JP2001281952A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which is constituted so that especially, respective cartridges C1 and C2 may be attached/detached by sliding the cartridges forward and backward with reference to the device, and then, capable of facilitating the unit replacing work, as to the image forming device with an attachable/detachable image forming unit. SOLUTION: The device is constituted so that the upper device body 32 may be freely open/closed with reference to the lower device body 33, and the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are arranged on the upper device body 32 side. While keeping the upper device body 32 open, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are slid on slides formed on the upper device body 32, and then, pulled out this side so as to be replaced. The drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be individually attached/detached by releasing the mutual engagement of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2. Then, the replacing work of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 is facilitated, and also, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be individually replaced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a detachable image forming unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional printer (image forming apparatus). In FIG. 1, a printer 1 includes a roof 2 which is an upper part of the apparatus main body and a lower part 3 of the apparatus main body. The roof 2 is provided with a paper discharge port 5 for discharging paper on its upper surface and a paper discharge tray 6 on which the discharged paper is stacked. A detachable paper cassette 8 is provided from the front cover 7 and the lower part 3 of the apparatus main body, and an MPF tray 9 (multi-paper feeder: general-purpose paper feed tray) which can be stored in the lower part 3 of the apparatus main body is provided on the right side thereof. An operation display unit 4 for inputting information to the printer 1 and displaying the status of the printer 1 is provided on the right side of the upper surface.

In the printer apparatus 1, when performing operations such as jam clearance and maintenance, the roof 2 is opened in the direction of arrow B around the rotation axis A. FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional configuration when the above-described printer device 1 is opened, and also shows an internal structure thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a detachable paper cassette 8,
Feed roll 1 that sequentially feeds the paper loaded and stored inside
2. A pair of standby rolls for temporarily stopping the fed sheet and sending the sheet to the image forming unit 11 at a predetermined timing.
3. A fixing device 14 for fixing the toner image onto the paper, a paper discharge roll pair 18 (a driving roll 18a and a driven roll 18b) for discharging the fixed paper out of the apparatus, and various settings and status display on the printer 1 The operation display unit 4 for performing the above-described operations
Is provided.

In the image forming unit 11, a charger 25 charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 23 to a uniform charge, and a print head 26 applies a charge to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 23 based on print data. Exposure is selectively performed, a low potential portion is formed by the exposure, and an electrostatic latent image including the initial charging potential and the exposed low potential portion is recorded on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 23. The developing device 27 transfers the toner inside to the low potential portion of the photoconductor drum 23 via the developing roll 27a, thereby developing (developing) the electrostatic latent image. The transfer unit 28 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 23 to the paper surface of the conveyed sheet by an electric field of opposite polarity.

In the image forming unit 11, a photosensitive drum 23, a charger 25, a developing device 27, a transfer device 28,
The cleaner 24 and the like are provided in the lower part 3 of the apparatus main body, and the print head 26 is provided in the roof 2 which is the upper part of the apparatus main body. Here, the roof 2 is configured to be openable and closable in the directions of arrows B and B ′ with the hinge portion 15 as a fulcrum with respect to the lower portion 3 of the apparatus main body. At this time, the print head 26 and the driven roll 18b are opened and closed integrally with the roof 2. The roof 2 indicated by a solid line in the figure indicates a closed state, and the roof 2 indicated by a dotted line indicates an opened state.

On the other hand, most of the image forming unit 11
A cartridge C which is detachably mountable to the lower part 3 of the apparatus main body is constituted by a first cartridge C1 in which a photosensitive drum 23 and a cleaner 24 are integrated, and a second cartridge C in which a developing device 27 and the like are integrated. The cartridges C1 and C2 can be detachably attached to a predetermined mounting portion of the lower portion 3 of the apparatus main body with the roof 2 opened. For example, the cartridges C1 and C2 can be detached from the cartridge C2. Maintenance such as maintenance and inspection work such as replacement of these cartridges and replenishment of consumables is performed due to wear and the like.

Further, today, color printers (color image forming apparatuses) are widely used, and various methods of color printing are adopted. For example, there is a method in which a plurality of developing devices are arranged near the peripheral surface of one photosensitive drum and toner images are sequentially formed on the drum surface (method (a)). Also,
There is also a method that uses a drum-shaped intermediate transfer medium ((b)
There is also a method (so-called tandem method) in which a plurality of image forming units are arranged in a predetermined direction and a toner image is formed directly on a sheet.

In the above method (a), it is necessary to use a photosensitive drum having a large shape, and the printing speed is reduced. Further, in the method (b), since the intermediate transfer medium is used, the shape becomes large. Therefore, a tandem type color printer which has an excellent printing speed and has few problems in shape is promising.

[0009]

Incidentally, the image forming unit 11 is a consumable item and needs to be replaced periodically. In this case, in the conventional image forming apparatus, even if only the first cartridge C1 constituting the image forming unit 11 is replaced (cartridge C2
First, the image forming unit 11 is detached from the apparatus main body (with the cartridges C1 and C2 united) and divided into the cartridges C1 and C2, and the cartridge C2 is left. In this case, a time-consuming operation of mounting the image forming unit 11 formed by combining the new cartridge C1 with the new cartridge C1 is required.

