CN101414152A

CN101414152A - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN101414152A
Application number: CNA2008101499558A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高冢英树; 武藤一文
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2007-10-18
Filing date: 2008-10-17
Publication date: 2009-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-17
Also published as: CN101414152B; JP2009116315A; JP2010164993A; JP4883818B2; JP4490495B2

Abstract

An imaging device, used to form an image on a recording material, capable of being detachably mounted with a case, and comprising: a location part used to located the case; a movable component which can move between a first position used to locate the case to the location part when the case is mounted on a main component of the imaging device and a second position retracted from the first position and used to allow the case to be mounted on the main component of the imaging device along the longitudinal direction of the case, wherein the movable component is provided with a pushing component used to push the case to the location part when the movable component is at the first position; a guiding component which can move with respect to the movable component so that the guiding component is at a guiding position used to guide the case when the movable component is at the second position and the guiding component is at a spacing position retracting from the guiding position far from the case when the movable component is at the first position.

Description

Imaging device

Technical field

The present invention relates to be used for forming on recording medium the imaging device of image, it has master component, can be with the mode mounting box of dismounting on the master component.

Here " imaging device " is meant by using the electrophotographic image forming method to go up the equipment that forms image at recording medium (for example recording chart or OHP sheet material).The example of this imaging device can comprise electrophotographic copier, electrophotographic printer (for example laser beam printer, LED printer etc.), facsimile recorder and word processor.

Described box can be installed on equipment master component or the slave unit master component by user oneself and dismantle.Therefore, can carry out maintenance by user oneself, and need not rely on the maintenance personal imaging device.

In the situation of electrophotographic image forming, " box (handle box) " is to prepare by being integrated into the box that can be installed to the master component of this imaging device removably as the electrophotographic photosensitive member of image bearing member and the imaging processing device that acts on this electrophotographic photosensitive member.The imaging processing device be for example be used for to the photosensitive-member uniform charging charging device, be used to make the developing apparatus that is formed at the latent electrostatic image developing on the photosensitive-member, be used for after the toner image transfer printing photosensitive-member at least one of the devices such as cleaning device removed of remaining toner.(equipment) master component is the imaging device portion that does not comprise handle box.

Can use tandem type color electronography equipment as above-mentioned imaging device, described tandem type color electronography equipment uses a plurality of for example boxes of color component images such as yellow, magenta, cyan, black that are used to form.Described color electronography equipment can comprise color electronography duplicating machine, color electronography printer similar devices such as (color laser printer, color LED printers etc.).

Background technology

In TOHKEMY 2004-212986 communique, as the attaching/detaching structure of four boxes (photosensitive member unit) with respect to the equipment master component.Following structure has been described.

That is to say, when each handle box is installed on the imaging device master component, a guidance part is positioned, make image bearing member not contact with intermediate transfer belt (parts).Then, after each handle box is installed to described guiding part, described image bearing member is contacted with described intermediate transfer belt (parts) by moving upward of guiding part.

Yet,, be provided with the teat that projects upwards from each supporting surface at the rear portion of each supporting surface.Like this, each handle box straddles after it enters imaging device master component inside on relevant teat, and vertical guidance part is left at its junction surface.Then, each handle box moves upward, and makes its image bearing member to contact with the surface of intermediate transfer belt.That is to say that in order to straddle on teat, each handle box is guided with certain spacing by vertical guidance part, simultaneously from the relevant supporting surface predetermined amount that moves up, thereby image bearing member does not contact with intermediate transfer belt.Therefore, described predetermined amount and the spacing height that influences the imaging device master component.

Summary of the invention

Fundamental purpose of the present invention provides a kind of removable cartridge imaging device, wherein, has saved the space of the installation and removal mechanism of box, and has reduced to mount and dismount the required user's of operation operating physical force, to improve user's operability.

After having considered the description of the preferred embodiment for the present invention being done below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, these and other purposes of the present invention, feature and advantage will become obvious.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is schematically vertical front view of the imaging device in first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is the stereographic map of the outward appearance of this imaging device.

Fig. 3 is the stereographic map of the outward appearance of this imaging device, and wherein this imaging device is in the state that a box is inserted into or dismantles.

Fig. 4 (a) is the stereographic map of the outward appearance of the box observed from non-drive side, and Fig. 4 (b) is the stereographic map of the outward appearance of the box observed from driving side.

Fig. 5 A be used to illustrate be arranged on box side and pallet side, as the synoptic diagram of the gap opening of laser incident opening.

Fig. 5 B is the front baffle of master component framework of framework of constitution equipment master component and the stereographic map of afterframe.

Fig. 5 C (a) and Fig. 5 C (b) are the synoptic diagram that is used to illustrate the box location division.

Fig. 6 is the cut-open view of pallet lift structure, and this pallet lift structure is in following state: wherein, pallet is moved upwards up to primary importance, thus make box be positioned at can imaging the position.

Fig. 7 is with the box of the setting of state shown in Fig. 6 and the stereographic map of elevating mechanism.

Fig. 8 is the stereographic map of elevating mechanism, and this elevating mechanism is in following state: pallet is moved down into the second place.

Fig. 9 to Figure 14 is used to illustrate the cut-open view that box is changed operation.

Figure 15 is the synoptic diagram that the box that is used for illustrating second embodiment keeps structure.

Figure 16 and Figure 17 are the synoptic diagram that the box that is used for illustrating the 3rd embodiment keeps structure.

Figure 18 is the partial sectional view of the box in first embodiment.

Figure 19 is the stereographic map of elevating mechanism, and this elevating mechanism is in following state: wherein, the pallet in the 4th embodiment is moved down into the second place.

Embodiment

[first embodiment]

The overall schematic structure of＜imaging device 〉

Fig. 1 is schematically vertical front view of the imaging device of this embodiment.This imaging device is an electrophotographic image forming, wherein, be installed on removably on the master component of this imaging device by comprising, on recording medium, form image as the electronic photographic sensitive of image bearing member drum and the handle box that acts on the imaging processing device on this photosensitive drums.In this embodiment, four

handle box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K are mounted to the equipment master component 3 of this imaging device with removably.Fig. 1 illustrates by utilizing the schematically vertical front view of handle box at the example of the imaging device of the last formation of recording medium (material) P image.

Fig. 2 is the stereographic map of the outward appearance of this imaging device.Fig. 3 is the stereographic map of the outward appearance of this imaging device, and wherein this imaging device is in following state: wherein, and by opening door 2 handle box 11Y that insert or dismantle in described four handle boxes that can open.

In this embodiment, imaging device 1 is the panchromatic printer of quadruple drum-type (tandem type) electrofax that utilizes intermediate transfer belt 8.By on recording materials P, forming image as recording medium, this imaging device 1 can be exported corresponding full-colour image of electronic image information or the monochrome image with external host device B input, wherein said external host device B with as the control circuit portion (CPU) of the control device of this imaging device but A be connected with communication modes.This external host device B is equipment such as computing machine, cis.The A of control circuit portion transmission and reception and main process equipment B and the device-dependent electronic signal of imaging processing are to carry out imaging sequence control.

