transmitted, and the first reciprocating member moves in the other direction until the first gear and the first rack portion mesh with each other,
Thereafter, the driving force is not transmitted from the second clutch to the first reciprocating member, but the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the first reciprocating member, and the first reciprocating member is wherein the first gear to the fourth toothless portion is opposed, characterized in that it moves in the other direction, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The second clutch is
A second fixed gear,
A second revolving gear that revolves around the second fixed gear while meshing with the second fixed gear; and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a second connecting portion that connects a rotation shaft of the second fixed gear and a rotation shaft of the second revolving gear. A process unit that is detachably mounted;
A connecting position capable of transmitting a driving force to the process unit and a driving connecting portion movable to a release position for releasing the transmission of the driving force to the process unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first reciprocating member moves the drive connecting portion to the connection position or the release position.

Images