Particularly, in a tandem type color printer, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners are used, so cartridges C1 and C2 are provided for each color. Therefore, it is necessary to perform complicated replacement work for each color. Further, in the conventional printer, as described above, the cartridges C1 and C2 are taken out from above, and new cartridges C1 and C2 are set at predetermined positions from above, which is a troublesome operation. Further, since each of the cartridges C1 and C2 is detachably attached to the lower part 3 of the apparatus main body, each of the cartridges C1 and C2 can be removed when a paper jam occurs in a paper transport path formed below the cartridges C1 and C2. C1,
It was necessary to take out C2 once, and the operation was complicated.

When the cartridges C1 and C2 are attached and detached, it is necessary to take care not to damage the photosensitive drums and rolls provided in the cartridges. Further, when the apparatus is used after the cartridge is mounted, the photosensitive drum and the developing roll need to be in contact with each other at a predetermined pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which each cartridge is attached and detached by sliding it in the front-rear direction of the apparatus, so that unit replacement can be easily performed.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a predetermined pressure after mounting a cartridge without damaging a photosensitive drum or a developing roll when replacing a cartridge.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet conveying path provided substantially along a horizontal plane in a horizontal direction inside an apparatus, and a sheet conveying path provided in the sheet conveying path. And an image forming means, which is disposed to intersect with the paper transport direction,
Heat fixing means for fixing the paper on which the image is formed,
When the upper body is opened relative to the lower body, the upper body is slightly retracted to the rear while maintaining the attitude of the upper body with respect to the installation surface almost the same as the attitude at the time of closing. An image forming apparatus having a body opening / closing mechanism for linking the two bodies with each other so as to be opened at a predetermined interval from the lower body, wherein the body opening / closing mechanism includes a rear part and a rear part when viewed in the front-rear direction of the apparatus. A link member having first and second arms each having a rotation fulcrum on the lower body at a substantially central portion, and having a side opposite to the fulcrum rotatably connected to the upper body, on both sides of the apparatus. The present invention can be attained by providing an image forming apparatus in which a process unit in which some of the image forming means are integrated is detachably arranged on the upper body.

The image forming apparatus has a structure in which the main body of the apparatus can be divided into an upper body and a lower body so as to be freely opened and closed, and a unit in which a part of the structure of the apparatus is unitized is, for example, an image forming apparatus. A drum set including a carrier, a toner set for storing a developing roll and toner, and both the drum set and the toner set are disposed on the upper body,
When the upper fuselage is opened, it can be inserted and removed in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus main body.

With this configuration, when replacing the unit, the drum set and the toner set can be replaced by sliding the drum set and the toner set in the front-rear direction of the apparatus main body. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a support means for supporting the process unit slidably in a front-rear direction of the apparatus is provided on the upper body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the process unit comprises a drum set and a toner set. The photosensitive drum provided in the toner set contacts the developing roll provided in the toner set, and the photosensitive drum and the developing roll are brought into pressure contact with each other.

With this configuration, the upper body can be smoothly opened and closed, and the drum set and the toner set can be easily attached and detached from the upper body that is opened almost horizontally. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit in which an apparatus main body is divided into an upper body and a lower body so as to be freely opened and closed, and a part of the configuration of the apparatus is unitized in the upper body when the apparatus is opened. An image forming apparatus capable of inserting and removing a first sub-unit and a second sub-unit, wherein the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are substantially independently provided in the image forming apparatus main body. A sub-unit insertion / removal unit for horizontal insertion / removal, wherein the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are completely inserted into a predetermined mounting position in relation to the sub-unit insertion / removal unit; ,
The first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are in non-contact with each other, and when the upper body is closed to the lower body from this state, a part of the first sub-unit and a part of the second sub-unit are This can be achieved by providing an image forming apparatus in which the sub-unit insertion / removal unit and the contact / separation engagement unit are provided in a part of the first and second sub-units so that the sub-units come into contact with each other.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention also has a structure in which the apparatus main body can be divided into an upper body and a lower body so as to be freely opened and closed, and a part of the structure of the apparatus is unitized. A first sub-unit including a body, and a second sub-unit containing a developing roll and toner. Both the first and second sub-units are disposed in the upper body,
When the upper fuselage is opened, it can be inserted and removed in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus main body.

In addition, the apparatus has a sub-unit inserting / removing means, and when the insertion is completed at a predetermined mounting position in relation to the sub-unit inserting / removing means, the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are mutually displaced. When the upper body is closed to the lower body in this state, the first subunit and the second subunit are partially in contact with each other.

With this configuration, the image carrier and the developing roll are brought into non-contact when the sub-unit is inserted and removed.
When the upper unit is closed to the lower unit after the sub-unit is mounted, the image roll and the developing roll can be brought into contact with a predetermined pressure. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the sub-unit insertion / removal means includes a state in which the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit have been mounted at the predetermined mounting position. And has a rail shape configured to support at least each of the sub-units while maintaining play in the vertical direction, and has a rail shape configured to support the sub-units against its own weight. Means and a part of any one of the first and second sub-units, and are engaged with each other while being supported by their own weights to disengage the first and second sub-units. It consists of a projection to be brought into contact.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects, the image forming apparatus is, for example, a tandem-type color printer.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, which is an example of a so-called tandem type color printer. In the figure, a printer device 31 is connected to a host device such as a personal computer by a cable (not shown).