Herein, with regard to the imaging device 1 of this embodiment, " front side " is meant a side that is provided with the door 2 that can open." rear side " is meant a side relative with " front side ".In addition, " left side (side) " and " right (side) " is meant " left side (side) " and " right (side) " when imaging device is observed from the front side.The equipment master component is the imaging device portion that does not comprise aforesaid handle box.

Reference numeral 4 is represented intermediate transfer belt unit.This unit 4 comprises idler roller 7 that the inside secondary transfer roller 5 on the right side that is arranged at this equipment, the driven voller 6 that is arranged at the left side of this equipment, close driven voller 6 are provided with and the intermediate transfer belt 8 that extends around these three rollers.Intermediate transfer belt 8 (hereinafter being called " band ") is a dielectric member, and is flexible, connected head-to-tail device.Above-mentioned three

rollers

5,6 and 7 are set parallel to each other, thereby make that the rotation direction is a fore-and-aft direction.Idler roller 7 moves up and is upwards pushed, thereby is with 8 to apply tension force.By rotating inner secondary transfer roller 5, rotate (being driven in rotation) with predetermined speed along the counter clockwise direction of marked arrow with 8.Side at the downside band portion, between driven voller 6 and inner secondary transfer roller 5, the first transfer roll 9 of first to fourth (four) is provided with in parallel with each other, thereby make that its rotation direction is a fore-and-aft direction, and simultaneously, with respect to direction of belt travel, keep predetermined interval between the adjacent from left to right roller.Band at driven voller 6 extends (contact) outside partly, is provided with the band cleaning device 10 of the outside surface that is used for cleaning band 8.

Below with 8, a plurality of handle boxes (hereinafter being called " box ") are provided with from left to right in parallel with each other.In the equipment of this embodiment, first to fourth (four)

box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K along the moving direction of the downside band portion between driven voller 6 and inner secondary transfer roller 5 by from left to right order setting.Each box all is mounted to equipment master component 3 removably.Hereinafter will the installation and the disassembly and assembly structure of box be described.

Each box 11 is the electronic photographic processor structures with same configuration, and it comprises the drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter being called " drum ") as image bearing member (transferable image to be formed on it).Box 11 also comprises primary charging device 13, developing apparatus 14 and drum cleaning device 15, and these devices are the imaging processing devices that act on the drum 12.Primary charging device 13 is to be charged equably in the surface of drum 12 with making it reach the charging device of predetermined polarity and predetermined potential.Use charging roller as primary charging device 13.Developing apparatus 14 is to be used for developer feeding is revealed as the developing apparatus of toner image (developer image) to drum 12 so that be formed at the lip-deep electrostatic latent image of drum.Drum cleaning device 15 is the cleaning devices that are used to clean the surface of drum 12.Use cleaning doctor as drum cleaning device 15.

The first box 11Y forms the toner image of yellow (Y) on drum 12, and the toner that holds yellow (Y) is as the developer in the developing apparatus 14.The second box 11M forms the toner image of magenta (M) on drum 12, and the toner that holds magenta (M) is as the developer in the developing apparatus 14.The 3rd box 11C forms the toner image of cyan (C) on drum 12, and the toner that holds cyan (C) is as the developer in the developing apparatus 14.The 4th box 11K forms the toner image of black (K) on drum 12, and the toner that holds black (K) is as the developer in the developing apparatus 14.

Each box 11 is provided with in parallel with each other, thereby makes that the rotation direction of these drums 12 is fore-and-aft directions, and each upper surfaces of these drums contact with lower surface with 8 the downside band portion between driven voller 6 and inner secondary transfer roller 5.Above-mentioned first to fourth first transfer roll 9 relatively is provided with the upper surface of the corresponding drum 12 of these boxes, and with 8 downside band portion interference.In each box 12, drum 12 and be the first transfer printing T1 of portion with the contact portion between 8.

Below first to

fourth box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K, be provided with laser scan unit 16, it is as the exposure device relevant with the drum 12 of corresponding box.This laser scan unit is made up of laser beam emitting device, polygon prism, imaging optical system, catoptron or the like, and wherein laser beam emitting device is used for implementing the light modulated emission accordingly with the sequential electronic digit picture element signal of image information.

Below unit 16, be provided with sheet material box 17, its hold pile up, as the recording materials P of recording medium.This sheet material box 17 can be operated, to insert imaging device or to pull down (preceding loading) from imaging device from the front side of imaging device.Reference numeral 17a (Fig. 2) representative is used for the insertion of sheet material box and pulls down the handle portion of operation, and it is arranged at the header board of sheet material box 17.

Band in inner secondary transfer roller 5 extends (contact) outside partly, is provided with outside secondary transfer roller 22.With 8 and outside secondary transfer roller 22 between contact portion be the T2 of secondary transfer printing portion.

The operation instructions that is used to form full-colour image is as follows.The electronical record picture signal relevant with full-colour image inputs to the A of control circuit portion from main process equipment B.Control circuit unit A carries out required Flame Image Process to the recording image signal of being imported, and regularly drives first to

fourth box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K with expectant control.By this driving, each drum 12 rotates along the clockwise direction of marked arrow with identical predetermined speed.Charging roller 13 rotates by the rotation of drum 12.Drive by rotation, rotate along the counter clockwise direction shown in the arrow with the speed identical with the velocity of rotation of drum 12 with 8 as the inside secondary transfer roller 5 of driven roller.The surface of the drum 12 of rotation is recharged roller 13 and charges to predetermined polarity and predetermined electromotive force equably.By laser scan unit 16, the charging surface of drum 12 stands image exposure.This unit 16 output laser L, laser L is with modulated accordingly by the pending record images picture signal of the A of control circuit portion input, thus the scan exposure of the charging surface of execution drum 12.Like this, on the drum surface, form the electrostatic latent image corresponding with the scan exposure pattern.The electrostatic latent image of Xing Chenging is toner image by developer roll 14a (Fig. 5 A) development of developing apparatus 14 like this.

Handle by above-mentioned electrofax, in the first box 11Y, regularly on the surface of drum 12, form yellow (Y) toner image corresponding with the Y colouring component image of full-colour image with expectant control.In the second box 11M, regularly on the surface of drum 12, form magenta (M) toner image corresponding with the M colouring component image of full-colour image with expectant control.In the 3rd box 11C, regularly on the surface of drum 12, form cyan (C) toner image corresponding with the C colouring component image of full-colour image with expectant control.In the 4th box 11K, regularly on the surface of drum 12, form black (K) toner image corresponding with the K colouring component image of full-colour image with expectant control.

At the first transfer printing T1 of portion of the first box 11Y, the Y toner image that is formed on the drum 12 of box 11Y is transferred to being with on 8 of being rotated for the first time.Next, at the first transfer printing T1 of portion of the second box 11M, the M toner image that is formed on the drum 12 of box 11M is transferred to on the Y toner image on 8 for the first time in overlapping mode.Further, in a similar fashion, at the corresponding first transfer printing portion T1 place of the 3rd box 11C and the 4th box 11K, C toner image and K toner image are transferred to for the first time in regular turn and are with on 8.That is to say that the toner image of Y, M, C, four kinds of colors of K is transferred in regular turn and is with on 8 with predetermined overlap mode (overlapping transfer printing or multiple transfer printing), thereby comprehensively form the full-color toner image of not photographic fixing.The order that forms the toner image of multiple color with overlap mode transfer printing on 8 is not limited to above-mentioned order.

At each first transfer printing portion T1 place, from drum 12 to the first transfer printing of 8 toner image all by applying predetermined first transfer bias and carry out to relevant first transfer roll 9 in the static printing mode by the power supply unit (not shown).

Further, in each box,, the surface of the drum 12 after the first transfer printing of the process portion is cleaned, thereby can repeatedly be stood imaging operation by remove first transfer printing residue toner by drum cleaning device 15.

By with 8 be further rotated, comprehensive in the above described manner that form, the toner image of the full-colour image of photographic fixing is not transmitted and arrives the secondary transfer printing T2 of portion.

On the other hand, with expectant control regularly, drive pick-up roller 18 and from box 17, isolate a slice recording materials P in combination, and present this sheet recording materials with separating pad 19.The recording materials P that is fed is upwards guided through vertical feed channels 20 arrives alignment roller 21.Then, recording materials P is sent to the T2 of secondary transfer printing portion then by alignment roller and synchronous in time with the toner image on 8.Recording materials P in secondary transfer printing portion T2 place pressed and the process that is transmitted in, apply predetermined secondary transfer printing bias voltage by the secondary transfer roller 22 of power supply unit (not shown), thereby the full-color toner image concentrated area secondary transfer printing of feasible not photographic fixing is to recording materials P to the outside.

The recording materials P that comes out from the T2 of secondary transfer printing portion be with 8 to separate, and be transmitted guiding part 23 guidings and enter fixation unit 24.Fixation unit 24 in this embodiment is heating-pressure fixing devices, and it is right that it comprises as the roller of main structural components, and this roller is to being made up of warm-up mill 24a and backer roll 24b.Recording materials P is imported into photographic fixing pressing portion, and this photographic fixing pressing portion is the pressure contact sections of above-mentioned roller to 24a and 24b, and recording materials P by in photographic fixing pressing portion by pressing and be transmitted and through received heat and pressure.Like this, the toner of each color toner image fusing and blend of colors, thereby as panchromatic print image (photographic fixing image) photographic fixing on the surface of recording materials P.

The recording materials P that comes out from fixation unit 24 from sheet material escape hole 28 through the first sheet material distributing roller to 25, transfer path 26 and the second sheet material distributing roller be discharged to after to 27 on the sheet material discharge dish on the upper surface of this equipment.

Cleaning by in 8 subsequently rotary courses, removing the remaining toner of secondary transfer printings of recording materials P after separating, thereby prepare for next image-forming step by band cleaning device 10 with 8 surface.

For monochromatic printing model, the 4th box 11K that only is used to form the K toner image is operated control.First to the

3rd box

11Y, 11M and 11C are not operated control, although corresponding drum 12 also rotates.

The situation that is arranged at the top of intermediate transfer belt unit 4 with first to

fourth box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K is compared, in the imaging device in this embodiment, first to

fourth box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K are arranged at the below of intermediate transfer belt unit 4, and T2 of secondary transfer printing portion and the distance that is used between the first transfer printing T1 of portion of K toner image reduce.Thereby, reduced from picking up the time of recording materials P to the sheet material discharging.

In each box of first to fourth box 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K) in being installed on equipment master component 3, along with using these boxes to form image, the developer (toner) that is contained in the developing apparatus 14 is consumed.For this reason, for example, be provided with the pick-up unit (not shown) of the residue developer level that is used for detecting each box for described box.In the A of control circuit portion, with the value of the detected residue of pick-up unit (developer) amount be used to point out the life termination of box or warn the life termination of box and preset threshold value is compared.Then, be reduced to the box of the residue value that is less than threshold value, show that life termination prompting or the life termination relevant with this box warn being arranged at display part on the guidance panel 30 for the residue value of developer.By this demonstration, impel the user to prepare box and be used for changing or changing aforementioned box, thereby keep the quality of output image.

＜box 〉

In the box 11 each has identical formation and shape.Fig. 4 (a) is the stereographic map that box 11 is observed from non-drive side, and Fig. 4 (b) is the stereographic map that box 11 is observed from driving side.Box 11 is assemblies, and the direction of rotation O-O is as its longitudinal direction, and wherein, shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 A, drum 12, the charging roller 13 as the primary charging device, developing apparatus 14 and drum cleaning device 15 are attached in the box framework 31 in a predetermined manner.Drum 12 supports and is arranged between (axle)

support

32 and 33 in rotatable mode, and (axle)

support

32 and 33 is arranged on one distolateral (non-drive side) and another distolateral (driving side) of box framework 31.In the end of the opposite side of box framework 31, be provided with that drum drives web member 34, developer roll drives web member 35 and first electrical contacts 36 and second electrical contacts 37.It is drum driving force receiving units that drum drives web member 34, and it is used to receive from driving force master component 3 sides, that be used to make drum 12 rotations.It is developing roller driving force receiving units that developer roll drives web member 35, and it is used to receive the driving force of rotating from developer roll 14a (Fig. 5 A) master component 3 sides, that be used to make developing apparatus 14.First electrical contacts 36 is to be used to receive the electrical contacts for the treatment of to be supplied to from master component 3 the charging bias voltage of charging roller 13.Second electrical contacts 37 is to be used to receive the electrical contacts for the treatment of to be supplied to from master component 3 the development bias voltage of developer roll 14a.

In box 11, this side that drum driving web member 34 and developer roll driving web member 35 are set is a driving side, and the opposite side relative with this driving side is non-drive side.In the bottom surface of box 11, with respect to the basic middle body of bottom width direction, be formed with gap opening 38 (Fig. 5 A) as laser incident opening along the bottom surface longitudinal direction.

＜box replacing method 〉

In Fig. 5 B,

Reference numeral

61 and 62 is represented the front baffle and the afterframe of master component framework of the framework of constitution equipment master component 3.As shown in fig. 1, intermediate transfer belt unit 4 and laser scan unit 16 are positioned in place, upper and lower between relative front baffle 61 and afterframe 62 by location division, to be positioned and fixed part.

In addition, between former frame frame 61 and the afterframe 62 and the space segment between intermediate transfer belt unit 4 and the laser scan unit 16 be box accommodation section 3A.

In the 3A of accommodation section, be provided with pallet 41 (41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K) in a movable manner.Each pallet 41 keeps box 11, and can be in the primary importance and the second place; In primary importance, box 11 is arranged in equipment master component 3 (Fig. 7), and in the second place, and by away from primary importance ground mobile pallet 41 (Fig. 8), box 11 can be mounted to described equipment master component 3 removably.

As described hereinafter, as shown in Figure 6, pallet 41 is provided with

push part

43K and 44K, and push

part

43K and 44K are used for making it keep box 11 against the equipment master component by pushing box 11.

Each pallet 41 is set parallel to each other from left to right.Each pallet 41 is basic corresponding components of bottom shape of shape and size and box 11.These pallets 41 are fore-and-aft direction with its longitudinal direction, flatly are provided with in parallel with each other from the left side to the right side.As described later, each pallet 41 is motion up and down together, by the elevating mechanism that is associated with the opening and closing operation of the door 2 that can open synchronously simultaneously.