The printer 31 is composed of an upper part 32 of the apparatus main body and a lower part 33 of the apparatus main body. An operation panel 34 is arranged on the upper part 32 of the apparatus, and a paper discharge section 35 for printing paper is formed on the upper surface thereof. I have. The operation panel 34 includes a key operation unit 34a in which a plurality of keys are arranged, and a liquid crystal display 34b that performs display based on display information output from a CPU (not shown). The print output created by the image forming unit described later is discharged to the paper discharge unit 35 by the rotation of the paper discharge roll 36, and is sequentially stacked on the paper discharge unit 35.

A transport unit for double-sided printing and a paper feed cassette, which will be described later, are disposed in the lower portion 33 of the apparatus main body. For example, by opening a cover (not shown) provided on the left side of the printer apparatus 31, And a detachable double-sided printing transport unit. Further, a front cover 37 which can be opened and closed on the front surface of the apparatus main body 33 and a paper feed cassette 38 which is detachable from the apparatus main body lower part 33 are provided. For example, the front cover 37 is opened for jam clearance or maintenance.

On the right side of the lower part 33 of the apparatus, M
A mounting section 39 for the PF tray and a cover 40 are provided. However, the MPF tray is not mounted on the mounting section 39 in FIG. The cover 40 is a cover for confirming a sheet transport path described later. In this embodiment, the cover 40 is opened to perform maintenance such as a paper jam.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer device 31 in a state where the front cover 37, the cover 40, and the like are opened. Further, at the lowermost stage of the printer device 31 of this embodiment, the paper feed cassette 38 is housed as described above, and when replenishing the paper into the paper feed cassette 38, for example, by pulling the handle 38a forward, the paper feed cassette 38 Can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 3 shows a printer 31 having the above-mentioned appearance.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the device. In FIG. 1, the printer device 31 includes an image forming unit 41, a conveyance unit 42 for double-sided printing, and a paper feeding unit 43. here,
The image forming section 41 has a configuration in which four image forming units 44 to 47 are arranged side by side in the direction of the arrow. Magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), They are arranged in the order of black (K). Also,
The magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) image forming units 44 to 46 are configured to perform color printing by subtractive color mixing, and the black (K) image forming unit 47 is used for monochrome printing. I do.

Here, each of the above image forming units 44 to 4
Reference numeral 6 denotes a drum set C1 and a toner set C2, each having the same configuration except for the developer (color) stored in the developing container. Therefore, the configuration will be described using the image forming unit 46 for yellow (Y) as an example. The drum set C1 contains a photosensitive drum, a charger, a print head, and a cleaner, and the toner set C2 contains a developing roll and toner. The peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 50 is made of, for example, an organic photoconductive material.
A charger 51a, a print head 51b, a developing roll 51c, a transfer unit 51d, and a cleaner 51e are sequentially arranged in the vicinity of the peripheral surface. The photoreceptor drum 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and first charges the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 50 uniformly by applying a charge from the charger 51a. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 by optical writing based on print information from the print head 51b,
A toner image is formed by the developing process of 1c. At this time, the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is
This is based on yellow (Y) toner stored in the developing container 51c. The toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 in this way reaches the position of the transfer device 51d with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 50 in the direction of the arrow, and moves immediately below the photosensitive drum 50 in the direction of the arrow. It is transferred to the moving paper.

Each of the above image forming units 44 to 46
The drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. this is,
It can be inserted and removed by the unit mounting part 63,
The unit mounting section 63 includes a drum set C
1. Each of the toner sets C2 has a rail shape for inserting and removing the toner set C2 while sliding the toner set C2 in a substantially horizontal direction.
In addition, the print head 51b is positionally disposed in a space inside the unit mounting section 63.

On the other hand, the paper is transported by the paper feed cassette 38, the standby roll 52, the transport belt 53, the drive roll 54 and the like which constitute the above-mentioned paper feed section 43. The paper carried out of the cassette 38 is
The sheet is sent to the standby roller 52, and is further sent to the transfer belt 53 at a timing coincident with the toner image, and reaches the transfer device 51 d. Then, the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 51 d, and the sheet on which the toner image is transferred moves on the transport belt 53 in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the movement of the transport belt 53, and is subjected to heat fixing processing in the fixing unit 56.

On the upper surface of the sheet, not only the yellow (Y) toner image but also the magenta (M) and cyan (C) toner images transferred by the drum set C1 are transferred. Printing of a color according to the mixed color is performed. Incidentally, the above-mentioned paper includes not only the paper carried out of the paper feed cassette 38 but also the paper supplied from the MPF tray 39 '. In this case, the paper is carried in by the paper feed roller 39a, Print processing is performed.

The fixing unit 56 includes a heat roll 5
6A and 56B, and a cleaning roll 56c. While the paper P is nipped and conveyed between the above-mentioned heat rolls 56a and 56b, for example, a plurality of color toner images transferred to the paper are fused and thermally fixed on the paper P. I do. Further, the cleaning roll 56c has a function of applying a release oil to the peripheral surface of the heat roll 56a and simultaneously removing the toner remaining on the heat roll 56a. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 56 is transported upward or leftward on the sheet via the switching plate 61.