In this embodiment, each pallet 41 moves upward explicitly with the shutoff operation of the door 2 that can open, and so that box 11 is remained on primary importance, when primary importance, box 11 is arranged in equipment master component 3.In addition, each pallet 41 moves downward explicitly with the opening operation of the door 2 that can open.Like this, each pallet 41 remains on the second place, and when the second place, box can be installed to equipment master component 3 removably.

In the imaging device 1 of this embodiment, pass in and out the replacing that the mode of changing is carried out box 11 with the front portion, wherein, the door 2 that can open that is arranged on the front of imaging device 1 is as shown in Figure 2 opened as shown in Figure 3.Reference numeral 2a representative is arranged at handle portion on the door 2 that can open, that be used to open and close operation.When the door 2 that can open is opened, expose the opening 61a in the front baffle 61 that is arranged on the master component framework.

This opening 61a is such opening: each box 11 is moved and passes this opening, pulls down with in the insertion equipment the master component 3 and inside of slave unit master component 3; That is, it is the opening that is used to mount and dismount box 11.

Each box 11 is axis directions (longitudinal direction of box 11) of drum 12 with respect to the installation and removal direction of equipment master component 3.In order to insert box 11, be opened and pallet 41 remains under the state of the second place (Fig. 8) at the door 2 that can open, box 11 is inserted equipment master component 3 as the mode of front side from opening 61a with its driving side, so that its driving side is positioned on the pallet 41.By the sliding motion of box 11 on pallet 41, box 11 is pushed in the equipment master component 3 fully.Like this, as described later, box 11 is by the direction pushing of distance rod (ejection press member) 145K (Fig. 8) towards afterframe 62.Like this, the rear end face of box 11 is against afterframe 62, thereby box 11 is with respect to the position Be Controlled (Fig. 9 and Figure 10) of installation direction.

Further, remain at pallet 41 under the state of the second place,, carry out the dismounting (removing) (Figure 11 and Figure 12) of box 11 by box 11 sliding motion opposite in pallet 41 upper edges, that wait the direction that pulls out with installation direction.

Aforesaid, each pallet 41 moves up and down together, by operating explicitly elevating mechanism with the opening and closing of the door 2 that can open synchronously simultaneously.

Remain at pallet 41 under the state of primary importance (Fig. 7), be used for the butting section 63 and 64 of the top of the preceding support 32 of box 11 and back support 33 against front baffle 61 that is arranged on the master component framework and afterframe 62.Fig. 5 C (a) shows this against state.Butting section (handle box butting section) 63 and 64 as localization part is trapezoidal (excision) recesses.Top as the described support of part to be positioned is the protuberance with arcuate surface.Described protuberance is bonded in the described recess, thereby makes these two parts contact with each other at 2 a and b place.Like this, as described later, by be arranged on the pallet 41, be used for flexibly receiving and push part (pressing device) 43K of supporting case 11 and the pushing force F of 44K, support 32 and 33 by pushing (compressing) flexibly against the butting section 63 and 64.Like this, the front baffle 61 and the afterframe 62 of master component framework located and be fixed to box 11.That is to say that box 11 is placed in following state: wherein, box 11 is located in a predetermined manner with respect to intermediate transfer belt unit 4 of locating and being fixed to framework 61 and 62 similarly and laser scan unit 16.With respect to intermediate transfer belt unit 4, drum 12 location also are fixed on and are with 8 position contacting (state).

Further, be maintained at pallet 41 under the state of the second place (Fig. 8), be used for the preceding support 32 of box 11 and the

butting section

63 and 64 that back support 33 moves away from front baffle 61 and afterframe 62, shown in Fig. 5 C (b).Like this, box 11 is released with respect to the stationkeeping of equipment master component 3, thereby (removing) pulled down in the inside that box 11 can slave unit master component 3.

＜pallet lift structure 〉

In this embodiment, pallet 41 can move to the primary importance and the second place in the bottom surface of supporting case 11 and side.Further, primary importance is positioned at the top of the second place.As the imaging device 1 of this embodiment, comprise in the equipment of a plurality of boxes 11, be provided with a plurality of pallets 41 accordingly with a plurality of boxes 11.

Therefore the pallet lift structure (holding device) that is used for lifting first to fourth pallet 41 has identical construction and operation, will describe as representational example with structure and the operation of the pallet lift structure 50K that is used for the 4th pallet 11K.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are cut-open view and the stereographic maps of pallet lift structure 50K when pallet 41K is moved upward to primary importance.Fig. 8 is the stereographic map of this pallet lift structure 50K, and this pallet lift structure 50K is positioned at following state: wherein, pallet 41K is moved down into the second place, and box 11K removes from pallet.

The leading section of pallet 41K is supported in rotating mode by the end of front tray arm member 101K by coupling shaft 103K, and front tray arm member 101K can rotate with pitman shaft 120.In addition, the rearward end of pallet 41K is supported in rotating mode by the end of back pallet arm member 102K by coupling shaft 106K, and back pallet arm member 102K is supported in rotating mode by fixing support component 104K by coupling shaft 105K.

Pallet 41K has constituted parallelogram lindage by pitman shaft 120, front tray arm member 101K, coupling shaft 103K, coupling shaft 105K, back pallet arm member 102K and coupling shaft 106K.

Pitman shaft 120 extends along the direction of

other pallets

41C, 41M and 41Y, and on the extension of pitman shaft 120, is provided with the tray arm parts (101Y, 101M, 101C, not shown) corresponding to other pallets regularly.For among

other pallets

41C, 41M and the 41Y each, constituted parallelogram lindage with the situation of above-mentioned pallet 41K similarly.

Connecting link 121 is permanently attached to pitman shaft 120.By connecting link 121 is rotated, pitman shaft 120 rotates with connecting link 121.Like this, by pivot link axle 120, the translation obliquely together of each pallet 41 is able to by above-mentioned parallelogram lindage simultaneously synchronously.

When connecting link 121 when the direction (it is the lifting direction of connecting link 121) of arrow 124 is rotated, pallet 41K moves upward and streaks arching trajectory simultaneously.Like this, pallet 41K moves to primary importance (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7).

On the other hand, when connecting link 121 rotated along the direction (it is the direction of falling to the front side) of arrow 123, pallet 41K moved downward and streaks arching trajectory simultaneously.Like this, pallet 41K moves to the second place (Fig. 8 and Figure 11).

Connecting link 121 can be operated with rotation mode explicitly with door 2 the switching manipulation that can open of this imaging device.The door 2 and the link gear of connecting link 121 that to open have been omitted in the accompanying drawing.

That is to say that with respect to equipment master component 3, connecting link 121 can rotate along the direction of arrow 124 explicitly with the rotation of closing of the door 2 that can open.By this rotation, the pallet 41K arrival primary importance that moves upward.Like this, the door that can open 2 is closed fully, and connecting link 121 contacts with the acceptance division (not shown) of front baffle 61, is positioned at pallet 41K under the state of primary importance to stop operating.

Further, with respect to equipment master component 3, connecting link 121 can rotate along the direction of arrow 123 explicitly with the rotation of opening of the door 2 that can open.By this rotation, pallet 41K moves downward the arrival second place.

Reference numeral 42K (Fig. 8) representative is as the gap opening of laser incident portion, and its longitudinal direction along tray surface is formed at the part place of basic central authorities with regard to the Width of tray surface.

Installed under the state of corresponding box 11 on each pallet 41, the position of the bottom surface side gap opening 38 of box framework 31 (Fig. 5 A) is corresponding with gap opening 42 on pallet 41 sides.Like this, the laser L that is upwards sent by the laser scan unit 16 that is positioned at pallet 41 belows enters the inside of box 11 by gap opening 42 and 38.

Further, as shown in Figure 6, be used for flexibly receiving front side and rear side that push part (pressing device) 43K and 44K with supporting case 11K are arranged at tray upper surface 115K respectively.At the primary importance place of pallet 41K, these

push part

43K and 44K push box 11K to the precalculated position (butting section 63 and 64) of equipment master component, thereby box 11K are remained on the primary importance of pallet 41K.

Preceding push part 43K and back push part 44K are contained among the corresponding push part accommodation section 46K.Described push part accommodation section 46K is formed on the pallet 41K.Further, each among push part 43K and the push part 44K is made of volute spring 48K and the 47K of pushing portion.Outstanding among hole (second hole) 45K of the top of the 47K of pushing portion from the upper surface 115K that is arranged at pallet 41K.When pallet 41K is positioned at the second place (Figure 12 and Figure 13), the flange portion 47K1 of the 47K of pushing portion is resisted against butting section 130K and goes up (butting section 130K is and upper surface 115K facing surfaces), makes the 47K of pushing portion give prominence to the distance of H1 from upper surface 115K.When pallet 41K is positioned at primary importance (Fig. 6), between flange portion 47K1 and butting section 130 (it is and upper surface 115K facing surfaces), produce the clearance G 1 of scheduled volume.The 47K of pushing portion is positioned at following state: it is from the distance of the outstanding H2 of upper surface 115K.That is to say that volute spring 48K is compressed, thereby box 11K is pressed against on butting

section

63 and 64.

Further, when pallet 41K was positioned at primary importance, front tray arm member 101K and back pallet arm member 102K remained on following state as shown in Figure 6: the position at the rotation center place of pallet 41K is about the rotation center of pitman shaft 120 angle (with the angle of vertical direction) towards the frame side tilt alpha.Like this, in primary importance, the power that pallet 41K is rotated towards the direction of arrow 124 acts on the pallet 41K constantly.By using such structure, that is: make (power) acceptance division (not shown) of connecting link 121 contact front baffles 61 to stop the rotation and to locate, connecting link 121 is in following state: wherein, have all the time towards the masterpiece with the direction of front baffle 61 butts to be used for connecting link 121.Therefore, can prevent pallet 41K owing to the variation of parts, vibrate, come off etc. former thereby move to the second place (Fig. 8), thereby pallet 41K is able to stabilization in the hold mode of primary importance.

Further, as shown in Figure 6, be used for being attached to the maintaining part 111K that is formed on the pallet 41K in the mode of can vertically slide (removable) at the insertion of box 11 and guiding part (auxiliary rail) 110K that pulls down process guiding box 11.Further, as shown in Figure 8, in the upper surface 115K of pallet 41K, be provided with the first opening 111K1 that allows guiding part 110K to give prominence to from upper surface 115K.Opening 111K1 is formed between preceding push part 43K and the back push part 44K along the longitudinal direction of pallet 41K.Guiding part 110K has and the corresponding length of the length of opening 111K1.As shown in Figure 6, move at pallet 41K under the state of primary importance, thereby guiding part 110K remains in the recess 111 and has at interval that G2 does not contact with box 11K.That is to say that guiding part 110K is configured to: when pallet 41K was positioned at the second place, guiding part 110K was in the state (guiding position) of supporting case 11K; And when pallet 41K was positioned at primary importance, guiding part 110K was in the state (separation point position) that moves away from box 11.Guiding part 110K has the guiding face 110b that is in par with the upper surface of pallet 41K in described separation point position, perhaps away from upper surface 115K move to concave position.Its detailed formation hereinafter will be described.

As shown in Figure 8, Reference numeral 145K representative is as the distance rod of ejection press member, and it is kept in rotatable mode by pallet 41K as shown in Figure 9.By the distance rod 145K of thrust spring 146K pushing with the box 11K on the pallet 41K towards afterframe 62 pushings, thereby make the rear end face of box 11K all the time against the inside surface of afterframe 62.At this moment, distance rod 145K as shown in figure 18 by be arranged at box 11K in conjugate foramen 11K1 engage and be urged.Thereby the placement configurations of box 11K becomes and can control on box 11K is installed to the direction of equipment master component 3, thereby makes box 11K be urged to afterframe 62 when primary importance and the second place move.

Further, be electrically connected to first electrical contacts 36 and second electrical contacts 37 on the driving side of box 11K at the first and second master component electrical contacts (not shown) on the equipment master component side.In this case, the butt power of distance rod 145K is designed so that it than big abundant of the contact pressure of electrical contacts, with guarantee box 11K and afterframe 62 against.

Further, as shown in Figure 8, the side 117K of pallet 41K is provided with the junction surface 116K as control section.When pallet 41K was positioned at the second place and wants mounting box 11K, this junction surface 116K engaged with groove 31a on being arranged at box 11K.Junction surface 116K controls the motion that box 11K makes progress.That is to say, junction surface 116K prevent when installation and removal box 11K with 8 and bulging (photosensitive-member) 12 owing to 8 and drum 12 between contact damage.

To be described in the operation of the each several part in the process of changing handle box 11 below.

(i) Fig. 6 shows the state of door 2 when closing that can open of imaging device.In this state, connecting link 121 rotates along the direction of arrow 124 explicitly with the shutoff operation of the door 2 that can open.By this rotation, pallet 41K moves upward, thereby makes box 11K move to primary importance.This connecting link contacts with the acceptance division of front baffle 61, thereby stops operating.The rear end face of box 11K is against the inside surface of afterframe, and by the rear surface stop of afterframe, thereby box 11K is controlled towards the position on the installation direction of equipment master component 3 at it.Under the effect of the pushing force F of push part 43K and 44K, the preceding support 32 and the back support 33 that are used for box 11K are resisted against butting section 63 and 64, thereby box 11K is positioned and fixed (Fig. 5 C (a)).The drum that the associated drives unit (not shown) of equipment master component side is connected to box 11K drives web member 34 and developer roll driving web member 35.Further, the first and second master component electrical contacts (not shown) on equipment master component 3 sides are electrically connected to first electrical contacts 36 and second electrical contacts 37 of box 11K.That is to say that imaging device is in the state that can carry out imaging operation.

(ii) in order for example to change old box 11 with new box 11, when the door 2 that can open of imaging equipment when above-mentioned state is as shown in Figure 6 opened, connecting link 121 rotates along the direction of arrow 123 explicitly with the opening operation of the door 2 that can open.