On the other hand, the double-sided printing transport unit 42 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, and is a unit that is mounted when performing double-sided printing by the printer device 31 of the present embodiment, and has a plurality of transport rolls 60a to 60e inside. Are arranged. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet is once sent upward by the switching plate 61. For example, when the trailing end of the sheet reaches the transport roll 62, the transport of the sheet is stopped, and the sheet is further transported in the reverse direction. By this control, the sheet is conveyed downward on the left side of the switching unit 61 set at the position indicated by the dotted line,
The paper is conveyed into the paper conveyance path of the conveyance unit 42 for double-sided printing,
The paper is fed by the transport rolls 60a to 60e, reaches the standby roll 52, is sent to the transfer unit at the same timing as the toner image as described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the paper.

FIG. 3 shows an FR frame 85 (which is a part of a mechanism for opening and closing the apparatus main body upper part 32 substantially horizontally with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33, which will be described later). , 85b). In the printer device 31 of the present example, the upper body 32 of the apparatus is opened and closed substantially horizontally with respect to the lower part 33 of the apparatus, and maintenance work and the like are performed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened. As shown in the figure, the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened while keeping substantially horizontal with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33.

Next, in this state, the drum set C1
When replacing the drum set, as shown in FIG.
1 is pulled out to the front, and a new drum set C1 is inserted. Similarly, when replacing the toner set C2,
As shown in FIG. 6, the toner set C2 is extracted to the near side, and a new toner set C2 is inserted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the drum set C1 is inserted into the apparatus main body, as viewed from the front of the apparatus. In the figure, the unit mounting portion 63
And a print head 51b. As described above, the unit mounting portion 63 includes a drum set C
1. Each of the toner sets C2 has a rail shape for inserting and removing the toner set C2 while sliding the toner set C2 in a substantially horizontal direction.
FIG. 2 shows only a configuration for inserting and removing the drum set C1, and shows rail portions 63a and 63b for inserting and removing the drum set C1 while sliding the drum set C1 in a substantially horizontal direction.

When the drum set C1 is inserted into the apparatus main body by the unit mounting section 63, first, an operator or the like holds the drum set C1 while holding the drum set C1.
The protrusion 66a and the DS stay 67 are aligned so as to be at positions corresponding to the rails 63a and 63b as shown in FIG. And, as it is, drum set C
1 is pushed in a substantially horizontal direction (from the front to the back of the paper), the protruding portion 66a and the DS stay 67 move to the back while sliding on the rails in a state of being hooked on the rails 63a and 63b. When the leading end of the drum set C1 is detected by a sensor (not shown) on the apparatus main body side, the insertion is completed.

After the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are inserted into the apparatus main body, it is necessary to connect them. That is, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2
Is provided with a waste toner collecting mechanism that functions by being connected to each other. With this waste toner collecting mechanism, the drum set C1 removes toner (waste toner) remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 after printing. After removal, the waste toner is passed through an interconnection mechanism (DS shutter, TS shutter, which will be described later) with the toner set C2, and the toner set C2 is removed.
Can be transported to the side. Therefore, the drum set C1
After the toner set C2 and the toner set C2 are inserted into the apparatus main body, it is necessary to connect the two. At this time, the above-described interconnecting mechanism (DS shutter, TS shutter, etc., which will be described later) As shown in FIG. 8, a connecting portion (hereinafter, referred to as a DS connecting portion 70) on the toner set C2 side is provided at one of both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof, and obstructs the insertion / removal of the drum set C1. In order to prevent this, it is movable (rotatable) as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c).

First, the drum set C1 and the toner set C
Immediately after the device 2 is inserted into the apparatus main body (or when the connection between the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 is released to remove the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 from the apparatus main body), the state shown in FIG. The DS connecting portion 70 of the toner set C2 is rotatably connected to the toner set C2 main body (rotatably in the direction indicated by the arrow in the drawing) by a rotating connecting portion 71 (bearing, ring, etc.), and is connected to the drum set. When the connection with the drum set C1 is released (by the urging force of a spring (not shown)), the drum set C1 is rotated to a position where it does not hinder the insertion / removal of the drum set C1 (hereinafter referred to as "open"). Position).

Here, the DS coupling section 70 has a TS shutter and the like, and the TS shutter is roughly composed of a TS shutter operation section 72 and a joint section 73. For example, when an operator or the like rotates the DS connecting portion 70 from the position shown in FIG. 8A to the position shown in FIG. Set C1
DS shutter 69. In this state, when the operator or the like further turns the TS shutter operation unit 72 by about 90 degrees clockwise by hand, the state shown in FIG. 8C is obtained. In this case, although not shown, the DS shutter and the TS shutter are opened, and the toner conveyance path from the drum set C1 to the toner set C2 is opened. Waste toner is transferred from the drum set C1 side to D
After passing through the S shutter 69 and the TS shutter, the toner is further conveyed to the toner collection bag (not shown) through the toner conveying tube 74. Also, approximately 1/4 is set on the drum set C1 side.
A guide 64 having a circular U-shaped groove is provided,
On the other hand, a part of the configuration of the TS shutter operating section 72 includes a hooking claw 72a that engages with the U-shaped groove of this guide, as shown in FIG.
When the user starts to rotate the TS shutter operation unit clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 7B, the engaging claw 72a moves along the guide 64 (along the above approximately 1/4 circle) while engaging with the U-shaped groove. Go. Then, when it is turned to the position shown in FIG.
The connection with is completed.