By this rotation, as shown in Figure 9, pallet 41K marks arching trajectory along the rotary motion trace of

bracket arm parts

101K and 102K towards preceding lateral movement.In the angle of rotating the β number of degrees from the angle of the tray arm parts 101K and the 102K rotation alpha number of degrees to

tray arm parts

101K and 102K, till the 47K of pushing portion contact butting section 130 during this period of time in, box 11K is pushed splenium 47K and is pressed against constantly on framework 61 and 62.Therefore, box 11K is shelved on following state: wherein, box 11K is by butting

section

63 and 64 location.Further, the drum of the driver element (not shown) on the equipment master component side and box 11K drives web member 34 and drives web member 35 with developer roll and separates, and move with it away from.Further, the first and second master component electrical contacts on the equipment master component side separate with second electrical contacts 37 with first electrical contacts 36 of box 11K, and move with it away from.

(iii) further, when connecting link 121 rotated, box 11K began to reduce, and box 11K is in the state that is positioned on the 47K of pushing portion.At this moment, box 11K still is urged to contact with afterframe 62, reduces thereby pallet 41K is drawing the curved track slash, and box 11K then reduces in contact with afterframe 62.

(iv) when box 11K reduced constantly, as shown in figure 10, the 110a of guide support portion of guiding part 110 contacted with connecting frame 163.By this contact, even when pallet 41K reduces, guiding part 110 no longer reduces, thereby guiding face 110b relatively is higher than tray upper surface 115K.

(v) as shown in figure 11, thus when the door 2 that can open was fully opened connecting link 121 and stopped operating with predetermined angle, pallet 41K was shelved on second place state.In this case, pallet 41K can by

tray arm parts

101K and 102K,

framework

61 and 62 and connecting frame 163 in any remain on this second place.

When pallet 41K was positioned at this second place, guiding part 110K contacted with connecting frame 163, and was connected framework 163 maintenances, and the opening 111K1 from be arranged at tray upper surface 115K is outstanding.In this embodiment, at second place place, guiding part 110K equals push

part

43K and 44K from the outstanding amount H1 of tray upper surface 115K from the outstanding amount of tray upper surface 115K.That is to say that guiding face 110b and the 47K of pushing portion are positioned at apart from tray upper surface 115K par (highly) and locate.

Further, thus box 11K is pushed with afterframe 62 by distance rod 145K and contacts.In this case, distance rod 145K is in following state: wherein, this distance rod 145K has begun box 11K to move towards the position of afterframe 62 pushings the number of degrees of γ from it in the primary importance of pallet 41K.

Pallet 41K is in following state: its primary importance with respect to push-plate 41K (Fig. 6) is towards front side displacement L1.Box 11K is supported on following state: wherein, box 11K is positioned on pusher splenium 47K and the guiding part 110K.That is to say that at the second place place of pallet 41K, guiding part 110K is supported on the connecting frame 163 of equipment master component side, thereby be in the state of supporting case 11K.In the second place of pallet 41K, guiding part 110K and push

part

43K and 44K supporting case 11K.

(vi) when the user plans to pull down box 11K with replacing box 11K, as shown in figure 12, distance rod 145K is pushed back by box 11K.Like this, as distance rod 145K during toward the predetermined angular of the swivel motion η number of degrees, the thrust spring (not shown) is around the rotation center distortion of distance rod 145K, thereby operation distance rod 145K makes distance rod 145K rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

When dismounting box 11K, box 11K can be disassembled reposefully and can not hindered by the preceding pushing 47K of portion, and this is because the guiding face 110b of preceding pushing 47K of portion and guiding part 110K has identical height.

Similarly, when inserting new box 11K, the guiding face 110b of preceding pushing 47K of portion and guiding part 110K has identical height, makes box 11K can not hindered by the preceding pushing 47K of portion.Further, the guiding face 110b of pusher splenium 47K and guiding part 110K has identical height, thereby box 11K can not hindered by pusher splenium 47K.Like this, box 11K can be inserted the equipment master component reposefully.

In this embodiment, the guiding face 110b that has described 47K of pushing portion and guiding part has the structure of identical height.But, if do not have problems in the process of installation and removal box 11K, also it doesn't matter even then form stage portion between 47K of pushing portion and guiding face 110b.That is to say that in the present invention, the height of the height of the 47K of pushing portion and the guiding face 110b of guiding part 110K is not to be equal to each other.

But, under the situation that does not have guiding part 110K, when installing or dismantle box 11K, box 11K will be hindered by preceding pushing 47K of portion or pusher splenium 47K.Therefore, need excessive power that box 11K is moved on the 47K of pushing portion, cause very poor installation operability like this.Especially, the weight of new box 11K is 2 to 3kg, is heavier therefore, be pushed splenium 47K easily and hinder, thereby the operating physical force that is used to make box 11K straddle the 47K of pushing portion (crossing) is very big.The user is difficult to see that box 11K is by the situation of pusher splenium 47K obstruction.

(vii) when box 11K inserted in the equipment master component, as shown in figure 13, box 11K was against the projection 145a of distance rod 145K.From this state, when further pushing box 11K, distance rod rotates by box 11K.Like this, when distance rod rotated the predetermined angular of the η number of degrees, distance rod 145K rotated under the effect of thrust spring 146K.Like this, projection 145K promotes box 11K towards afterframe 62, thus as shown in figure 14, the facial inside surface with afterframe 62 in the rear end of box 11K against.

The operation of the predetermined angular of the distance rod 145K rotation η number of degrees is undertaken by the user, thereby makes the necessary operations fluctuation minimize.According to the inventor's design, for example confirmed when described fluctuation be about 200 to 300gf the time, distance rod 145K can insert no problemly.

By the effect of distance rod 145K, box 11K and afterframe 62 against, inserted and be arranged in the equipment master component 3 thereby the user can perceive box 11K by sound and vision.

Further, in this embodiment, wherein to be difficult for being done by misidentification be the correct desired location of box 11K in the box 11K position that is set to half completion status, thereby can significantly reduce the human error that box is changed operation.

Further, as mentioned above, use a kind of like this structure in this embodiment, the groove 31a that is arranged on the box 11K is engaged with junction surface 116K on being arranged at pallet 41K.Like this, prevented since user's operation make box 11K with 8 contact occurred with 8 or the contact damage of drum 12.

(viii) from state shown in Figure 14, the door 2 that can open rotates to close.Rotate the ground that links with closing of the door 2 that can open, connecting link 121 rotates along the direction of arrow 124, marks arching trajectory thereby make pallet 41K move upward.Like this, as shown in figure 14, pallet 41K contacts with the receiving plane 110c of guiding part 110K, thereby makes guiding part 110K also along with pallet 41K moves upward together.Therefore, guiding support portion 110a separates with connecting frame 163.

Then, the preceding support 32 that is used for box 11K contacts with the butting section 63 and 64 (location division) of front baffle 61 and afterframe 62 respectively with back support 33 (portion to be positioned).Further, current pushing 47K of portion and pusher splenium 47K are pressed into respectively when being used to push box 11K, and guiding part 110K and box 11K separate.That is to say that in the primary importance of pallet 41K, guiding part 110K is positioned at the not state of supporting case 11K.Therefore, even when the close relatively pallet 41K of box 11K while compression helical spring 48K, guiding part 110K does not interfere with box 11K mutually yet, thereby can not hinder box 11K.By the motion of pallet 41K to primary importance, the support portion 110a of guiding part 110K moves away from connecting frame 163.That is to say that guiding part 110K is not subjected to the power that upwards pushes away, so guiding part 110K is owing to its deadweight drops on the maintaining part 111K, and remains on the maintaining part 111K.

When the 47K of pushing portion was pressed among the box 11K simultaneously compression helical spring 48K, preceding pushing 47K of portion and pusher splenium 47K little by little were pressed into, and synchronously slided towards the rear side of holding portion 46K with the pallet 41K that moves up and streak arching trajectory simultaneously.Before the 47K of pushing portion and pusher splenium 47K be pressed into compression helical spring 48K simultaneously, thereby put on the variation on the operating physical force that load on the pallet 41K causes the user.But, this variation realizes gradually, therefore can realize reducing the effect of operating physical force fluctuation (variation).

(ix) from above-mentioned state, the door 2 that can open is closed fully, thereby pallet 41K remains on primary importance as shown in Figure 6.Further, the driver element (not shown) on the equipment master component side is connected to the drum that is used for box 11K and drives web member 34 and developer roll driving web member 35, to operate.Further, the first and second master component electrical connection sections on the equipment master component side are connected to first electrical connection section 36 and second electrical connection section 37 of box 11K, to operate.

The box 11K that is installed on the pallet 41K is being set at push part 145K on the pallet 41K towards afterframe 62 pushings of master component framework when primary importance and the second place move.

As mentioned above, for simplicity, as representational example, the 4th box 11K and the pallet lift structure 50K that is used for the 4th box 11K are described, but

other box

11Y, 11M, 11C and pallet lift structure 50Y, the 50M and the 50C that are used for these boxes also are applicable to this embodiment similarly.

Above description show, when the user changes box 11K, link by door 2 the opening and closing operation that enables to open and dismounting and the fitting operation of box 11K, can change box 11K reposefully.

Especially, when box 11K dismantled or inserts at the second place place of pallet 41K, the height of guiding part 110K and the 47K of pushing portion was equal to each other, thereby has improved the installation operability of box 11K.

Further, at the primary importance place of pallet 41, pallet 41 separates predetermined spacing G2 with box 11, thereby can guarantee the maximum volume of box 11 and can not apply any restriction to the shape of box 11.

The imaging device of this embodiment constitutes as shown in Figure 1, to be used to reduce size.That is to say that first to fourth box is with partly overlapping state arrangement, wherein adjacent box 11 is overlapped each other, has reduced interval (spacing) Pdrm between relevant (adjacent) drum of adjacent box 11 simultaneously.

In this imaging device 1, on intermediate transfer belt 8, form the needed time of toner image (high efficiency) in order to realize reduced in size simultaneously and to reduce, wish that the interval Pdrm between the adjacent drum of corresponding box 11 reduces as much as possible.Yet each box 11 also needs to comprise the developing apparatus and the charging device of upstream side (with respect to the sense of rotation of drum, being benchmark with the first transfer printing T1 of portion), and comprises the cleaning device in downstream.For this reason, in box 11, on left side of rousing and right side, need the predetermined arrangement space.Pdrm guarantees left and right arrangement space simultaneously in order to reduce at interval, and in this embodiment, adjacent handle box 11 is with partly overlapping state arrangement, and wherein adjacent box 11 is overlapped as described above each other.

In this embodiment, box 11 is with following carrying out against mode with respect to the location of equipment master component 3: wherein, (axle) support 32 on box 11 sides with 33 with equipment master component side on contact with butting section 64, back as the preceding butting section 63 of location division.Compare with the location of realizing by the joint that utilizes the hole, this by can realizing high-precision location against the location of the box of realizing 11, and

box

11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K have littler play with respect to the

framework

61 and 62 of equipment master component 3 sides.

The relative position deviation of each box 11 directly causes treating the deviation of the image of first transfer printing, thereby very influences color image quality.Therefore, by being unusual useful means for improving color image quality against the location of play that has still less of realizing.

Further, shown in Fig. 5 C (a), this location is by as the

support

32 and 33 of portion to be positioned, carry out as two some a on each the abutment face in the

butting section

63 and 64 of location division and b and by push part 43 and the 44 pushing force F that applied.Therefore, move away from butting

section

63 and 64 by the pallet 41 that will be provided with push part 43 and 44, box 11 can with described localization part from.As in this embodiment, push part 43 and 44 is arranged at the below of box 11, thereby when changing box 11, can guarantee that the opening 61a of equipment master component has big space, and, can not hinder material ground and box 11 is set with having good availability inserting and dismantling in the process of box 11.

In this embodiment, be described by the structure that uses partly overlapping layout (wherein adjacent box 11 is overlapped each other), but the situation that box 11 does not overlap each other also is suitable for.

As mentioned above, be provided with and be used to push the push part 43 of associated cartridge 11 and 44 pallet 41 is attached to master component framework 61 and 62, thus make pallet 41 be with 8 to be provided with, and can in equipment master component 3, to move up and down substantially parallel.Further, pallet 41 can be in primary importance, and wherein, each box 11 is kept by the butting section 63 and 64 against framework 61 and 62; And pallet 41 can be in the second place, and wherein, pallet 41 separates with 64 with butting section 63.In the second place, the push part 43 and 44 that is provided with on the pallet 41 remains in following state by pallet 41: wherein, push part 43 and 44 is with predetermined amount from pallet 41 outstanding with box 11 facing surfaces, thus contact and supporting case 11.In primary importance, can keep and be independent of the guiding part 110 and box 11 predetermined spaced that pallet 41 keeps movably with respect to pallet 41.In the second place, the surface of contact between push part 43,44 and the box 11 has identical height with at least a portion surface of guiding part 110.Like this,, can prevent that perhaps box 11 straddles on the projection of push part 43 and 44 and the operating physical force that causes fluctuation because box 11 is urged parts 43 and 44 hinders when user dismounting or when inserting box 11.Therefore, can provide space with excellent operability, saving and imaging device 1 cheaply.That is to say,, guide box 11 thereby the lifting box 11 that do not need to make progress does not a little contact box 11 with push part 43,44 because the existence of guiding part 110 when box 11 inserts in the equipment master component 3, is different from traditional imaging device.Accordingly, the height of imaging device 1 can be reduced, and the installation operability can be improved.

In this embodiment, described the structure that uses a plurality of boxes 11 in the imaging device, but the present invention also is applicable to the imaging device that uses single box 11.

＜the second embodiment 〉

Second embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 15 is the synoptic diagram that the box 11 that is used to illustrate the imaging device of second embodiment keeps the major part of structure.Especially, Figure 15 is the cut-open view when pallet 41K moves to the second place away from part that can imaging, and when the second place, box 11K is in the part that can install with removably with respect to the equipment master component.

In this embodiment, the guiding part of the imaging device in the structure of guiding part and first embodiment has a great difference.Difference with the structure of first embodiment will mainly be described below.

Compare with the structure of first embodiment, in this embodiment, be provided with two (forward and backward) guiding parts 160, these two guiding parts 160 are configured to swing around rotation center 160d.Therefore, form guiding face by the dip plane 160e guiding face 160b identical with the 47K of pushing portion with height.