On the other hand, the opening / closing mechanism of the printer 31 is a mechanism for opening and closing the upper part 32 of the apparatus substantially horizontally with respect to the lower part 33 of the apparatus. FIG. 9 shows a state when the upper part 32 of the apparatus is opened by the opening mechanism. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the printer device. As shown in the figure, the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened while being kept substantially horizontal with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33 by an opening / closing mechanism 84 provided in the printer device 31. The opening / closing mechanism 84 is configured to include a link frame 86, an F arm 87, an R arm 88, a stay 89, an FR frame 85, and the like on both sides thereof as viewed from the front of the printer device 31. The connection relationship of each member is shown in the upper part 3 of the apparatus main body.
F arm 87 with respect to the link frame 86 provided in
And one end of the R arm 88 is rotatably supported, and the other end of the F arm 87 is rotatably supported by an FR frame 85 provided in the lower portion 33 of the apparatus main body. , And the other end of the R arm 88
It is configured to be rotatably supported by a stay 89 fixed to the frame 85. With this configuration,
The apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened substantially horizontally with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33, and gradually retreats and moves with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33 with the opening.

In FIG. 9, for convenience of description, the printer device 31 is shown with a number assigned only to the right side thereof when viewed from the front. In the following description,
Each member number of the link mechanism on the left side of the printer device 31 is a
, And description will be made by adding b to each member number of the link mechanism on the right side. Therefore, the member numbers of the link mechanism shown in FIG. 9 are 86b for the link frame, 87b for the F arm,
R arm 88b, stay 89b, FR frame 8
Indicated by 5b.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of the opening and closing mechanism. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the opening and closing mechanism on the left side as viewed from the left side, and FIG. FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the mechanism. FIG. 12 is a perspective view thereof.
10 to 12, the link frame 86 (86
a, 86b), F arm 87 (87a, 87b), R arm 88 (88a, 88b), stay 89 (89a, 8).
9b) and the FR frame 85 (85a, 85b)
This is the main part of the opening and closing mechanism. FIG. 12 does not show the link frames 86 (86a, 86b).

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the F arm 87 (87a, 87b) and the R arm 8 indicated by solid lines are shown.
The position 8 (88a, 88b) indicates the opened position when the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened, and the apparatus main body upper part 32 is kept substantially horizontal with respect to the apparatus main body lower part 33. On the other hand, an F-arm 87 (87a, 87b) and an R-arm 88 indicated by dotted lines
The position (88a, 88b) indicates the closed position when the upper part 32 of the apparatus is closed with respect to the lower part 33 of the apparatus.

Further, the supporting portions 91 (91a, 91b)
Is the F arm 87 (87a, 87b) and FR frame 8
5 (85a, 85b) is rotatably supported, and
(92a, 92b) is the R arm 88 (88a, 88b)
And the stay 89 (89a, 89b) are rotatably supported. Further, the support portion 97 (97a, 97b) is connected to the F arm 87 (87a, 87b) and the link frame 86 (86
a, 86b) are rotatably supported, and the support portions 98 (98
a, 98b) rotatably support the R arm 88 (88a, 88b) and the link frame 86 (86a, 86b).

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a drive mechanism having the above-mentioned link structure. Note that the link mechanism is symmetrical as described above, and a drive mechanism having a link structure particularly corresponding to FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 13, the right side of the paper is the front of the printer device 31. As described above, the F-arm 87a is rotatably provided on the support portion 91a, and the F-arm 87a is fixed to the rotating gear 91a '. Further, the R arm 88a is rotatably provided on the support portion 92a, and the R arm 88a is fixed to the rotating gear 92a '. Therefore, the F-arm 87a and the rotating gear 9
1a 'rotates integrally, and the R arm 88a and the rotating gear 92a' also rotate integrally.

An intermediate pulley 93 is interposed between the rotary gears 91a 'and 92a', and a belt 94 is stretched between the rotary gears 91a 'and 92a' via the intermediate pulley 93. The intermediate pulley 93 applies a predetermined tension to the belt 94. The rotating gear 92a 'is provided with a rotating body 95 having a built-in damper mechanism.
The rotator 95 has an oil damper built-in, and has a function of suppressing a sudden drop due to gravity when lowering the apparatus main body upper portion 32 and smoothly lowering the same. On the other hand, a spring 96 applies an upward lifting force when the apparatus main body upper portion 32 is opened. One end of the spring 96 is attached to the housing 33 ′ of the lower part 33 of the apparatus main body, and
It is wound a predetermined number of times inside a ′, and its tip (the other end) is fixed to a hole (not shown) formed in the housing 33 ′. Therefore, the urging force of the spring 96 acts to rotate the rotating gear 91a 'in the direction of the arrow a', and gives a lifting force to the upper portion 32 of the apparatus main body.