When dismounting or insertion box 11K, box 11K begins little by little to rise along dip plane 160e from tray surface 115K, and is pushed splenium 47K reception after arriving guiding face 160b.

Dip plane 160e is designed to have the angle of mitigation, for example about 5 degree.

Even with this structure, to compare with traditional structure, the fluctuation of operating physical force also can fall into very little scope.Further, compare with first embodiment, in the structure of this embodiment, guiding part 160 does not occupy the longitudinal component of pallet 41K.Therefore, can carry out other function at vertical middle body of pallet 41K.

But, when box 11K when dip plane 160e rises, user's operating physical force has fluctuation.

＜the three embodiment 〉

The 3rd embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 16 is the synoptic diagram that the box that is used to illustrate the imaging device of the 3rd embodiment keeps the major part of structure.The difference of itself and first and second embodiments will mainly be described below.

This embodiment is characterised in that each box 11 all is obliquely but not flatly is provided with.By box 11 is set obliquely, the deadweight of each box 11 is along the directive effect of arrow 128, thereby pallet 41 is configured such that load spreads to the bottom surface and the side of box 11, and perhaps bottom surface and the side by box 11 produces carrying.

Therefore, compare with first embodiment, the quantity on the surface that contacts with the bottom surface reduces, and reduces with the quantity on the surface of contacts side surfaces.

Further, box 11 is provided with the rib 138b as projection, and slot part 139b is set on the pallet 41, thereby prevents that box 11 from coming off.Be obliquely installed pitman shaft 120 accordingly with the angle of inclination of box 11, and be obliquely installed connecting link 121 similarly.Compare with first embodiment, the quantity on the surface corresponding with the bottom surface reduces, and makes that drum just can be arrived by laser radiation under the situation that gap opening is not set on the pallet 41.

Further, the setting of push part 43 and 44 pushing portion 47, volute spring and guiding part 110 also changes corresponding to being obliquely installed of box 11.

As mentioned above, no matter box is horizontally disposed still is in tilted layout, and the present invention all is suitable for, thereby the scope of box type of arrangement is very wide, so the present invention can be applied to more imaging device.

＜the four embodiment 〉

Describe the 4th embodiment in detail below with reference to accompanying drawing.Difference with first embodiment is only described.

Figure 19 is the stereographic map as the pallet 241K of the movable member of this embodiment.In the first embodiment, with regard to the installation direction of equipment master component, guiding part is arranged between the push part with regard to box.Yet in the present embodiment, guiding part 215K is provided with

near push part

244K and 245K, and is constructed with than the long length of distance between push part 244K and the 245K.In this structure, similarly can realize with above-mentioned first embodiment in identical effect.

＜other embodiments 〉

(i) in the above-described embodiment, described explanation is based on and utilizes the imaging device of a plurality of boxes to provide, but the present invention is equally applicable to use the imaging device of single box.

(ii) the formation method of this imaging device is not limited to the electrophotographic image forming method, and can be to use the electrostatic recording dielectric components as the electrostatic recording formation method of image bearing member, utilize magnetic recording formation method of magnetic recording magnetic part or the like.

(iii) above-mentioned embodiment is by the description of using handle box to carry out, but box is not limited to handle box, as long as box can be mounted to the equipment master component removably.For example, described box can be to be used for the supply box of developer feeding to handle box.

According to above-mentioned structure of the present invention, can provide a kind of like this imaging device: it has saved the space of installation and removal boxes, has reduced the installation and removal of box and has operated needed user's operating physical force, and improved user's operability.

Although invention has been described in conjunction with structure disclosed herein, the present invention is not limited to listed details, and the application is intended to contain for improvement purpose or modification or the variation made according to the scope of appended claims.

Claims

1. imaging device, it is used for forming image on recording materials, mounting box removably on the described imaging device, described imaging device comprises:

The location division, it is used to locate described box;

Movable member, its can the primary importance that is used for when described box is mounted on the master component of described imaging device, described box being positioned to described location division and from described primary importance withdrawal, be used to allow described box to be mounted to along the longitudinal direction of described box between the second place of described master component of described imaging device to move, wherein, described movable member is provided with push part, thereby described push part is used for pushing described box when described movable member is positioned at described primary importance described box is positioned to described location division;

Guiding part, it can move with respect to described movable member, thereby described guiding part is in the guiding position that is used to guide described box when described movable member is in the described second place, and described guiding part is in away from the interval location of described box from described guiding position withdrawal when described movable member is in described primary importance.

2. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described movable member is provided with a plurality of such push part, and described guiding part is arranged between the push part adjacent in the described push part for the installation direction of described master component that described box is installed to described imaging device.

3. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at described guiding position, it is outstanding that described guiding part passes the opening that is arranged in the described movable member.

4. imaging device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, when described guiding part is in described interval location, described guiding part is withdrawn into the position that flushes with the plane of described opening or from the plane withdrawal of described opening, and when described movable member is in described primary importance with the pushing of described box during to described location division, described push part is passed and is formed at second opening in the described plane and gives prominence to.

5. imaging device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, when described movable member is in the described second place, the same length that length that described guiding part is given prominence to from described plane in described guiding position and described push part are outstanding from described plane.

6. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described push part comprises spring, be arranged at the free-ended pushing portion of described spring, wherein, when described box is mounted to the described master component of described imaging device, described pushing portion passes and is arranged at second opening in the described movable member and gives prominence to, and contacts with described box.

7. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described box is a handle box, it comprises photosensitive-member and is used to make the developing apparatus that is formed at the latent electrostatic image developing on the described photosensitive-member, wherein said imaging device also comprises the band that is arranged at described movable member top, and the developed image that described band is used for being formed on the described photosensitive-member by described developing apparatus is transferred to recording materials.

8. imaging device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, when described handle box is mounted to the described master component of described imaging device and described movable member when being in described primary importance, described photosensitive-member and described band contact with each other, and, when described movable member was in the described second place, described photosensitive-member and described band were spaced apart from each other, and described handle box can be dismantled and be installed with respect to the described master component of described imaging device.

9. imaging device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described guiding part comprises control part, described control part be used for when described movable member be in the described second place, in the time of will mounting and dismounting described handle box by described handle box being controlled towards the motion of described band with engaging of described handle box, thereby prevent that described handle box from contacting described band.

10. imaging device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described control part comprises the junction surface that can engage with the groove in being formed at described handle box.

11. imaging device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described control part comprises the groove that can engage with the jut on being arranged at described handle box.

12. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described guiding part comprises the support portion that can contact with the described master component of described imaging device, and described support portion is used for when described movable member is in the described second place described guiding part being navigated to described guiding position.

13. imaging device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, when described movable member was in described primary importance, the described master component of described support portion and described imaging device was spaced apart and supported by described movable member.

14. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described equipment comprises a plurality of such movable members, and a plurality of handle box can be mounted to described imaging device removably.

15. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described movable member comprises the ejection press member, described ejection press member is used for described box is located on described longitudinal direction with respect to the described master component of described imaging device, wherein, described ejection press member can be rotated, to realize being installed to the described master component of described imaging device and the moving of the direction dismantled from the described master component of described imaging device along described box.