That is, when the rotating gear 91a 'rotates in the direction of the arrow a', the F-arm 87a rotates in the same direction, and at the same time, the belt 94 turns in the direction of the arrow a, and the rotating gear 92a 'moves in the direction of the arrow a ". To the R arm 88a
Are rotated in the same direction. Accordingly, the link mechanism operates by the above driving, and the F arm 87a and the R arm 88a rotate according to the two-dot chain line shown in FIG.

In the above configuration, the printer 3
1, the drum set C1 and the toner set C
2 will be described. Normally, the printer 3
1 is used in the state shown in FIG. When the paper is insufficient, a paper supply instruction is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34b of the operation panel 34, and the paper cassette 3
8 is supplied. On the other hand, when a paper jam occurs, the position is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34b, and the cover 40 is opened to perform maintenance processing.

On the other hand, when the paper jam is inside the printer 31 (when it is not at the position corresponding to the cover 40) or when the drum set C1 or the toner set C2 is replaced, the front cover 37 is opened. The state where the front cover 37 is opened is as shown in FIG.

Next, in this state, the upper part 32 of the apparatus main body is
Unlock to open. When the lock is released, the urging force of the spring 96 acts to rotate the F-arm 87a in the direction of arrow a ', and at the same time, moves the belt 94 in the direction of arrow a.
In the same direction to rotate the R arm 88a in the same direction. At this time, the opening and closing mechanism of the present example is an F arm 87 (87a, 87b).
And the length ratio of the R arm 88 (88a, 88b) is set to, for example, 2: 1.
The positions of b) and 92 (91a, 91b) are different from each other, and the opening of the upper part 32 of the apparatus is opened while the front of the upper part 32 of the apparatus is slightly higher than the rear. At the same time, the upper part 32 of the apparatus rises while slightly shifting backward. At this time, the support portions 98 (98a, 98b) slide in the slide grooves 100, and gradually raise the upper portion 32 of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the link mechanism operates and the upper part 32 of the apparatus has slightly moved upward. In FIG. 1, only the main part of the link mechanism is shown, and the configurations of the MPF tray and the cover 40 are omitted. Thereafter, the apparatus main body upper part 32 further moves upward, and the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened to a predetermined position. At this time, the F arm 87 (87
a, 87b) and the length of the R arm 88 (88a, 88b), the front of the apparatus main body upper part 32 is slightly higher than the rear, and the apparatus main body upper part 32 is opened in a state shifted slightly to the rear side. You. As described above, the opening of the apparatus main body upper portion 32 is slightly elevated and the apparatus main body upper portion 32 is shifted rearward, so that the replacement of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 and various maintenance processes are more easily performed. .

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state in which the upper part 32 of the apparatus main body is completely opened. It should be noted that also in this figure, only the main part of the link mechanism is shown, and the configurations of the MPF tray and the cover 40 are omitted. In this state shown in FIG. 15, the replacement work of the drum set C1 and the replacement work of the toner set C2 are performed as described with reference to FIGS. That is, the drum set C1 and the toner set C2
Can be operated and removed in the horizontal direction, and the replacement of the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be performed very easily.

When the maintenance work is completed and the upper body 32 is closed, the upper body 32 is pushed down. In this case, the apparatus can be closed without applying a strong force due to the weight of the upper part 32 of the apparatus main body. Further, the oil damper can smoothly close the spring 96 against the urging force of the spring 96. In this case, the belt 94
Moves in the direction of the arrow b, the rotary gear 91a 'rotates in the direction of the arrow b', and at the same time, the rotary gear 92a 'rotates in the direction of the arrow b ", closing the apparatus main body upper part 32 with the apparatus main body lower part 33.

When the upper body 32 is set on the lower body 33, the photosensitive drum 50 provided in the drum set C1 comes into contact with the developing roll 51c provided in the toner set C2, and the photosensitive drum 50 is provided. The drum 50 and the developing roll 51c are brought into pressure contact with each other.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the upper body 32 is opened with respect to the lower body 33 in substantially the same posture as when closed, and in this state, the upper body 32 is disposed on the upper body 32 side. The drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are pulled out horizontally in the front direction so that the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 can be easily replaced. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

This example explains in more detail how the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are inserted and removed, and the configuration of a part of the unit mounting portion 63 is different from that of the above-described embodiment. In this example, the drum set C1 corresponds to the first sub-unit, and the toner set C2 corresponds to the second sub-unit. Other basic configurations are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 15 described above. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

FIG. 16 shows a unit mounting section 6 used in this embodiment.
3 shows the configuration of the drum set C1. The unit mounting portion 63 has a rail shape at a part thereof for inserting and removing the drum set C1 while sliding the drum set C1 in a substantially horizontal direction. That is, the rail portions 63a and 63b formed on both sides of the unit mounting portion 63 shown in a sectional shape. Here, the rail portion 63a is bent or bent at an angle of 90 degrees inward from the left side surface of the unit mounting portion 63, and further has a cross-sectional shape slightly protruding upward. The rail portion 63b has a shape in which a bending process is performed inward from the right side surface of the unit mounting portion 63. The rail portions 63a and 63b are used for inserting and removing the drum set C1 while sliding the drum set C1 in a substantially horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the rail portion 63b
On the side surface of the unit mounting portion 63
3c is formed. The engaging portion 63c is configured to protrude outward at a predetermined angle from the right side surface of the unit mounting portion 63, and abut on a protrusion on a side surface of the toner set C2 described later.

On the other hand, FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the cross-sectional structure of the toner set C2 together with the drum set C1.
The unit mounting portion 63 has rail portions 63a and 63b serving as guides for inserting and removing the drum set C1, and also forms rail portions 63d and 63e serving as guides for inserting and removing the toner set C2. That is, there is a processed portion having a U-shaped cross section above the above-mentioned rail portion 63a, and the inside of the U-shaped cross section constitutes the rail portion 63d. The rail 63d serves as a guide rail for the toner set C2 located on the left side of the drawing with respect to the drum set C1.

There is also a processing portion having a U-shaped cross section above the rail portion 63b, and the inside of the U-shaped cross section constitutes a rail portion 63e. The rail portion 63e serves as a guide rail of the toner set C2 located on the right side of the drawing with respect to the drum set C1.

The protrusions 100a and 100b of the toner set C2 are engaged with the rails 63d and 63e. For example, the protrusion 100a is engaged with the rail 63a, and the protrusion 100b is engaged with the protrusion 100b. The thickness t of the protrusion 100a is formed to be thinner than the width T of the rail 63d, and the protrusion 100a is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. The same applies to the protrusion 100b, and the thickness t of the protrusion 100b is equal to the width T of the rail 63e.
And the protrusion 100b is also configured to be movable in the up-down direction. Therefore, the toner set C
2 itself has a margin in the vertical direction with respect to the unit mounting portion 63.

In the above configuration, when the drum set C1 and the toner set C2 are to be mounted on the unit mounting portion 63, the protrusion 66a of the drum set C1 and the DS stay are held while holding the drum set C1 as described above. 67, the rails 63a, 63b as shown in FIG.
The drum set C1 is pushed in a substantially horizontal direction (from the near side to the far side on the paper) as it is. Then, the protrusion 66a
When the DS stay 67 slides on the rail portions while moving on the rail portions 63a and 63b, the DS stay 67 moves backward, and when the leading end of the drum set C1 is detected by a sensor (not shown) on the apparatus main body side, the insertion is performed. Complete.

Next, when the toner set C2 is mounted, the user holds the toner set C2, engages the protrusions 100a, 100b of the toner set C2 with the rails 63d, 63e, and uses the rails 63d, 63e as guides for the toner. The set C2 is pushed substantially horizontally. At this time, the protrusions 100a and 100b are connected to the rails 63d and 63e.
, And the engaging portion 63c of the unit mounting portion 63 is in contact with the projection 101 provided on the side surface of the toner set C2.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the state at this time. Projection 101 provided on the side of toner set C2
Moves backward while abutting on the engaging portion 63c provided in the unit mounting portion 63. In addition, the protrusions 100a, 10
0b moves along the rail portions 63d and 63e.

At this time, since the engaging portion 63c and the protrusion 101 are in contact with each other as described above, the developing roll 51c disposed on the toner set C2 side is located at a slightly higher position, and is disposed on the drum set C1. The photosensitive drum 50 and the developing roll 51c are separated from each other as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the toner set C2 is mounted, the developing roll 51
c does not rub against the photosensitive drum 50 and does not damage the photosensitive drum 50 or the developing roll 51c.

Next, as described above, the drum set C
After setting the toner set C2 and the toner set C2, the upper body 3
When the shutter 2 is closed, a lever (not shown) comes into contact with the shaft of the drum set C1, and pushes up the photosensitive drum 50 upward. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 50 and the developing roll 51c come into contact with each other. At this time, as described above, the toner set C2 has room to move upward, and as shown in FIG.
0a and 100b float from the lower surfaces of the rail portions 63d and 63e by the width A (or width B), and the toner set C
The developing roll 51c presses the peripheral surface of the optical drum 50 with its own weight of 2. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 50 and the developing roll 51
The pressure corresponding to the weight of the toner set C2 is applied between c.

The drum set C1 also has a rail 63 because the photosensitive drum 50 is pushed upward.
This is a state in which it floats by width C with respect to a and 63b. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by closing the upper body 32, the photosensitive drum 50 and the developing roll 51c are automatically brought into pressure contact with a predetermined pressure. The developing process can be performed by reliably rotating 51c.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the toner set C2 is inserted into the unit mounting portion 63, the upper body 32 is automatically closed without damaging the photosensitive drum 50 and the like. The photosensitive drum 50 and the developing roll 51c are brought into a predetermined pressure contact state, and the replacement of the toner set C2 can be performed simply and reliably.

[0070]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the drum set and the toner set disposed on the upper body can be detached by sliding in the horizontal direction, and the image forming unit can be replaced. Work can be performed easily.

Further, by closing the upper body without damaging the photosensitive drum and the like, the photosensitive drum and the developing roll can be automatically brought into a predetermined pressure contact state, so that replacement of the toner set is simple and easy. It can be done reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a so-called tandem type color printer (printer apparatus), which is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer showing a state where a front cover and the like are opened.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the printer device.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a state where an upper portion of the apparatus main body is opened.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating replacement of a drum set in a state where an upper portion of the apparatus main body is opened.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating replacement of a toner set in a state where an upper portion of the apparatus main body is opened.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state where the drum set is inserted into the apparatus main body, as viewed from the front of the apparatus.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams illustrating a procedure for inserting a drum set and a toner set into an apparatus main body and interconnecting them.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a link mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the opening and closing mechanism of the upper body as viewed from the left side.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the opening and closing mechanism of the upper body as viewed from the right side.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an opening / closing mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of a link mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper body is slightly opened.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper body is completely opened.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a unit mounting portion and a drum set used in the description of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a toner set together with a drum set.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a conventional printer device.

FIG. 21 is an internal configuration diagram of a conventional printer device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31 Printer Device 32 Upper Device Main Body 33 Lower Device Main Body 33 'Case 34 Operation Panel 34a Key Operation Unit 34b Liquid Crystal Display 35 Paper Discharge Unit 36 Discharge Roll 37 Front Cover 38 Paper Cassette 39 MPF Tray 40 Cover 41 Image Forming Unit 42 Double-sided printing transport unit 43 Paper feed unit 44-47 Image forming unit 50 Photoreceptor drum 51a Charger 51b Print head 51c Developing roll 51d Transfer unit 51e Cleaner 50f Drum shaft 52 Standby roll 53 Transport belt 54 Drive roll 55 Feed roller 56 Fixing unit 56a, 56b Heat roll 56c Cleaning roll 60a to 60e Transport roll 61 Switching plate 62 Transport roll 63 Unit mounting section 63a, 63b Rail section 64 Guide 66a Projecting section 67 DS -69 DS shutter 70 DS connecting part 71 Rotating connecting part 72 TS shutter operating part 72a Engagement claw 73 Joint part 75a, 75b Projecting part 84 Opening / closing mechanism 85, 85a, 85b FR frame 86, 86a, 86b Link frame 87, 87a, 87b F-arm 88, 88a, 88b R-arm 89 89a, 89b Stay 91, 91a, 91b Support 92 92a, 92b Support 97 97a, 97b Support 98 98a, 98b Support 91 ', 91a', 91b 'Rotating gear 92 ', 92a', 92b 'Rotating gear 93 Intermediate pulley 94 Belt 95 Rotating body 96 Spring 100a, 100b Projection 101 Projection 103 Slide groove C1 Drum set C2 Toner set

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Naruhito Tachibana 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Tokyo Office (72) Inventor Shigeru Hirosawa 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer F term in Tokyo office (reference) 2H030 AA05 AA06 AA07 AB02 BB02 BB21 BB41 2H071 AA02 AA13 AA20 BA03 BA13 BA15 BA16 BA36 DA08 DA15

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A sheet transport path provided along a substantially horizontal plane in a left-right direction inside the apparatus, an image forming means disposed in the sheet transport path, and a sheet transport means intersecting the sheet transport direction. A heat fixing means for fixing a sheet on which an image is formed, wherein the apparatus main body is divided into upper and lower parts so as to be freely opened and closed, and when the upper body is opened relative to the lower body, the posture of the upper body with respect to the installation surface is closed. An image forming apparatus comprising an airframe opening / closing mechanism for linking both airframes so as to open slightly apart from the lower airframe at a predetermined interval while maintaining a position substantially the same as the posture at the time of retreating to the rear of the apparatus. The airframe opening / closing mechanism has first and second arms each having a rotation fulcrum on the lower body at a rear portion and a substantially central portion when viewed in the front-rear direction of the device, and the opposite sides of the fulcrum are the upper portions, respectively. Link members rotatably connected to the fuselage on both sides of the device A pair on the side, the image forming apparatus, wherein a process unit that integrates several arranged detachably to the upper body of the image forming means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a supporting means for supporting the process unit so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the apparatus. 3. The process unit includes a drum set and a toner set. When the upper body is closed to a lower body, a photosensitive drum provided in the drum set is provided with a developing unit provided in the toner set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photoconductor drum and the developing roll come into pressure contact with each other when the photoconductor drum comes into contact with the roll. 4. A first sub-unit constituting an image forming unit in which an apparatus main body is divided into an upper body and a lower body so as to be openable and closable, and a part of the structure of the apparatus is unitized in the upper body when the apparatus is opened. An image forming apparatus capable of inserting and removing a second sub-unit, wherein the image forming apparatus main body includes a sub-unit for independently inserting and removing the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit in a substantially horizontal direction. In the state where the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit have been completely inserted into a predetermined mounting position in relation to the sub-unit insertion / removal, the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit The second sub-unit is not in contact with each other, and when the upper body is closed to the lower body from this state, the arrangement is such that the first sub-unit and a part of the second sub-unit are in contact with each other. In addition, the sub-unit insertion / removal Wherein the stage first, the image forming apparatus characterized in that a contact and separation engaging means to a portion of the second sub-unit. 5. The sub-unit insertion / removal means maintains a play in at least each sub-unit in a vertical direction in a state where the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are completely mounted at the predetermined mounting position. And has a rail shape configured to support against its own weight, and the contact / separation engagement means is provided between the sub-unit insertion / removal means and the first and second sub-units. 5. A projection provided on a part of any one of the units and engaged with each other while being supported by its own weight, thereby making the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit non-contact. Image forming apparatus. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a tandem type color printer.
6. The image forming apparatus according to 4 or 5.